Riverside & Avondale
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the adjacent Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods are home to Jacksonville’s largest collection of historic residential architecture. Magnificent homes in Victorian, Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival, Prairie School and Bungalow styles line the oak-shaded streets. The neighborhood is perfect for an architectural walking tour to admire the beautifully preserved historic homes. Other highlights include Memorial Park, one of the city’s most scenic green spaces situated along the St. Johns River. Shop for antiques and browse art galleries along King Street or stop for a bite to eat at one of Riverside’s cozy cafes and bistros.
San Marco
Located just south of Downtown, San Marco exudes the charm of an Italian village with its Mediterranean Revival architecture, piazza-style squares and historic business district. The neighborhood’s walkable retail area along San Marco Square and San Marco Boulevard is home to over 85 shops, salons, cafes and restaurants housed within historic 1920s-era buildings. Visit the San Marco Theatre, an art deco cinema from 1938 that still screens classic and independent films. Other highlights include tree-lined pedestrian friendly boulevards perfect for strolling, murals and sculptures along the shop-lined streets and the San Marco Gallery hop held every third Thursday from 5 to 9 pm.
Springfield
Northwest of Downtown, Springfield is one of Jacksonville’s most historic neighborhoods. Dating back to 1869, Springfield became Jacksonville’s first suburb and is home to the city’s largest collection of 19th-century architecture. The scenic brick streets are lined with beautifully restored Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Craftsman style homes mixed with funky 20th century apartment buildings. Standouts include the Snyder Memorial Methodist Church built in 1903 and Klutho Park, which plays host to community events among its historic homes. Springfield’s central location, pedestrian friendly streets and charming atmosphere make it a great neighborhood for exploring Jacksonville’s early roots.
Beachside
It should come as no surprise that Jacksonville’s Beachside communities are some of the area’s most popular destinations. Stretching along the Atlantic coastline, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach offer seemingly endless sandy shores, beachfront accommodation and seaside attractions. Beyond sunbathing and water sports like surfing, visitors can shop at beach boutiques, admire colorful beach cottages or refuel at a laidback seaside cafe. Inland waterways like the Intercoastal Waterway slice through the barrier island beaches, providing scenic spots for kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding. And Beachside’s lively little downtowns come alive at night with outdoor bars and live music venues.
St. Nicholas
Tucked between Beaver Street and the Trout River, St. Nicholas is one of Jacksonville’s most creative neighborhoods. Its designation as an arts district in 1991 paved the way for St. Nicholas to become a hub for working artists. Old warehouses and industrial spaces now house art studios, galleries and workshops that welcome visitors. Monthly neighborhood art walks showcase visual arts, live music, pop-up shops and craft vendors. Other creative spaces include The Vault recording studio inside a former bank, the adjacent Murray Hill Theatre music venue and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. Watch local artists at work or admire outdoor murals in this vibrant and artsy neighborhood.
Ortega
Home to some of Jacksonville’s wealthiest residents, Ortega is synonymous with waterfront living, upscale homes and local history. Situated on a peninsula between the St. Johns River and Ortega River, the neighborhood is known for its scenic setting and easy access to the water. Ortega’s scenic parks draw outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails, and its marinas harbor boats, kayaks and canoes for rent. The historic district features stately homes in styles ranging from Mediterranean Revival to Craftsman perched on the river’s edge. Shopping and dining in the area caters to the neighborhood’s prosperous residents at high-end boutiques and restaurants.
Murray Hill
Mid-century modern homes and apartment buildings characterize the laidback neighborhood of Murray Hill. Located along the Edgewood Avenue commercial corridor, rows of retro storefronts are now home to hip art galleries, studios, bars, coffee shops and eateries. The neighborhood comes alive during monthly Art Walk events with food trucks, sidewalk sales and live music. Other attractions include Friendship Fountain, one of the world’s largest and tallest fountains that puts on technicolor light shows at night. The waterfront park surrounding it offers picturesque river views and green space for strolling along the riverwalk.
Mandarin
South of Downtown, Mandarin offers a taste of Old Florida charm along the banks of the St. Johns River. Spanish moss drips from live oak trees shading historic homes in antebellum and Victorian styles. Mandarin’s fishing village roots are evident at its shrimp boat docks while scenic parks offer hiking and water recreation. Pick up fresh citrus at roadside fruit stands, a nod to Mandarin’s early citrus grove plantations. The shops and restaurants of small downtown strips like Mandarin Road accommodate the neighborhood’s residential nature. Nearby nature preserves like the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offer an escape into Florida’s natural ecosystems.
Book a Bus With Us
Get to know Jacksonville’s vibrant culture by neighborhood with a customized charter bus tour from Charter Buses Jacksonville. Our knowledgeable drivers will play tour guide, sharing insider info and hidden gems you’d never discover on your own. Leave the driving and parking to us so your group can fully immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds and flavors of Jacksonville’s captivating communities. Whether you need a bus for an architecture tour, beach day, arts adventure or to hit up a music festival like One Spark, call us at (904) 337-4713 to rent the perfect bus for your group’s next big outing. Let Charter Buses Jacksonville show you the Jacksonville that locals love!