Best places to stay in/near Downtown Jacksonville? (extended stay, spring break)

[Brillemeister]

My family and I will be staying in Jacksonville in late March. Proximity to museums, mid- to high-tier restaurants, etcetera is a factor, as well as safety after dark. We're also hoping to avoid the Spring Break crowd as much as possible. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

[sanmarcomatt]

Originally Posted by Brillemeister

My family and I will be staying in Jacksonville in late March. Proximity to museums, mid- to high-tier restaurants, etcetera is a factor, as well as safety after dark. We're also hoping to avoid the Spring Break crowd as much as possible. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

I would not recommend actually staying downtown(North Bank) but will suggest my neighborhood of San Marco and the South Bank which is very close to the Downtown core. Jax isn't exactly known for its museums but you could walk to MOSH (science) and be a very short drive to MOCA (downtown) and Cummer (Riverside area). You can stay for a reasonable price on the Riverfront or a hotel near Hendricks Ave in North San Marco. (also extended stay options)

San Marco is know for its parks,entertainment, and extensive dining options, including several that hit various "Best of" lists.

The area is very walkable and my wife and I( we like to think we are 30 but really 50) frequently are walking home around Elevenish on the weekends and safety is no concern for us. San Marco Square is very vibrant during the day/evening but the area isn't a late nite spot as, outside of a couple of bars, the area tends to be pretty quiet by 11. About the worst you may encounter, is probably a couple of homeless people but have yet to meet any that were aggressive.

There is also a free buggy service (drivers work for tips) that will take you within the area. It is a great option if you want to avoid driving but are not up for about a mile walk from the South Bank to the Square.

[Florida2014]

None of that (high end restaurants, spring break crowds, etc.) exists downtown. MOSH is a good museum but that's the extent of our downtown culture for the most part.

[JBtwinz]

Originally Posted by Florida2014

None of that (high end restaurants, spring break crowds, etc.) exists downtown. MOSH is a good museum but that's the extent of our downtown culture for the most part.

I have beaten this horse to death but after 30 plus years living here it still blows my mind that a downtown urban area like Jacksonville with a river running though it and beautiful river walks on both the south and northside of the river still has not been able to produce a vibrant area to attract people.

I wish the city of Jacksonville would seed small businesses instead of funding Shads projects. So many of my friends remark that when going to a game, the amphitheater or auditorium that there is virtually now where to eat and drink before or after events in close proximity (not counting Intuition). Not sure many will be able to afford dinner and drinks at the Four Seasons when it opens.

[sanmarcomatt]

Originally Posted by Brillemeister

My family and I will be staying in Jacksonville in late March. Proximity to museums, mid- to high-tier restaurants, etcetera is a factor, as well as safety after dark. We're also hoping to avoid the Spring Break crowd as much as possible. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

One other note. About 99% of this forum activity is about gated communities and to most posters, DT Jax and its surrounding neighborhoods may as well be in Iraq.
You may want to post your same question on a site that is more geared toward Urban Jacksonville. Not sure the rule on posting links so I will just suggest search for The Jaxon Mag.There are posters there much better than me and I would be surprised if you did not receive some very helpful responses.

[TD*]

Originally Posted by JBtwinz

I have beaten this horse to death but after 30 plus years living here it still blows my mind that a downtown urban area like Jacksonville with a river running though it and beautiful river walks on both the south and northside of the river still has not been able to produce a vibrant area to attract people.

I wish the city of Jacksonville would seed small businesses instead of funding Shads projects. So many of my friends remark that when going to a game, the amphitheater or auditorium that there is virtually now where to eat and drink before or after events in close proximity (not counting Intuition). Not sure many will be able to afford dinner and drinks at the Four Seasons when it opens.

Jacksonville definitely does not have as much culture as it could.

Its a nice enough area and offers a good lifestyle, but its not your typical big city mecca for museums and vibrant urban spaces. It has nice urban neighborhoods, but its very good at being a suburban triumph rather than an urban place.

[squarpeg]

Well unless you HAVE to be in Jacksonville for a particular reason I would suggest skipping it. Will only lead to disappointment. I suggest staying on Amelia Island, tons of restaurants, small museum, tour the fort, go on the tourist boat rides, completely safe. Not many spring breakers here. Then I would day trip to JAX which is a nice easy drive down and back. You can visit what they have which is not much, the cummer is nice but very small. The zoo is very nice even for adults, That is on the northside so you are close from Amelia

[remirosie123]

Originally Posted by Florida2014

None of that (high end restaurants, spring break crowds, etc.) exists downtown. MOSH is a good museum but that's the extent of our downtown culture for the most part.

Hopefully the revitlaization will have more of these, isn' t there another UNF museum downtown?

[remirosie123]

Originally Posted by JBtwinz

I have beaten this horse to death but after 30 plus years living here it still blows my mind that a downtown urban area like Jacksonville with a river running though it and beautiful river walks on both the south and northside of the river still has not been able to produce a vibrant area to attract people.

I wish the city of Jacksonville would seed small businesses instead of funding Shads projects. So many of my friends remark that when going to a game, the amphitheater or auditorium that there is virtually now where to eat and drink before or after events in close proximity (not counting Intuition). Not sure many will be able to afford dinner and drinks at the Four Seasons when it opens.

The revitalization and downtown vision has some great plans in line for downtown Jax, I agree with you about the river and the riverwalks, this downtown needs more and it looks like it will happen.

[Gromicide]

I just left the Jax Auto Show at Prime Osbourne. Down town was completely dead at 730PM. It could be so much more but it just isn't. Little strip along Bay St has some sign of night life.