Have a Ball at Our Beaches

Twenty miles of wide, beautiful beaches await you on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming, surfing, fishing and sunning can be found in the coastal communities of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. The shops and restaurants of the Beaches offer a wide variety of ways in which you can enjoy the laid back beach atmosphere.

Start your day by stopping by Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. The park has 1.5 miles of sandy beach and is noted for its fine surfing at an area known as "The Poles" located at the extreme southern end of the Mayport Naval Station Beach.  There are plenty of picnic tables and pavilions, so pack lunch and head out for the day.

Ready for lunch?  Head south on Old Mayport Road (A1A) for lunch and shopping at the Atlantic Beach Town Center where Atlantic Blvd. meets the ocean.

How about a walk out on the pier in Jacksonville Beach?  The new pier opened in the winter of 2005. The hours of operation are 6 A.M. to 10 P.M.  Fees are $4 to fish, and $1 for pedestrians, children under the age of 6 are free.  The pier is 1,300 feet long, and 20 feet wide.  At the start of the pier (near the beach), there is a concession stand, bait and tackle shop, and restrooms.

After stepping off the pier. Head west up Beach Blvd to the Beaches Visitor Center and Pablo Historical Park. Take a guided tour of historic Henry Flagler Railroad buildings that include the Section Foreman's House #93 and the Mayport Railroad Station. On the grounds you will be able to view a steam locomotive and peruse the treasure of donated antiques and memorabilia that recount the beginnings of the Jacksonville Beach.

Take a sunset swim in the ocean at Jacksonville Beach or take a stroll and enjoy the ocean breezes while strolling past the Red Cross Lifesaving Station along the Sea Walk Pavilion.

Need an afternoon break from the heat?  Check out the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach open daily with free artistic exhibits. 

Looking for evening fun?  How about a show at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre the oldest dinner theatre in the country?  The theatre has performances year round.

Looking for something more kid friendly?  How about miniature golf or go-karts at Adventure Landing?  They have Laser Tag, an arcade and a water park as well.

Top fishing spots include:

• The Jacksonville Pier
• Big Jetties
• Little Jetties
• Beach fishing on South Ponte Vedra Beach
• Both sides of the Dam on Guana Preserve

Boat Fishing Spots:

• Intracoastal waterway creeks
• Docks along the St. John's River
• Sister's Creek
• Nassau Sound

Top surfing spots include:

• The Poles
• Jacksonville Beach Pier
• Hanna Park

Other unique activities you might be interested in:

• Golfing - we have the most holes per capita in the world!
• Huguenot Park - the only park in Duval County where you can drive on the beach
• Don't want to tote all that beach gear along? Rentbeachstuff.com can deliver and set up for beach day gear anywhere on the beach.
• Take the car for a trip across the river on the St. John's River Ferry over to Fort George Island, a fun experience for all ages

Beach Festivals:

• Opening of the beaches
• Jazz Series
• Blues Festival
• Family Movie Fridays in the Summer