Jacksonville Beaches: Everything You Need to Know to Find the Perfect Patch of Sand for Your Vacation

Jacksonville beaches may not be as… dope? Toit? What are the cool kids saying these days? They may not be as “spicy” as those in south Florida, but they’re just as heavenly, if not moreso.

And while some of the area’s beaches can get crowded on summer weekends, the wide variety of beachfront environments makes it easy to find your own slice of sand and sea within an hour’s drive of downtown Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Beach Weather

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Jacksonville beaches. The waves of the Atlantic provide cool relief from the high temps, which average 90 degrees or more in summer.

Brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer. If you experience one of these storms while at the beach, go grab a quick bite to eat or simply wait it out in your car. It’ll be over before you know it.

Winter highs average in the 60s – pleasant enough in the city but often a bit chilly when combined with strong ocean winds. Lows can drop below freezing during winter nights. Bring a jacket if you plan on beaching it up during the colder months.

The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are temperate and typically less crowded than peak season (not counting Spring Break).

Geography of Jacksonville’s Beaches

The beaches directly east of Jacksonville are the most developed and quickest to get to from downtown. That also means they’re the most crowded beaches in the area. Great if you’re looking for good people watching spots or lots of things to do around the beach. Not so great if you want a quieter patch of sand with maybe a tree or two nearby.

The beaches further north and south of Jacksonville are more residential or, in the case of the area’s many coastal parks, almost completely untouched. That means fewer crowds and more nature.

All the beaches covered in this article are an hour or less from downtown Jacksonville, and are organized from north to south.

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NORTH JACKSONVILLE BEACHES – Amelia Island

At the northeastern-most tip of Florida lies the former pirate haven turned upscale vacation destination, Amelia Island. It’s the only place in the US to have flown eight different national flags as its allegiance changed over time (Spain, France, England, America and more).

With 13 miles of coastline and over 40 public beach access points, Amelia Island has plenty of space for swimming, surfing and anything else beach related. Atlantic Avenue is the main thoroughfare leading to the beach. Turn left off of Atlantic Avenue before you hit the ocean for a more secluded experience or right if you prefer a busier beach town vibe.

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Fort Clinch State Park

Covering 1,400 acres at the northern end of Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park offers everything from historic fort tours to a half-mile long fishing pier. They’ve also got a nice picnic area, two tranquil waterfront campgrounds and over six miles of hiking/biking trails.

If finding shark’s teeth on the beach sounds as magical as unicorn farts to you, plan your visit for low tide, which is when most of the beach is exposed. Shark’s teeth are most commonly found on the beach closest to the fort. The areas just north and south of the jetty rocks are also prime shelling spots.

If you’re looking to go swimming at Fort Clinch’s beaches, you’ll need to go to the Atlantic Ocean side, south of the jetty. Although there are no lifeguards, there are beach warning flags at both the welcome station and the boardwalk to the beach that show how safe the water is.

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Fernandina Beach

Amelia Island’s historic downtown area is known as Fernandina Beach. It’s the closest thing to Key West in northern Florida, with beautiful Victorian architecture and tons of great restaurants and bars. You’ll also find plenty of trendy boutiques and interesting shops. Be sure to check out The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar (founded in 1903) and a favorite of the Rockefellers and Carnegies back in the day. Pinkies out!

Smack in the middle of downtown is Main Beach Park, which features a boardwalk to the beach, rolling sand dunes and plenty of parking. There’s also a large playground, volleyball courts and even a miniature golf course.

This area can get a bit crowded during the peak summer season, but it’s still worth a visit. Several travel magazines have rated Fernandina Beach as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

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Seaside Park

If you can find a parking space in Seaside Park’s limited parking area, it’s a great spot to spend the day. Parking on the beach is allowed for those with a permit and four-wheel drive. Warning: Even folks with four-wheel drive sometimes get stuck in the soft, powdery sand.

But the best way to experience the Seaside Park area is with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand at Slider’s Seaside Grill. They’ve got plenty of tables outside just off the beach, plus an adjacent playground for the little ones. They’ve also got an upstairs deck with epic views of the Atlantic.

