Best Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida

Searching for the best beaches in Jacksonville, Florida? Well, you are in the right place! "The River City" is close to some unique options, from bustling beaches with lively boardwalks to hidden gems where the waves and wildlife take center stage. During my two weeks road tripping to see the area I found that Jacksonville’s shoreline has something for everyone. After exploring the city’s coast, here are the beaches I fell in love with, and can’t wait to share with you.

1. American Beach

I thought that this is one of the most unique and historic beaches near Jacksonville, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots in Florida.

Founded in 1935 as a haven for African Americans during segregation, American Beach holds a powerful cultural story that, to me, makes it stand out as more than just a stretch of sand. I loved that it’s a place filled with heritage, resilience, and community spirit.

The beach itself is wide and uncrowded, with soft sand, gentle waves, and a peaceful atmosphere. I thought that it was perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and walks along the shore with my husband.

What I loved best:

Just 30 minutes from downtown, it was easy to reach of a day trip, my favorite highlight.

A downside? You need to pack your own lunch or look for places to eat nearby - we loved the The Patio at 5th and Ash Restaurant in Fernandina Beach.

2. Atlantic Beach

We absolutely love Atlantic Beach, and have been many times. This is one of the most unique beaches near Jacksonville, and it's been one of my favorite spots since I moved to the South when I'm in the mood for a quieter alternative to some of Jacksonville’s busier shores.

Atlantic Beach is wide and beautiful, with soft sand and rolling waves that are great for swimming, surfing, or you can just enjoy a peaceful walk.

The town itself actually adds to the charm, with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and local restaurants all within walking distance. I don't mind packing a picnic lunch, but my kid is always asking for fries which don't travel well!

Just 16 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach is an easy trip that feels like a world away. Or better yet, stay to catch one of the area’s incredible sunsets (of course!).

What I loved best:

I love that you can spend the day soaking up the sun and still make it back to the city in time for dinner.

3. Fernandina Beach - 45 minutes from Jacksonville

For me, this is one of the best coastal experiences near Jacksonville because it offers so much variety in one place. Although an easy day trip from the city, we checked into affordable 2-star Beachside Motel for two care-free days.

Located on Amelia Island about 35 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, this spot delivers a truly amazing beach experience.

We instantly felt the magic here, where wide sandy shores, gentle waves, and ocean breezes create a dream getaway.

I love how Fernandina Beach blends relaxed beach vibes with historic charm, making it one of my favorite Florida escapes.

The beach itself feels spectacular and uncrowded, which makes every walk along the shoreline feel peaceful and joyful.

What makes this place special is how affordable and accessible it is while still feeling like the absolute best hidden retreat.

We spent hours soaking up the sun, swimming, and watching dolphins, and it honestly felt like a unique coastal experience.

I found the nearby historic downtown Fernandina Beach incredibly interesting, with colorful buildings just minutes from the sand.

Fernandina Beach felt vibrant yet calm, which is a rare combination and part of why it’s so underrated.

I thought the sunsets here were some of the best I’ve seen in Florida, glowing with pure beachside magic.

We explored nearby Fort Clinch State Park, which added an unusual and cool mix of nature and history.

The overall atmosphere felt exciting without being overwhelming, which made every moment more enjoyable.

Just 36 miles from Jacksonville (but twice the distance of Atlantic Beach), Fernandina Beach makes for an easy day trip, but we decided to spend seven relaxing days in an Airbnb here.

I love that it’s the kind of place where I can enjoy both a day by the water and an evening wandering through a historic downtown filled with character.

In addition, Fernandina Beach is a great destination for foodies. If you are like me and work up an apoetite after a day of swimming, some excellent choice here include Sandbar Amelia Island and Salty Pelican Bar & Grill!

What I loved best:

Sunrise over the ocean in the morning was my favorite highlight.

A downside? This area is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes so we kept an eye on the weather forecast.

4. Fort Clinch State Park

I think this is one of the best and most unique beaches near Jacksonville. Why? First off, tucked away on Amelia Island, this park feels like stepping into another era. In addition, the beach here is one of the best for peace and quiet. Long uncrowded stretches of sand and calm Atlantic waters here are perfect for swimming, fishing, and relaxing (of course!).

What makes Fort Clinch especially unique is the historic brick fort itself, which dates back to the 1800s and stands as one of the best-preserved forts in Florida.

Just 40 miles from Jacksonville, Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best day trips or weekend escapes if you want to explore both history and natural beauty in one place.

You can hike, bike, and still have plenty of time to enjoy the beach.

What I loved best:

What I love most is how it delivers the best of everything, you can tour the old fort in the morning, spot wildlife along the trails in the afternoon, and end the day with your toes in the sand watching one of the best sunsets on the island.

5. Jacksonville Beach

This was the “everybody” beach...families, joggers, volleyball players, barefoot teens carrying slushies... I loved how Jacksonville Beach was noisy in the way that made you smile, because everyone was just doing their version of summer. The pier was a standout, because of all the activity.

Just 18 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach delivers some of the best fun-in-the-sun experiences on the First Coast.

In fact, I loved having access to the best sandy shoreline along with a lively atmosphere. I found it perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants that true beach-town energy.

