Best Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville may not always get the same spotlight as Miami or the Keys, but it’s a coastal gem overflowing with wide sandy stretches, laid-back vibes, and some seriously stunning sunrise spots. 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: History in the Sand
American Beach is one of the most unique and historic beaches near Jacksonville, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a meaningful getaway by the sea.
Founded in 1935 as a haven for African Americans during segregation, American Beach holds a powerful cultural story that makes it stand out as more than just a stretch of sand. 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 that makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply walking along the shore.
Just 30 miles from Jacksonville, it's an easy day trip that provides rest and relaxation (as well as fun)!
My personal highlights:
What I love most is the feeling of stepping back in time. You can still sense the history here, especially if you visit landmarks like the American Beach Museum or “NaNa,” one of the tallest sand dunes in Florida.
For me, American Beach is one of the best coastal experiences near Jacksonville because it combines natural beauty with a unique cultural legacy. It’s not just a beach, it’s a place where every visit feels special, memorable, and deeply connected to Florida’s story.
American Beach Travel Tips
- Location: Amelia Island, 30 miles from Jacksonville
- Vibe: Historic, peaceful, soul-soothing
- Facilities: Limited, no major concessions
- Food Nearby: Bring something thoughtful, or stop in Fernandina
2. Atlantic Beach: Breezy and Bikeable
Atlantic Beach is one of the most unique beaches near Jacksonville. It’s always been one of my favorite spots for a relaxing coastal escape for a while now and I'm happy to share it with you!
This awesome blends small-town charm with a laid-back beach vibe. It's perfect if you want a quieter alternative to some of Jacksonville’s busier shores.
The beach here 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. You can spend the day soaking up the sun and still make it back to the city in time for dinner. Or better yet, stay to catch one of the area’s incredible sunsets.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Atlantic Beach is its balance of energy and calm. You can surf in the morning, grab fresh seafood in town, then end the day with your toes in the sand watching the sunset. It’s the kind of beach day that feels complete, yet leaves you wanting more.
For me, Atlantic Beach is one of the best coastal experiences near Jacksonville because it combines natural beauty, convenience, and a friendly local vibe. It’s not just another stretch of sand, it’s a favorite getaway that always feels special.
Atlantic Beach Travel Tips
- Location: 16 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Vibe: Relaxed, local, slightly upscale
- Facilities: Public access points, restrooms, parking
- Food Nearby: Lots of local favorites, try seafood or beachside cafés in the town center
3. Fernandina Beach: Porches, Palms, and Old-Soul Energy
For me, Fernandina Beach is one of the best coastal experiences near Jacksonville because it offers so much variety in one place. It’s not just a beach, it’s a destination where every visit feels both fun and memorable.
As a beach review expert, I can safely say that Fernandina Beach is one of the most unique and charming coastal towns near Jacksonville. It’s been one of my favorite places for a laid-back getaway for as long as I can remember.
Known for 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 is wide and welcoming, with 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 or a weekend escape.
It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy both a day by the water and an evening wandering through a historic downtown filled with character.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Fernandina Beach is how seamlessly it blends beach time with history. You can catch the sunrise over the ocean in the morning, explore the historic district in the afternoon, and end the day with fresh seafood by the harbor.
Fernandina Beach Travel Tips
- Location: Amelia Island, 36 miles from Jacksonville
- Vibe: Historic, charming, family-friendly
- Facilities: Plenty of public beach access points, restrooms, and parking
- Food Nearby: Excellent local dining. Don’t miss the seafood in downtown Fernandina!
4. Fort Clinch State Park: Cannons and Crashing Waves
Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best and most unique coastal destinations near Jacksonville. Tucked away on Amelia Island, this park feels like stepping into another era while still giving you access to some of the best outdoor adventures in Northeast Florida.
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, or simply relaxing.
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.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Fort Clinch 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.
For me, Fort Clinch State Park is not just a beach. It’s one of the best adventures you can have on the First Coast.
Fort Clinch State Park Travel Tips
- Location: Amelia Island, 40 miles from Jacksonville
- Vibe: Historic, adventurous, scenic
- Facilities: Full park amenities, restrooms, picnic areas, campground
- Food Nearby: Some of the best seafood in Fernandina Beach, just minutes away
5. Jacksonville Beach: Loud Towels, Long Walks
This was the “everybody” beach...families, joggers, volleyball games, barefoot teens carrying slushies. It was noisy in the way that made you smile, because everyone was just doing their version of summer. The pier stretched like an invitation and the waves offered something for everyone.
This stretch of coast combines some of the best sandy shoreline with a lively atmosphere that makes it perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants that true beach-town energy.
The beach itself is one of the best in the area for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, with wide sandy expanses and rolling Atlantic waves. The iconic Jacksonville Beach Pier is another highlight, offering some of the best views and fishing opportunities on the coast.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Jacksonville Beach is the energy. It’s one of the best places to surf, people-watch, and enjoy live music or festivals right by the ocean. There’s always something happening here, which makes every visit feel exciting and memorable.
Just 18 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach it delivers some of the best fun-in-the-sun experiences on the First Coast.
