The Avenues Mall
The Avenues opened on September 26, 1990, at the intersection of Philips Highway (US-1) and Southside Boulevard, during a period of rapid growth across Jacksonville’s Southside. Thousands of shoppers turned out for opening day, when the mall launched with JCPenney, Sears, and Maison Blanche as anchors and more than 150 stores; Dillard’s joined as an anchor in 1991. Today the property spans roughly 1.12 million square feet with anchors including Belk, Dillard’s, and JCPenney, and more than 140 tenants overall.
The mall’s opening helped spur further commercial development throughout the surrounding area. Hotels, restaurants, office buildings, and residential communities followed, turning the Southside into one of Jacksonville’s busiest commercial districts. Over the decades, the mall has continued to evolve, welcoming new retailers, updating its common areas, and expanding dining options.
Location and Access
The Avenues sits at exit 339 off Interstate 95, at the intersection of Philips Highway (US-1) and Southside Boulevard.
A Wide Variety of Shopping
With more than 140 tenants, The Avenues offers something for nearly every shopper, including:
- Fashion and apparel
- Shoes and accessories
- Jewelry and watches
- Beauty and cosmetics
- Sporting goods
- Electronics
- Home décor
- Gifts and specialty items
Dining for Every Taste
Shopping isn’t the only reason people visit. Dining options range from quick bites to full-service restaurants:
- Casual dining
- Popular national restaurant chains
- Coffee shops
- Dessert and ice cream
- International cuisine
- Food court favorites
Family-Friendly Entertainment
The Avenues regularly hosts seasonal events and community activities for visitors of all ages, including:
- Holiday celebrations
- Photos with Santa
- Seasonal decorations
- Family events
- Community programs
- Special retail promotions
Its spacious indoor environment also makes it a popular stop during Florida’s hot summers and rainy afternoons.
Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
Mandarin. A short drive south, this historic neighborhood offers St. Johns River views, locally owned restaurants, parks, and one of Jacksonville’s richest collections of local history.
Walter Jones Historical Park. Restored nineteenth-century buildings, walking trails, and the Mandarin Museum tell the story of Jacksonville’s agricultural past.
Palmetto Leaves Regional Park. Hiking, kayaking, picnic areas, athletic fields, and nature trails offer a quieter contrast to the shopping district.
Goodby’s Creek Boat Ramp. Visitors can launch a boat or kayak here for easy access to Goodby’s Creek and the St. Johns River.
Convenient Southside Access
The Avenues sits near several major highways, making it easy to reach from much of Jacksonville:
- Interstate 95
- Southside Boulevard
- Philips Highway (US-1)
- Interstate 295
- Baymeadows Road
IT Support for Local Businesses – Total Business Systems
The retailers and restaurants around The Avenues depend on reliable point-of-sale systems, secure networks, and fast connectivity to keep lines moving and customer data protected. Total Business Systems provides Managed IT Services, network security, and high-speed internet to businesses throughout Jacksonville’s Southside, helping retail and hospitality operations stay online during their busiest hours. As a trusted provider of Jacksonville IT Services, Total Business Systems tailors its solutions to businesses of every size in the area.
More Than a Shopping Center
For more than three decades, The Avenues Mall has been more than a place to shop. It’s a gathering place where friends meet for lunch, families spend weekends together, and visitors enjoy one of Jacksonville’s most recognizable retail destinations, reflecting the steady growth of the Southside along the way.