Jax Guidebook
Neighborhoods
The established neighborhood is named from the mandarin oranges shipped from Jacksonville's river port in the 1800's. Known for it's large oak trees dripping in Spanish moss and good schools, Mandarin has a family-friendly reputation. Our neighborhood sports good parks, stunning views along the nearby St. Johns river and a convenient commute to downtown, the beaches, St Augustine and loads of local shopping.
Mandarin
The established neighborhood is named from the mandarin oranges shipped from Jacksonville's river port in the 1800's. Known for it's large oak trees dripping in Spanish moss and good schools, Mandarin has a family-friendly reputation. Our neighborhood sports good parks, stunning views along the nearby St. Johns river and a convenient commute to downtown, the beaches, St Augustine and loads of local shopping.
Stroll through the charming tree-lined streets of historic Riverside & Avondale for fabulous dining, antique shopping, fun bars and trendy boutiques. Don't miss the exciting 5 Points area for dining and shopping options with a hip, local twist.
Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Riverside is one of Jacksonville’s oldest and coolest neighborhoods. Riverside & Avondale have a unique mix of history, culture, charm, and modern design-This is a hip part of town with a young population. The vibe here is that of community, urban living, and keeping it local.
99 recommandé par les habitants
Riverside
Stroll through the charming tree-lined streets of historic Riverside & Avondale for fabulous dining, antique shopping, fun bars and trendy boutiques. Don't miss the exciting 5 Points area for dining and shopping options with a hip, local twist.
Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Riverside is one of Jacksonville’s oldest and coolest neighborhoods. Riverside & Avondale have a unique mix of history, culture, charm, and modern design-This is a hip part of town with a young population. The vibe here is that of community, urban living, and keeping it local.
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. The neighborhood is also known for its old riverfront mansions
105 recommandé par les habitants
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. The neighborhood is also known for its old riverfront mansions
The Jacksonville Beaches, known locally as "The Beaches", are a group of towns and communities on the Atlantic Ocean but are separated from the main body of the city of Jacksonville by the Intracoastal Waterway. The Jacksonville Beaches are located in Duval and northern St. Johns County counties and are generally identified as Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach.
322 recommandé par les habitants
Jacksonville Beach
601 1st St SThe Jacksonville Beaches, known locally as "The Beaches", are a group of towns and communities on the Atlantic Ocean but are separated from the main body of the city of Jacksonville by the Intracoastal Waterway. The Jacksonville Beaches are located in Duval and northern St. Johns County counties and are generally identified as Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach.
Little strip of a neighborhood on the west side of the St Johns River that is tucked within some beautiful, old waterfront homes. Seeing the homes on the water are worth seeing and grabbing breakfast or lunch while there makes for a fun trip. Be sure to check out Fox Restaurant for breakfast.
77 recommandé par les habitants
Avondale
Little strip of a neighborhood on the west side of the St Johns River that is tucked within some beautiful, old waterfront homes. Seeing the homes on the water are worth seeing and grabbing breakfast or lunch while there makes for a fun trip. Be sure to check out Fox Restaurant for breakfast.
Every beach in the area has its own unique "vibe" and Atlantic Beach is no exception. It's been totally redone in the past few years and offers many outstanding food choices. Parking can be a bit tricky but it's well worth the drive.
Atlantic Beach
Every beach in the area has its own unique "vibe" and Atlantic Beach is no exception. It's been totally redone in the past few years and offers many outstanding food choices. Parking can be a bit tricky but it's well worth the drive.
Considered part of the downtown area, Brooklyn’s historic significance dates back over 100 years. Originally a residential suburb, commercial uses became prominent during the 20th century, particularly along the St. Johns River and Riverside Avenue, and the area became included in Jacksonville's central business district. In the 21st century, it has become the site of many new developments, including the Brooklyn Station which is home to restaurants and shopping and Unity Plaza. Local hometown favorite, Burrito Gallery has a rooftop patio restaurant and bar in the area. Brooklyn is a fast growing area adjacent to downtown that should be added to areas to check out.
