Jacksonville FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Jacksonville, Florida.
1. Jacksonville Beach
LIVELY OCEANFRONT DESTINATION
Jacksonville Beach is the area's most bustling oceanfront spot, featuring more than four miles of wide, sandy shoreline paired with soft dunes and a lively local atmosphere. Visitors enjoy a vibrant stretch lined with restaurants, beach walkovers, the iconic Sea Walk Pavilion for concerts, and a one-mile boardwalk ideal for strolling and people-watching. The 1,300-foot Jacksonville Pier provides great fishing and sweeping views, while the beach is well-loved for surfing, volleyball, and sunbathing.
2. Neptune Beach
CHARMING LAID-BACK SEASIDE
Neptune Beach offers a relaxed, less crowded alternative, with peaceful stretches of sand and a laid-back neighborhood vibe. The area is great for swimming, beachcombing, cycling, and surfing, while the nearby Beaches Town Center boasts boutique shops and inviting cafes. This welcoming beachfront spot is perfect for those seeking a tranquil atmosphere just steps from local dining and entertainment.
3. Atlantic Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL RETREAT
Atlantic Beach features a wide, uncrowded shoreline and a classic, family-friendly setting ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is backed by dunes and a charming community with several parks and conveniently located access points. Its unique appeal lies in the quiet ambiance and easy proximity to casual restaurants, playgrounds, and green spaces.
4. Mayport Beach
HISTORIC MARITIME SHORE
Mayport Beach sits near the mouth of the St. Johns River, offering a unique blend of river and oceanfront scenery as well as a storied maritime history. The beach is favored for fishing, birdwatching, and its uncrowded sands, with close proximity to the Mayport village and its renowned seafood restaurants. Visitors appreciate the tranquil natural setting and access to ferry crossings and historic sites.
5. Little Talbot Island State Park
UNTAMED ISLAND ESCAPE
Little Talbot Island State Park boasts over five miles of undeveloped, sandy beachfront surrounded by high dunes, maritime forests, and salt marshes. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, and camping just a short walk from the beach. This pristine barrier island is known for its wild beauty and abundance of wildlife, offering a peaceful haven for nature lovers.
6. Amelia Island
SCENIC SEASIDE PARADISE
Amelia Island features 13 miles of picturesque beaches bordered by 40-foot dunes and charming historic ambiance. The beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, shelling, and horseback riding along the shore, with ample spots for relaxation or exploration. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty, friendly atmosphere, and diverse local attractions just north of Jacksonville.
7. Huguenot Memorial Park
BEACH AND BIRDWATCHER'S HAVEN
Huguenot Memorial Park offers a singular waterfront experience where visitors can drive vehicles on the sand, swim in the Atlantic, and enjoy panoramic views at the river's edge. The park is renowned for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons, as well as kayaking and camping near the dunes. It's an ideal choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking both recreation and beautiful natural vistas.
8. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
LAKESIDE AND OCEAN FUN
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park features both a freshwater lake and a sandy Atlantic beach, offering a wide array of water recreation such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The park includes camping facilities, picnic areas, and biking trails, making it popular with families and adventure seekers. The unique combination of lake and ocean access provides diverse settings for outdoor enjoyment.
9. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve)
PROTECTED ESTUARINE SHORELINES
The GTM Reserve showcases pristine beaches, estuaries, and tidal lagoons just south of Jacksonville, perfect for wildlife viewing, beachcombing, and paddleboarding. Visitors access quiet stretches of shoreline with hiking trails, boardwalks, and educational exhibits on coastal ecology. Its serene, undeveloped beaches and abundant birdlife make it a unique destination for nature lovers.
10. St. Johns River at Riverside Park
URBAN RIVERFRONT GATHERING
Riverside Park offers scenic access to the St. Johns River near downtown Jacksonville, featuring green spaces, walking paths, and river views. While not a beach, the waterfront setting is perfect for picnics, kayaking, and enjoying sunsets over the water. Its central location and vibrant neighborhood atmosphere make it a favorite for locals seeking riverside relaxation close to city attractions.