Mary Lee Willetts, Margaret Gallagher and Mary Shaffer Sealey
Situated along the sprawling St. Johns River and just a stone’s throw to beautiful beaches makes Jacksonville an ideal place if you enjoy the great outdoors! I love starting my day with the sounds of the drawbridge going up and the sights of sailboats cruising by and ending the day with a walk among the gorgeous live oaks and magnificent sunsets on the river. This city is “old Florida” at its best, and the heart of Jacksonville is indeed the kind and giving people that make up the various neighborhoods that are built up around the river and coast. Living here for over 25 years, I would not trade places with anyone, anywhere. —Mary Lee
We’ve been lucky enough to call Florida’s First Coast home for nearly 25 years! There’s so much to love about this (somewhat hidden) gem of a town—from the sunny, warm weather to the sprawling live oak trees that cascade along the St. Johns River and the proximity to the beaches and other destinations within the Sunshine State (hello, quick-ish drives to Palm Beach and Boca Grande!). But what really stands out are the people: it’s a warm, welcoming and tight-knit community of friends who feel like family. —Mary Shaffer
Eat: Restaurants in Jacksonville
Florida Juice + Bowl: San Marco and Jacksonville Beach
Try this for healthy lunch, featuring açaí bowls, sushi and fresh pressed juices.
1563 San Marco Boulevard
904.374.9454
2403 3rd Street South
904.746.7144
Gemma Fish + Oyster: San Marco
This newly opened, upscale oyster bar has a rooftop with craft cocktails and great views.
2039 Hendricks Avenue
904.593.7030
Restaurant Orsay: Avondale
An established French bistro that never disappoints. Great happy hour spot!
3630 Park Street
904.381.0909
Taverna: San Marco
Always a crowd pleaser, Taverna offers great American fare, including seafood and salads, with a lovely patio.
1986 San Marco Boulevard
904.398.3005
Rue Saint-Marc: San Marco
A quaint French bistro by one of Jacksonville’s top chefs, Matthew Medure.
2103 San Marco Boulevard
904.619.0861
Doro: Neptune Beach
Just steps from the ocean, Doro boasts a super-cool beach vibe with fresh sushi and fish.
106 First Street
904.853.6943
Palm Valley Fish Camp: Ponte Vedra Beach
An absolute mainstay of Jax seafood restaurants—great food and patios.
299 Roscoe Boulevard North
904.285.3200
Mesa: Ortega
This is a new, fantastic Indian restaurant with a great patio.
4260 Herschel Street
Congaree and Penn: Jacksonville
Located out in the countryside, this Florida farm and restaurant has a lovely event space and is a fantastic setting for a celebratory meal.
11830 Old Kings Road
904.527.1945
Sliders Oyster Bar: Neptune Beach
This is the area’s best authentic casual oyster bar and is located across street from the ocean.
218 First Street
904.246.0881
Singleton’s Seafood Shack: Atlantic Beach
This old-fashioned seafood dive is fantastic and oh-so-fresh!
4728 Ocean Street
904.246.4442
Mayday Ice Cream: San Marco and Riverside
Locally owned gourmet ice cream with innovative flavors.
1432 Hendricks Avenue
904.551.7188
90 Riverside Avenue #605
904.551.0361
The Dreamette: Murray Hill and San Marco
A soft-serve ice cream parlor that’s over 70 years old and not to be missed!
3646 Post Street
904.388.2558
1905 Hendricks Avenue
904.999.0051
Daily Donuts: Orange Park
Small family business serving fresh donuts daily for many years!
1513 Park Avenue
904.579.4248
The Local: Miramar and Neptune Beach
Super-healthy lunch spot with grain bowls and salads.
4578 San Jose Boulevard
904.683.8063
301 Atlantic Boulevard
904.372.9791
Flying Iguana: Neptune Beach
Fun upscale Mexican just steps from the ocean with great margaritas!
207 Atlantic Boulevard
904.853.5680
Community Loaves: Murray Hill
Hip breakfast spot in emerging artsy Murray Hill neighborhood. Breads and pastries made in-house daily.
1116 Edgewood Avenue South
904.381.0097
The French Pantry: Jacksonville
Fantastic lunch spot known for their bakery and breads.
6301-1 Powers Avenue
904.454.8719
Dockside Seafood Restaurant: Jacksonville Beach
Great lunch or dinner spot on the Intracoastal—long lines but worth it.
2510 2nd Avenue North
904.479.3474
Moon River Pizza: Murray Hill
Probably everyone’s favorite pizza spot.
1176 Edgewood Avenue South
904.389.4442
M Shack Burgers: Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach
Chef Medure’s gourmet burgers rival Shake Shack!
10281 Mid Town Parkway
904.642.5000
641 Crosswater Parkway
904.395.3575
Stay: Jacksonville Hotels + Resorts
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club: Ponte Vedra Beach
The place to stay in Jax—gorgeous sprawling old Florida resort with world-class beaches, spa, golf and tennis facilities.
302 Ponte Vedra Boulevard
904.273.7700
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa: Ponte Vedra Beach
Great location near the TPC Sawgrass championship golf courses.
1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd.
904.285.7777
One Ocean Resort & Spa: Atlantic Beach
Just eight miles north of Ponte Vedra, this beautifully renovated hotel sits right on the ocean. Wonderful spa, outdoor oceanfront dining.
1 Ocean Boulevard
904.249.7402
The Riverdale Inn: Riverside
One of a few options in town, this great little B&B is beautifully renovated and offers great hospitality.