Brooklyn
Considered part of the downtown area, Brooklyn’s historic significance dates back over 100 years. Originally a residential suburb, commercial uses became prominent during the 20th century, particularly along the St. Johns River and Riverside Avenue, and the area became included in Jacksonville's central business district. In the 21st century, it has become the site of many new developments, including the Brooklyn Station which is home to restaurants and shopping and Unity Plaza. Local hometown favorite, Burrito Gallery has a rooftop patio restaurant and bar in the area. Brooklyn is a fast growing area adjacent to downtown that should be added to areas to check out.
Sightseeing
A short drive away is this beautiful historical park. It's pleasant to walk around to get an understanding about local life many, many years ago. Be sure to look around the corner for the large, public dock jutting out onto the St Johns river. It's a wonderful location to view a perfect Northeast Florida sunset.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Walter Jones Historic Park
11964 Mandarin RdA short drive away is this beautiful historical park. It's pleasant to walk around to get an understanding about local life many, many years ago. Be sure to look around the corner for the large, public dock jutting out onto the St Johns river. It's a wonderful location to view a perfect Northeast Florida sunset.
Located in the historic Riverside neighborhood, The Cummer Museum houses over 5,000 works of art spanning 8,000 years including significant European and American paintings and a renowned Meissen porcelain collection. Don't miss the tour of the century-old beautiful formal gardens overlooking the St. Johns River.
328 recommandé par les habitants
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
829 Riverside AveLocated in the historic Riverside neighborhood, The Cummer Museum houses over 5,000 works of art spanning 8,000 years including significant European and American paintings and a renowned Meissen porcelain collection. Don't miss the tour of the century-old beautiful formal gardens overlooking the St. Johns River.
Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars!!!!
You'll hear cheers ringing throughout the city of DUUUVAL. Yes, this is the county we live in but the cheer represents all of the Northeast Florida area. It is a definite pride point for our area. If you love Duval like we do, please join in whenever you hear it.
134 recommandé par les habitants
TIAA Bank Field
1 EverBank Stadium DrHome of the Jacksonville Jaguars!!!!
You'll hear cheers ringing throughout the city of DUUUVAL. Yes, this is the county we live in but the cheer represents all of the Northeast Florida area. It is a definite pride point for our area. If you love Duval like we do, please join in whenever you hear it.
Check out local listings for upcoming shows/concerts while you are here. The Florida Theatre is a historic American movie theater located in downtown Jacksonville, on the Northbank. Opened in April 1927, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on November 4, 1982.
Our historic theatre is a fabulous venue to see a show.
99 recommandé par les habitants
Florida Theatre
128 E Forsyth StCheck out local listings for upcoming shows/concerts while you are here. The Florida Theatre is a historic American movie theater located in downtown Jacksonville, on the Northbank. Opened in April 1927, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on November 4, 1982.
Our historic theatre is a fabulous venue to see a show.
Every spring starts with The Players. It used to be called TPC or The Players Championship but locals know it as The Players. This tournament usually has the deepest field in all of golf and plays for the top purse on the PGA Tour. The public can play the course during the year but not leading up to the tournament. It's pricey and you have to get a caddy but it's awesome playing the world famous course and testing your nerves on the iconic 17th hole.
19 recommandé par les habitants
THE PLAYERS Championship
103 Championship WayEvery spring starts with The Players. It used to be called TPC or The Players Championship but locals know it as The Players. This tournament usually has the deepest field in all of golf and plays for the top purse on the PGA Tour. The public can play the course during the year but not leading up to the tournament. It's pricey and you have to get a caddy but it's awesome playing the world famous course and testing your nerves on the iconic 17th hole.
This centrally located shopping mecca serves people from all over NE Florida and SE Georgia. It's a beautiful Spanish inspired outdoor mall offering Big Box retail shopping, dining, nightlife and family activities.
It's really nice but crowded. If you want to get a flair for local artists and find that one of a kind piece, I'd recommend heading to Riverside/Avondale or the Beaches.
418 recommandé par les habitants
St Johns Town Center
4663 River City DrThis centrally located shopping mecca serves people from all over NE Florida and SE Georgia. It's a beautiful Spanish inspired outdoor mall offering Big Box retail shopping, dining, nightlife and family activities.
