South of Downtown and just across river, San Marco is one of Jacksonville's trendiest areas. San Marco Square's boutiques and bookstores, gift shops and gathering places bring residents from all over Jacksonville. There's a taste for every budget, from the upscale, two story Pom's Thai Bistro with live entertainment, to the more casual collection - a pizza parlor, sandwiches and, of course, Starbucks. Since a lot of San Marco lies directly on the banks of the St. Johns, there are some impressive grand mansions on the river, but there are many, more affordable and charming bungalows just inland dotting the tree-lined main thoroughfare, San Marco Boulevard.
Within two blocks of each other, there's the historic San Marco movie theatre and the Playhouse theatre for the performing arts. The San Marco theatre is unique in Jacksonville. A pleasant break from the multiplex, it's a true cinema house, and a combination of movie theatre showing first run films, and bar/restaurant. Having a beer or glass of wine while watching your movie is highly encouraged.