Atlantic Beach
Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, this quintessential beach town offers miles of sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. But Atlantic Beach is more than just another pretty beach – it’s a true coastal community with tons of locally-owned restaurants, bars, and shops. Start your day with a stack of lemon ricotta pancakes at Maple Street Biscuit Company before strolling along the Beaches Town Center area. You’ll find everything from funky boutiques to the region’s best art galleries lining these pleasant streets. Speaking of art, be sure to check out the Adele Grage Cultural Center, a community arts hub hosting rotating exhibitions and events. As evening falls, settle in for cocktails with your toes in the sand at Ocean 60, an open-air bar and restaurant with spectacular waterfront views. With its mellow beach vibes and abundance of outdoor activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, Atlantic Beach is tailor-made for adventure-seekers and sand-lovers alike.
Avondale
Step back in time as you mosey along the brick-paved sidewalks of historic Avondale. As one of Jacksonville’s first residential suburbs in the early 1900s, the neighborhood still exudes an unmistakable old-world charm. Admire the grand oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and gracious bungalow-style homes lining the streets. The Shops of Avondale is the thriving heart of the district, filled with locally-owned boutiques, antique shops, and lively restaurants and bars to discover. Don’t miss Avondale institution Edgars, a classic American grille dating back to 1951 that is renowned for their juicy burgers and thick milkshakes. Avondale is also a prime spot for bar-hopping between hip craft cocktail lounges like Wildcrafter, local watering holes like Grassroots, and of course, the district’s quintessential dive bar – Brew HaHa. Whether you stay for an evening of bar-hopping or a daytime of ambling and exploring, Avondale’s charismatic Southern soul will leave you charmed.
Five Points
Proudly positioning itself as Jacksonville’s ‘Original Neighborhood,’ Five Points was established in the late 1800s around the intersection of Park and Lomax Streets. Today this quirky, counterculture district is a mecca for the city’s creative communities and lively nightlife scene. During the day, browse the eclectic shops and galleries along Park Street like Fans & Stoves and 5 Points Vintage Boutique. Grab a slice at Al’s Pizza or some killer falafel at Jordan Falafel Hut, two Five Points eateries beloved by locals and tourists alike. But Five Points really shows its vibrant colors after dark, when the neighborhood’s bold street art and twinkling neon lights set the scene for a night of hopping between laidback pubs and clubs. Kick things off with frosty craft brews at Luckys Seafood Grille or Shalawhat, then dance the night away at traditional dives like Birdies or keep it weird at underground oases like Voltaire and Burro Bags. Quirky, artsy, and always unpredictable – that’s the vibe of Five Points.
San Marco
Nestled on the banks of the St. Johns River, upscale San Marco has that unmistakable Mediterranean ambiance. From charming boutiques to gourmet bistros, this beautiful district epitomizes European sophistication and contemporary Jacksonville culture. On sun-drenched days, stroll along tree-lined streets and marvel at the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and Tuscan-style fountains and statues adorning the district. Treat yourself to a leisurely cafe lunch of housemade pasta or French pastries at Moussa Houli. In the evenings, sip glasses of Italian vino while savoring farm-fresh regional fare at restaurants like Town Hall and Matthew’s. Culture vultures will swoon over San Marco’s vibrant art scene, between stalwart galleries like The Loft and The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach showing off the best local and international artists. Sophisticated but never stuffy, San Marco is where Jacksonville’s elite happily rub elbows with bohemian artists and discerning food lovers.
