Guidebook for Jacksonville
Food Scene
Some of my Favorite Local Spots that are within walking distance or a short drive from my Home!
Cool Moose Cafe
2708 Park StGreat Breakfast, Lunch & Coffee!
Festive, neighborhood joint with Day of the Dead decor offering Tex-Mex meals & lots of craft beers.
33 locals recommend
Lola's Burrito & Burger Joint
1522 King StFestive, neighborhood joint with Day of the Dead decor offering Tex-Mex meals & lots of craft beers.
This basic Japanese go-to offers classic & modern sushi rolls plus other Japanese fare.
7 locals recommend
Sumo Sushi
2726 Park StThis basic Japanese go-to offers classic & modern sushi rolls plus other Japanese fare.
Chicago deep-dish & NYC-style pies are on offer at this vibrant local pizza pub with pastas & subs.
39 locals recommend
Carmines Pie House
2677 Forbes StChicago deep-dish & NYC-style pies are on offer at this vibrant local pizza pub with pastas & subs.
Cozy counter serve offering coffee, vegetarian/vegan breakfast & lunch items & bulk organic foods.
37 locals recommend
Southern Roots Filling Station
1275 King StCozy counter serve offering coffee, vegetarian/vegan breakfast & lunch items & bulk organic foods.
Casual German-inspired restaurant with a patio offering a huge selection of beer, pub grub & sweets.
68 locals recommend
European Street Cafe
1704 San Marco BlvdCasual German-inspired restaurant with a patio offering a huge selection of beer, pub grub & sweets.
Cozy restaurant with wine & traditional Italian cuisine, from pastas to chicken & veal entrees.
9 locals recommend
Primi Piatti
2722 Park StCozy restaurant with wine & traditional Italian cuisine, from pastas to chicken & veal entrees.
Beer garden with 62 revolving craft beers on tap, Bavarian inspired pub food and a full liquor bar.
84 locals recommend
Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House
1037 Park StBeer garden with 62 revolving craft beers on tap, Bavarian inspired pub food and a full liquor bar.
Varied American eats served up in a loftlike, brick-walled space with a patio, bar & weekend jazz.
44 locals recommend
Brick Restaurant
3585 St Johns AveVaried American eats served up in a loftlike, brick-walled space with a patio, bar & weekend jazz.
Classic American fare dished up for breakfast & lunch in a busy diner with a vintage feel.
47 locals recommend
Fox Restaurant
3580 St Johns AveClassic American fare dished up for breakfast & lunch in a busy diner with a vintage feel.
Mini-chain branch serving Southern BBQ faves & a vast whiskey menu in laid-back quarters.
37 locals recommend
MOJO no.4, Urban BBQ Whiskey Bar
3572 St Johns AveMini-chain branch serving Southern BBQ faves & a vast whiskey menu in laid-back quarters.
Funky pizzeria offering custom & specialty thin-crust pies plus wine & beer in colorful surrounds.
59 locals recommend
Moon River Pizza
1176 Edgewood Ave SFunky pizzeria offering custom & specialty thin-crust pies plus wine & beer in colorful surrounds.
Burgers, salads, seafood & wings are served at this neighborhood bar with a patio.
14 locals recommend
Harps American Pub & Grill
4070 Herschel StBurgers, salads, seafood & wings are served at this neighborhood bar with a patio.
Seasonal French food & creative cocktails meet in this dining room with plush seats & exposed beams.
114 locals recommend
Restaurant Orsay
3630 Park StSeasonal French food & creative cocktails meet in this dining room with plush seats & exposed beams.
Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.
89 locals recommend
Metro Diner
3302 Hendricks AveLocal diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.
House-brewed beer pairs with seafood, steaks & pasta at this pub with river & Downtown views.
12 locals recommend
River City Brewing Company
835 Museum CirHouse-brewed beer pairs with seafood, steaks & pasta at this pub with river & Downtown views.
COMBINING QUALITY CRAFT BREWING WITH THE EXCITEMENT OF SPORTS!
Originally built in 1938 as a service station, the building at 9th and Main reflects a bit of the Art Deco style of the times with its curved front windows. It has sat empty until 2009, waiting for someone with the vision to return it to use. Now, Strings Sports Brewery is born! Stay tuned for new developments as the project progresses!
35 locals recommend
Strings Sports Brewery
1850 N Main StCOMBINING QUALITY CRAFT BREWING WITH THE EXCITEMENT OF SPORTS!
Originally built in 1938 as a service station, the building at 9th and Main reflects a bit of the Art Deco style of the times with its curved front windows. It has sat empty until 2009, waiting for someone with the vision to return it to use. Now, Strings Sports Brewery is born! Stay tuned for new developments as the project progresses!
Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant catches and prepares fresh, local seafood daily. Our casual atmosphere and breathtaking views offer one of a kind dining, which is why we were recently recognized as the Best Seafood in Jacksonville, Florida for 2014.
