Northwest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Edward Waters College was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) for the education of newly freed slaves. Located near downtown Jacksonville, Florida, the college currently sits on 23 acres and houses Centennial Hall (a nationally registered historic structure), the school’s oldest building which was constructed in 1916. A historically black college, Edward Waters College is currently a private, Christian, liberal arts college, is the oldest black college in Florida. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund. Edward Waters College initially opened its doors as Brown Theological Institute. The school was forced to close for most of the 1870s due to financial difficulties, but re-opened in 1883 with an extended educational program. It also adopted its current name which honors the third bishop of the AME church. The college was destroyed in Great (Jacksonville) Fire of 1901, the largest urban fire in southeast United States. Three years later in 1904 the AME church began rebuilding the college. For the majority of the College’s years of operation, the AME Church also raised money to clear the school’s debt and construct most of the buildings on the College’s campus.
Edward Waters College was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) for the education of newly freed slaves. Located near downtown Jacksonville, Florida, the college currently sits on 23 acres and houses Centennial Hall (a nationally registered historic structure), the school’s oldest building which was constructed in 1916. A historically black college, Edward Waters College is currently a private, Christian, liberal arts college, is the oldest black college in Florida. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund. Edward Waters College initially opened its doors as Brown Theological Institute. The school was forced to close for most of the 1870s due to financial difficulties, but re-opened in 1883 with an extended educational program. It also adopted its current name which honors the third bishop of the AME church. The college was destroyed in Great (Jacksonville) Fire of 1901, the largest urban fire in southeast United States. Three years later in 1904 the AME church began rebuilding the college. For the majority of the College’s years of operation, the AME Church also raised money to clear the school’s debt and construct most of the buildings on the College’s campus.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens featuring art as well as a family
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens featuring art
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens which includes art and interior views as well as a couple

Popular places to visit

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens featuring art

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Browse through art that dates back thousands of years and explore scenic gardens housing one of the oldest trees in the region at this museum in Jacksonville.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

St. Vincent's Medical Center

If St. Vincent's Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Jacksonville.

St. Vincent's Medical Center

Riverside Park

After visiting Riverside Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Jacksonville. Discover the great live music and shops in this family-friendly area.

Riverside Park

Crystal Springs Park

After visiting Crystal Springs Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Jacksonville. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Crystal Springs Park

Memorial Park

Memorial Park is just one of the places to see in Jacksonville, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the lively festivals and shops in this vibrant area.

Memorial Park

Normandy Mall Shopping Center

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Normandy Mall Shopping Center during your trip to Jacksonville. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Normandy Mall Shopping Center

Activities

Gummy Making Class

Gummy Making Class

AU$30
per traveller
Gummy Making Class
Architecture and History Tour in San Marco

Architecture and History Tour in San Marco

AU$144
per adult
Architecture and History Tour in San Marco
Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour

Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour

AU$37
per adult
Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour
Art Bikes Jax - Electric Bike Experiences

Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation

AU$75
per adult
Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation
1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Jacksonville, FL Evolution Jetsports

1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Jacksonville, FL Evolution Jetsports

AU$209
per traveller
90% of travellers recommend
1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Jacksonville, FL Evolution Jetsports
Private Shopping Tour from Jacksonville to St. Augustine Outlets

Private Shopping Tour from Jacksonville to St. Augustine Outlets

AU$290
per adult
Private Shopping Tour from Jacksonville to St. Augustine Outlets
See all activities in Jacksonville

Our pick of the best Northwest Hotel Deals

Apm Inn and Suite

Apm Inn and Suite

2 out of 5
510 Lane Ave S Jacksonville FL
Stay at this hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
6.6/10 (1,019 reviews)
Clean room..King-size bed

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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Apm Inn and Suite
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

2.5 out of 5
715 1st St N Jacksonville Beach FL
The price is AU$217 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$217
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,602 reviews)
Yes room was spotless and staff was amazing!

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

4 out of 5
225 E Coastline Dr Jacksonville FL
The price is AU$347 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$347
20 Feb - 21 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,457 reviews)
Staff and amenities were as expected but the breakfast wasn’t the Hyatt standard .

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
The Villas of Amelia Island

The Villas of Amelia Island

4 out of 5
8 Amelia Village Circle, Amelia Island Fernandina Beach FL
The price is AU$334 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$334
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach holiday home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,155 reviews)
So while it is literally on the beach, the room is a little dated and doesn't get traditional turn down service, which would be nice. The space is small, but is doable. Value to price wasn't there for me. We'll probably stay in the main hotel next time.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

The Villas of Amelia Island
Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk

3.5 out of 5
1515 Prudential Dr Jacksonville FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$195 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
AU$195
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,645 reviews)
Nice room courteous staff

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
Comfort Suites Baymeadows Near Butler Blvd

Comfort Suites Baymeadows Near Butler Blvd

3 out of 5
8277 Western Way Cir Jacksonville FL
The price is AU$164 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$164
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
clean room, great front desk staff.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Comfort Suites Baymeadows Near Butler Blvd
See all 3,758 properties in Northwest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Northwest

Beauty

Urban Core

While you're in Urban Core, take in top sights like Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art or Florida Theatre, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rosa Parks Station or James Weldon Johnson Park Station.

Urban Core
Downtown Jacksonville which includes skyline, a city and a river or creek

Downtown Jacksonville

Florida Theatre and Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art are top sights in Downtown Jacksonville, and you should be sure to explore the stunning river views. Hop aboard the metro at Riverplace Station or Kings Avenue Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Jacksonville
View of the Jacksonville skyline from across the St. John's River.

Southbank

While you're in Southbank, take in top sights like Jacksonville Historical Center or Alexander Brest Planetarium, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kings Avenue Station or Riverplace Station.

Southbank
Beautiful aerial view of the St Augustine, the oldest town in USA. the castle of San Marcos National Monument, Flagler College and the Matanzas Bay

San Marco

Visitors to San Marco enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, Theatre Jacksonville is worth a stop.

San Marco
Empty Docks on the River

Westside

While visiting Westside, you might make a stop by sights like Jacksonville Equestrian Center and Normandy Lane Plaza Shopping Center.

Westside
Radical flower

Northside

While visiting Northside, you might make a stop by sights like Oceanway Community Center and River City Market Place.

Northside

Northwest Travel Guide

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