Activities

We’re so thrilled to have you celebrate with us! To help you make the most of your time in Jax Beach, we’ve put together some of our favorite spots and activities. Whether you’re looking for sun and sand, outdoor adventures, delicious food, or a relaxing escape, there’s something for everyone.

Get the Lay of the Land & Explore Our Coastal Communities

The Jacksonville Beaches area is made up of several distinct communities, each with its own charm. They are all easily accessible by car, and often by bike or walking within each town.

  • Jacksonville Beach (“Jax Beach”): The most bustling of the beach towns, Jax Beach is known for its lively pier, restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a great spot for people-watching and has a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Neptune Beach: Nestled between Jax Beach and Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach offers a more laid-back and residential feel. It boasts charming boutiques and highly-rated local restaurants, most within walking distance of each other.
  • Atlantic Beach (“AB”): The northernmost of the main beach towns, Atlantic Beach has a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. It features the picturesque Atlantic Beach Town Center with upscale dining and unique shops, and is also home to the historic Atlantic Beach Hotel.
  • Ponte Vedra Beach: Just south of Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra is known for its luxurious resorts, championship golf courses (including The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass), and beautiful, less crowded beaches. It offers a more upscale and serene experience.
  • Mayport: A historic fishing village at the mouth of the St. Johns River, Mayport offers a glimpse into Old Florida with a strong maritime heritage. It’s famous for its fresh “Mayport shrimp” and is home to a significant naval station. You can catch the St. Johns River Ferry here to Fort George Island, offering unique views and access to further historical sites.

“Across the Ditch” (On the other side of the intracoastal and a short drive away)

  • Downtown Jacksonville: The city’s urban core along the St. Johns River. It’s home to major sports venues (Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at the Baseball Grounds), the historic Florida Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jax), and the Museum of Science & History (MOSH).
  • Riverside & Avondale: These are historic, tree-lined neighborhoods known for their stunning architecture (many homes are on the National Registry of Historic Places), charming boutiques, and diverse culinary scene.
  • Riverside: Features Memorial Park with river views, the weekly Riverside Arts Market (RAM) under the Fuller Warren Bridge (Saturdays), and a lively art and restaurant scene, particularly around
  • Five Points. Five Points is known for its quirky, bohemian vibe, independent shops, coffee houses, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Avondale: Offers a more refined atmosphere with upscale shops and acclaimed restaurants, particularly in “The Shoppes of Avondale.” Both neighborhoods are very walkable.
  • San Marco: Just across the St. Johns River from Downtown, San Marco has a distinctly European, Mediterranean feel. It’s centered around San Marco Square, which features a landmark fountain with lions (reflecting its ties to Venice, Italy), the historic San Marco Theatre, Theatre Jacksonville (the oldest community theater in the country), and a collection of boutique shops, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants.
  • Springfield: Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhood, Springfield is undergoing a revitalization and is celebrated for its beautifully restored historic homes, vibrant street art, and a growing number of independent shops, breweries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore on foot or by bike to appreciate its unique history and emerging creative scene.

If you plan on venturing around, feel free to ask Dean & Sydney for specific recommendations to maximize your bliss.

Beaches

Our coastline offers a variety of beach experiences, from lively public access points to more secluded natural areas.

  • Jacksonville Beach Pier: A popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying panoramic ocean views. There are often events and food vendors nearby.
  • Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park (Hanna Park): A diverse park offering miles of pristine beach, a freshwater lake for kayaking/paddleboarding, mountain biking trails, and camping. It’s a fantastic all-day adventure for nature lovers.
  • Huguenot Memorial Park: Located at the mouth of the St. Johns River, this park is unique because you can drive your vehicle directly onto the beach (tide permitting). It’s popular for fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying the expansive views.
  • Ponte Vedra Beaches: Generally quieter and less crowded than the Jacksonville beaches, offering a more serene environment. Access is often through private resorts or designated public access points.
  • St. Augustine Beach: About a 45-minute drive south, St. Augustine Beach offers wide, sandy beaches and is close to the historic charm of downtown St. Augustine.
  • Amelia Island Beaches: Located about an hour’s drive north, Amelia Island boasts beautiful, natural beaches, often adorned with shark teeth and seashells. It offers a tranquil escape with a charming historic town (Fernandina Beach).

Nature & Hiking

Beyond the beaches, our area is rich in diverse ecosystems perfect for exploration.

  • Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: (See Beaches section) Excellent for hiking, biking, kayaking, and birdwatching.
  • Cradle Creek Preserve: A beautiful natural preserve in Neptune Beach with boardwalks winding through maritime hammock and salt marsh, perfect for a peaceful stroll and bird identification.
  • Dutton Island Preserve: A hidden gem in Atlantic Beach, offering walking trails, a fishing pier, and kayak launches through pristine marshland. It’s a great spot for a quiet escape and wildlife viewing.
  • Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: Explore diverse plant collections and natural habitats through well-maintained trails. A peaceful oasis for nature lovers.
  • Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve): A vast preserve stretching from Ponte Vedra to St. Augustine, offering hiking trails, a pristine beach, and an environmental education center. Excellent for birdwatching, kayaking, and learning about coastal ecosystems.

Several of these local parks and preserves offer SUP and kayak rentals.

Bike

Explore the coastal communities and natural beauty on two wheels. Many areas offer dedicated bike paths or are bike-friendly.