Safe Harbor at Marah Brewing Company
1521 Margaret StSafe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant catches and prepares fresh, local seafood daily. Our casual atmosphere and breathtaking views offer one of a kind dining, which is why we were recently recognized as the Best Seafood in Jacksonville, Florida for 2014.
Drinks & Nightlife
Compact sports-oriented bar offering elevated, retro pub grub such as meatloaf plus 650+ beers.
83 locals recommend
Kickbacks Gastropub
910 King StCompact sports-oriented bar offering elevated, retro pub grub such as meatloaf plus 650+ beers.
Huge selection of craft beers brewed on-site & some bar bites in a laid-back, brick-walled tap room.
49 locals recommend
Bold City Brewery
2670 Rosselle StHuge selection of craft beers brewed on-site & some bar bites in a laid-back, brick-walled tap room.
A Restaurant and Rooftop Lounge, newly opened in the heart of Riverside, bringing a trendy environment, great food, and breathtaking river city views. Whether you have a special occasion in mind, or are just in the neighborhood.
108 locals recommend
River & Post
1000 Riverside AveA Restaurant and Rooftop Lounge, newly opened in the heart of Riverside, bringing a trendy environment, great food, and breathtaking river city views. Whether you have a special occasion in mind, or are just in the neighborhood.
Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Riverside & Avondale is one of Jacksonville’s oldest and coolest neighborhoods. Voted as one of the country’s top 10 Great Neighborhoods, Riverside & Avondale have a unique mix of history, culture, charm, and modern design--find out more information through Riverside Avondale Preservation Society. This is a hip part of town with a young population. Million dollar waterfront homes and upscale apartment buildings are the norm, but there is nothing pretentious about the area, instead the vibe here is that of community, urban living, and keeping it local.
77 locals recommend
Avondale
Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Riverside & Avondale is one of Jacksonville’s oldest and coolest neighborhoods. Voted as one of the country’s top 10 Great Neighborhoods, Riverside & Avondale have a unique mix of history, culture, charm, and modern design--find out more information through Riverside Avondale Preservation Society. This is a hip part of town with a young population. Million dollar waterfront homes and upscale apartment buildings are the norm, but there is nothing pretentious about the area, instead the vibe here is that of community, urban living, and keeping it local.
Arts & Culture
Lively market held Saturdays under the bridge featuring local artists, food vendors & entertainment.
173 locals recommend
Riverside Arts Market
715 Riverside AveLively market held Saturdays under the bridge featuring local artists, food vendors & entertainment.
Museum showcases 5,000 works of art from all eras in a riverfront site surrounded by gardens.
328 locals recommend
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
829 Riverside AveMuseum showcases 5,000 works of art from all eras in a riverfront site surrounded by gardens.
Willowbranch Library is my favorite, hands down, of all the Duval County library branches. It's gorgeous on the outside and the cathedral ceilings and wooden bookshelves on the inside make you almost think you've gone back in time.
15 locals recommend
Willowbranch Park
2870 Sydney StWillowbranch Library is my favorite, hands down, of all the Duval County library branches. It's gorgeous on the outside and the cathedral ceilings and wooden bookshelves on the inside make you almost think you've gone back in time.
Sightseeing
The Jacksonville Brewery offers a variety of signature tours and attractions. Whether you choose a Beermaster Tour or learn more about the characteristics of beer through Beer School, there’s always something new to discover when you visit our famous brewery.
9 locals recommend
Budweiser Brewery Experience
111 Busch DrThe Jacksonville Brewery offers a variety of signature tours and attractions. Whether you choose a Beermaster Tour or learn more about the characteristics of beer through Beer School, there’s always something new to discover when you visit our famous brewery.
Parks & Nature
Water view of the St. Johns River...Great for Runners, Walkers or just taking a family stroll.
19 locals recommend
Riverwalk Brooklyn, Jacksonville
1 Riverside AveWater view of the St. Johns River...Great for Runners, Walkers or just taking a family stroll.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, located in Jacksonville, Florida, sits at the mouth of the Trout River. The zoo occupies approximately 117 acres and has over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection
321 locals recommend
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
370 Zoo PkwyThe Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, located in Jacksonville, Florida, sits at the mouth of the Trout River. The zoo occupies approximately 117 acres and has over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection
Memorial Park is a 5.85-acre public park, located on the St. Johns River in Riverside, one of the most historic neighborhoods near downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
96 locals recommend
Memorial Park
1620 Riverside AveMemorial Park is a 5.85-acre public park, located on the St. Johns River in Riverside, one of the most historic neighborhoods near downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
Riverside Park is an 11.4-acre public park, located in the heart of Riverside, one of the most historic neighborhoods near downtown Jacksonville, Florida. It is the second oldest park in the city.
23 locals recommend
Riverside Park
753 Park StRiverside Park is an 11.4-acre public park, located in the heart of Riverside, one of the most historic neighborhoods near downtown Jacksonville, Florida. It is the second oldest park in the city.
