Downtown Bites and Sights

The Florida Theatre is a historic 1,900-seat venue in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, renowned for its Mediterranean Revival architecture and rich cultural heritage. Opened in 1927, it has hosted legendary performances, including Elvis Presley's 1956 concerts . Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the theatre continues to be a premier destination for diverse live entertainment

Jacksonville's riverfront features scenic Riverwalks along the St. Johns River, offering parks, public art, and skyline views. The Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks provide trails, green spaces, and access to landmarks like Friendship Fountain and Riverfront Plaza. Ongoing revitalization projects aim to enhance the area with new parks, trails, and recreational spaces.

Jacksonville's Main Library boasts a vast 300,000 sq. ft. space with art, events, and tech centers. Its fourth floor houses Special Collections, featuring the Lewis Ansbacher Map Room with over 240 antique maps, and the Memory Lab for digitizing personal archives.

Jacksonville City Hall occupies the historic St. James Building, a Prairie School masterpiece designed by Henry John Klutho in 1912. Originally built for the Cohen Brothers Department Store, it features a striking 75-foot octagonal glass dome. Restored in the 1990s, it now serves as a symbol of the city's architectural heritage.

James Weldon Johnson Park, Jacksonville’s oldest public park, honors the civil rights leader with art, live music, food trucks, and civic events. It sits on a historic site of 1960s protests and serves as a vibrant downtown gathering space.

Sweet Pete’s Candy in Jacksonville is a 23,000 sq. ft. Victorian candy mansion with 1,000+ candy varieties, handcrafted chocolates, a restaurant, rooftop dessert bar, and candy-making tours. It’s a fun, interactive destination for all ages and hosts events like parties and corporate gatherings.

The Greenleaf & Crosby Building, located at 208 N Laura Street in downtown Jacksonville, was built in 1927 in the Chicago School architectural style. Originally home to the Greenleaf & Crosby jewelry company founded in 1868, it’s now a local historic landmark. Nearby stands the iconic Jacobs Jewelers clock, a four-faced street clock made in 1901 by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. The clock originally stood in front of the Greenleaf & Crosby store after the Great Fire of 1901 and was moved to Laura and Adams streets in 1930. It remains a beloved Jacksonville landmark symbolizing the city’s resilience.

We will explore many other historic sites and murals!