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 for a beach day-trip. There are bustling beaches with lively boardwalks. Then there are hidden gems where the waves and wildlife take center stage. During my recent two week road trip to see the area I found that Jacksonville’s shoreline has heaps of choices for everyone.
This is exactly why I decided to share my favorite beaches near Jacksonville so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own vacation. After exploring the city’s coast, here are the beaches I fell in love with, and I hope you like them too.
- American Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Fernandina Beach - 45 minutes from Jacksonville
- Fort Clinch State Park
- Jacksonville Beach
- Little Talbot - 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville
- Mayport - 25 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville
- Neptune Beach - 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park - 25 minutes from Jacksonville
American Beach
I thought that this is one of the most unique and historic beaches near Jacksonville. In fact, 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. Yhat, to me, made it stand out as more than just a wonderful stretch of sand. I loved that it’s a place filled with heritage, resilience, and community spirit.
The beach itself is wide, with heaps of soft sand, gentle waves, and a peaceful atmosphere. Here you can swim, sunbathe, and take long walks along the shore.
What I loved best:
Just 30 minutes from downtown, American Beach was easy to reach on a day trip.
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 nearby Fernandina Beach.
Atlantic Beach
We absolutely love this place, and have been many times. Atlantic Beach was about 1 hour from our last stop (American Beach) on our road trip.
Heads up, Atlantic Beach is one of the most unique beaches near Jacksonville. It's been one of my favorite road trip stops since I moved to the South when I'm in the mood for a quieter alternative.
Atlantic Beach is wide and beautiful. You'll find soft sand and rolling waves that are great for swimming, surfing, or a peaceful walk.
The town itself actually adds to the charm, with cafés, boutique shops, and local restaurants. I don't mind packing a picnic lunch, but my kid is always asking for fries which don't travel well!
Just 30 minutes 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.
Fernandina Beach - 45 minutes from Jacksonville
For me, this is one of the best beaches 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 (from $130/night) for two care-free days as a part of a longer road trip. Since there are heaps of things to see, we decided to join a guided tour with a local guide on our first visit which was a great idea.
Located on Amelia Island about 45 minutes north of downtown Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach delivers a truly amazing beach experience.
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.
My personal highlight was an fish basket with fries ($13.99) at Timoti's Seafood Shak where are refueled for lunch.
Fort Clinch State Park
We explored nearby Fort Clinch State Park too (5 minutes by car), 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. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
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 appetite 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 keep an eye on the weather forecast.
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. Everyone here was just doing their version of summer. Heads up, the pier was a standout, because of all the activity.
To me, Jacksonville Beach delivers some of the best fun-in-the-sun experiences on the First Coast.
The iconic Jacksonville Beach Pier was my personal highlight, offering some of the best views and fishing opportunities on the coast.
Dinner at North Beach Fish Camp capped off the day, with fresh seafood served in a warm setting that made us feel right at home.
Little Talbot - 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville
This was the Jacksonville-area 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 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.
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. Be sure to take a scenic ferry ride, and explore nearby gems like Little Talbot Island, Big Talbot Island, and Hanna Park.
For me, Mayport’s charm lies in its fishing village roots. Heads up, the area isn’t known for sunbathing. Instead, it’s one of the best spots for fresh-off-the-boat seafood and riverfront views.
Mayport is also home to the St. Johns River Ferry, that links 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!
Neptune Beach - 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville
This beach stretched quietly and I was instantly charmed! It's just Just 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville. There were surfers and few visitors on Neptune Beach.
I was awed by heaps of dunes. One of my favorite moments was walking along the shoreline at sunrise, when the beach was still quiet.
Near Atlantic Boulevard, we found cozy cafés. We treated ourselves to a couples’ massage at a nearby spa one afternoon, which turned out to be the perfect way to unwind.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park - 25 minutes from Jacksonville
This is one of the best for surfing in Northeast Florida. I loved the consistent waves and a long and lovely beach. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park was one of my favorite beaches near Jax on our road trip this month!
Getting to Hanna Park ($3 admission) is simple if you have a car. It’s located about a 20-minute drive from downtown. 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.
You'll find picnic areas, campgrounds, and plenty of peaceful places to enjoy nature (there are 20 miles of wooded trails).
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. It’s an easy way to experience the park early in the morning or at sunset, when it’s at its most peaceful.
I love that 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 heaps 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.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
