Peterbrooke Chocolatier San Marco
About
Peterbrooke Chocolatier is a delightful chocolate shop and ice cream parlor in the heart of San Marco that's perfect for treating your kids after a day exploring Jacksonville's Riverside district. Watch through the windows as chocolatiers hand-dip strawberries and pretzels, then let the kids choose from creative ice cream flavors, handmade chocolates, or their famous chocolate-covered popcorn for a sweet reward.
Highlights
- ✓Watching chocolatiers hand-dip treats through the window
- ✓Wide variety of ice cream flavors and toppings
- ✓Famous chocolate-covered popcorn in multiple flavors
- ✓Freshly made chocolate-covered strawberries
- ✓Unique treats like chocolate-covered pretzels and graham crackers
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during weekday afternoons to see the chocolatiers actually making treats in the back,it's like a free show for the kids
- 2.Grab a few chocolate-covered strawberries to share rather than individual items to keep costs down with multiple kids
- 3.The outdoor seating on San Marco Boulevard is great for letting kids enjoy their treats without worrying about spills inside
- 4.Ask for samples before committing,the staff is very generous with letting kids taste different ice cream flavors
- 5.Consider buying a box of chocolates to bring home as a bedtime bribe after a long day of sightseeing
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2-4pm) are ideal when you can watch chocolate-making in action and avoid weekend crowds. Summer evenings are also perfect for a post-dinner ice cream walk around the charming San Marco neighborhood.
What to Know
Expect to spend $5-8 per child for ice cream or a small treat. Street parking is available on San Marco Boulevard and surrounding streets. The shop is stroller-accessible with a small indoor seating area and outdoor tables.
Seasonal Notes
Valentine's Day and holiday seasons feature special chocolate displays and themed treats. Summer is peak ice cream season with extended evening hours. The shop can get very busy during San Marco's Art Walk events on the first Wednesday of each month.
Nearby Eats
Walk two blocks to Maple Street Biscuit Company for kid-friendly Southern breakfast and lunch, or head to Taverna for family-style Italian with a kids' menu just down San Marco Boulevard.
More Activities Near Riverside
Five Points
Five Points is a charming, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Jacksonville's Riverside area that's perfect for a leisurely family outing. With its eclectic mix of locally-owned ice cream shops, casual family restaurants, and unique boutiques all within easy walking distance, it's an ideal spot for families who want to enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring together without the hassle of getting back in the car between stops.
Riverside Arts Market
The Riverside Arts Market transforms the space under the Fuller Warren Bridge into a vibrant Saturday morning destination where families can explore local art vendors, enjoy live music, and sample fresh food while kids run freely in a safe, riverfront setting. With over 180 vendors offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, plus regular family entertainment and activities, it's Jacksonville's most beloved weekend tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is a spacious riverside gem that offers something for every age, from its exciting splash pad and well-maintained playground to scenic walking paths along the riverfront promenade. With plenty of open fields for running around, shaded picnic areas, and stunning water views, this highly-rated park (4.7/5 from over 4,000 reviews) is a go-to destination for Jacksonville families seeking outdoor fun.
Southbank Riverwalk
Southbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville offers families a beautiful 2-mile paved trail along the St. Johns River, perfect for stroller walks, bike rides, and introducing kids to outdoor exercise in a scenic setting. With its calm waters, playgrounds along the route, and stunning views of the downtown skyline, it's an ideal spot for active families who want fresh air without venturing far from the city.