Guide to the Jacksonville Beaches
Guide to the Jacksonville Beaches
Julie's Journeying
The Jacksonville metro area has 22 miles of wide, coquina sand beaches. In this guide, I compare the 4 main beaches in the area so you can decide on the best spot to lay out your towel. Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a good book!
If you're not inclined to spend your entire vacation on the beach, this guide also includes recommendations for where to stay, shop, eat, and other vacation activities such as boating, golf, and go-carting.
⛱️4 Beaches
⛳5 Outdoor Activities
☔2 Rainy Day Spots
🛍️3 Shopping Recs
🍔10 Restaurants
🛌5 Hotels
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The Beaches
Mickler's Landing
@juliesjourneying
Mickler's landing is the perfect beach to post up with your umbrella, towel, and a book. There aren't any restaurants or shops nearby, but a big wide beach with lots of shells is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in a pure beach day.
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Jacksonville Beach
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Jacksonville Beach provides a livelier, city beach experience. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and even a pier right off the beach.
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Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach
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Where the towns of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach meet, is another city beach with restaurants and shops within walking distance of the sand, but with a somewhat mellower vibe than down south in Jax Beach.
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Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
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Hanna Park is a great family focused beach option. Within the Jacksonville city park you will find a great beach, and also a splash pad, playgrounds, hiking/biking trails, and even a campground.
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Beach Life Rentals
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If you don't want to bring your own umbrella, beach chair, or beach bike you can rent from Beach Life in front of the Margaritaville Hotel in Jax Beach or the Seahorse Inn in Neptune Beach. They will also deliver to you from Atlantic Beach to Ponte Vedra Beach.
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Out and about
North Guana Outpost
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For a different view of the water, you can rent kayaks or SUP boards from North Guana Outpost and paddle your way through the brackish marsh of the Guana Preserve.
They also offer Eco Tours, surf lessons, and fishing charters if you're more interested in a guided experience.
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Jacksonville Beach Golf Club
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This public golf course in the middle of Jacksonville Beach is just a few blocks off the beach and is included in Golf Digest's Top 30 Places to Play in Florida.
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Dutton Island Preserve
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With 9,000 feet of nature trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. The Dutton Island Preserve is a perfect place for a quiet stroll through the marsh.
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Fort Caroline National Memorial
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Not many people know that parts of North Florida were actually part of the French empire for a short time in the sixteenth century. If you'd like to know more about that piece of history, take a drive out from the beaches to the Fort Caroline National Memorial.
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For a rainy day
Beaches Museum
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Learn more about the history of the Beaches, only 3 blocks of the beach.
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Shopping
Beaches Town Center
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Right off the beach at Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, there are a number of cute shops and restaurants in Beaches Town Center.
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Atlantic Beach Arts Market
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Over 90 local artists and vendors sell their wares at the Atlantic Beach Arts Market. It's the perfect place to find a unique souvenir to bring home.
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St Johns Town Center
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If you're willing to venture out of the beaches, then St. John's Town Center is the place to shop. This open air mall has a store for everyone in the family from Nordstrom and Lilly Pulitzer to Tommy Bahama, the Lego Store, and more.
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Where to eat
Aqua Grill
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Lakefront grill offering an eclectic menu featuring fresh local ingredients
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Poe's Tavern
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A great burger joint and each of their burgers is available as beef, chicken, or veggie option
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Where to Stay
The Lodge & Club
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This beach side hotel is a great splurge if you value luxury with a quiet beach and onsite amenities.
It's also a very popular wedding venue (I had my own wedding here), so keep an eye out for brides in the walkways.
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Margaritaville Beach Hotel - Jacksonville
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The perfect hotel for Parrotheads, right off the beach in the middle of the Jacksonville Beach bars and restaurants.
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Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
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A good beach side option for Marriott loyalists
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Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront
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A good beach side option for Hilton loyalists
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Salt Air Inn & Suites
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A few blocks of the beach, Salt Air was recently renovated by two locals to provide an old-Florida nostalgic vibe with all the modern comfort expected in a hotel
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie's Journeying
Hi! I'm Julie, an avid traveler and explorer. I lived abroad in Dubai and the Netherlands for five years and have been to 70 countries across 6 continents (can't wait to check Antarctica of my bucket list someday!)
Now that I'm settled back in the US (North Florida), a lot of my journeys are closer to home and I love being able to dive deep into a compare and contrast of the beaches, hikes, and other attractions in my area.
I do extensive research and planning for my adventures and enjoy mid-price trips with a balance of outdoor nature based activities, culture, and great food.
On my page, I embrace that variety is the spice of life and you can find a mix of guides, maps, and more detailed itineraries in a range of places I've been and loved.
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