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Photo: Rnl2294, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The central business district of Jacksonville, on the St. Johns River. Five districts make up the entirety of the area. The Northbank is the district most commonly associated with downtown. It houses many of the city's largest and most historic structures, as well as serving as the government and financial center for the region. Across the river, Southbank has its lion's share of iconic buildings and parks. Most notably it's home to the Museum of Science and History and Friendship Fountain. LaVilla and Brooklyn are popular upcoming areas just west of the Northbank. Last but not least, the Sports Complex is a large area to the east of the Northbank, housing TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville Veteran Arena, Metropolitan Park, and the Baseball Grounds.
Downtown Jacksonville is the historic core and central business district (CBD) of Jacksonville, Florida, United States. It comprises the earliest area of the city to be developed and is located in its geographic center along the narrowing point of the St. Johns River.
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MOSH
Also known as the "MOSH" by locals, the museum has many interesting science exhibits, and some interesting information about local history.
Opened in 1965 as the world's largest and tallest fountain, it's capable of spraying 17,000 gallons (64,000 L) of water a minute to a height of 120 feet (37 m). The fountain and surrounding park are directly across from the Northbank and offer visitors some of the best views of the city. It is also adjacent to the Museum of Science and History and is part of the Southbank Riverwalk.
Opened in 1941, the bridge was the second crossing to be built over the St. Johns River. It is one of the most recognized structures in the city and offers visitors some of the best views of the downtown skyline.
The Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually, bringing 250,000 people to Jacksonville's downtown every year. The restored theatre is recognized as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Florida Theatre has been Jacksonville's premier entertainment center since 1927.
Features the USS Orleck, a WWII-era destroyer.
formerly Hemming Park
A block-sized park in the center of Jacksonville's downtown. It was named for Confederate veteran Charles C. Hemming, who in 1898 donated to the City the Confederate monument which was the focal point of the park. The statue was removed by the City in June 2020. In August 2020 the park was renamed for James Weldon Johnson, a writer and civil rights activist. The park is surrounded by Jacksonville's City Hall, the United States Courthouse, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the public Main Library for Jacksonville, the former Snyder Memorial Church and various restaurants. Step inside City Hall, which is a restored department store built in 1912 and designed in the prairie style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho, and take a look at the large, sunlit atrium which dominates the interior of the structure. The downtown Main Library opened in 2005 and is the largest Main Library in the state of Florida. The postmodern structure was designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern and features a Grand Reading Room and a quiet Courtyard for outdoor reading.