Downtown Jacksonville Travel Guide

Jacksonville

Photo provided by Ryan Ketterman
Photo provided by Tammy Czigan
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Ryan Ketterman
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville

The picturesque St. Johns River meanders through the center of this hub of skyscrapers, cultural landmarks and exciting nightlife.

Downtown Jacksonville is the economic and historic hub of the city. See the area from many parts of Jacksonville, as its skyscrapers rise above the surrounding city. Many of the main attractions are scattered around the St. Johns River, so the water taxi is a popular mode of transportation. Visit an array of cultural venues, such as museums, galleries and theatres. Enjoy parks, a large shopping complex on the river and a lively nightlife scene.

Spend time at the scenic setting of Friendship Fountain Park. See one of the largest water displays in the country at its centre. The fountain has many powerful jets that are illuminated in a rainbow of colours. Learn about the region’s past and top up your knowledge of biology and physics at the Museum of Science and History.

Go shopping at Jacksonville Landing. Dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés in the complex, with a picturesque view of the river. Visit the arcades, boutiques and bars in the large mall. 

Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river as you look up at the imposing skyscrapers in the financial district. Watch a dramatic performance at the Florida Theatre or the Ritz Theatre, which has an African-American theme.

Attend a game of football or soccer at EverBank Field Stadium, the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. See the Veterans Memorial Wall in a spacious plaza next to the sports arena. The monument pays tribute to the servicemen and women from the region who lost their lives at war.

Take advantage of the eclectic nightlife in the area. Hop between pubs, bars and nightclubs on almost every street. 

Downtown Jacksonville is a 15-mile (24-kilometre) drive south from Jacksonville International Airport. The region is based around both sides of the St. Johns River that passes through the city and out into the Atlantic Ocean. The charming city of Jacksonville Beach is 17 miles (27 kilometres) to the east and Amelia Island is 36 miles (58 kilometres) northeast from downtown Jacksonville. Pay to park in lots in the downtown district.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Downtown Jacksonville

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
4 out of 5
225 E Coastline Dr, Jacksonville, FL
The price is ₹11,660 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹11,660
₹13,367 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,256 reviews)
"Staff was nice"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront
4 out of 5
1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL
The price is ₹9,845 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,845
₹11,175 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,309 reviews)
"The staff is second to none. Anne, Judy, Rambo and Rafael are hotel gems, but the hotel itself is a little dated."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront
Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
3.5 out of 5
1515 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL
The price is ₹8,679 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,679
₹9,850 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,503 reviews)
"Grear"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
4 out of 5
245 Water St, Jacksonville, FL
The price is ₹11,327 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹11,327
₹12,856 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay with great staff!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95
Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95
2.5 out of 5
1331 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL
The price is ₹10,137 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹10,137
₹11,506 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"My stay was short and extremely pleasant."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
2.5 out of 5
715 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Stay at this beach hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,984 reviews)
"Loved the nightly activities, closeness to restaurants, great staff"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Jacksonville

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San Marco

San Marco is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Theatre Jacksonville and San Marco Theatre.

San Marco
Jacksonville showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a bay or harbour

Urban Core

While you're in Urban Core, take in top sights like EverBank Stadium or Florida Theatre, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rosa Parks Station or James Weldon Johnson Park Station.

Urban Core
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens featuring art and interior views as well as a couple

Riverside

Riverside is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and 5 Points West Shopping Center.

Riverside
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Arlington

If you're spending some time in Arlington, Regency Square Mall and Atlantic Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Arlington
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Baymeadows

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Notable for its shopping, restaurants and beaches, Baymeadows is a sought-after destination for many travellers visiting Jacksonville. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Cinemark Tinseltown Jacksonville or St. Johns Town Center.

Baymeadows
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens featuring art and interior views as well as a couple

Northwest

While visiting Northwest, you might make a stop by sights like Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail.

Northwest

Downtown Jacksonville Travel Guide