Historic San Marco
San Marco is a historic neighborhood on the South Bank of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. I visit as often as I can, and I even worked at the original Metro Diner for a brief time. The neighborhood is unique in the sprawling metropolis, with riverfront mansions, European-inspired statuary and fountains around the square, and a walkable mix of boutiques and restaurants.
The area was originally the town of South Jacksonville after the Civil War and saw its most significant growth in the 1920s. Many professionals live in brick homes, as the neighborhood is minutes from downtown. Today, it has a hip and artsy atmosphere with a fantastic foodie culture, all wrapped in classic Florida architecture and plenty of curb appeal.
San Marco Theatre
The iconic San Marco Theatre is located in the center of the neighborhood, right off of San Marco Square. The landmark entertained moviegoers for more than eight decades before closing in January 2023, but the building remains one of San Marco’s most recognizable and photographed attractions.
In a fitting new chapter for this foodie part of town, the former theatre now houses Electric Dough Pizza Co., which opened in June 2025. The nearly 5,000-square-foot, two-story space has been reimagined as a restaurant and bar, with outdoor dining, a main dining room, and bar areas that keep the original building’s character front and center.
Even if you’re not stopping in for a slice, the theatre’s façade is still an essential San Marco photo stop, especially when you’re exploring the square on foot.
Restaurants
San Marco offers various culinary delights, from comfort food to fine dining. Metro Diner has been a neighborhood staple since 1992, and the original Hendricks Avenue location helped put the area on the map long before its national expansion. In 2010, it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and foodies still seek out the original spot, set inside a historic building once used as a Model T garage.
Other notable restaurants include Taverna and Rue Saint Marc, two fine dining options with chef-inspired menus. Taverna serves Italian favorites alongside an award-winning wine list. The artful Rue Saint-Marc delivers an elevated diner feel, with handmade tables and an ingredient-driven menu that keeps locals coming back. For a lighter bite, it is hard to beat European Street Cafe.
The cafe offers over 100 items, including sandwiches, soups, appetizers, over 200 bottled beers, and a rotating tap. It is a popular local hangout thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and European-styled decor. This is the place to go for lunch, especially if you want a relaxing break between browsing shops and strolling the square.
Art and Culture
San Marco is the place where culture and food meet. One of the biggest annual highlights is the San Marco Art Festival, held in and around the square each year in late November, when artists and vendors fill the area and the neighborhood feels especially lively. Another magnificent point of interest is Theatre Jacksonville, Florida’s longest-running community theatre. Founded in 1919, it has spent more than a century bringing live performances to the Southbank.
The square is also an artistic and retail hub. Balis Park and the Three Lions Sculpture are San Marco’s signature landmarks, and they nod to the neighborhood’s Italian inspiration. Modeled after Venice’s Piazza San Marco, the square was designed with Old World flair in mind, and the lion imagery is a playful tribute to St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. When strolling along the brick-lined streets, a photo stop at Balis Park is pretty much a requirement.
Boutiques
Many boutiques and independently owned shops surround Balis Park. Peterbrooke Chocolatier is a Jacksonville favorite for fine chocolates and its famous chocolate-covered popcorn, and San Marco Bookstore is a great place to browse on a hot afternoon.
Other noteworthy shops include Fig and Willow, a women’s boutique with stylish finds, and The Snob, a classy consignment shop known for designer pieces. For antiques, home decor, and vintage treasures, The Antique Fox near Hendricks Avenue remains a longtime local favorite.
Historic Sites
San Marco is primarily residential, but numerous historic sites exist, including its riverfront homes. The Swisher Estates on River Road were built in 1929 for cigar leaders John H. Swisher and his son Carl, whose company helped popularize the famous King Edward brand. The Mediterranean Revival architecture and sweeping river views make these properties some of the most striking in the neighborhood.
A noteworthy historic property is the Preservation Hall at Fletcher Park. Built in 1888 as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the building was later relocated and restored, and today it serves as an event space and a cherished neighborhood landmark. Strolling along the Southbank Riverwalk is an excellent way to end a walking tour of this charming area. The 1.25-mile path offers panoramic views of the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville skyline across the water.
San Marco is a magical place with many historically and architecturally significant points of interest. With its European flair, abundance of restaurants, and riverfront mansions, it is an enjoyable neighborhood to explore on foot. It is also an ideal foodie destination, with everything from local classics like Metro Diner to fine-dining favorites like Taverna and Rue Saint Marc.
The Riverwalk provides a gorgeous view of the sprawling metropolis, giving a glimpse into how special San Marco is. Though it is only a few miles from the bustle of downtown, it is just far enough away to spend a quiet day discovering one of Jacksonville’s most charming neighborhoods.
