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.
- Location: Amelia Island, 30 miles from Jacksonville
- Location Map
- American Beach website
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
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!).
- Location: 16 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Location Map
- Atlantic Beach website
- Facilities: Public access points, restrooms, parking
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.
I love its Victorian-era historic district and friendly small-town vibe, it combines beautiful beaches with a rich sense of history and culture.
The beach itself has soft sand and calm Atlantic waves that make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along the shoreline. Beyond the beach, the town is full of personality, quaint shops, cozy cafés, and a lively harbor that adds to the charm.
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!
- Location: Amelia Island, 36 miles from Jacksonville
- Location Map
- Fernandina Beach website
- Facilities: Plenty of public beach access points, restrooms, and parking
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.
- Location: Amelia Island, 40 miles from Jacksonville
- Location Map
- Fort Clinch State Park website
- Facilities: Full park amenities, restrooms, picnic areas, campground
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.
- Location: 18 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Location Map
- Jacksonville Beach website
- Facilities: Plenty of beach access points, restrooms, showers, and parking
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.
- Location: 17 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville
- Location Map
- Little Talbot website
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds, nature trails
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.
- Location: 20 miles east of downtown Jacksonville, at the mouth of the St. Johns River
- Location Map
- Mayport website
- Facilities: Limited, mainly centered around the ferry and restaurants
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.
Just 17 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Neptune Beach is one of the best nearby escapes if you want the charm of a small beach town with easy access to the city. It’s the perfect balance of quiet when you want it, but close to the action if you’re in the mood.
For me, Neptune Beach combines the best of both worlds: a peaceful, relaxing vibe with all the essentials nearby.
- Location: 17 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Location Map
- Neptune Beach website
- Facilities: Public beach access points, limited parking, restrooms
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.
I loved visiting Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park with my son and husband - we adored the wide sandy shoreline, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
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.
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.
- Location: 17 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Location Map
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park website
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds, playground, trails, lake rentals
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.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
