San Marco is a historic and primarily residential neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, located south of Downtown across the St. Johns River. It is known for its distinctive boutiques, art galleries, diverse dining options, and craft cocktail bars [1]. The neighborhood was formerly the independent city of South Jacksonville until its annexation by Jacksonville in 1932 [2] [5].

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:

The area now known as San Marco was originally part of former plantation lands that developed into the community of South Jacksonville after the American Civil War [2] [4] [5]. Its growth accelerated significantly after the completion of the Acosta Bridge in 1921, which connected it to Downtown Jacksonville [1] [2] [4]. The original San Marco development, which eventually lent its name to the entire area, broke ground in 1925 [2]. This development was designed as an upscale, fashionable area, inspired by Venice, Italy, particularly its commercial district, San Marco Square, which features a fountain with three lion statues [1] [2] [4] [5].

San Marco is a vibrant neighborhood offering a variety of attractions and amenities, including:

Dining and Nightlife

San Marco boasts a full-fledged dining district with numerous restaurants and trendy craft cocktail bars [1]. Notable establishments include:

• Electric Dough: A retro pizza spot with inventive pies [1].
• Gemma Fish + Oyster: Offers pristine oysters, fresh seafood, and a rooftop space [1].
• Good Dough: Known for small-batch doughnuts with bold flavors [1].
• Maple Street Biscuit Company: A regional chain that started in San Marco, serving Southern-style biscuits and comfort food [1].
• Matthew’s Restaurant: Provides a fine dining experience with expertly crafted dishes [1].
• Rue Saint Marc: A French-inspired bistro blending modern and classic flavors [1] [6].
• TAVERNA: Features handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and Mediterranean dishes [1].
• The Bearded Pig: A laid-back barbecue spot with a spacious backyard [1].
• Town Hall: Offers globally inspired fare and creative cocktails [1] [6].
• V Pizza: Specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas [1].
• Metro Diner: A historic diner serving breakfast and comfort food [4] [6].
• Tepeyolot Cerveceria: Offers Mexican food and craft beer [1].
• Aardwolf Brewing Company: One of Jacksonville's original breweries, located in a historic 1920s building [1] [4].
• La Nopalera: A Tex-Mex restaurant located in an old train station building [4].

Shopping and Arts

San Marco Square is a central commercial hub with upscale trendy clothing boutiques, sensational art galleries, and unique shops [1] [2].

• San Marco Bookstore: Offers new and used books [4] [6].
• Write Touch: An adorable place for thoughtful gifts [4].
• Wick: A Candle Bar: Provides a hands-on candle pouring experience [1].

Parks and Recreation

The neighborhood is home to fourteen city parks, offering green spaces and recreational opportunities [2] [4].

• Riverfront Park: Offers wonderful city views, especially at sunset [1].
• Balis Park: A pedestrian green space in San Marco Square, featuring the iconic fountain with three lion statues [2] [4].
• Fletcher Park: A historic community developed during World War I, retaining its early 20th-century charm [5].
• Treaty Oak Park: Home to one of Jacksonville's oldest live oaks [2].
• Friendship Fountain Park: Another notable park on the Southbank [2].

Historical and Cultural Landmarks

San Marco has a rich history reflected in its architecture and institutions.

• Theatre Jacksonville: The oldest community theater in the country, dating back to 1938 [1] [2] [4] [6].
• San Marco Theatre: An art deco single-screen movie theater opened in 1938 [2].
• Preservation Hall: Formerly St. Paul's Episcopal Church, this 1888 building was moved to Fletcher Park and now serves as a rentable event space [2] [4].
• Historic Homes: The neighborhood features old riverfront mansions, including the Mediterranean Revival Swisher House and the Red Bank Plantation house, one of Jacksonville's oldest residential buildings still in use [2] [4].
• San Marco Square Fountain of Lions: Reflects the neighborhood's association with Venice, Italy [1] [4].

Other Amenities and Features

• Walkability: San Marco is highly walkable to restaurants and features sidewalks, though a car is often needed for other errands [6].
• Dog-Friendly: The neighborhood is noted for being very dog-friendly, with parks, dog cleanup stations, and many businesses accommodating pets [6].
• Proximity to Healthcare: San Marco Promenade apartments highlight their convenient location near Jacksonville’s top healthcare facilities [3].
• San Marco Promenade Apartments: Offers luxury living with amenities like a resort-inspired swimming pool, pet park, and smart home technology [3].

The San Marco Preservation Society (SMPS) plays a significant role in encouraging historic preservation and revitalizing the commercial district, including the renovation of San Marco Square and the restoration of the former South Jacksonville City Hall as its headquarters [2].

Answer Provided by iAsk.ai – Ask AI.