Things To Do
Five Points
Take a stroll through historic Five Points neighborhood, checking out the sights and shops between Riverside Park and Memorial Park. If you're lucky, you might see some dolphins or manatees in our dear St. Johns River! Also in the neighborhood, we're obsessed with Brew's breakfasts and coffee, which are famously "not bad." The texas toast may have single handedly convinced us Jax was the place for us. Hawkers is a old favorite of Dylan's from back in Delray Beach, try the kimchi fried rice! Five Points Vintage has some good hidden treasures. Hoptinger hosts a vibey little rooftop bar upstairs and a braturst n' beer vibe downstairs.
Riverside Arts Market
Just a couple blocks from Five Points on the St. Johns! Open every Saturday rain or shine from 10 am - 3 pm, newcomers to Jax are always blown away by how big of a hub this is for the community! Perfect place to get a pastry, listen to some live music, grab a trinket, and relax! Also if you brought your skateboard or blades, you're in luck.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
This historic home and gardens also right on the St. Johns and just a couple blocks from Five Points, this museum includes over 5,000 works of arts from across the ages! John Jacob, discerning curator on consult, has called this museum "very impressive"! If you go, you must obsess over the magnificent Live Oak tree in the back. Open daily from 11 am - 4 pm.
Southbank Riverwalk
While in the area -- especially if you're in a hotel downtown during your stay -- you should absolutely check out the views along the St. Johns Riverwalk and pedestrian bridge by RAM! Both the South and North sides of the river are accessible to pedestrians, including the newly renovated area around impressive Friendship Fountain. Well before ever becoming engaged, we added a lock of our own to the lockbridge as part of our commitment to the Big Love for each other and for Jax we were already feeling.
Sweet Theory Baking Co.
Heaven for our dairy-free Dylan, we've spent many a weekend enjoying their decadent vegan treats that are so magic they'll have you marveling what butter even does. While you eat your sticky bun (or after you've washed your hands) wander Riverside's sweet neighborhood. We love the trek through and up to Willowbranch Park, the site of Jacksonville's first LGBTQ pride picnic!
Chancho King
Our favorite lunch/dinner spot, just a couple minutes walk from our lovely home off Edgewood. Here you get a rotating menu of thoughtful and delish Ecuadorian-fare, and dining options include a busy bar and an intimate hidden jungle back patio. If you're in Murray Hill, you must follow up any meal with the historic Dreamette's soft serve -- just don't forget to bring cash. Other favs of ours in Murray Hill include Community Loaves for breakfast, Fishweir Brewing Co. for a drink, Vintage Exchange for a new-to-you outfit, and Literary Lounge for a juicy read.
Dreamette
No visit to Jacksonville would be complete without a treat from Dreamette! The great news is you can take your pic, the historic 50's franchise has walk-up service in 5 Points, San Marco, Springfield, and of course - best of all - Murray Hill! Dylan raves about the vegan vanilla softserve, and Acadia is on a mission to create the world's best milkshake (recipe to date includes vanilla, health, twix, and nuts but is due to change).
Chamblin Bookmine
Notorious local filming location of Dylan's first film Piddle, we've spent many an hour lost in these winding stacks! 5 points if you can spot Acadia in photo above. For bonus points visit Chamblin's Uptown and get even more lost but this time with a yummy beverage.
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
We love - but especially Peter - Tillie Fowler, which includes miles of historic old brick road from the 1800s, an observation tower, raised boardwalk, and a fabulous nature center. For anyone worried about church pews, just remember Dylan wanted to hold the wedding here. If you've got a 4-legged friend, their enclosed wilderness dog parks are also the best for off-leash training! Entry is free.
Reddie Point Preserve
One of our favorite hiking spots along the St. Johns, Reddie Point has over 100 acres of winding nature trails, fishing piers, pavilions for picnicking, kayaking and dock launches, and more. Free to access! Ask us about the old relics we've found here.
San Marco
This historic neighborhood on the other side of our dear St. Johns is fun to explore on foot, and full of bars and dining opportunities. We love Good Dough, Posting House, The Bearded Pig, and May Day Ice Cream! If you don't have wheels or a DD, check out the Beachside Buggy App for free, zero emission cart rides and recommendations for those visiting the neighborhood.
Norman Studios Silent Film Museum, Inc.
Celebrate your time on Florida's film coast by visiting one of the nation's first silent film studios to produce films starring black actors. The museum highlights the history of early film and offers regular tours and rotating exhibitions.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Don't let the urban core keep you captive! Jax has more than 80,000 acres of parks and is close to 10 state and national parks! Kathryn Abbey Hanna, named for the environmental historian who dedicated the park to the city, used to be part of historic Manhattan Beach which was Florida's first beach community for African Americans. Now with over 20 miles of trails for biking and hiking, rentals are available for paddling, and don't forget to pack your suit for swimming!
Neptune Beach
If you're looking to catch a relaxed, beachy sunrise or sunset, Neptune might be the place for you! Just off Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway, you'll find this stretch cozy and walkable, with plenty of dining, shopping, and other activities. Check out Pete's Bar, which opened in 1933 after prohibition and held Duval's first liquor license!
Amelia Island
Located just 45 minutes outside Jacksonville, this historic beach town includes some of our favorite nature preserves with ocean and salt marsh access, an electing local antiquing scene, and a great set of music venues and restaurants. Great spot for those looking to hike, swim, and fish!
St. Augustine
Also just 45 minutes from Jacksonville, the oldest continuously inhabited city in North America has miles of beaches, parks, and tons of fun tourist attractions. Be sure to visit historic Fort Mose, the first legally recognized free Black settlement, and the Lightner Museum located in the former Hotel Alcazar. The Alligator Farm next door offers an exciting zip-line tour over the zoo for anyone brave enough.