Riverfront Plaza
Jacksonville's Riverfront Plaza is transforming the former Landing site into a vibrant downtown destination with parks, event spaces, and riverwalks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience live music & food
Riverfront Plaza
Best Time
Experience live music & food

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Jacksonville's Riverfront Plaza is transforming the former Landing site into a vibrant downtown destination with parks, event spaces, and riverwalks.
"This isn't a plaza. A plaza is paved with brick, stone or other durable material. This is just an empty lot."
Check Event Schedules
Confirm event details before visiting, as access and amenities can vary.
Bring Seating for Events
Pack blankets or chairs for events, especially during festivals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverfront Transformation
Witness the rebirth of Jacksonville's downtown riverfront, turning a former mall site into a modern public space with green areas and event venues.
Event Lawn & Playground
Future plans include a large event lawn for concerts and a rooftop playground atop a pavilion, offering fun for all ages.

Riverwalk & Bulkhead
Enjoy upgraded riverwalks and a new bulkhead, providing scenic views and improved access along the St. Johns River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Future-Focused Development
Event-Driven Destination
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedules
Confirm event details before visiting, as access and amenities can vary.
Bring Seating for Events
Pack blankets or chairs for events, especially during festivals.
Construction Zones
Be aware of ongoing construction; some areas may be temporarily inaccessible.
Photo Opportunities
The area offers great spots for photos, especially with the river backdrop.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedules
Confirm event details before visiting, as access and amenities can vary.
Bring Seating for Events
Pack blankets or chairs for events, especially during festivals.
Construction Zones
Be aware of ongoing construction; some areas may be temporarily inaccessible.
Photo Opportunities
The area offers great spots for photos, especially with the river backdrop.
Pack for Weather
Bring an umbrella for sun or rain, and consider packing your own food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews highlight the potential of Riverfront Plaza as a future downtown hub, with many anticipating the new amenities. While some miss the former Jacksonville Landing, there's optimism about the ongoing transformation into a vibrant public space. Current experiences often revolve around events, which are generally enjoyed for their atmosphere and offerings, though some note a lack of permanent facilities during construction.
"This isn't a plaza. A plaza is paved with brick, stone or other durable material. This is just an empty lot.
More than anything else, it's pathetic memorial to the utter failure of the Jacksonville city government to control crime and homelessness around the former Jacksonville Landing - a landmark retail development which transformed and revitalized the riverfront when it opened in 1987. Instead of taking the necessary measure to provide adequate police oversight, the city choose to DEMOLISH a perfectly viable commercial building in the heart of the city.
What a disgrace!"
Troy Davis
"The staff of this hotel are the most accommodating and kind people! Everyone went out of their way to talk with us, give extra soap and shampoo, and offer directions and info about the surrounding area. Rambo was a charmer! The front desk manager was so positive and clearly loved her job. It's nice to stay at a place where staff is happy. Our waitress, Ezzy, has been there for 22 years and her son works there now also. That says a lot to want to work anywhere that long."
Kristin Deree
"I miss the old landing but change is happening every where. I say and meditated under some trees in the shade. It was beautiful day. They are seeing up and getting ready for the FLA/GA weekend festivities. But not one of them could tell me who was going to be playing on stage. Amy body out there know? I want to see if it's worth going or not. Not into drunk 21 yr Olds or any drunks for that matter so if the Bands are worth seeing I might go. I enjoyed my morning there ☺"
Kimberly Massey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverfront Plaza is located downtown Jacksonville, accessible by car, public transport, or ride-sharing services. Parking is available nearby, though it can be limited during events. Some visitors have noted that walking along the river directly from hotels like the Hyatt Regency might have closed sections.
While parts of the riverfront are accessible, direct riverwalk paths may be interrupted by construction or closed sections. It's best to check current conditions or use alternative routes.
Several parking garages and lots are available in the downtown area near Riverfront Plaza. Prices can vary, especially on event days.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for reaching Riverfront Plaza. Drop-off points are usually well-marked.
Downtown Jacksonville is served by JTA buses, which can drop you off within walking distance of Riverfront Plaza. Check the JTA website for routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to Riverfront Plaza is typically free. However, specific events held at the plaza may require tickets for entry.
