Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida by population and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. Jacksonville defines itself by its historic past and its location where the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean meet. A key crossroads for more than 200 years, Jacksonville lured Northerners in search of sunshine. Downtown Jacksonville is a bustling urban center, filled with many interesting restaurants, shops and tourist attractions. The Jacksonville Museum of Science and History , the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Friendship Park and Fountain can all be found in this district.