Under $100: Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville, Fla., is never going to be a top tourist destination when it has to compete with the likes of Orlando and Miami, but the city is not without its charms. The thing about Jacksonville is, there aren’t so many places to see but there are plenty of things to do.

Life in Jacksonville is centered on the outdoors thanks to a plethora of beaches, lakes and parks. Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company. The ideal meal here? You guessed it — the biscuits. A heapin’ helping will cost you no more than $10 a plate.

© Philip Larson | Flickr

Spend the rest of your morning touring the city’s abundant and popular golf courses, or maybe playing a round yourself! You can find a great course for around $30 a game.

Once that’s done and you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Clara’s Tidbits Restaurant for a delicious sandwich to fill your stomach. The Tidbits Special is a favorite among locals and runs for less than $12.

Jacksonville Beach © Robwilson39 | Dreamstime

Afterward, it’s time for the beach! You’ve got plenty to choose from, but the three best are Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra and Neptune. You should try and fit all three in if you can, but if you’ve only got time for one we highly recommend Ponte Vedra just south of town.

Be sure to get in a little fishing while you’re here, as this large city is built heavily around the sport.

For dinner, try out local haunt BB’s restaurant for some amazing American fare. It’s a little on the pricey side, so expect to shell out between $20 and $30 for a full meal, but it’s worth every penny.

© Robwilson39 | Dreamstime