Orange Park FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Orange Park, Florida.
1. Jacksonville Beach
VIBRANT COASTAL HOTSPOT
Jacksonville Beach offers a lively oceanfront experience with miles of sandy shores perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors can enjoy surfing, fishing from the pier, or strolling along the bustling boardwalk lined with restaurants and shops. The beach hosts numerous events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking coastal recreation.
2. Neptune Beach
RELAXED BEACHSIDE COMMUNITY
Neptune Beach provides a more laid-back alternative to its neighboring beaches with its clean, wide stretches of sand and clear waters. Located just 40 minutes from Orange Park, this charming beach town offers excellent swimming conditions and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The beach access at 1st Street and Orange Street is a popular entry point for visitors looking to enjoy this quieter coastal retreat.
3. Atlantic Beach
UPSCALE SEASIDE ESCAPE
Atlantic Beach is an upscale coastal community featuring pristine white sand beaches and azure waters just a short drive from Orange Park. The beach offers excellent conditions for surfing, with waves that tend to be more robust than at some neighboring beaches. Visitors appreciate the refined atmosphere, well-maintained shoreline, and proximity to upscale dining and shopping options in the surrounding area.
4. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH ADVENTURE
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park boasts a stunning 1.5-mile beach complemented by a 60-acre freshwater lake, offering diverse water recreation opportunities. Families particularly enjoy the child-friendly splash park, convenient picnic areas, and extensive network of biking and walking trails throughout the scenic grounds. The park provides excellent surfing conditions along with peaceful areas for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the lake, creating a complete outdoor recreation destination.
5. Huguenot Memorial Park
DRIVE-ON BEACH WILDLIFE HAVEN
Huguenot Memorial Park offers the unique experience of drive-on beach access where visitors can park directly on the sand for convenient seaside enjoyment. As part of the Great Florida Bird and Wildlife Trail and designated as a critical wildlife area, the park is a paradise for birdwatchers who can observe terns, shorebirds, and other nesting species in their natural habitat. The beach features gentler waves making it ideal for beginner surfers, swimming, and relaxed beach activities.
6. Doctors Lake Park
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE RETREAT
Doctors Lake Park features a 320-foot fishing pier extending into the serene waters of Doctors Lake, creating an ideal spot for anglers and water enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy paddleboarding with on-site rental options, picnicking along the shoreline, or simply relaxing while taking in beautiful water views. The park serves as a tranquil escape within Orange Park, offering convenient water access without having to travel to the coast.
7. St. Johns River Waterfront
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
The St. Johns River waterfront in Orange Park provides scenic views and numerous water recreation opportunities along this majestic north-flowing river. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and paddling while experiencing the natural beauty and wildlife that makes the river a centerpiece of northeastern Florida's ecosystem. The riverside setting offers a glimpse into the town's rich history, as Orange Park was originally developed as a riverside citrus and cotton plantation before evolving into the charming community it is today.
8. Boneyard Beach
HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL SHORELINE
Boneyard Beach stretches for three miles along Nassau Sound at the northeastern edge of Jacksonville, creating a spectacular visual and ecological wonderland unlike any other beach in the region. The beach gets its evocative name from the bleached, driftwood-like remains of ancient oak and cedar trees that once grew on the shoreline before erosion, creating an ethereal landscape perfect for photography and exploration. Visitors are treated to a unique coastal experience combining pristine natural beauty with the haunting elegance of these preserved wooden sentinels standing guard over the shoreline.
9. McCue Park and Boat Ramp
WATER ACCESS HUB
McCue Park and Boat Ramp offers convenient beach access and water entry for boaters and beachgoers looking to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. The facility provides ample parking, launch facilities, and shoreline access for a variety of water recreation activities. Visitors appreciate the functional amenities combined with beautiful ocean views, making it a practical choice for a day of coastal enjoyment.
10. Jennings State Forest
WILDERNESS WATERWAYS ESCAPE
Jennings State Forest, located just west of Orange Park, offers extensive paddling opportunities on pristine waterways winding through protected wilderness areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping alongside numerous swimming holes and creek access points perfect for cooling off on hot Florida days. The forest provides a more rugged, natural water recreation experience compared to developed beaches, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and connection with Florida's inland ecosystems.