Green Cove Springs FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Green Cove Springs, Florida.
1. Spring Park
HISTORIC RIVER OASIS
Spring Park is located on the beautiful St. Johns River with access available via multiple streets including Walnut Street and Magnolia Avenue. The park features a swimming pool fed by a natural spring and serves as a hub for community events including Green Cove Springs Riverfest and the CalaVida Music & Arts Festival. Visitors can enjoy the recently added 150-foot dock and kayak launch, though the South Dock Kayak Launch is temporarily closed for safety dock construction as of January 2024.
2. Camp Chowenwaw Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Camp Chowenwaw Park is a sprawling 150-acre recreational area located north of town near the confluence of Black Creek and the St. Johns River. Families can engage in various outdoor activities including hiking, camping, fishing, paddling, and swimming in the park's pool. The park also offers educational opportunities with its museum, nature center, and pollinator garden for visitors to explore.
3. Black Creek Marina
GATEWAY TO ST. JOHNS
Black Creek Marina serves as a launching point for boaters heading to the St. Johns River from Green Cove Springs. The marina provides essential services for water enthusiasts, including fuel and bait for those planning a day on the water. Its strategic location near the confluence of Black Creek and the St. Johns River makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Northeast Florida's waterways.
4. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
NATURAL SPRING RETREAT
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park offers visitors a serene escape with its pristine lakes and natural springs near Green Cove Springs. The park features swimming areas, hiking trails, and camping facilities nestled among rolling sand hills and clear spring-fed lakes. Visitors can enjoy water recreation in the cool, clear waters while experiencing one of Florida's oldest state parks established in the 1930s.
5. Vilano Beach
COASTAL FISHING PARADISE
Vilano Beach is a publicly accessible oceanfront destination less than an hour from Green Cove Springs with a distinctive coastal charm. The beach is known for its fishing pier, surf-friendly waves, and the opportunity to drive vehicles directly onto certain sections of the sand. Visitors appreciate its less crowded atmosphere compared to other St. Augustine beaches, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed Atlantic coast experience.
6. Mickler's Landing Beach
SEASHELL COLLECTOR'S DREAM
Mickler's Landing Beach offers a pristine Atlantic shoreline experience within an easy drive from Green Cove Springs. The beach is renowned for its abundant coquina shells and fossil shark teeth, making it a favorite destination for beachcombers and collectors. With its gentle slope into the ocean and convenient facilities, Mickler's Landing provides a family-friendly beach day option for Green Cove Springs residents seeking coastal recreation.
7. Ponte Vedra Beach
UPSCALE OCEANFRONT ESCAPE
Ponte Vedra Beach presents an upscale oceanfront experience within driving distance of Green Cove Springs. The area is known for its pristine white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, and luxurious resorts including the famous TPC Sawgrass. Visitors from Green Cove Springs can enjoy the well-maintained beach access points, excellent swimming conditions, and the sophisticated atmosphere of this renowned coastal community.
8. Anastasia State Park
PROTECTED COASTAL WILDERNESS
Anastasia State Park encompasses more than 1,600 acres of pristine coastal habitat with over 4 miles of unspoiled Atlantic beach less than an hour from Green Cove Springs. The park offers a wealth of recreational activities including swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and camping in a natural setting. Wildlife enthusiasts particularly enjoy the bird watching opportunities along the beach and tidal marshes where herons, egrets, and other coastal species thrive.
9. St. Augustine Beach
HISTORIC BEACHFRONT COMMUNITY
St. Augustine Beach provides a vibrant oceanfront experience with easy public access points throughout its shoreline, making it a popular day trip destination for Green Cove Springs residents. The wide, white sand beach features a fishing pier, splash pad, and numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance of the shore. Visitors appreciate the combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities, including ample parking and well-maintained facilities.
10. Community Park
LOCAL WATERFRONT GATHERING
Community Park in Green Cove Springs offers residents and visitors access to waterfront recreation along the St. Johns River. The park provides facilities for picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the scenic river views in a family-friendly environment. Its convenient location makes it a popular spot for local gatherings and a gateway to experiencing the natural beauty of Northeast Florida's waterways.