It's really nice but crowded. If you want to get a flair for local artists and find that one of a kind piece, I'd recommend heading to Riverside/Avondale or the Beaches.
Food scene
We love going to RAM (and it's super dog friendly). The market features many local artists, artisans, farmers and craftsmen along with live music acts every Saturday from 10am-3pm under the bridge downtown.
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Riverside Arts Market
715 Riverside AveWe love going to RAM (and it's super dog friendly). The market features many local artists, artisans, farmers and craftsmen along with live music acts every Saturday from 10am-3pm under the bridge downtown.
Don't let the name fool you- this is no ordinary Fish Camp. The food is top notch (Chef has quite a few restaurants all around the area) and decor is fun, open and inviting. The best views are located upstairs but wait is usually longer there as compared to downstairs. So just plan ahead and get a drink at the downstairs bar while waiting. Self- parking is very limited but valet service is available.
25 recommandé par les habitants
Julington Creek Fish Camp
12760 San Jose BlvdDon't let the name fool you- this is no ordinary Fish Camp. The food is top notch (Chef has quite a few restaurants all around the area) and decor is fun, open and inviting. The best views are located upstairs but wait is usually longer there as compared to downstairs. So just plan ahead and get a drink at the downstairs bar while waiting. Self- parking is very limited but valet service is available.
Great spot and super family (and dog!) friendly. Located on a small creek accessible by both boat and car, this local micro-brewery has a great vibe. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with large kid play area for great fun.
25 recommandé par les habitants
Wicked Barley Brewing Company
4100 Baymeadows RdGreat spot and super family (and dog!) friendly. Located on a small creek accessible by both boat and car, this local micro-brewery has a great vibe. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with large kid play area for great fun.
One of our favorites!
Super close and great for one person, a family or a large group. Indoor area is large and covered outdoor Tap Garde with, often times, live music makes for an enjoyable evening. Large fenced in kids play area under a majestic oak tree gives everyone a chance to enjoy themselves.
Pizza is really good but our favorite... the cauliflower crust. Give it a shot- you won't be disappointed. Save room for the gelato:)
V Pizza & Tap Garden - Mandarin
12601 San Jose BlvdOne of our favorites!
Super close and great for one person, a family or a large group. Indoor area is large and covered outdoor Tap Garde with, often times, live music makes for an enjoyable evening. Large fenced in kids play area under a majestic oak tree gives everyone a chance to enjoy themselves.
Pizza is really good but our favorite... the cauliflower crust. Give it a shot- you won't be disappointed. Save room for the gelato:)
If you are cooking at home and want some seafood... this is the best seafood market to shop. Lots of local selections, all extremely fresh and staff is super helpful.
Fisherman's Dock - Jacksonville
11610 San Jose BoulevardIf you are cooking at home and want some seafood... this is the best seafood market to shop. Lots of local selections, all extremely fresh and staff is super helpful.
When visiting the Avondale neighborhood, be sure to check this place out. Just a little old-time diner but it's a happening spot for a down and dirty breakfast experience.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Fox Restaurant
3580 St Johns AveWhen visiting the Avondale neighborhood, be sure to check this place out. Just a little old-time diner but it's a happening spot for a down and dirty breakfast experience.
Doesn't look like much but it is a really great choice. They have a specialty house salad that is TOP NOTCH. Can't go wrong here!
14 recommandé par les habitants
Picasso's
10503 San Jose BlvdDoesn't look like much but it is a really great choice. They have a specialty house salad that is TOP NOTCH. Can't go wrong here!
New restaurant in Bartram Walk area appx 2.5 miles away. Very nice ambiance and cool coastal design. Lobster bisque is awesome so don’t miss it 😁
Julington Creek Fish House & Oyster Company
New restaurant in Bartram Walk area appx 2.5 miles away. Very nice ambiance and cool coastal design. Lobster bisque is awesome so don’t miss it 😁
City/town information
The oldest city in the United States is a must see!!! Take a little longer to get there via US 1 but the drive will be worth it. Ponce de Leon's " Fountain of Youth" was discovered here so be sure to take in a tour of the city to learn all about it's history. Plan on spending an entire day here as the shopping and dining are plentiful.
