Set on the banks of the scenic St. Johns River and flanked by the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville, Florida, is a major port and metropolitan area. It has some excellent lodging choices:

Best Western Hotel JTB Southpoint. Features complimentary breakfast, fitness center, swimming pool, Internet Cafe and high speed Internet. Pets allowed. 1-902 -2 81-0900

Candlewood Suites. Spacious suite accommodations offer fully equipped kitchens and high speed Internet access. There is a fitness center on the premises. Pets allowed. Pet fee of $75 to $150 depending upon length of stay.

Hampton Inn Jacksonville – Ponte Vedra Beach.Relaxing beach getaway just five minutes from the beach. Amenities include fitness room, swimming pool, business center, complimentary breakfast and elevators. Pets allowed. 1-904-280-9101.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Jacksonville – Blount Island. This Holiday Inn, renovated and opened in 2004, is located northeast of downtown Jacksonville. Is is the close hotel to the Jaxport Cruise Ship Terminal and the JaxPort Shipyard. Jacksonville International Airport is nine miles away. The beaches are eleven miles from the hotel.