It's First Friday! This was a great day/evening for it. The weather was nice, lightly breezy, with…read moremusic, vendors, food trucks, bubbles, and a beautiful fountain that changed color when the sun set. The event was from 5-9:30. The Blood Mobile was there accepting blood donors, there was a table for financial literacy, pediatric clinic, vet table, bubbles, face painting, and music! I ordered a vegetable pancit, early on, which was tasty and could stand more seasoning and vegetables. Later I ordered a green curry with vegetables and tofu over jasmine rice with a spice level of 6! It was SPICY! Yes!!! I had a great night! Thanks @JaxParks!

Visited Friendship Fountain and honestly it was one of those spots that just feels good to be at…read morewithout trying too hard. The fountain itself is huge and impressive when it's running, with water shooting up and moving in these patterns that make it weirdly calming to just sit and watch. It has that "you could stay here way longer than planned" kind of vibe, especially with the river right there and the open space all around it. My family and I just hung out nearby, walked along the water, and let the kids run around while we took in the view. It is one of those places where nobody is in a rush and everyone is just kind of enjoying the moment. The whole area feels peaceful but still active enough that there's always something to look at--boats passing, people walking, and the fountain doing its thing like the centerpiece of it all. Five stars. Perfect mix of relaxing, pretty views, and a great spot in Jacksonville to just slow down and enjoy the day.

Shantytown is a rare and amazing unicorn! Monday night karaoke is a must. They have amazing beer as…read morewell as really significant sake. The owner has done an amazing job with this place providing unique experience just like the Justice Pub downtown. Make sure to check out their social media for upcoming events.

This place wasn't really my vibe. Came for a friend who was DJing. The spot itself is quaint, three…read moreoutside dressing area was really nice. I didn't like the smoking inside, smelled horrible. Crowd was mostly older, they had a decent beer selection which was nice. Overall fine, just not my kind of place

The Three Lions Fountain in Jacksonville is a nice, peaceful spot with some really cool detail on…read morethe lions. It's not a huge attraction, but it's great for a quick stop and a few pictures. Solid little place that adds some charm to the area.

Three Lions Fountain is the main focal point of San Marco. It really is beautiful and it's kept…read morewell-maintaned. During the day, you may often see little ones playing in the fountain. I'm not really sure if they're suppose to do that. But they sure do have fun and I've never seen anyone tell them not to. For all you Geocachers out there, I will tell you that there is a geocache hidden in this fountain. And boy are you going to have some people really staring, watching, pointing, and even laughing at you as you try to go for it. This area is ALWAYS busy, so you'll ALWAYS have eyes on you when you go for this geocache. Where is it? Well, believe it or not, the back of the lions have holes in them. Yes, yes they do. And you'll have to give the correct lion a rectal exam to get your hands on this geocache. Hubby and I use to be real big into geocaching and I let him have the honors of doing the rectal exam to get it! LOL We did get it, but like I said, we had eyes on us everywhere and people just couldn't figure out what the hell my husband was doing with his hand stuck up one of the lions a$$es! LOL Good Luck!

We crossed this beautiful bridge several times while on our road trip to Jacksonville from Miami…read more We stayed in Jacksonville for 3 nights and were exploring the city as much as possible. We loved that the Main St Bridge turned a brilliant blue at night! You could see it for miles. We found that the best picture taking was located by the Hyatt Regency. There was easy parking and very little traffic to make it safe while standing in the street and photographing the bridge. I can just imagine the views from the hotel windows of the bridge and the city skyline!

Officially the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge when it was named in 1957, it carries US-1 and US-90 over…read morethe St. John's River near downtown Jacksonville Florida. It was named after the mayor who served from 1923 to 1937 and again from 1941 to 1945. It opened to traffic in 1941. It is a vertical lift bridge and has four lanes for traffic and pedestrian walkways on each side and a fantastic view of the city skyline. A little spooky for me in the Sprinter van as there is only a double-yellow line between the traffic. It is the only moveable bridge carrying vehicles over the river in the Jacksonville area. There is no toll to cross the bridge. [Review 19317 overall - 1664 in Florida - 287 of 2023.]

Had a wonderful time in Jacksonville. It was a great town to visit and we will be back. They had so…read moremany fun things to do and sights to see. I was pleasantly surprised how great it was and look in g forward to a return visit.

Jacksonville is a sprawling city close to the Jacksonville beach and town filled with restaurants…read moreand shops. It also is the city of 7 bridges that are very photogenic, especially at night when they are lit up. We visited the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens, the statues of the Runners, the Main Street Bridge, the Cancer Survivor's Park, the Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story, restaurants, shops, Deck the Chairs exhibit, Blackhawk Bluff Christmas lights drive, and the elegant Cowford Chophouse. There is also the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, various water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, swimming, fishing, the St John's Shopping mall, the Florida theater, boat tours and bicycling. Jacksonvillebolle is also very close to St Augustine, the oldest city in the US. Jacksonville also has the honor of being the largest city in the United States land-wise. It's a trip well worth taking.