Riverside
With its riverside parklands, hip bars and restaurants, and thriving LGBTQ+ presence, Riverside epitomizes urban Jacksonville’s laid-back yet vibrant spirit. For an iconic Jacksonville experience, take a stroll along Riverside’s scenic Riverwalk and jaw-dropping skyline views of Downtown. The St. Johns River provides the picturesque backdrop for Riverside’s parks like Memorial and Riverside Park perfect for picnicking, yoga on the lawn, and catching spectacular sunsets. But Riverside isn’t just lush scenery – its streets are lined with buzzy bars, breweries, and eateries that draw nightly crowds. Kickstart your evening at Intuition Ale Works, a pioneering craft brewery set in a lovingly restored 1920s building. Next, belly up for hearty Southern fare at Hawkers Asian Street Food or ramen and tiki drinks at Silver Cow. Riverside’s lively LGBTQ scene is centered around nightclubs like Park Place and Luckyz. Anywhere you turn in this vibrant neighborhood, Riverside delivers that quintessential big city energy with a casual, hip Jax twist.
Springfield
Once known as the “Brooklyn of Jacksonville” for its rich Jewish heritage and commercial roots, the historic neighborhood of Springfield has evolved into Jacksonville’s designated arts and culture district. Walk down Main Street to admire the historic architecture and lively street art murals decorating the facades. At galleries like The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum and FRIZAT Gallery, you’ll encounter incredible modern and contemporary works from local and internationally-acclaimed artists. Keep that creative spark fueled with fresh acai bowls and cold brew from Naples Coffee Club, then let loose at the district’s artist-owned breweries like Main & Six and Brew Hog. By night, catch cutting-edge performances and concerts by local musicians, theater troupes, and dance companies at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum or Players by the Sea theater. With its revitalized urban ambiance and vibrant creative soul, Springfield is Jacksonville’s artistic renaissance neighborhood in full bloom.
Murray Hill
An oasis of natural beauty located on the Westside of Jacksonville, Murray Hill is a tranquil slice of Old Florida you have to experience to believe. Lush with oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and tranquil streams shaded by cypress canopies, Murray Hill evokes an untamed, subtropical essence. Edgewood Gardens offers an up-close look at Florida’s native botanical wonders including hydrangeas, azaleas, and fern trails winding beneath towering trees. For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, don’t miss Doyles Road’s famous Al’s Pizza – perfectly charred, crispy pies served up at an unassuming takeout stand amongst the greenery. Cool off afterwards with homemade ice cream while taking in the nostalgic gas station vibes at Sweet Pete’s. While away sunny afternoons canoeing along the serene streams and quiet, tree-shaded banks of Murray Hill. This hidden gem of a neighborhood is a treasured escape into nature right within the Jacksonville city limits.
Jax Beach
A lively spot for fun under the sun, the beach town of Jax Beach delivers on surf, sand and pure waterfront revelry. Kick things off with breakfast at the iconic Metro Diner, fueling up with towering stacks of pancakes before hitting the beautiful beachfront. Spend lazy days lounging by the shore or get active with rentals from cool beach outfitters like Sunrise Surf Shop, offering kayaks, paddleboards and surfing lessons. For classic seaside eats, dig into fresh catches like shrimp, grouper and tuna tacos at spots like Casa Marina or Sliders Seaside Grill. The lively scene on Jax Beach’s “Pier & Pavilion” area are where the party heats up come evening, with beachfront bars and night clubs like Lilys Cantina, Monte’s Gallery and Anchor Bar. With live music, fruity cocktails on tap, and an endless parade of beautiful bodies on display, Jax Beach serves up the ultimate good-time Florida beach town experience till the wee hours.
Book a Bus With Us
With such a sprawling metropolitan area, experiencing the full diversity of Jacksonville’s neighborhoods is no easy feat on your own. Don’t stress over mapping routes, parking logistics or playing designated team – let Party Bus Jacksonville handle all your group transportation around the River City with our charter bus rentals. Our professional team knows all the best routes and hidden gems to craft an unforgettable Jacksonville tour for your group. No matter if you’re a local looking for a new perspective on Jax or an out-of-towner desiring an insiders’ experience, Party Bus Jacksonville’s fleet of buses and amenity options ensure your ultimate comfort and convenience. With roomy seating, on-board restrooms, TVs and WiFi, explore Jax in luxury without skimping on the thrill. Give us a call at 904-574-4038 to book your party bus rental and prepare to fall in love with Jacksonville’s vibrant neighborhoods up close.