What I loved best:

The iconic Jacksonville Beach Pier was my personal highlight, offering some of the best views and fishing opportunities on the coast.

6. Little Talbot - 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville

This was the beach I wanted to keep to myself as a secret but here it is...

I think that Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the best natural beaches near Jacksonville for a peaceful, unspoiled escape. In fact, this barrier island is one of the last remaining undeveloped beaches in Northeast Florida, a real hidden gem.

The beach here stretches for five miles. It's amazing if you are like me and love long beach walks, beachcombing, and spotting shells and driftwood.

The waves are gentle (most of the time!), the sand is soft, and the atmosphere is wonderfully quiet compared to busier beaches nearby.

It’s also one of the best places for wildlife viewing, so don't be surprised when you see lots of shorebirds, tortoises, or even dolphins just offshore.

Just 17 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island makes for one of the best day trips if you want a true nature escape close to the city.

What I loved best:

Hiking along the shaded trails and then relaxing on the quiet sand after a refreshing swim was my personal highlight.

7. Mayport - 25 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville

Just 20 miles from downtown Jacksonville, this place makes for one of the best quick trips if you want to eat like a local, take a scenic ferry ride, or explore nearby gems like Little Talbot Island, Big Talbot Island, and Hanna Park.

Unlike the wide sandy stretches of nearby beaches, Mayport’s charm lies in its fishing village roots and authentic coastal character.

The area isn’t known for sunbathing, but it’s one of the best spots for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, riverfront views, and easy access to some of Jacksonville’s best beaches and parks.

Mayport is also home to the St. Johns River Ferry, one of the most unique experiences in Northeast Florida, linking the north and south ends of A1A.

What I loved best:

What I love most here is the seafood and I think it’s easily one of the best places in Florida to enjoy fresh shrimp, often right at dockside restaurants! Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant was a standout for over-the-counter catch in a no-frills pierside setting!

8. Neptune Beach- 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville

Somewhere between Jacksonville Beach’s chaos and Atlantic Beach’s calm, this beach stretched quietly and I was instantly charmed! There were surfers and sandpipers, but few crowds.

I loved visiting Neptune Beach when we first started exploring the Jacksonville area—it felt like a true coastal escape just 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville, yet completely removed from the city’s pace. Getting there was effortless, usually a smooth drive that made spontaneous afternoons or relaxed weekend plans feel easy and low stress.

The string of beach towns along the coast—especially Neptune Beach—felt laid-back and welcoming, with palm-lined streets, colorful cottages, and a friendly, local vibe that made us feel instantly at home.

What I loved most was how simple it was to slip into nature. Long stretches of soft sand, rolling dunes, and the steady rhythm of the Atlantic created a calming backdrop that made every visit feel unhurried and intimate.

One of my favorite moments was walking along the shoreline at sunrise, when the beach was quiet and the sky softened into shades of pink and gold—it was peaceful in a way that made time feel suspended.

Near Atlantic Boulevard, we found cozy cafés, beachside bars, and relaxed restaurants where we could sip coffee or linger over fresh seafood with no rush at all. Everything felt close, walkable, and perfectly paced for a weekend getaway.

We treated ourselves to a couples’ massage at a nearby spa one afternoon, which turned out to be the perfect way to unwind after a morning spent barefoot in the sand.

What I loved best:

My feet in the sand watching the sunset was my favorite highlight.

9. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park - 25 minutes from Jacksonville

I thought that the beach here is one of the best for surfing in Northeast Florida. I loved the consistent waves and a long and lovely beach, definitely one of my favorite beaches near Jax!

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park ($3 admission) is one of the most naturally preserved stretches I’ve found in Northeast Florida, and I honestly think it’s one of Jacksonville’s best coastal escapes.

Getting to Hanna Park is simple if you have a car. It’s located near Jacksonville Beach, about a 20-minute drive from downtown, and there’s a small entrance fee per vehicle. Once inside, everything is well marked and easy to navigate, whether you’re heading straight to the beach or planning to explore the trails first.

If you visit Hanna Park, I highly recommend walking or biking the scenic loop trails, relaxing along the uncrowded beach, and spending time at Lake Wanda. The park is a favorite for surfers, hikers, and campers, and it’s a great spot for spotting wildlife along the trails. There are picnic areas, campgrounds, and plenty of peaceful places to just slow down and enjoy nature.

I loved visiting Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park with my son and husband - we adored the wide sandy shoreline, playgrounds, and picnic areas. I’ll mention that the park is fairly large, so having a loose plan helps. On our first visit, we focused on one main activity—exploring the trails—before heading to the beach, which made the day feel balanced rather than rushed.

In addition to the beach, the park features 20 miles of wooded trails for biking and hiking, plus a large lake that’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boating.

If you’re interested in staying longer, camping at Hanna Park is a great option. The campground is well maintained and offers both tent and RV sites, making it one of the most popular places to camp near the Jacksonville coastline. It’s an easy way to experience the park early in the morning or at sunset, when it’s at its most peaceful.

It’s the kind of place where I can surf in the morning, paddle on the lake in the afternoon, and relax by a campfire at night.

What I loved best:

For me, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is one of the best beaches in Jacksonville because it offers lots of different activities on a day trip!

What I love most is the variety - it’s one of the best beaches for surfers, and one of the best parks for families.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.