821 recommandé par les habitants
St. Augustine
The oldest city in the United States is a must see!!! Take a little longer to get there via US 1 but the drive will be worth it. Ponce de Leon's " Fountain of Youth" was discovered here so be sure to take in a tour of the city to learn all about it's history. Plan on spending an entire day here as the shopping and dining are plentiful.
Dog Park
Very nice and large dog park. Sectioned off areas for larger dogs and smaller dogs. Open trails are very nice and dogs really love cooling off in the pond.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Dog Wood Park
7407 Salisbury RdVery nice and large dog park. Sectioned off areas for larger dogs and smaller dogs. Open trails are very nice and dogs really love cooling off in the pond.
Super fun area to get your dog(s) out to play with other dogs while you enjoy some food and drink near the beach. It's in Neptune Beach which is very close to all of the fun food options in Atlantic Beach. Call ahead though as they will require updated vaccination information for your animal(s).
9 recommandé par les habitants
BrewHound Dog Park + Bar
1848 Kings Cir SSuper fun area to get your dog(s) out to play with other dogs while you enjoy some food and drink near the beach. It's in Neptune Beach which is very close to all of the fun food options in Atlantic Beach. Call ahead though as they will require updated vaccination information for your animal(s).
Favorite Locations for a Drink
Our favorite location in San Marco. Front of building is bar that makes fantastic seasonal specialty drinks. Bartenders are very creative. Wine shop as well and outdoor seating overlooking the square. At night, head to the back of the building for a "speakeasy" night of fun. This part of the business is a hidden gem.
44 recommandé par les habitants
Grape and Grain Exchange
2000 San Marco BlvdOur favorite location in San Marco. Front of building is bar that makes fantastic seasonal specialty drinks. Bartenders are very creative. Wine shop as well and outdoor seating overlooking the square. At night, head to the back of the building for a "speakeasy" night of fun. This part of the business is a hidden gem.
Local micro brewery in area just north of San Marco square. From Hendricks Ave, it doesn't look like much as signage isn't very good. However, go around to the back to enter. Dog-friendly and great beer selection inside with a cool vibe. Patio is large and people are very friendly. Weekends usually has food truck for dining.
62 recommandé par les habitants
Aardwolf Brewing Company
1461 Hendricks AveLocal micro brewery in area just north of San Marco square. From Hendricks Ave, it doesn't look like much as signage isn't very good. However, go around to the back to enter. Dog-friendly and great beer selection inside with a cool vibe. Patio is large and people are very friendly. Weekends usually has food truck for dining.
You'll miss this if you aren't paying attention but the drinks are fantastic. You have to be patient since it's not your average "pour a drink" bar. These guys are craftsmen and it takes a minute to get it right. Adjoining V- Pizza for food options, Sidecar has both inside and outside seating. It's open to Hendricks Avenue so traffic can be heard but you don't really notice it. Across the street from Aardwolf Brewery makes for a fun experience.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Sidecar Jax
1406 Hendricks AveYou'll miss this if you aren't paying attention but the drinks are fantastic. You have to be patient since it's not your average "pour a drink" bar. These guys are craftsmen and it takes a minute to get it right. Adjoining V- Pizza for food options, Sidecar has both inside and outside seating. It's open to Hendricks Avenue so traffic can be heard but you don't really notice it. Across the street from Aardwolf Brewery makes for a fun experience.
Highlight of River & Post (in the Riverside area) is their rooftop bar. Restaurant is downstairs but the head upstairs on a clear night for a great view of downtown Jacksonville. Outdoor heating available during cooler months makes this a great stop.
108 recommandé par les habitants
River & Post
1000 Riverside AveHighlight of River & Post (in the Riverside area) is their rooftop bar. Restaurant is downstairs but the head upstairs on a clear night for a great view of downtown Jacksonville. Outdoor heating available during cooler months makes this a great stop.