Explore the Park Street / Five Points Neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, Florida, is a vibrant, lively city with many distinct neighborhoods and areas. Along the St. Johns River, the eclectic Five Points neighborhood and its main corridor, Park Street, offer a rich history amid a backdrop of interesting storefronts and world-class dining and entertainment venues. Here are five things to know about Park Street and the Five Points neighborhood in Jacksonville.

Location and History

Jacksonville’s historic Five Points neighborhood is located on the St. Johns River. It’s part of the larger Riverside district, a primarily residential neighborhood located southwest of downtown Jacksonville. After the Great Fire of 1901, which destroyed many downtown homes and buildings, displaced residents moved to Riverside and built impressive homes along the river. Architects continued to build a variety of contemporary homes in different styles, including bungalow, Tudor, and Victorian. Today, the Riverside area makes Jacksonville the largest collection of these styles of homes in the state.

The main corridor in the Five Points district is Park Street, beginning at Riverside Park on the north end of the district. Park Street extends to the famous Five Points intersection, a unique juncture where five streets meet. Traffic doesn’t flow continuously at this intersection, which can cause confusion for tourists or new drivers in the area. For locals, though, the Five Points intersection is part of the charm of the neighborhood.

The Five Points neighborhood is well known to Jacksonville locals for its bohemian vibe, colorful storefronts, and unique businesses. The Park Arcade Building, an Italian Renaissance Revival structure, is a historic landmark with seven storefronts. Today, it’s home to local boutiques and cafes. As you stroll through this charming neighborhood, you’ll find other historic points of interest and many independent shops and restaurants.

Arts and Culture

Park Street and the greater Five Points district offer a vibrant culture full of art and entertainment. The neighborhood is home to distinctive wall murals, which adorn many buildings along Park Street. One of the most beloved institutions on Park Street is the historic Sun-Ray Cinema. It originally opened in 1927 as the Riverside Theatre, which was the first theater in Florida to show talking films. Today, the theater shows a combination of independent films and first-run blockbusters. It also has an extensive menu with pizza, popcorn, sandwiches, hot dogs, craft beer and wine, and more.

The Five Points neighborhood is also home to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida. The museum features a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of art dating from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century. Admission to the museum also includes the Cummer Gardens, a historic riverfront garden along the banks of the St. Johns River. In addition to its vibrant blooms and lush oak trees, the garden also features reflecting pools, fountains, and sculptures to create a reflective, relaxing oasis.

Food and Drink

Foodies have long flocked to the Five Points district for delicious local cuisine. Whatever you’re craving, you’re sure to find something to tempt your palate on Park Street. Visit Hawkers 5 Points for bold, flavorful Asian street food, such as Korean twice-fried wings, street skewers, and crispy tofu bites. Also on Park Street, Biggie’s Pizza blends New York-style pizza with iconic Jax flair to create gourmet pies. Choose from specialty pizzas or create your own with a tasty combination of toppings. Other popular restaurants in the Five Points district include The Bread and Board, Mossfire Grill, and Corner Taco.

If you’re looking for a craft beer or a handcrafted cocktail, there are plenty of bars in Five Points where you can quench your thirst. The Wall Street Deli & Lounge on Park Street is Five Points’ oldest bar, formerly operating as 5 Points Lounge since the 1930s. Also on Park Street, Alewife Craft Beer Bottle Shop offers a variety of craft beers and ciders sure to please any ale aficionado.

Shopping

When you’re looking to indulge in a little retail therapy, make the trip to Five Points. On Park Street, Five Points Antiques and Collectibles offers an eclectic mix of antique items. Whether you’re looking for clothing, furniture, decor, or unique knick-knacks, you can probably find them here. At the nearby Jane Doe Boutique, you can shop for high-quality clothing and accessories, including blouses and tops, dresses, and handbags. While you’re shopping, don’t forget about your four-legged friend. Bark on Park offers a variety of unique products and handcrafted baked goods for your pup.

If you find yourself in Five Points on a Saturday, make plans to visit the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge. This family-friendly event features local artists and makers. Stroll through the market to find unique, handcrafted items, such as art, candles, bath products, jewelry, and more.

Parks

The Five Points neighborhood is home to two spacious parks offering first-class amenities. Riverside Park, located adjacent to Park Street, is the second-oldest park in Jacksonville, dating back to the early 1890s. This 14-acre park offers plenty of green space with walking paths, stone bridges, and a spring-fed lake. Recreational amenities at the park include a basketball court, playground, and dog park. There are also picnic tables available if you want to enjoy lunch or a snack at the park.

Located along the banks of the river, Memorial Park is another gem in the city’s park system. The six-acre park on Riverside Avenue attracts visitors from across Northeast Florida. Memorial Park features a walkway, a fountain and sculpture, marble benches, a spacious lawn, and a 560-foot balustrade where you can enjoy views of the city across the river. It’s walking distance to the restaurants and shops in the Five Points neighborhood, as well as the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

Now you know more about the iconic Park Street in the Five Points neighborhood. With so many places to eat and visit, it’s worth making a trip to this part of Jacksonville. If you’re a local, did we miss one of your favorite parts of the Five Points area? Send a message to Keith Pierson Toyota and let us know so we can add it to our list. We love to highlight the many neighborhoods, businesses, and attractions that make Jax such a great place to live and work. For other local recommendations, check out our past blog posts.

St Johns River by Michel Curi is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Tags: entertainment, food, history
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