Jacksonville Beach Travel Tips
- Location: 18 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Vibe: Energetic, lively, classic beach town
- Facilities: Plenty of beach access points, restrooms, showers, and parking
- Food Nearby: Some of the best seafood and beach bars along 1st Street and near the pier
6. Little Talbot: Raw, Wind-Swept, Wonderful
I thought that this was the beach I didn’t want to tell anyone about but here it comes...
Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the best natural beaches near Jacksonville for a peaceful, unspoiled escape. 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. Don't be surprised if you see shorebirds, gopher 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. It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for the best mix of tranquility and outdoor adventure.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Little Talbot is the untouched beauty, it’s one of the best beaches for feeling completely away from it all, even though it’s so close to Jacksonville. Hiking the shaded trails and then relaxing on the quiet sand makes for the best kind of beach day.
For me, Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the best coastal experiences near Jacksonville because it combines natural beauty, wildlife, and pure relaxation. It’s not just a beach, it’s one of my favorite escapes when I want to enjoy Florida’s coastline at its very best.
Little Talbot Island Travel Tips
- Location: 17 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville
- Vibe: Natural, quiet, unspoiled
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds, nature trails
- Food Nearby: Limited options. Pack a picnic or head to Mayport or Jacksonville after your visit
7. Mayport: Ferries and Fish Tales
Mayport is one of the most unique waterfront communities near Jacksonville because if combines the best of local culture, seafood, and history. Part of me wished my family and I could just move here!
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. Go for a ride on the ferry if if you have tiime!
Just 20 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Mayport 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.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Mayport is the seafood. It’s easily one of the best places in Florida to enjoy fresh shrimp, often right at dockside restaurants. Pair that with a ferry ride across the river, and you’ve got one of the best simple adventures in the area.
For me, Mayport is one of the best coastal experiences near Jacksonville because it offers such a unique slice of Florida life. It’s not just about the beach. It’s also about history, community, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste.
Mayport Travel Tips
- Location: 20 miles east of downtown Jacksonville, at the mouth of the St. Johns River
- Vibe: Historic, authentic, local
- Facilities: Limited, mainly centered around the ferry and restaurants
- Food Nearby: Some of the best shrimp and seafood shacks in Northeast Florida
8. Neptune Beach: The Quiet Middle
Somewhere between Jacksonville Beach’s chaos and Atlantic Beach’s calm, Neptune stretched quietly. There were surfers and sandpipers, but few crowds. The homes backing the beach were tidy but not showy, and the whole place felt lived-in without being worn out.
The beach itself is wide and sandy, with some of the best conditions for swimming, surfing, or simply stretching out under the sun.
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.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Neptune Beach is its simple charm. It’s one of the best places to bike along the shoreline, grab a coffee or a drink at a local spot, and then end the day with your feet in the sand watching the sunset.
For me, Neptune Beach combines the best of both worlds: a peaceful, relaxing vibe with all the essentials nearby.
Neptune Beach Travel Tips
- Location: 17 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Vibe: Laid-back, local, relaxed
- Facilities: Public beach access points, limited parking, restrooms
- Food Nearby: Some of the best local restaurants and cafés right around the Beaches Town Center
9. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: Trails, Trees, and Tide
This was more than a beach. It was a forest that led to sea. I walked the shaded trails under live oaks and hammocks, then emerged into brilliant sunlight and the sound of waves. It felt like transitioning between worlds. The beach itself was long and lovely, with enough space to breathe and then some.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is one of the best outdoor destinations near Jacksonville, and it’s always been one of my favorite spots for a full day of adventure by the ocean. Known for its mix of beach, trails, and freshwater lake, Hanna Park is one of the best places to enjoy both nature and recreation in one spot.
The beach here is one of the best for surfing in Northeast Florida, with consistent waves that draw surfers of all levels.
Families love it too, thanks to 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.
My personal highlights:
What I love most about Hanna Park is the variety, it’s one of the best beaches for surfers, one of the best parks for families, and one of the best spots to camp overnight by the water. No matter how you spend your time here, it always feels like a complete outdoor getaway.
Just 17 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Hanna Park is one of the best day trips if you want a beach experience combined with outdoor fun. It’s the kind of place where you can surf in the morning, paddle on the lake in the afternoon, and relax by a campfire at night.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Travel Tips
- Location: 17 miles east of downtown Jacksonville
- Vibe: Active, adventurous, family-friendly
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds, playground, trails, lake rentals
- Food Nearby: Limited in-park concessions, best to bring your own or head to Mayport/Jax Beach after
Conclusion
Jacksonville is home to some of the best beaches in Florida. I think that what makes them so special is the variety!
From the history and culture of American Beach to the natural beauty of Little Talbot, the lively energy of Jacksonville Beach, and the peaceful charm of Neptune and Atlantic Beach, there’s something here for everyone.
What I love most about Jacksonville’s coastline is how easy it is to find the best spot to match your mood.
You can spend one day surfing at Hanna Park, another day relaxing at Fernandina Beach, and the next exploring trails and history at Fort Clinch.
It’s truly one of the best regions in Florida for mixing fun, relaxation, and outdoor adventure.
For me, Jacksonville will always be one of the best beach destinations because it delivers such a unique combination: natural beauty, small-town charm, vibrant local culture, and plenty of ways to enjoy the water. No matter which beach you choose, you’re guaranteed exceptional memories on Florida’s First Coast.
Booking Checklist
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