1521 Riverside Avenue
904.354.5080
Shop: Local Gifts + Specialty Shops
For Women’s Clothing:
Emory Clothing: Avondale
Beautifully curated lines such as Ulla Johnson, Cara Cara, The Great, White+Warren and more. Where the chicest of the chic shop in Jacksonville.
3573 St. Johns Avenue
904.903.7915
Edge City: Five Points
Fun and funky clothes and accessories by Gunnel Humphreys since 1976.
1017 Park Street
904.353.9423
Penelope T: Jacksonville Beach
Cool boutique at the beach carrying fabulous lines like Beek, Sundry, Mother, Hunter Bell, Greylin, AMO and Saylor.
2400 3rd Street South
904.246.7009
modelcitizen: Ponte Vedra Beach
Never disappoints with styles from AG, Rag & Bone, Hevron, ALC, Farm Rio and more.
330 A1A North #213
904.273.5185
Local Flavors and Finds:
Riverside Arts Market: Riverside
Small businesses, farmers and artists sell their wares at this lively market every Saturday, rain or shine.
715 Riverside Avenue
904.389.2449
Peterbrooke Chocolatier: Downtown (plus locations throughout the area)
Locally owned chocolate not to be missed. Their chocolate-covered popcorn is a Jax-specific treat.
100 West Bay Street
904.398.2489
Sweet Pete’s Candy: Downtown
Historic home renovated to be a whimsical store offering locally made candy. Picture Willie Wonka. Such a fun treat for families!
400 North Hogan Street
904.643.4172
Chamblin Bookmine: Ortega and Downtown
For the bookworm, a well-curated compilation of new, used, rare and collectible books.
4551 Roosevelt Boulevard
904.384.1685
215 North Laura Street
904.674.0868
For the Home and Gifting:
Missy Riley Art & Pieces: Avondale and San Marco
A beautiful store with collections of art and fabulous home pieces and gifts!
3566 St. Johns Avenue
904.379.0513
2006 San Marco Boulevard
904.723.4773
Anita’s Garden Shop & Design: Avondale
Jacksonville’s go-to for gorgeous arrangements and garden items.
3637 St. Johns Avenue
904.388.2060
Blend Indoor Outdoor: Avondale
Fabulous gifts and home wares.
3639 St. Johns Avenue
904.222.0784
The Write Touch: San Marco
The most clever, carefully selected line of gift items in the city! Fun to browse, and don’t miss their custom invitations and stationery.
1967 San Marco Boulevard
904.398.2009
Play: Things to Do in Jacksonville
The Yards: Ponte Vedra Beach
Jax’s number one destination for pickleball + drinks and apps after! Also a fun spot for a quick nine holes of golf. Open to the public.
254 Alta Mar Drive
904.285.5552
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: Riverside
Since 1961, Jax’s finest museum of art exhibits, art education and historical gardens.
829 Riverside Avenue
904.356.6857
Guana Research Reserve & Beaches: South Ponte Vedra Beach
Gorgeous, dog-friendly state park with miles and miles of beaches.
505 Guana River Road
904.380.8600
Big Talbot Island State Park: Jacksonville
Beautiful spot to hike and kayak.
State Road A1A
904.251.2320
Jacksonville Beach Pier: Jacksonville Beach
Great old Florida pier for fishing and walking.
503 1st Street North
904.372.0798
Kingsley Plantation: Jacksonville
The oldest plantation house still standing in Florida, situated along the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve.
11676 Palmetto Avenue
904.251.3537
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH): Downtown
Makes science, history and innovation accessible for all across three levels of exhibits.
1025 Museum Circle
904.396.6674
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens: Jacksonville
More than 100 acres of award-winning exhibits and gardens.
370 Zoo Parkway
904.757.4463
Northbank Riverwalk: Downtown
7.6-mile walking path through downtown along the St.. Johns River.
201 East Coastline Drive
904.255.7930
St. Johns River Taxi Tours: Downtown
Fabulous way to see historic downtown; available for private charters.
904.860.8294
MBody Yoga Studios: Neptune Beach and St. Johns
The best yoga based on the Baptiste Power Vinyasa method.
217 1st Street
904.565.1005
155 Bartram Market Drive
904.565.1055
Alhambra Theatre & Dining: Jacksonville
One of the longest-running professional dinner theaters in the country.
12000 Beach Boulevard
904.641.1212
Breweries, Distilleries and Bars:
Intuition Ale Works: Downtown
929 East Bay Street
904.683.7720
Aardwolf Brewing Company: San Marco
1461 Hendricks Avenue
904.301.0755
Bold City Brewery: Jacksonville
109 East Bay Street
904.503.7682
Fishweir Brewing Company: Murray Hill
1183 Edgewood Avenue South
904.551.9469
Green Room Brewing: Jacksonville Beach
228 3rd Street North
904.201.9283
Hyperion Brewing Company: Downtown
1740 North Main Street
904.518.5131
Lemon Bar: Neptune Beach
2 Lemon Street
904.372.0487
Pete’s Bar: Neptune Beach
117 First Street
904.249.9158
Manifest Distilling: Downtown
960 East Forsyth Street
904.619.1479
Lynch’s Irish Pub: Jacksonville Beach
514 1st Street North
904.249.5181
Coffee Shops:
Bold Bean: Riverside and Jacksonville Beach
869 Stockton Street
904.738.7670
2400 Third Street South
904.372.9179
Southern Grounds: San Marco and Avondale
1671 Atlantic Boulevard
904.619.1503
3562 St. Johns Avenue
904.374.1838
Social House Coffee: Avondale
4204 Herschel Street
904.805.7179
Flamingo Coffee Roasters: Murray Hill
1176 Edgewood Avenue South
904.683.4380
