Just 30 mins outside of downtown Jacksonville, you can find a vibrant seaside community packed with beautiful beach access and activities. Jacksonville beach is one of the handful of beach cities that hug the Atlantic coast of Northern Florida.
The beach’s vibrant character and energy make it unique relative to its sleepy neighbors Neptune Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach.
You can expect to find soft white sand beaches with warm blue waters. Several parks dot the city’s area with one, Oceanfront Park, greeting visitors with lush green space and dune walkovers to the water.
On a good day, you can find surfers lining up offshore hoping to catch some of the area’s best surf. There is still lots to explore on shore with recreational facilities and nighttime fun in this beachside town.
Most of the beach is lifeguarded, and a speckling of facilities like bathrooms and showers can be found around the area. The city itself is a unique combination of the area’s cultural history, the leisurely environment it is now, and the recreational fun that draws in both locals and visitors.
Activities
Sunbathing, swimming, surfing, volleyball, fishing, and much more can be found at Jacksonville Beach.
There are several golf courses in the area, including one in Jacksonville beach itself. If you are hoping to get on the links, the area can be a great place to schedule a tee time.
There is a quarter-mile fishing pier that juts out into the surf for the anglers in the group. It can also be a great way to catch the sunrise over the Atlantic and offers some spectacular views of the ocean and the coast.
You could also take a trip down the boardwalk. Here you can find all kinds of shops and areas to explore.
Amenities
This will depend on where you decide to access the beach. But if you choose to visit Oceanfront Park, a popular park with beach access, you can find bathrooms, picnic pavilions, a dune walkover area, a children’s playground, and sand volleyball courts.
There are also areas with ADA access.
Right off the beaches, you can find shops and restaurants. If you get tired of the sun beating down on you there is always a place nearby with some cold drinks and plenty of food options.
Nearby Attractions
If you want to explore the area’s rich history, make sure to take a trip to the Beaches Museum. This museum gives guests a glimpse into the past of the communities that now call this area home.
Throughout the year, you can catch an outdoor concert at the Seawalk Pavilion. This auditorium hosts live music and events like movies in the park for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Facts
Jacksonville Beach was once known as Pablo Beach. The name was changed in the 1920s.
The area is known to house many turtle nests throughout the nesting season. Extra precaution should be taken when traveling to the area from May 1st through the end of October.
Details
Address: 29 1st St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Season: All-Year
Website: http://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/