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Peter’s Point

A bit further from downtown Fernandina Beach, Peter’s Point is perfect for those seeking a less crowded beach. It’s clean, serene and a great beach for families. The 6.2-mile Amelia Island Trail can be accessed from this beach.

If you have four-wheel drive, you can get a permit from the county to drive right onto the beach. This beach even allows you to stay on the beach overnight. Imagine: Being lulled to sleep by the sounds of crashing waves in the distance, then waking up to the glorious sight of the sun rising over the Atlantic in the morning. All for just 5 bucks!

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American Beach / Burney Park

Burney Park is home to Florida’s tallest sand dune, known as “Nana”. Why Nana? Because it’s the grandmother of all sand dunes. I guess. Or because someone thought it was a funny name. Either way, it’s a big draw for tourists visiting Jacksonville area beaches.

But another reason tourists are drawn to the area is Burney Park. Located in historic American Beach, the park is a 200-acre area that was founded in 1935 as Florida’s first African American Beach. It was established by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Florida’s first African American millionaire, as a vacation destination blacks could enjoy during racial segregation. American beach is now one of the stops on the Florida Black Heritage Trail, with a beautiful historic district, an educational museum, historical markers and, of course, a beautiful beach.

Warning: Use caution if you choose to swim here. Rip tides are common.

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Amelia Island State Park

Even though it’s less than 45 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, Amelia Island State Park is like a whole different planet. The 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness cover the entire southern tip of Amelia Island.

Here’s what makes this beach so cool: It’s the only state park in Florida where you can go horseback riding right on the beach. Guided rides are offered four times per day. Go around sunset if you want to experience something out of a fairytale.

Although the beach at Amelia Island State Park is great for horseback riding or shelling, it’s not the place to go for swimming. The area has dangerous currents and there are no lifeguards available. There are restrooms within the park, but not along the beachfront.

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NORTH JACKSONVILLE BEACHES – The Talbot Islands

In the northeast corner of Jacksonville’s city limits lies an ecological wonderland with epic views of the Nassau Sound. Both Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island are a quick drive from downtown, but they feel more like a deserted paradise.

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Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park

Imagine a windswept shoreline filled with the bleached skeletons of massive live oaks. Like something out of a Salvador Dali painting, Boneyard Beach will blow your mind.

Park at the Bluffs picnic area or the Blackrock trailhead, then make your way through the short forest trail to the shore, where you’re greeted with the surreal scene. The power of the wind and sea toppled the ancient trees onto the beach, where they have since been bleached and battered into a driftwood jungle gym. Note: Driftwood is protected by the park and its collection is prohibited.

Parking is limited, so get there early. Porta-potties are available in the parking areas.

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Blackrock Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park

Looking out over Blackrock Beach, you’d think you’ve been transported to the volcanic beaches of Hawaii due to the eroded black “rocks” covering the shore. But these rocks are actually “spodosol formations” made from soil.

Low tide is the best time to visit since the eroded areas form tiny tidepools and mini caves that are often filled with marine life. Keep an eye out for starfish and sand dollars. Remember not to take any sea creatures that are still alive (sand dollars are usually still alive if found in the water).

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Little Talbot Island State Park

Hiking the four-mile Dune Ridge Trail at Little Talbot Island State Park is like being transported back in time before beaches were covered in condos and fancy hotels. This is what Ponce de Leon saw when he first landed in America (before, you know, murdering and enslaving a bunch of Native Americans).

The first two miles of the trail wind through an untouched maritime forest, under massive live oak trees covered with Spanish moss and air plants. You’ll also see towering magnolias (summer bloomers with flowers as big as your hand) and thickets of palmetto trees. As the path transforms from thick woods to ancient sand dunes, you’ll hear the roar of the pounding surf just around the bend. The final two miles are along the beachfront, where you’ll see plenty of seashells and maybe even a few shark’s teeth.

