A Black Travel Guide to Jacksonville

Any Historical Sites?

If this is your first-time visiting Jacksonville and you would like to delve into the Black historical sites of the city first, downtown would be a great place to start! With the Black population in Jacksonville, FL being a little over 30 percent of the total population, the area is rich in African American and Black history, landmarks and heritage.

Once a historic Black neighborhood known as the “Harlem of The South,” LaVilla is now a part of Downtown Jacksonville and is a landing site for historical black culture and heritage. In 1929 the Ritz Theatre was built and from then until the 1960’s it served as the movie house and entertainment central for the thriving Black residents of LaVilla. In 1999 it was reconstructed and became the Ritz Theatre and Museum that now seats 400 and still serves as a Black entertainment mecca with a focus on the arts. As a part of the Ritz’s mission, preservation of artifacts and the culture of African American life as well as others from the African diaspora, is presented here in the form of education or artistic expression. To find a schedule of events, including but not limited to concerts and musicals and to learn more about the initiatives being put forth to preserve and protect our complex and rich Black heritage, click here.

What’s Else Is There to SEE?

If the art scene is more “your thing,” you are going to want to see some of the creative gems from local and emerging artists around Jacksonville! There are plenty of Instagram-worthy murals to behold! The city is full of them with several focusing on black culture and imagery. The College Park Mural in Arlington would be a great place to start. It is located on the side of the old Town & Country (now College Park) Shopping Center -903 University Blvd. and spells out the word “Arlington.” It can be seen from the highway but there is plenty of space to park and take some amazing pictures

Here is a list of other “must-do” ideas if you are a Black traveler visiting Jacksonville for the first time:

• Stop by and take-a-look at the EverBank Stadium where the Jacksonville Jaguars play.
• Seeing the Jacksonville skyline at night is a must. The vibrant blue Main Street Bridge is absolutely stunning at night.
• For a perfect nighttime view of the skyline, consider visiting River & Post rooftop or Cowford Chophouse rooftop. While you're there, enjoy a cocktail or two and small bites.
• Throw on some sneakers or a pair of roller skates to take a stroll down the Riverwalk. There are beautiful views of the St. John’s River and if you are lucky you may see a dolphin or two.
• Of course, you must visit the beach while in Jax. There are several for you to choose from including Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beach. While there are plenty of eateries and shopping as well.
• If you have the kids with you, consider Adventure Landing, Jacksonville Zoo & Garden, and K1 Speed- an indoor high speed go-karting with axe throwing and an arcade.

So What About the Shopping?

If shopping is your thing, you can find just about anything you want! The St. Johns Town Center is the city’s mecca for all things retail but if you are looking to support Black-owned retail while in town consider supporting the following:

• Pretty Pieces Boutique
• Meow and Barks Boutique
• Talk of The Town Boutique
• Tea Posh Naturals Herbal Tea Company
• Auntie Peaches Apothecary
• Jones and Rose Skincare
• Apple Rose Beauty
• Just Schoolin’ Life Boutique

Where Should I Stay?

Because Jacksonville is such a large city and is super spread out, a good recommendation would be to choose a hotel based on where you plan to spend the most time. There are great hotels to all over town, however and there is no need to worry about heavy traffic. Here are a couple of hotels, unique to Jacksonville!

Hotel Palms: Modern, boutique hotel located minutes away from Neptune Beach and the Beaches Town Center.

One Ocean Resort & Spa: ocean-front views, located directly on Atlantic Beach and in walking distance of the Beaches Town Center.