The San Marco Neighborhood

Spend the day shopping and dining in San Marco on the Southbank.

Located just minutes away from Downtown's Southbank is the historic neighborhood of San Marco. Stroll along San Marco Square and you'll discover incredible dining, upscale trendy clothing boutiques, and sensational art galleries. The San Marco dinner theatre and Theatre Jacksonville, the oldest community theatre in the country dating back to 1938, are also located within the square. Riverfront park in San Marco is a wonderful location for city views, especially during the sunset. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the Petebrooke Chocolatier Production Center. Take a tour of this local chocolate factory and see how their decadent treats, including their famous chocolate covered popcorn, are made. Self guided tours are free, guided tours are just $1. Call the Peterbrooke Chocolate Factory Store at (904) 398-2489 for available dates.

Don't miss the San Marco fountain of lions, which reflect the neighborhood's association with the Venice, Italy business district. Save your appetite and visit the new San Marco dining district, it includes some of Jacksonville’s best restaurants including bb’s, The Grotto, Indochine, and Maple Street Biscuit Company. Don't stop at just dinner, the area is emerging with nightlight hot spots like Grape and Grain Exchange, Le Bar at Bistro AIX, The Parlour, Sidecar and one  of the seven local breweries, Aarrdwolf Brewing Company.

Getting Here from Downtown: Take the Acosta Bridge south across the river. Exit onto San Marco Boulevard and continue for a mile. Arrive at the San Marco Square. Free parking is available.

5 don't-miss attractions in san marco

1. Watch the Sunset at Riverfront Park

This acre-long park along a quiet San Marco block gives visitors a perfect location to watch the sunset and spot dolphins and even manatees on the River. Riverfront Park has a few benches and parking along the road. Popular with fishermen, the small yet perfectly situated park is a prime spot for a lazy afternoon. Other frequently visited spots for sunset lovers are the Jim Rink Park and the Greenscape Celebration Park in San Marco.

2. Dinner and a Movie at the San Marco Theater

This is one of two places in town where you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and a movie. Built in 1938, the San Marco Theater has been restored to reflect its golden years and it is a now a popular destination for families and couples looking for a unique night out. The menu includes freshly made pizzas, paninis, quesadillas, and a great beer and wine selection.  

 

3. The San Marco Art Festival

Celebrate with two days of art in the streets as San Marco Boulevard closes to traffic and opens to art lovers. Vendors from across the nation gather in the historic San Marco Square to show sculptures, paintings, pottery and jewelry. The San Marco Art Festival festival is free and open to the public, it takes place in April and then again in November.

4. The San Marco Dinner District

Some of Jacksonville’s most exciting dining options are located in this neighborhood. Bistro AIX offers rustic French flavors with a modern and elegant twist, it is one of the city’s dining gems, locally owned and operated since 1999. In the heart of the San Marco Square, visitors can find Taverna, established in 2009, this restaurant specializes in seasonal European cuisine. The atmosphere is rustic yet sophisticated. When it comes to upscale dinning, Matthew's offers a diverse and elegant menu showcasing local ingredients. Matthew's Restaurant has been a recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Restaurants award each year since 1999.

5. Aardwolf Brewing Company

Aardwolf Brewing Company offers a taproom and brewery just minutes from the heart of Downtown. Take a step back in time as you step into Aardwolf's Taproom, a renovated ice house from the early to mid 1930's located in the historic San Marco area. Every Wednesday the crew releases a new pilot batch beer, be the first to try it!