Downtown Jacksonville is Northeast Florida’s business, cultural and entertainment center. It is located only 20 minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport and just a few minutes from San Marco, Avondale, and Riverside, three of Jacksonville’s most popular historic neighborhoods. Downtown and its historic district have experienced notable growth and revitalization in the past few years.
The Great Fire of 1901 forever changed the downtown landscape. On May 3, 1901, chimney sparks ignited Spanish moss stuffing at the Cleaveland Fibre Factory. Flames quickly roared into a blazing inferno and in less than eight hours destroyed more than 2,300 buildings on nearly 150 blocks, leaving almost 10,000 people homeless. Springfield, Jacksonville’s earliest neighborhood, was saved from destruction by Hogans Creek. As residents relocated to surrounding areas such as Riverside and Avondale, the region experienced an unprecedented building boom.
Today, more than 50,000 people work downtown for companies including Aetna, AT&T, Baptist Healthcare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CSX Transportation, Fidelity National Financial, Prudential Financial, and the city and federal governments. More than 2,500 residents live downtown. The area offers an extensive selection of lease options ranging from contemporary lofts to lavish riverfront condos.
Downtown Jacksonville Attractions
There is plenty to see and do downtown. Sports fans can cheer on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank field or catch a Jacksonville Suns game at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Landing offers dining, shopping and entertainment options and hosts more than 350 events annually including Florida/Georgia Weekend Celebrations, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. City Hall Pub, Burrito Gallery, Dive Bar, Dos Gatos, and Mark’s Downtown Club/Lounge are just a few of downtown’s popular bars and clubs.
The downtown area offers more than a dozen museums and galleries, ten entertainment venues, and almost 100 restaurants. Arts and music enthusiasts can enjoy a Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performance, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, or attend a concert at the Florida Theatre or Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. A variety of events are held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Many of Jacksonville’s most famous upscale restaurants, including the Chart House Restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Morton’s The Steakhouse are located just across the river on the Southbank. The Jacksonville Museum of Science and History and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens provide exciting educational experiences and family fun.
Downtown Jacksonville Images
