Jacksonville Downtown One-Day Itinerary: Riverfront, Museums and More

St. Johns River Park, also known as Friendship Park, is a riverfront starting point for a day downtown, on the south bank of the St. Johns River just west of Main Street. The park opened in 1965.

From the park, you can take in the river from its scenic overlook, use the benches, or follow the river walk. The park has car parking and is wheelchair accessible. Its address is 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.

The City of Jacksonville says the Fountain of Friendship can spray 17,000 gallons of water per minute to a height of 120 feet.

St. Johns River Park gives you access to the Southbank Riverwalk, which opened in 1985. Pair the fountain and park with a walk along the riverfront, then choose a museum based on its location and the day’s opening hours.

The fountain flows daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with shows at 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. nightly. Confirm the schedule before planning your evening around a show.

MOCA Jacksonville and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens offer two different downtown museum stops. Check their opening days first, then choose one that fits your route and budget.

MOCA Jacksonville

MOCA Jacksonville is at 333 North Laura Street, next to James Weldon Johnson Park. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on Mondays. On the first and third Wednesday of the month, Museum Nights run from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors age 60 and older, military visitors, youth ages 6–17, and college students. Children age 5 and under enter free. The first floor is always free to the public and includes access to Setlan Coffee Co.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The Cummer Museum is at 829 Riverside Avenue. It is closed Mondays. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m.

General admission is $20 for adults and $18 for students ages 6–17, seniors age 65 and older, military visitors and educators. Children age 5 and under enter free. Admission includes the galleries, special exhibitions and gardens. The gardens close at the museum’s closing time or dusk, whichever comes first, and may close during inclement weather.

Admission is free for members, EBT/SNAP/WIC visitors, and college students Tuesday through Friday. College students pay $18 on Saturdays and Sundays. Current identification is required for marked admission categories. Accessible parking is available in the Riverside Avenue lot and at the Art Connections entrance; the museum also provides accommodations for visitors with differing abilities.

Riverside Arts Market is at 715 Riverside Avenue. The market FAQ identifies parking at Black Knight Financial, 601 Riverside Avenue. Morning yoga is held every Saturday at 9:00 a.m., one hour before the market opens. The Riverside Arts Market timing guide covers planning a visit around its schedule.

If you are planning around the market, check its current opening details before setting your schedule. You can make it a Saturday addition to the riverfront and museum part of your day.

Plan your stops around museum hours and any Saturday market visit.

Is Friendship Fountain part of the Southbank Riverwalk?

St. Johns River Park, where Friendship Fountain is located, provides access to the Southbank Riverwalk. The park also has a river walk and scenic overlook.

Which museum is open later?

MOCA Jacksonville has later hours on the first and third Wednesday of the month, until 9:00 p.m. The Cummer Museum is open until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

Can you visit Riverside Arts Market on a Saturday?

Yes. Morning yoga takes place every Saturday at 9:00 a.m., one hour before the market opens.

Does the Cummer Museum have free admission options?

Admission is free for members, EBT/SNAP/WIC visitors, and college students Tuesday through Friday. Current identification is required for marked admission categories.