It is difficult to imagine the skyline of Jacksonville without the much-loved Metropolitan Park, the riverfront park that has it all. It is home to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival each Fall, Independence Day fireworks every summer and a number of other musical events throughout the year. There is a playground for the kids, numerous picnic areas, manicured gardens and a sidewalk along the river for a scenic walk. Water taxis ferry folks from the opposite side of the river and private-boats can pull right up to the dock.