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To plan a trip to Jacksonville often means numerous trips to the beach, soaking in the sun, and some water sports. Even locals don’t think of downtown as a destination by any means. As a new Jacksonville resident, I love spending time in the city. When planning a trip to downtown Jacksonville, there are many unique locations to add to your list. Seeing as this part of the city is not filled with tourists, many of the things to do in downtown Jacksonville are all one of a kind. Street art, rooftop happy hours, unique shops all resting a block from the St. Johns River. You may not think that Jacksonville will fuel your hunger for eclectic city vibes, but I would be prepared to be surprised (at least I was).
Things to do in downtown Jacksonville
Downtown Jacksonville library
Avid reader or not, the downtown Jacksonville Library is stunning (on the inside and out). The building located across Hemming Park, has multiple levels filled to the brim with books and resources (check out the map room, too). You can explore the balcony looking over the courtyard (with a fountain and all) while taking in the city views. Although hard to miss, it is a private gem in downtown Jax.
Explore the street art
Recently having composed a post on some of my favorite Jacksonville street art, I know the wall murals will keep popping up. Renowned artists from all over the world (greatly in part to Art Republic) have come to the Bold City to give downtown Jacksonville a unique art scene. Something I did not expect in the growing city of Jax.
Chamblin’s Uptown Books
With another location in Ortega, Chamblin’s Uptown resides on N. Laura St. and has nothing but the best reputation by locals in Jacksonville. A perfect day in downtown Jacksonville easily includes purchasing the most recent New York Times best seller or an antique book of your choice while enjoying it with lunch and a coffee at their in-house cafe.
Manifest Distillery
Manifest Distillery is downtown Jacksonville’s only “full-scale organic distiller” and offers free tasting of their award winning gin, vodka, and whiskey. They also provide a menu of delicious non-alcoholic beverages to have on their own or mix. The space itself is worth stopping for and you can pay for a group tour led by one of their distillers if you want to learn more (and support) this local downtown business.
They now have a cocktail room to sip on their wonderful creations using their spirits!
Rooftop drinks (Intuition Ale House, Cowford Chophouse and Estrella Cocina)
Located next door to Manifest (above), is a brewery and tap room that specializes in small-batched handcrafted ales. They serve up bar-inspired food from Jacksonville’s local restaurant Black Sheep that you can enjoy inside or on their rooftop terrance. Intuition Ale House is the perfect spot to grab a beer before heading to a Jaguars or Jumbo Shrimp game. For a rooftop enveloped by the buildings of downtown. head to Cowford Chophouse’s rooftop for happy hour.
Downtown’s newest rooftop has amazing Jacksonville views – a “Baja coastal Mexican-style, speciality restaurant” located on the seventh floor of the Vystar Credit Union.
Jumbo Shrimp Game
Cheer on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp with Fireworks on the weekends and great ticket prices. As the name suggests, the shrimp at the ballpark is pretty good as well.
Ruby Beach Brewing
Visit the newly opened Ruby Beach Brewing and enjoy their patio complete with fans and great beer on tap.
Take the water taxi
Jacksonville may not have much to show for public transportation, but traveling by boat instead of an Uber when you can is always a good idea. Pay $10 to for unlimited trips throughout the day and spend time on the water as it brings you to stops along the designated route. You may end up at sunset looking at dolphins like when I went on…money well spent.
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Visit MOCA during Downtown Jacksonville’s Art Walk once a month or stop in to see what new exhibits are on display.
Enjoy Hemming Plaza
Grab some lunch at a food truck or the Happy Grilled Cheese and enjoy the music or events happening in the center of downtown Jacksonville.
Stop in Wolf & Cub
A new favorite shop of mine, Wolf and Cub is filled with vintage clothes, jewelry and great products from local businesses. The owner is about to open a boutique salon and apothecary (Holiday Salon & Apothecary) a few doors down creating an even cooler, more unique vibe in the heart of this Florida city.
The Florida Theater
A center for the arts, entertainment and music. This Theater dates back to 1927 and is an iconic historical landmark in downtown Jacksonville. All of their upcoming events can be found on their website.
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