INFORMATION

Weather
During the month of March, Jacksonville has an average daily high temperature of 73 degrees and an average daily low of 50 degrees. The average morning relative humidity is 87%. As we get closer to the conference, you can see the 10-day forecast here.

Getting Oriented
The conference hotel, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The Hyatt is located on the North shore of the St. Johns River and about one block east of the Jacksonville Landing. A number of restaurants and other activities are also on the south side of the river, but you can get to the other side of the river by walking across the Main Street Bridge, taking a river taxi, driving, riding the monorail, riding a trolley, or taking a cab. Both sides of the river have River Walks. The Northbank Riverwalk goes right in front of the Hyatt and takes you directly to the Jacksonvile Landing. The south side of the river has the Southbank Riverwalk that includes a 1.25 mile boardwalk along the river. At the west end of the boardwalk is Friendship Fountain (the nation's largest self-contained fountain) and the Museum of Science and History (MOSH).

Getting to the Hyatt Regency Riverfront from the airport
The Jacksonville airport (JAX) is approximately 15 miles from the Hyatt and will take about 25 to 30 minutes if you are not arriving during busy traffic times. The Express Shuttle (904-353-8880 or 1-800-394-0226) is $32.50 one way, one person to/from the Hyatt. A taxi will be approximately $30-35 one way to/from the Hyatt. Rental cars are also available at the airport and there is a Hertz counter in the hotel lobby.

Getting to the Hyatt Regency Riverfront by car
The Hyatt is located at 225 E Coastline Drive. A few road construction projects near the hotel are being completed at this time. If you plan to drive to the hotel, please use a mapping service or GPS and check the road conditions on a site like this one. The Hyatt's web page also provides driving directions to the hotel. Also to note, if you plan to drive to the hotel on Saturday morning, some of the roads will be closed because of the Gate River Run and you should check their web site for specific road closures.

Parking
At the hotel: The Hyatt Regency offers overnight and valet parking.  Hotel guests can access the hotel from the parking deck using their room key after validating the parking with the Front Desk.  The entrance to the garage is located off Newnan Street, which is directly west of the hotel.  The following rates apply at the time of inquiry, but are subject to change: Overnight self-parking: $12.00 per day; Valet parking: $15.00 per day. Near the hotel: A few other parking garages and parking lots are located near the hotel, check out the web site provided by Downtown Jacksonville.

Getting Around
Many restaurants, shops, and sights are within easy walking distance from the Hyatt Regency. Check out the interactive map of the area provided by the Jacksonville Visitors Bureau. Please note that the area around the Hyatt is relatively safe, but walking alone at night is not advised. If you would like to go someplace farther away than you want to walk, then these are your options:

Monorail: The Skyway Monorail (weekdays 6 am to 11 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 11 pm; 50¢ per ride) from the Convention Center to Hemming Park. It is a ten-minute ride and you can see quite a bit of the area on it. The monorail goes across the St. Johns River on the Acosta Bridge. The closest station to the Hyatt is the Central Station.
Renting a Car: Several rental car companies are located in the Jacksonville airport. Hertz Rental has a rental Counter located inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby. 
River Taxi: One of the most fun ways to cross the St. Johns River is in a the S.S. Marine Water Taxi. Taxi stops include the Jacksonville Landing, Friendship Fountain/River City Brewing Company, The Crowne Plaza/Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Wyndham/Chart House Restaurant, and Liberty Street. The closest stop to the Hyatt to embark is at the Jacksonville Landing, but coming back to the hotel the taxi can stop at Liberty Street. The water taxi is $3 one way or $5 round trip and operates from 11am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday. A taxi comes to the Landing every 20 minutes.
Trolleys: Jacksonville has three free trolley lines that run on the weekdays from 5:30 am to 7:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 6 pm. The Sunflower Trolley line has a stop close to the Hyatt on Bay Street (one block north of the hotel)
Taxis:The Hyatt can call a taxi for you out by the valet stand.

Things to do
The linked pages below offer a variety of activities that Jacksonville and neighboring communities have to offer. If there is something we missed, please email us and let us know.

Dining
Jacksonville is probably best known for its Mayport shrimp, fresh fish, and pork barbecue, but downtown dining offers a wide variety of culinary options from a quick bite at the Jacksonville Landing to an elegant dinner overlooking the river.

Nightlife
The Jacksonville Landing, within easy walking distance from the Hyatt Regency, has a number of clubs and bars. A quick trip across the river will also provide some places for evening fun.

Grocery, Liquor, and Drug Stores
Because the Hyatt is downtown in the entertainment and nightlife district, very few grocery or drug stores are nearby. Several grocery and drug stores are within a short drive, but not within walking distance.

Running
Right outside the Hyatt is a 3 mile running loop. Ask at the concierge's desk for an information card about it. Also, the River Run ("Largest 15K in the U.S.") will be held on the morning of Saturday, March 8th.

Shopping
Although the Jacksonville Landing has a few shops, a true shopaholic will want to venture away from downtown to the the St. Johns Town Center or the Avenues Mall. St. Augustine also offers a Premium Outlet.

Golfing
Home of The Players Championship and the famous 17th green at Sawgrass makes Jacksonville a great place to do a little golfing.

Beaches
Jacksonville has miles of white sandy beaches only a few minutes from downtown. Check out this page also if you are interested in fishing while in Jacksonville.

Child and Teen Friendly Activities
Are you planning to bring your children? In addition to the nearby beaches, there are several activities that are specifically for children and teens. Also, the hotel has some recommendations for babysitting services.

Spas and Resorts
Several day spas are located near the Hyatt and more luxurious ones are only a few miles away.

Special events in downtown Jacksonville scheduled during the conference

Gate River Run
Boasted to be the "Largest 15k in the U.S." the River Run will be held on the morning of Saturday, March 8th. This race has been voted one of the top U.S. Road Races for the last 20 years by Runner's World Magazine. Live bands are positioned every mile and Jacksonville residents come out to cheer on the runners.

Freda Payne at the Florida Theatre
Freda Payne will be presenting, "A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald" at the Florida Theatre (128 E. Forsyth Street) on Thursday, March 6th at 8 pm. Tickets are $35. Freda Payne is a well-known R&B and jazz vocalist who has starred in the Broadway shows of Jelly's Last Jam, Sophisticated Ladies, and Blues in the Night. Tickets can be purchased from the Florida Theatre box office (904-355-2787) or online through Ticketmaster. The theatre, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been in Jacksonville since 1927 and is said to be one of the best concert venues in the Southeast. The Florida Theatre is located approximately two blocks north of the Hyatt Regency.

First Wednesday Art Walk
The first Wednesday of the month from 5-9 pm is always Art Walk in downtown Jacksonville, which is a free downtown event that involves a self-guided tour featuring local artwork. Check out the web site linked above for information about the galleries featured for the Art Walk in March. Many of the galleries include receptions with food, beverages, and live music during the event. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a traditional starting point for this walk and is located at 333 N. Laura Street, which is a few blocks northwest of the Hyatt Regency.

Hemming Plaza Farmers' Market
Every Friday morning from 10 am to noon a small farmers' market is held at Hemming Plaza with fresh produce, handmade jewelry, baked goods, and live entertainment. The plaza is located at 117 W. Duval Street, which is a few blocks northwest of the Hyatt Regency and in the same areas as the Museum of Contemporary Art described above.

Extend your trip
Check out this page if you are interested in seeing Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Orlando, or Savannah. Also, there is information about the Carnival Cruise Line port that is in Jacksonville.