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Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Less than 30 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, you’ll find Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, which encompasses nearly 450 acres, including a 60-acre lake, over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, a splash park and 1.5 miles of white, sandy beaches. Camping is available, and you can also rent kayaks, canoes or pedal boats.

There are 11 beach access points scattered throughout the park, many of which have restrooms and outdoor showers. With so many access points, parking is plentiful, even on busy weekends. However, restrooms can get a bit well used during busy times, especially at the access points closest to the park’s entrance.

At the north end of the beach you’ll find The Poles, known as the top surf spot in Northeast Florida. Experienced surfers will find excellent waves there year round, but beginners should head to other parts of the park to get their sea legs.

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CENTRAL JACKSONVILLE BEACHES

While all the beaches in this article are considered Jacksonville area beaches, there is a smaller area known locally as The Jacksonville Beaches (or simply The Beaches). These are true city beaches, complete with high-rises and trendy shops and restaurants. While some are more residential, all are far more developed than those to the north. And all are less than 30 minutes from downtown Jacksonville.

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Atlantic Beach

This mostly residential area is one of the more scenic beaches in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. The white sand is clean and tightly packed, making it a great spot to work out or enjoy a stroll by the sea. Plus, the clear, shallow water makes for stunning views spanning the entire 2-mile shoreline.

While it’s just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Jacksonville Beach, it’s a bit more laid-back. Dogs are allowed year-round and are quite popular on Atlantic Beach. You’ll find plenty of locals walking their pooches along the shore or playing fetch in the waves.

Street parking is free but can be tough to find. Watch out for no parking signs. Your best bet is to find a roadside spot along Beach Avenue or just off of it. Public restrooms can be found in several places, including Bull Memorial Park (7th St. & East Coast Dr.).

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Neptune Beach

Covering 21 blocks between residential Atlantic Beach and bustling Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach strikes a balance between the two. While the area is somewhat residential, there’s still plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining out. The clean white sand is great for bike riding or sand castle building, and the waves are perfect for surfing and other water sports.

There are paths or boardwalks to the beach at the end of nearly every street in Neptune Beach, but there’s typically no parking there. You’ll find plenty of free parking at the Beaches Town Center shopping center, which is just a short walk from the beach. You’re also likely to find free parking along Third Street (A1A) or Atlantic Boulevard, but watch for no parking signs. There’s also a paid lot at the corner of Second and Lemon streets. Restrooms and outdoor showers can be found at some of the beach entrances on the north end of Neptune Beach and Beaches Town Center also has restrooms.

The beach is pet friendly with some restrictions. From October – March, dogs are allowed on the beach any time. From April – September, they’re only allowed on the beach from 5 pm to 9 am. That’s not a problem since most dogs work 8-5 office jobs anyway. But really, wouldn’t it be great if the receptionist at work were a sweet, fluffy Golden Retriever instead of a chuckling husk of a person constantly barfing up phony platitudes? One can dream.

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Jacksonville Beach

If you like your beach alongside restaurants, shops and plenty of things to do, Jacksonville Beach is the place for you. The beach itself is extremely wide, especially at low tide, with hard-packed sand by the water and powdery soft sand further up. It’s perfect for taking a stroll, going for a swim, building sand castles, collecting seashells and pretty much anything else you’d want to do at the beach.

There are a ton of beach access points throughout Jacksonville Beach, so even when it’s busy it’s not hard to find a spot to enjoy. It also makes it easy to walk along the beach for a bit, then pop off for a drink or a bite to eat, then head back to the beach again.

Parking can be a bit difficult since the beach is lined with shops that have parking for customers only. Most streets end in beach access points with a few parking spaces, but they tend to fill up quickly. On-street parking is available on Second and Third Streets. There’s also paid parking at the Jacksonville Beach Pier (the pier itself is currently under construction).

Dog rules are the same as for Neptune Beach – allowed any time from October – March and from 5 pm to 9 am from April – September. No alcohol is permitted on the beach.

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Ponte Vedra Beach

Known for its luxury resorts and golf championships, Ponte Vedra mostly consists of gated communities and private beaches full of people who use “summer” as a verb. However, there is one public beach access point for mere plebs who’d like to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. It’s called Mickler’s Landing and it’s located on the south side of Ponte Vedra, just over 30 minutes from downtown Jacksonville.

