Family Beach Vacations

Jacksonville's Beaches Offer Families So Much More...

With more than 20 miles of coastline to explore, a family beach vacation is a great way to get to know Jacksonville and connect with loved ones. Whether your family is seeking adventure, relaxation or just some family fun, you'll find it here.

Immerse Yourself in Adventure
Unleash your Florida side with an extreme adventure. Kiteboarding is an increasingly-popular sport in Jacksonville and these extreme surfers can be spotted at Huguenot Memorial Park when the conditions are right. Learn from the experts at KGB Kiteboarding with one and two-day lessons available.

Unbelievably, Jacksonville offers incredible mountain biking trails in the heart of normally flat Florida at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. The trails' names say it all - "Grunt," "Misery" and "Tornado Alley" offer a wild adventure through the trees of this oceanfront park. These trails are for more advanced riders, but novice riders will enjoy two other off-road trails. There are more than 15 miles of wooded paths to explore by bike or on foot. The hard-packed white sand along the ocean, also offers a great spot to run or build sandcastles. 

Be sure to ride the St. Johns River Ferry - one of the last remaining car ferries in the state - back and forth between the beaches and Huguenot Park or Big and Little Talbot Islands.

Immerse Yourself in Tranquility
There are seven islands that make up the Talbot Island State Parks; however the Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands are the largest and most well-known of the set of islands. Big Talbot Island is primarily a natural preserve, where visitors can study nature, bird watch, hike the trails and picnic. The unique beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore. Just sit and enjoy the scenery or surf, hunt for shells, fish or hike along five miles of beaches.

Centuries past explorers ventured onto Jacksonville's shores seeking a new life and refuge. It's no wonder families today, find respite from a busy schedule by visiting these historical monuments. The Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve is minutes from the core of Jacksonville Beach. Explore Fort Caroline National Memorial which memorializes the 16th century French effort to establish a permanent colony in Florida. The site includes a near full-scale rendering of the fort, nature trails and visitor center containing Indian and French artifacts. There are countless trails and historical acknowledgements throughout the Preserve.

Immerse Yourself in Family Fun
Take in a fabulous show and delight in a tasty dinner at Alhambra Theatre & Dining with a revamped menu recently created by renowned chef Matthew Medure. The Alhambra has been entertaining families for years and with a recent renovation is sure to continue the tradition for years to come.

Cast a line at the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier overlooking the ocean. The 1,300-foot concrete structure extends nearly a quarter mile into the sea, offering ample access to fishing, concessions and the spectacular ocean view. Children age six and under are admitted at no charge. Rent Beach Stuff makes an anglers' trip even easier with fishing poles and other supplies for rent with convenient drop-off/pick-up at the beaches.