The park’s official name is Yacht Basin Park but most locals call it Mom’s Park.
Yacht Basin Park is located in Riverside on the west bank of Willowbranch Creek, where it enters the St. Johns River.
“The City purchased the property in 1921, and Jacksonville’s oldest social organization, the Florida Yacht Club established in 1877, resided adjacent to the site from 1907 till 1928. Eventually the City’s Water Services Division (taken over by JEA in 1997) placed a pump station at the site, and JEA renovated the park in 2001 with landscaping, lighting, and the construction of a gazebo and a brick-paved plaza and walkway.”
Mom's Park
2941 St Johns AveThe park’s official name is Yacht Basin Park but most locals call it Mom’s Park.
Yacht Basin Park is located in Riverside on the west bank of Willowbranch Creek, where it enters the St. Johns River.
“The City purchased the property in 1921, and Jacksonville’s oldest social organization, the Florida Yacht Club established in 1877, resided adjacent to the site from 1907 till 1928. Eventually the City’s Water Services Division (taken over by JEA in 1997) placed a pump station at the site, and JEA renovated the park in 2001 with landscaping, lighting, and the construction of a gazebo and a brick-paved plaza and walkway.”
With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation
41 locals recommend
Little Talbot Island State Park
With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation
The Kingsley Plantation, administered by the National Park Service, is located on Fort George Island and includes the plantation house, a kitchen house, a barn, and the ruins of 25 of the original slave cabins. The history of the island spans more than 1000 years beginning with the Timucuan Indians. The structures at the site, however, date to the plantation era of the island.
58 locals recommend
Kingsley Plantation
11676 Palmetto AveThe Kingsley Plantation, administered by the National Park Service, is located on Fort George Island and includes the plantation house, a kitchen house, a barn, and the ruins of 25 of the original slave cabins. The history of the island spans more than 1000 years beginning with the Timucuan Indians. The structures at the site, however, date to the plantation era of the island.
Entertainment & Activities
Opened in 1927, this historic hall hosts shows ranging from ballet & opera to pop, jazz & country.
99 locals recommend
Florida Theatre
128 E Forsyth StOpened in 1927, this historic hall hosts shows ranging from ballet & opera to pop, jazz & country.
EverBank Field is an American football stadium in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, and the home stadium facility of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League
134 locals recommend
TIAA Bank Field
1 EverBank Stadium DrEverBank Field is an American football stadium in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, and the home stadium facility of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League
The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville is a baseball park in Jacksonville, Florida. It is the home stadium of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball team, who play in the Class Double-A Southern League. The facility opened in 2003
31 locals recommend
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Club
301 A Philip Randolph BlvdThe Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville is a baseball park in Jacksonville, Florida. It is the home stadium of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball team, who play in the Class Double-A Southern League. The facility opened in 2003
Sun-Ray Cinema
1028 Park StLocal spot and only 1 mile away
The quaint San Marco area centers on its leafy namesake square, a lively hub with indie boutiques and casual eateries serving brunch, pizza and ice cream. Chic bistros and trendy bars dot surrounding streets. The art deco San Marco Theatre shows art-house movies and new releases, and rock bands play at intimate venue Jack Rabbits Live. The neighborhood is also known for its old riverfront mansions.
105 locals recommend
San Marco
The quaint San Marco area centers on its leafy namesake square, a lively hub with indie boutiques and casual eateries serving brunch, pizza and ice cream. Chic bistros and trendy bars dot surrounding streets. The art deco San Marco Theatre shows art-house movies and new releases, and rock bands play at intimate venue Jack Rabbits Live. The neighborhood is also known for its old riverfront mansions.
Fernandina Beach is a great community: warm neighbors, diverse restaurants, busy shops, sandy beaches, and majestic trees. Every day begins with a glorious sunrise from the Atlantic Ocean and ends with a radiant sunset over the Amelia River.
98 locals recommend
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is a great community: warm neighbors, diverse restaurants, busy shops, sandy beaches, and majestic trees. Every day begins with a glorious sunrise from the Atlantic Ocean and ends with a radiant sunset over the Amelia River.
Posh resort featuring elegant rooms & suites, a golf course, spa, 3 pools & beachfront fine dining.
19 locals recommend
THE PLAYERS Championship
103 Championship WayPosh resort featuring elegant rooms & suites, a golf course, spa, 3 pools & beachfront fine dining.
Everything Else
Jacksonville Beach is a coastal resort city in Duval County, Florida, United States. It was incorporated on May 22, 1907 as Pablo Beach, and would later change its name to Jacksonville Beach in 1925.
322 locals recommend
Jacksonville Beach
601 1st St SJacksonville Beach is a coastal resort city in Duval County, Florida, United States. It was incorporated on May 22, 1907 as Pablo Beach, and would later change its name to Jacksonville Beach in 1925.