Jacksonville is a beautiful city in Florida which is a popular destination among tourists that is located at the northeast coastline of the state. It is a city where you can find beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants, parks and more.
Jacksonville Beach is not far from the city and it takes a short journey to reach there. Even though Jacksonville is the largest and most populous city of Florida, you will never find its beaches busy. This allows you to relax and enjoy the beauty of the beach.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL
You can explore many islands, state and national parks, natural preserves, and more during your visit. Here is my list of the best things to do in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH PIER
Jacksonville Beach Pier extends from the boardwalk out into the Atlantic Ocean. This is also one of the most iconic landmarks in Jacksonville city.
The length of the Jacksonville pier is just over a quarter-mile. It is a popular place among tourists to take a walk or click photos while admiring the beautiful view of the beach.
It is also one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful sunrise or sunset gleaming over the horizon. For those who love fishing, they can take necessary permits and do fishing at the end of the pier.
Address: 503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JJ78zQRA6o9Szrhj8
Website: https://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/visitors/what-do/jacksonville-fishing-pier
PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Ponte Vedra Beach is home to many beautiful sand stretches and getaway destinations. It is a beautiful resort city which is located along the northeast coast of Florida.
It takes only 10 minutes to reach Ponte Vedra Beach from Jacksonville Beach. If you prefer to take a scenic stroll, you can just walk across the boardwalk to reach there.
Other than the beautiful stretches of the beach, Ponte Vedra Beach is also a popular destination for golfing where you can find some of the best golf clubs and courses.
Address: FL 32082, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5zxtkmJNaBzCeFnV9
Website: https://www.sjcchamber.com/ponte-vedra-beach
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Named after the city Jacksonville Beach is another great resort city to visit. This is a very popular holiday destination among the tourists who have been visiting since the late 19th century who are looking for a great outdoor retreat.
The beach has a scenic view along with the breeze and the sunny weather because of which it has gained a lot of popularity. You can walk across the boardwalk, along the sand, take a dip in the ocean or just relax and chill.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PaJFDea5uhgketv26
Website: https://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/
BEACHES MUSEUM AND HISTORY PARK
Not only is Jacksonville known for its beautiful beaches but also for its history which often gets overlooked by its visitors who visit the city.
While you are in the city take some time to know about the city’s history by visiting the Museum and History Park. Here you can learn about the city’s culture and the arrival of Europeans, Spanish and British.
You can also view local artifacts and photos of how the city evolved into the popular tourist destination that it has become today.
Address: 381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wv9gLQitN6kNYz9s8
Timings:
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
Sunday, 12 pm–4 pm
Closed on Mondays
Phone: +19042415657
Website: https://beachesmuseum.org/
TIMUCUAN ECOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC PRESERVE
Located across the St. John’s River, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a great place to plan for a day trip which is covered with 200 square kilometers of wilderness which means you have plenty to see and explore.
Some of the activities that can do here are hiking, mountain biking, exploring the rivers via kayaks or canoes. You can also visit Fort Caroline to learn more about the history of the area.
Address: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/s2XsFoDeNk2z7Gay7
Timings:
Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Phone: +19046417155
Website: https://www.nps.gov/timu/index.htm
DAYTONA BEACH
You can find Daytona Beach further along the coast of Jacksonville Beach which is another great place to plan your day trip.
Daytona Beach is one of the most popular names in Florida, not only because of its beaches but also since it is the home to NASCAR racing.
One can reach Daytona Beach by driving around an hour and a half from Jacksonville Beach. While you enjoy the scenic beaches, you can also visit the Daytona International Speedway and if you are at the right time you can enjoy NASCAR racing too.
Address: FL 32118, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/U9upB1TfPzRuFoCw9
Website: https://www.daytonabeach.com
Daytona International Speedway
Address: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Q1cMq3XCzQ2wwqhe9
Website: https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/
SURFING
If you are into surfing then the Atlantic Ocean provides some of the best conditions for hitting the waves which is why it is becoming a popular surfing destination among its visitors.
Jacksonville Beach Pier is a popular spot for surfing where you will find surfer throughout the year. Since the waves are not too big, it is a great place for beginners to learn surfing. But it is a good idea to check the conditions before you plan since the Atlantic Ocean can sometimes get stormy.
Address: 503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JJ78zQRA6o9Szrhj8
Website: https://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/visitors/what-do/jacksonville-fishing-pier
BLACK HAMMOCK ISLAND
Black Hammock Island is located across the north edge of Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. This historical place is home to many ancient artifacts that are uncovered from the island.
You can also find some remnants of the early colonial European days who were fighting over Florida. Filled with history this place should get more visitors than it deserves.
Address: 15770 Sawpit Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fW7GijEoqcsQGr6E6
Phone: +19046302489
SHIPWRECK ISLAND WATER PARK
If you are looking for some adventure and thrills, Shipwreck Island Water Park is the place to visit. Filled with huge slides, attractions, a wave pool and more this is a great place to visit especially during Florida’s hot summer time.
Other than enjoying the slides and swings, you can also refresh and one of the cafes or hand out at the underground cabanas.
Address: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2dv361EDJMZrP5ZPA
Timings:
Monday to Thursday, 11 am–6 pm
Friday to Sunday, 11 am–7 pm
Phone: +19042464386
Website: https://jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com/attractions/shipwreck-island-waterpark/
ADVENTURE LANDING
Home to Shipwreck Island Water Park, Adventure Landing has a lot of top things to do in Jax Beach. This amusement park is perfect for a day out with family or friends where you can find a wide range of activities to do.
You can play miniature golf, race go-kart, play baseball in batting cages, or even laser tag. It is one of the best places to visit during your visit to Jacksonville Beach that will provide wholesome entertainment.
Address: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ji7p6Aots6zLa6RRA
Timings:
Monday to Thursday, 12 am–8 pm
Friday, 12 pm–10 pm
Saturday, 11 am–10 pm
Sunday, 11 am–9 pm
Phone: +19042464386
Website: https://jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com/
Want to suggest more things to do in Jacksonville Beach, FL? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll be sure to add them to the post.
