One of the defining and most unique things about our downtown is that it is waterfront. Many people are drawn to live and open businesses in #DTJax because of its proximity to water. As residents, sometimes we forget all of the awesome waterfront and water activities that Downtown Jacksonville has to offer! This summer, we challenge you to experience #DTJax like a tourist and get out on the water to enjoy one of the most unique features Downtown has to offer.
St. John’s River Taxi & Tours
Hop on the St. Johns River Taxi at Friendship Park on the Southbank for a fun-filled cruise to the Jacksonville Landing on the Northbank, take the river taxi at night and see the twinkling lights of downtown by boat, miss the traffic during Jags games by cruising across the river to Met Park, take it to the zoo or go on a science and history tour of Jacksonville. The list keeps going! Check out everything St. John’s River Taxi does, everywhere they go and their schedules here.
Photo Credit: @kalanirosemusic
Southbank Riverwalk
The recently re-imagined and updated Southbank Riverwalk has become a destination for outdoor festivals, races and public art. Bordering the St. Johns River, directly opposite Jacksonville Landing , this 1 1/4-mile art-filled “boardwalk” is usually full of joggers, tourists, folks sitting on benches, and lovers walking hand-in-hand, all of them watching the riverboats, the shorebirds, and Downtown’s skyline reflected in the water. For more info, see the listing in our directory.
The Jacksonville Landing
A staple in Downtown waterfront entertainment, The Jacksonville Landing is home to an array of different venues and venues. You can find live music venues, great food, clothing stores, art shops and galleries and so much more, making it a one-stop shop for Downtown residents and visitors. For more than 25 years, The Jacksonville Landing has been the spot to stop in Downtown Jacksonville. Go all out and arrive by boat! Check out their directory of shops, restaurants and venues here.
Photo credit: @dave.m_g
Friendship Fountain
Is summer really summer without a photo in front of Friendship Fountain? Situated at the west end of the Southbank Riverwalk adjacent to the Museum of Science and History is Friendship Fountain. Dedicated in 1965, it is one of the largest self-contained fountains built, pumping 3,500 to 6,500 gallons of water per minute to a height of 100 feet, with 265 lights molding the water into a sparkling mist. Whether you are looking for a peaceful place for a picnic, or just want to watch the river flow by, Friendship Fountain provides the ideal setting for a sunny afternoon or a romantic evening Downtown.
In 2010, the City of Jacksonville broke ground on park improvements. The $3.1 million project included restoring full functionality to the fountain, updating the fountain’s lighting and adding green space, landscaping and pedestrian accents to the park. Find more info in the listing in our directory here.
Photo credit: @dapperhouseblog
Riverside Arts Market
Grab your friends, family and pups! Riverside Arts Market is one of our favorite family and dog-friendly weekly events. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine, enjoy more than 100 artists, artisans, makers and farmers. Grub on food truck fare and cold beer in the shade under the bridge. Experience the arts and culture of Jacksonville along the St. Johns River. Want to know what vendors will be there? Check out their Interactive Weekly Market Map. Learn more about the event on their website.
Photo credit: @jaxfreedomrun