Sometimes the best way to discover Downtown Jacksonville is with a little help from organizations that know it through and through. With these guided tours of Downtown, you’ll be sure to find old historic haunts and unearth some Downtown gems you didn’t know were there.
Top to Bottom Walking Tour (904-827-1845)
Let Downtown expert Gary Sass be your guide, and hear the stories of the River City from the Great Fire to the First Hollywood. You’ll gaze across the city on a rooftop and explore the secret underground tunnels beneath Downtown. Cost is $20 per person, with seasonal discounts also available. Tours run every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Tour attendees meet at the Jacksonville Landing escalators.
"River City Haunts" Walking Ghost Tour (904-827-1845)
Guided by lantern light, let "local ghosts" take you on a tour through streets, alleyways and haunted buildings throughout Downtown. You'll get to explore the city, while also learning about the horrific histories that took place here. Cost is $20 per person, with seasonal discounts also available. Tours run every Friday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tour attendees meet at the Jacksonville Landing escalators.
Kayak tour of Downtown (904-595-5976)
Looking for a little adventure? Tour Downtown from the St. Johns River with a kayak and guide from First Coast Outfitters. Enjoy a leisurely kayaking journey, traveling along the Southbank of Jacksonville past a backdrop of landmarks like the Friendship Fountain, the Jacksonville Landing, the Jaguars' home at EverBank Field, and two of the city's famous seven bridges. At Exchange Club Island, you'll stop for a snack and learn a bit about the diverse ecosystem of the St. Johns River. Cost is $55 per person and $35 for children under 12 years old. Call for more information.
Florida Theatre Tour (904-355-5661, ext. 232)
Get up-close and informed on this historic Jacksonville cultural venue that opened in 1927 on Forsyth Street. The tour is approximately 30 to 45 minutes offered Monday through Friday. To schedule a tours (groups are welcome), call 904-355-5661, ext 232. Complimentary tours are also available on select First Wednesday Art Walks.
Jacksonville Historical Society (904-665-0064)
The Jacksonville Historical Society, the area’s leading source of information on First Coast history, offers custom outdoor and indoor tours for individuals and groups, including tours about Downtown that include the Merrill House and other Downtown landmarks. Call the Society’s office for more information.
Sally Corporation (904-355-7100)
For more than 30 years, this Downtown animatronics corporation has hosted thousands of visitors for tours of its robot factory. Tours are offered on Tuesday and Thursday hourly from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. free of charge to groups no larger than 30 people (no tours in July or August). Tours are by reservation only and the minimum age of attendee is 7.
Self-Guided Tours at Your own Pace and Time
Northbank Historic Walking Tour (East)
Produced by DVI, this tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Downtown with 27 stops that highlight unique buildings, historic churches and more. Download the free PDF.
Northbank Historic Walking Tour (West)
For a tour of the west end of the Northwalk, download the PDF. You’ll visit historic Hemming Park, Snyder Memorial plus 16 other stops.
Southbank Historic Walking Tour
To round out the Downtown walking tour experience, DVI also offers a walking tour of the Southbank, where you’ll get great views of the Jacksonville skyline and discover lovely Treaty Oak Park and the Acosta and the Main Street Bridges. Download the PDF.