There’s a fairly large free parking lot at Mickler’s Landing as well as restrooms and outdoor showers. Walk over the short boardwalk to the beach and one of the first things you’ll notice are the massive sand dunes. They’re up to 40 feet tall in some places (among the highest in Florida), perfect for all those rich folks to peer down at you from their lofty mansions. Take a walk along the beach to get a glimpse of some pretty amazing architecture.

Being nestled among all the private beaches makes this one of the better spots for shelling in the area. Go at low tide or first thing in the morning for the best chances of finding primo shells or shark’s teeth.

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SOUTH JACKSONVILLE BEACHES

Just as the beaches north of Jacksonville are less developed, the beaches south of Jacksonville are more natural as well. Much of the area is made up of protected areas including state parks, nature reserves and national monuments. The historic city of St. Augustine is also in this area.

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Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve

Another pristine, scenic coastal area, Guana Reserve contains 13 miles of beach accessible from three points – North Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach (creative naming, indeed). Each access point has a parking lot on the west side of Highway A1A with a walkover to the beach. There are porta-potties in each parking lot, but if you prefer “real” restrooms, you’ll need to go further south to the GTM visitor center.

After crossing over the mountainous 35-40 foot dunes, you’ll be greeted by a serene landscape of endless coquina sand and the pounding blue Atlantic. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and ground-nesting shorebirds. Although there are no lifeguards, swimming is a favorite activity here.

If you’d like a side of hiking with your beach visit, North Beach features over ten miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. And South Beach has a boardwalk with an observation tower that offers magnificent views of miles of undeveloped beach as well as the nearby wetlands. Simply epic.

Bonus: According to a historical account written in 1592, this is the area where Ponce de Leon first went exploring for the fountain of youth. If you happen to find it, hit me up.

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Anastasia State Park

If you want to combine a trip to historic St. Augustine with a trip to the beach, Anastasia is your best bet. The state park offers four miles of peaceful coastline along the glittering Atlantic. Swimming, surfing, shelling – all your basic beach activities are available at the day use area near Island Joe’s, the park’s main store. The store offers snacks and souvenirs as well as beach rentals – chairs, umbrellas, bikes and more. They also have public restrooms and outdoor showers.

If that’s not enough for you, rent a surfboard, kayak or paddleboard from Anastasia Water sports in the park and take to the sea! Anastasia Watersports also offers fun summer programs for kids like scavenger hunts and hikes through the salt marsh. The park also offers a weekly farmer’s market, historic Spanish Coquina Quarries, picnic pavilions, camping, hiking and a tidal lagoon. Read more details about all the things to do at Anastasia State Park here.

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St. Augustine Beach

Just five miles southeast of St. Augustine’s historic district lies the small beachfront town of St. Augustine Beach. The two-mile beach is wide, with firm-packed sand and crashing waves perfect for body surfing.

At the north end of town is the St. Johns County Ocean Pier and surrounding park. The pier costs $2 per person for fishing or simply taking in the views. The park is free, including the restrooms, showers, playground, splash park, volleyball courts and parking.

At the south end of town is Ocean Hammock Park, a sea turtle nesting site. The park has a nature trail and picnic areas as well as plenty of opportunities for shelling, swimming and just enjoying the sand and sea.

This area is typically less crowded than the beaches closer to Jacksonville, although parking may be tough to find on busy weekends. If you’d rather skip the hassle of finding a parking spot, you can ride the Old Town Trolley Tour’s beach shuttle or take the Sunshine Bus to the Anastasia Publix at the south end of the beach. Be sure to check out the restaurants and shops just off the beach while you’re in the area.

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Butler Beach

Just eight miles south of St. Augustine’s historic district lies Butler Beach, one of the few beaches in the area that you can drive on ($10 per car). The Mary Street Beach ramp takes you straight onto the beach, or you can take Matanzas Avenue. Just make sure you have four-wheel drive and keep an eye on the tide.

