It’s summertime in Jacksonville, Florida, and if you’ve read some of my previous posts, you know hitting the beach is one of my all-time favorite things to do year-round in this seaside community! But there’s   so much more to Jacksonville than a pristine strip of white sand along the Atlantic.

On a lazy summer day, most folks head for a dip in the ocean waves. But every now and then, I like to change things up a bit and head inland, to experience some of the amazing, historic neighborhoods that give Jacksonville its special flair.

The San Marco neighborhood is a great place to start a tour of the little enclaves that define northeastern Florida architecture and style.  This historic neighborhood is located just outside downtown Jacksonville, and spirals out from the centrally-located San Marco square. Meandering around Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to Venice, Italy. Marble lions anchor an impressive fountain in the center of the town square, lending a romantic and European flair to this southern neighborhood. Traveling along the streets surrounding San Marco square can be an all-day affair; with tasty restaurants and specialty boutiques, avid shoppers and   dedicated foodies will find plenty of fun in this quaint Jacksonville hideaway.

Another can’t-miss Jacksonville neighborhood is the Riverside-Avondale neighborhood. Also located just outside downtown Jacksonville, this impressive neighborhood is nestled conveniently near the hotels and attractions in downtown, and practically right alongside the San Marco neighborhood! That means you can enjoy these two great Floridian neighborhoods, practically at the same time!

While the San Marco neighborhood gives you the distinct feel of little Italy, the Riverside/Avondale neighborhood exudes old Southern charm.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic district is also recognized by the City of Jacksonville. Incredible,  stately homes guard tree-lined streets of quiet and peaceful blocks just   minutes from the bustling city. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time (except for the classic giveaway of the   occasional 2009 Toyota Prius cruising by).

But this fun and funky neighborhood is full of much more than historic charm. Eclectic coffee shops and cafes are sprinkled throughout the Riverside/Avondale neighborhood, and you’ll discover one-of-a-kind shops you can’t find anywhere else. Riverside/Avondale isn’t just about daytime activities either! After the sun goes down, nightclubs start hopping with locals and fun-lovers who know the right spots for the perfect way to dance the night away!

Jacksonville has so many incredible neighborhoods, it’s simply too difficult to wrap them up into just one simple blog post. All around the city, you’ll discover quaint and intimate enclaves lending a profound   sense of home to your northeastern Florida vacation. For the inside scoop on the best Jacksonville neighborhoods, be sure to check out Visit Jacksonville for tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your neighborhood adventure in Jacksonville, Florida!