Staycation in the River City: Part 1

Channel 4 explores stay-cation destinations across Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – About 4 million people visit the River City each year. Many attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and the beaches make this area a prime destination for families to get away.

Want to have a vacation at home? Channel 4's Crystal Moyer explores how you can be a tourist in your own city for May's National Travel and Tourism Week.

Visit Jacksonville is a great place to start with four locations throughout the city and plenty of staff to help you plan the perfect stay-cation for your family.

If you enjoy the outdoors and want to explore marine life, Old Florida Fish Camp and Seafood Shack is a great place to visit.

It's located in Jacksonville Beach and has a full restaurant, bar and even offers kayak rentals.

What attracts many people to Old Florida is the air boat rides they offer through the Intercoastal Waterway.

"It's kind of a half eco-tour and half exciting thrill ride... We see dolphins up-close, we see quite a few Osprey out here as well as we go visit the largest Bald Eagles nest in Northeast Florida," said Drew Mesiano.

Mesiano works at Old Florida and said the business is very family-friendly, located right on the water, with plenty of activities for any family who enjoys the outdoors.

If you want to find a home away from home and get pampered, One Ocean is a resort and has a full-service spa, located right on Atlantic Beach.

The resort has 193 rooms so it has more of a private feel, and you can't beat the beach view.

What's really unique about the hotel and spa is their docent service, which is like a concierge, that's included in your reservation.

"If you prefer to have Diet Pepsi in your refrigerator, you'll have Diet Pepsi in your refrigerator. That goes for all the snacks, the docents will iron your clothes, they'll unpack your suitcases and so on, and so forth," said Director of Sales, Chris Quinlan.

One Ocean Resort and Spa special offers

What has become one of Jacksonville's biggest attractions is the St. Johns Town Center.

It brings in 16 million visitors in and out-of-state each year.

If you haven't already heard, new stores are coming to the mall like Nordstrom Rack.

Things to do around Jacksonville

Tune in to The Morning Show on Friday at 7 a.m. for more great stay-cation destinations across the River City.

We explore interactive and educational spots around Jacksonville in Staycation in the River City: Part 2.