Balis Park lies right in the heart of San Marco. It's beautiful with its shade, statues, benches…read moreand simply captures the heart of this great town. It's an ideal place to meet, relax and you'll find numerous events held here throughout the year. I would highly suggest this being the place that you use to start your San Marco day.

Love this little park! I live nearby and enjoy sitting by the lions statue/fountain often. It's a…read morequiet place to stretch out before/after going for a run. We attended the AMAZING arts festival here last year and are looking forward to it again. They hold beer festivals, charity runs, and more events in this small park. There is free street parking around the square. Note- there are no public restrooms at this park. The park is well maintained and they always update the landscaping each season. During the holidays, they put lights all over the park surrounding the Christmas tree under the gazebo. I love San Marco and it's many parks!

We stopped by Memorial Park with the dogs this Memorial Day. This park is THE iconic symbol of…read moreRiverside. It is always the perfect place to walk, run, relax on a bench, take in the beauty of the St John's River, fish and it is especially, a place of remembrance and respect. It is equipped with water stations, plenty of grass and plenty of shade. This should always be a stop when you're in Riverside.

I love this park. So close to my home! Perfect place to picnic, sit in the sun, fish or do your…read morepark thing!

Had an amazing stop at The Lone Sailor and it ended up being one of those places that just hits…read moreright from start to finish. The vibe was perfect, relaxed but still lively enough that you feel like you are somewhere special and not just grabbing a quick bite. The kind of place where you sit down thinking you will stay for a short meal and then suddenly realize you have been there way longer because everything just feels comfortable. The food came out hot, fresh, and honestly better than expected. Every bite had that "yeah I would order this again" feeling, especially because it did not feel overcomplicated, just well made and satisfying. The drinks were cold and refreshing and paired really well with the whole experience. Service was friendly and easygoing, like the staff actually wanted you to have a good time instead of just rushing you through. That makes a big difference and it showed. Overall just a great spot in Jacksonville with good energy, good food, and a place I would definitely come back to without thinking twice. Five stars. Definitely worth a visit if you are anywhere near Jacksonville and want a solid meal in a great atmosphere.

Prepare yourself for a tidal wave of awe, admiration, and outright exuberance--because when it…read morecomes to Jacksonville's Lone Sailor on the Riverwalk, subtlety is left at the dock! There, upon the sun-drenched Southbank, gazing ever-steadfast toward the sparkling St. Johns River, stands a monument not merely of bronze and granite, but of valor, legacy, and Jacksonville soul itself! This isn't just a statue. It's a seafaring epic cast in metal--an ode to every sailor who has ever felt the bittersweet tug of the horizon, to every family who's stood watching a loved one depart or return. Sculpted by the legendary Stanley Bleifeld, the Lone Sailor leans with stoic purpose on a dock post, duffle at his side, cap set precisely so, that peacoat's collar upturned in defiance of any metaphorical storm. You can practically hear the briny breeze, the whispered memories, the pride swelling in the city's chest! The statue's placement on the Riverwalk is nothing short of poetic. With the mighty St. Johns as its eternal backdrop, the Lone Sailor becomes a part of Jacksonville's lifeblood, an indelible marker of its maritime identity. It is no accident that this is one of only a select few "Lone Sailor" statues in the nation--an honor bound to Jacksonville's historic, tight-knit bond with the U.S. Navy. This city doesn't just host the Navy; it embraces it as family, and this landmark is the bronze heartbeat of that relationship. More than an artwork, the Lone Sailor is a monument to service, sacrifice, and the spirit of adventure. At sunset, as the city skyline ignites and the river glows, there's almost a cinematic grandeur to the scene--the Lone Sailor silhouetted, embodying the courage, hope, and grit that pulses through Jacksonville's veins. Local, visitor, sailor, or civilian--none can stand before this icon and remain unmoved. It is Jacksonville's reminder that, just as the river flows onward, so does the legacy of those who serve. In the grand panorama of Jacksonville's Riverwalk, the Lone Sailor towers not just as a statue, but as an exuberant celebration of heritage, a cultural touchstone, and an eternally watchful guardian on the threshold between land and sea. If ever a landmark deserved unrestrained applause, it is this--so stand, salute, and bask in the boundless spirit of The Lone Sailor!

Remnants of The Marble Bank's magnificence still clings to the shell of this building. Even in the…read moreruin, it's beauty is evident. It also makes a super cool venue for a fancy party. Jacksonville must save what little history it hasn't demolished for empty lots and parking garages. I'm reserving the 5 stars for when this endangered building is restored to its former glory (which I hope is soon).