As a public park space, Riverfront Plaza generally has open access. However, specific event hours will vary, and certain areas might have restricted access during construction phases.
Entry to the public areas of Riverfront Plaza is free. Fees may apply for special events, concerts, or festivals hosted at the venue.
Event information is often shared on social media by local Jacksonville accounts and the city's official channels. Checking local event listings is also recommended.
Yes, future plans include a playground, and current event setups are often family-friendly. It's a good spot for a day out with children, especially during festivals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Currently, it's a space for events and enjoying river views. Future developments will include extensive green spaces, playgrounds, and event lawns.
Restrooms are typically available during events, often in the form of porta-potties. Permanent facilities are part of the ongoing development.
While specific pet policies can vary by event, public park areas often allow leashed pets. It's advisable to check event-specific rules.
The ongoing development aims to improve accessibility. Future plans include accessible pathways and facilities.
The riverfront itself offers scenic views, and the area provides a backdrop for capturing the ongoing transformation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food vendors are frequently present during events and festivals held at Riverfront Plaza.
Yes, visitors are often permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, especially for events.
Events often feature a variety of food trucks and vendors, offering diverse options from local cuisine to international flavors.
The downtown Jacksonville area surrounding Riverfront Plaza has numerous restaurants and cafes offering various dining experiences.
Future plans for Riverfront Plaza include a cafe pavilion with a rooftop playground, enhancing the dining and recreational options.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting over the river. Weekday mornings provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Capture the ongoing construction, the river views, and the evolving urban landscape. Event days offer vibrant scenes.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and may require permits. It's best to check with city authorities before flying a drone.
The riverfront itself, the new bulkhead, and any completed structures or event setups offer great photographic opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is allowed during events, but professional photography or videography might require special permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While navigating construction, focus on the accessible areas and event zones. The riverfront setting provides a pleasant backdrop for a family stroll, and the anticipation of new play areas adds to the excitement for younger visitors. Keep an eye on event schedules for family-oriented activities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the plaza is still evolving, completed sections and event setups provide interesting compositions. Be mindful of construction zones, but utilize the available riverwalks and open spaces for your shots. Drone photography might be an option, but always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits beforehand.
🏙️ Urban Explorers & Downtown Revitalization Fans
Follow the progress through social media updates and local news to understand the different phases of development. Visiting during an event can give you a sense of the community engagement the plaza aims to foster. It's a chance to witness firsthand how a city is reimagining its waterfront.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of Riverfront Plaza
The vision for Riverfront Plaza includes expansive green spaces, a large event lawn designed to host concerts and community gatherings, and a modern playground. Future additions will also feature improved riverwalks and a new bulkhead, enhancing the connection between the city and the St. Johns River. This transformation is a key component of Jacksonville's broader downtown revitalization efforts, promising to bring more life and activity to the urban core.
While the full realization of Riverfront Plaza is still unfolding, with major components expected to be completed between 2025 and 2027, the site is already a focal point for events. Visitors can experience the ongoing changes and enjoy the existing amenities, keeping an eye on the progress of this exciting urban development.
Events and Activities at the Plaza
Attendees at these events often find a lively atmosphere with live music, diverse food options, and family-friendly activities. It's common for visitors to bring blankets or chairs to comfortably enjoy performances and the riverside setting. The plaza's open layout, even with ongoing construction, makes it suitable for a day out with family, offering space for children to explore and for everyone to enjoy the river views.
To make the most of a visit, it's recommended to check the schedule for upcoming events. This will help you plan your visit around specific activities and be aware of any potential crowd levels or temporary access changes due to event setups.
Navigating Construction and Access
It's advisable to stay updated on the project's progress through official city channels or local news sources to understand current access points and any temporary closures. While some areas might be under construction, the completed sections and event spaces still offer valuable experiences, including scenic river views and opportunities for photography.
Despite the construction, the plaza's transformation is a significant undertaking for Jacksonville. The ongoing work is paving the way for a revitalized downtown core, and visitors can witness this progress firsthand, appreciating the vision for a more vibrant riverfront.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit