Near Jacksonville, FL., there are some of the best beaches in the state for surfing, relaxing, and enjoying quality time with family. Ideal for soaking up the sun, the following beaches are our
favorites, which suit anyone from thrill-seekers to more laid-back loungers.
5 of the Best Beaches Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Jacksonville Beach
This is a lovely, clean stretch of sand that’s perfect for surfers, boogie boarders, paddlers, and body surfers, making it a fantastic place for families. If you’re not a fan of being in the water, we recommend strolling along the wooden pier to take in the gorgeous ocean views. It’s a handy beach because Jacksonville’s shops are super close by, and there are restaurants aplenty for when all that paddling works up your appetite.
2. Neptune Beach
Neptune Beach is even cleaner than Jacksonville beach and is home to romantic orangey-pink sunsets and sunrises. Because the sand is vast, we recommend bringing your bikes and surfboards to make the most of this stunning scenery. For children, this is an excellent sandcastle building spot, and it’s near to restaurants for when keen little constructors need a bite to eat. In addition, there are lovely shopping opportunities in the neighboring boutiques.
3. Atlantic Beach
As it’s another beautifully long and wide beach, Atlantic Beach is a great place to feel the sand between your toes on an exciting run. We recommend heading to the local golf courses, searching for pretty shells, or simply relaxing by soaking up the sun if you prefer more leisurely activities. This beach has a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a retreat from work stresses! As it catches the Atlantic winds, it’s an ideal place for surfers to ride some thrilling waves.
4. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
We believe this is the best beach to visit if you’re a surfer or have kids around because the 1.5-mile sand is packed with fun activities to keep little ones entertained. Some highlights include a child-friendly splash park, convenient picnic areas, and a lovely park beside the wavy ocean with enjoyable biking and walking trails. The beach even has a nearby 60-acre lake that’s great for dropping a fishing line into, canoeing on, and kayaking!
5. Huguenot Memorial Park
This park is home to terns, shorebirds, and other nesting birds that you can observe closely, making it a gem for birdwatchers. It’s a section of the Great Florida Bird and Wildlife Trail and is a “critical wildlife area,” protecting precious species. You can even drive on the beach here, but make sure it’s not too wet before you do to avoid getting stuck. We recommend this park for beginner surfers because it generally has smaller waves than Atlantic Beach.
The clean, white, sandy beaches near Jacksonville are gorgeous, stretching out under the sun. They offer boogie boarding, cycling adventures, birdwatching, shell collecting, paddling, hiking, tanning, delicious food, canoeing, kayaking, and much more! Visit us at Mazda City of Orange Park for more information about lovely places to go near Jacksonville.