  • Little & Big Talbot Islands State Parks: These barrier islands offer stunning natural beauty with diverse landscapes, including Boneyard Beach (Little Talbot) and maritime forests (Big Talbot). Excellent for off-road biking and exploring unique natural formations.
  • Ponte Vedra (A1A Bike Path): Enjoy scenic coastal rides along Highway A1A, offering views of luxurious homes and golf courses.
  • Jacksonville Beach & Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Promenade: A paved pathway along the oceanfront, perfect for a leisurely bike ride with stunning views.

Surf

The Jacksonville area offers a variety of breaks for surfers of all levels, depending on swell conditions.

  • Jacksonville Beach Pier – North Side: Just in front of Casa Marina. Usually the more chill, longboardy side of the pier. Primarily a beach break with multiple lefts and rights.
  • Jacksonville Beach Pier – South Side: Often a consistent break, popular with both shortboarders and longboarders. Can get crowded.
  • Hanna Park (Poles): A popular spot known for its consistent waves, particularly when other spots are flat. Can be a bit more challenging.
  • North Jetty (Huguenot Park): A powerful break, especially on larger swells. Best for experienced surfers.
  • Guana (GTM Research Reserve): Offers a more secluded surf experience with diverse breaks along its expansive coastline. Often less crowded.

Dean has a 8′ soft top and 7’10” hard top available to borrow, and rentals are available at Beach Life.

Fish

Whether you prefer pier fishing or heading out on the open water, there are plenty of opportunities to reel in a catch.

  • Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier: (See Beaches section) A prime location for land-based fishing, where you can catch a variety of inshore species.
  • Mayport Jetties: The jetties at the mouth of the St. Johns River in Mayport are a renowned fishing spot, offering opportunities for both inshore and nearshore species.
  • Local Marinas (e.g., Beach Marine, Palm Cove Marina): These marinas offer charter fishing services for offshore adventures (deep sea fishing) or inshore guided trips (fishing the Intracoastal Waterway for redfish, trout, etc.).

Arts & Entertainment

Beyond the natural beauty, discover a vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

  • Blue Jay Listening Room (Jacksonville Beach): An intimate venue known for showcasing talented local and national musicians in a cozy, listening-focused environment.
  • Alhambra Theatre & Dining (Jacksonville): Enjoy a delicious meal and a professional Broadway-style show at this unique dinner theatre. Reservations highly recommended.
  • Florida Theatre (Downtown Jacksonville): A historic and beautifully restored venue hosting a wide range of concerts, comedy shows, and performances.
  • St. Augustine Amphitheatre (St. Augustine): A fantastic outdoor venue that attracts major touring artists and events. Check their schedule for upcoming shows.
  • Don’t Tell Comedy (Various locations): Experience secret pop-up comedy shows in unique and unexpected venues. Check their website for local listings and tickets.
  • First Coast Comedy (Jacksonville): Offering improv comedy shows and classes, this group provides an evening of spontaneous laughter.

Local Dining

From casual beachside bites to upscale culinary experiences, the Jacksonville Beaches offer a diverse array of dining options.

  • Monkey’s Uncle Tavern (Jacksonville Beach): A long-standing local favorite for casual American fare, burgers, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach): Known for its unique, stone-baked pizzas, craft beers, and eclectic decor.
  • Salt Life Food Shack (Jacksonville Beach): A popular spot for fresh seafood, sushi, and a vibrant, beachy ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating.
  • Relish (Jax Beach): Excellent burger joint offering creative burger combinations and delicious milkshakes.
  • O-Ku Sushi (Jacksonville Beach): An upscale sushi restaurant offering fresh, innovative rolls and a sophisticated dining experience. Great rooftop!
  • Angie’s Grom (Jacksonville Beach): A local go-to for casual and delicious Mexican-inspired dishes, especially tacos and burritos. Best breakfast tacos!
  • Brunch Haus (Jacksonville Beach): A popular spot for delicious breakfast and brunch dishes with a modern twist. Expect a wait on weekends!
  • North Beach Fish Camp (Neptune Beach): Fresh, delicious seafood in a lively and casual setting in the heart of Neptune Beach.
  • Hawkers Asian Street Fare (Neptune Beach): A vibrant spot offering a diverse menu of small plates inspired by Asian street food.
  • Flying Iguana – Find the Dean & Sydney brick out front! Best frozen margs in the greater Duval County region.
  • Marker 32 (Across the Ditch): A more upscale dining experience focusing on fresh, seasonal seafood with beautiful Intracoastal Waterway views.
  • Taco Lu: Fun and festive atmosphere with delicious Mexican food and great margaritas.
  • Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant (Mayport): Another excellent option in Mayport for fresh seafood, where you can often buy shrimp directly from the docks.

Unwind, Relax and Rejuvenate

Take some time to pamper yourself or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.

  • Ponte Vedra Inn & Club: A luxurious oceanfront resort offering world-class spa services, golf, tennis, and exquisite dining. You can often book spa treatments even if you’re not a guest.
  • One Ocean Resort & Spa (Atlantic Beach): A stunning beachfront resort with a highly-rated spa offering a range of treatments and ocean views. Perfect for a day of pampering.
  • Jasmine Body Work (Neptune Beach): A local favorite for therapeutic massages and bodywork in a calming environment.

Coffee

Grab a delicious coffee or a refreshing beverage at these local favorites.

  • Sago Coffee (Jax Beach): A popular spot for specialty coffee, pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Bold Bean Coffee Roasters (Jax Beach): Known for their high-quality, ethically sourced beans and expertly crafted coffee drinks. A true local institution.
  • Southern Grounds Coffee (Neptune Beach): A charming and spacious coffee shop offering a wide selection of coffee, teas, and delicious baked goods. Great for lingering.