Anna Blake & Powell Preston
Things To Do
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art is located in Historic Riverside with plenty of walkable restaurants and bars nearby. You could easily make an afternoon out of being in this area! The permanent collection of the museum includes over 5,000 works of art dating from 2100 BCE to the twenty-first century. The museum's collection is especially strong in European and American paintings. The gardens are simply exquisite and nestled on the St. John's River. See website for hours and ticket prices.
Riverside Arts Market
Open every Saturday rain or shine from 10-3pm. RAM features a variety of small businesses from farmers to artists to makers, bakers and food trucks. The riverfront amphitheater seats 350 people and features live music and or dance performances. Stroll through the rows of local artists and makers. At RAM you will find art, jewelry, candles, plants, bath and body products and so much more all made locally.
San Marco Square
Another historic district in Jacksonville, San Marco Square has cute shops, restaurants, and bars you can stroll through. There are beautiful neighborhoods tucked down any side street that I (Anna) always loved exploring during my lunch break as a barista at the Starbucks on the Square! A beautiful area to grab lunch or dinner, or to just walk around and window shop!
St. Augustine
Now, this is a day trip (ideally) or at least a half day trip. St. Augustine is located about 45 mins south of Jacksonville and is well worth your time if you have it. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country, founded in 1565. If you do go, here are a few recommendations: - Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - the bar across the street from ^^ is "No Name Bar". Get you a fun lil bevvie and sit on the patio. 10/10 - St. George Street - it's touristy, but its great. Lots of shops and bars and restaurants. - St. Augustine Distillery - Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine - The Floridian Restaurant (amazing) If you're considering making a trip out of this, feel free to reach out for more info/recommendations!
The Beach
It seems like a no-brainer to mention the beaches in Jacksonville. Fun fact: With 1,100 miles of navigable water, Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation! While you can make your way to the coast and find any spot of beach you'd like, I recommend Neptune Beach for an area that has shops and restaurants right off the shoreline. It is about a 30 minute drive to get to the beach from downtown Jax, and well worth it!
Taverna (San Marco)
On the San Marco Square, Taverna is one of our favorite restaurants in Jacksonville with "modern interpretations of classic recipes."
Bold Bean Coffee Roasters (Riverside)
We love Bold Bean!! Incredible coffee. Not much more to say than that!
Cool Moose Cafe (Riverside)
A great diner for breakfast or lunch.
River & Post (Riverside)
River and Post is a family favorite for dining and drinks alike! If you go, you must check out the rooftop bar. They have the most stunning view of downtown Jacksonville which showcases our beautiful St. John's River in all her glory.
Taqueria Cinco (Riverside)
Mexican street food with a great backyard patio.
Pie95 Pizza (Riverside)
Delicious wood-fired pizza!! Pretty sure my parents eat here weekly.
The Garage (Riverside)
Just a great dive bar.
Root Down (Riverside)
Hip bar offering a wide selection of beers and signature cocktails.