If you’d rather park your car on the pavement like a normal human, you’ll find free parking along Gloria Avenue or paid parking at Frank B. Butler County Park. The park also has restrooms, showers, grills and picnic pavilions. The beach is wide and peaceful, perfect for swimming or soaking up the sun.

Butler Beach, like American Beach, played an important role in the fight for civil rights in the 1960s. Frank B. Butler was an African-American businessman in St. Augustine who began buying up oceanfront property on Anastasia Island in the 1920s. He opened up the beach to African-Americans and it became the only stretch of sand they could enjoy between American Beach and Daytona Beach. It’s now a stop on the Black Heritage Trail of Florida.

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Crescent Beach

How did Crescent Beach get its name? Could it be because it’s so crescent fresh? Although it is, in fact, crescent fresh, it actually got its name because of its crescent shape – which you can sort of see if you squint really hard. Kind of.

The hard-packed sand makes Crescent Beach the perfect spot to ride bikes, play frisbee or simply go for a walk along the coast. And the warm waves are perfect for surfing, boogie boarding or swimming. Crescent Beach Park is right on the beach and offers restrooms, showers, picnic tables and free parking. There’s minimal vehicle access to the beach on Cubbedge Road (access fee applies).

The town of Crescent Beach is a small, quiet community that’s slightly off the beaten path. Although there are a handful of shops and restaurants, there’s little commercial development which makes this beach one of the quietest, least crowded beaches near Jacksonville. It offers an old Florida vibe with soft white sand and rustling sea oats on the peaceful dunes.

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Fort Matanzas National Monument

Where else can you find roughly 300 acres of coastal dunes, salt marsh and maritime forest ecosystems filled with shorebirds, sea turtles, starfish and dolphins? Okay, maybe a handful of places. But how many of them also offer a free ferry ride to an 18th-century coquina fort located in a place called Rattlesnake Island? None, that’s how many.

The five-minute boat ride to the fort and subsequent tour of the fortified watchtower make this a cool trip on their own. But even if you’re not into forts or boat rides, the beach is worth the visit because of the multitude of sandbars you can walk out to at low tide. Makes for great shelling opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for sea glass, too.

If that’s not enough to convince you to visit, maybe the fact that the Travel Channel named Fort Matanzas one of the most secluded and romantic beaches in the world is. There are minimal waves here considering it’s an ocean-facing beach, which makes for an extra peaceful atmosphere.

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Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Depending on the traffic, it may take you slightly more than an hour to reach Washington Oaks from Jacksonville, but it’s worth the extra five or so minutes. The park straddles Highway A1A, with picturesque gardens on one side and a uniquely rocky beach on the other.

Let’s start with the gardens. Brick pathways wind their way through ancient oaks, reflection ponds and an elaborate rose garden. Several benches and seating areas allow you to sit and take in the views. There are also picnic tables and grills along the Matanzas River, with a great view of the inlet, making it the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Several nature trails extend further into the park. You’ll also find restrooms, a gift shop and a playground on this side of the park.

Across A1A is a photographer’s paradise. While most Florida beaches are known for being wide, flat and sandy, this beach is famous for its strange coquina rock formations. But the rocks don’t always appear. Wait, disappearing rocks? Well, sort of. The weather and tides determine whether or not the rocks are visible at any given time. Big storms wash the sand away and make the rocks more visible. But if the tides have deposited more sand than normal, you’ll only see the very tops of the rocks poking out of the sand.

There’s rarely more than a handful of people at “The Rocks.” So it’s much more peaceful and quiet than beaches closer to Jacksonville. That makes it a great spot for beachcombing. Plus, the rockier the beach, the more tidal pools you’ll find. That means more shells and sea creatures.

Note: There are no facilities on the beach side of the park. Restrooms are only in the gardens.

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Final Thoughts on Jacksonville Beaches

Whew, that’s a lot of beaches. If you can’t find a Jacksonville beach you love from this list, you must not be a true beach person. Perhaps you’d prefer some of these other Florida beaches instead.