Jacksonville, FL is a vibrant city surrounded by water. With 22 miles of lovely beaches, many scenic coves, a winding river that splits the city in two, and acres of nearby glistening lakes, this city is a boater’s dream. Read on to learn of the best boating locations in and around town.
5 Favorite Locations for Boating Near Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Beach
If you’re into fishing, there’s no better place to start than just off the coastline. Take your boat to the waters overlooking Jacksonville Beach and you’ll soon be hooking snapper, bluefish, grouper, whiting, sea trout, tuna, and many more kinds of fish. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot dolphins playing beneath the waves.
The most popular spot for casting a line is Mayport Jetties, which lies where the mouth of St. John’s River opens to the ocean. There are plenty of places there to charter a boat. And if angling isn’t your thing, you can also take out a canoe, a kayak, or a standup paddleboard.
Intracoastal Waterway
If you’d prefer to recline back and cruise lazily up the river, enjoying the sights of the city and wetlands beyond it, then take a water tour or river taxi up the Intracoastal Waterway. There are many different options of boat for this trip. You can take a kayak tour, a sailing boat, or even a human-powered “cycle boat” catamaran. Whatever suits your fancy.
Sights to see as you circumnavigate the river include the historic Mayport fishing village, the city’s many bridges, and Jacksonville’s beautiful evening skyline. Along the banks, you’ll also see miles of iconic Floridian marchland filled with long-legged wetland birds, manatees, and other interesting wildlife.
Doctors Lake
Just a short boat ride from downtown, you’ll find this peaceful lake where freshwater meets saltwater from the river’s inlet. Doctors Lake is filled with an unusual variety of fish, including redear sunfish and largemouth bass. It’s an ideal spot to while away the hours in total quiet, enjoying the sunshine, the fresh breeze over the water, and that wonderful tug on your line when a catch is close.
Fort George Inlet
The most popular place for local boaters is probably Fort George Inlet, an area so pretty that the locals have dubbed it the First Coast Bahamas. The many pristine beaches and lengthy sandbars of the inlet make it a beach lover’s dream. You can cruise about and find your own secluded spot to stop for some sunbathing and picnicking on the sand.
A very special spot to visit here is the Fort George Island Cultural State Park. On the island, you can take a break to go hiking or biking through the lushly forested parkland. A restored 1920’s clubhouse on the island provides a perfect place for lunch before returning to the water.
Mill Cove
If you’re looking for water sports, head to this wide, calm, charming cove. Here, you can try wakeboarding and waterskiing around the cove’s many marshy islands. Mill Cove is also a popular spot for anglers who are after sea trout, redfish, and flounder.
Once you’ve spent a fine day out on the water, pay a visit to Mazda City of Orange Park. We’ve been servicing the local drivers of Jacksonville and the surrounding area since 1974, and look forward to helping you meet your vehicle needs, whatever they might be.
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