You may choose from beach cruisers for a relaxing ride along the shoreline to gear-crunching off-road bikes for a heart-pounding ride over more rugged terrain.
In the mood for some indoor activity such as shopping? The beaches of Northeast Florida have you covered there too. From quaint gift shops to funky art galleries to cavernous antique malls, the beaches are a bargain hunter’s dream come true.
Jacksonville Beach is the most populated of the four beach communities in Duval County. Home to roughly 20,000 residents, Jacksonville Beach has long been a haven for surfing, sunbathing, shelling, fishing and boating. In fact, it was way back in 1886 that Jacksonville Beach’s first resort hotel – the 350 room Murray Hall Hotel was built.
Today, Jacksonville Beach is experiencing a modern day renaissance, with renewed interest by area business people and city leaders who are spearheading a $6 million redevelopment project. Restaurants, shops and watering holes have sprung up along the Jacksonville Beach boardwalk, and festivals, concerts and arts and crafts shows are regularly held at the Sea-Walk Pavilion, the Beaches’ large, oceanfront public stage and park.
At the south end of the boardwalk stands the historic American Red Cross Life Saving Station, erected in 1947. The historic watchtower serves as the central headquarters for the 100-member volunteer life saving corps. A little further down the shore, between 5th and 6th avenues, is the 1,200 foot long Jacksonville Beach Pier, a popular spot for anglers that features a bait and tackle shop and a rustic restaurant.
Just north of the small community of Atlantic Beach is one of the oldest fishing villages in the nation, Maport, also home to one of the largest U.S. Navy bases on the East Coast. On weekends, visitors are allowed on base for ship tours, and occasionally may even board a naval vessel visiting from a foreign land. Also on the ground of the Navy base, but located outside the gates, is the historic Mayport Lighthouse, built in 1859.
A few more miles north still, but just a history-rich as Mayport, is Ft. George Island. Tucked away on the tiny barrier island is Kingsley Plantation, one of the most historic sites in all of Northeast Florida. The plantation house, the oldest remaining plantation home in Florida, sits at the far end of the island overlooking the lazy Ft. George River. Not far from the main house are the remains of 23 slave cabins.
But there is more to the beaches of Northeast Florida than history. Nature lovers will find endless escapes [Escapes at such places as Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, a 450-acre oceanfront park in Mayport, and B.E.A.K.S. (Bird Emergency Aid and Kare Sanctuary) on Ft. George Island. This 13-acre wild-life rehabilitation facility is acclaimed for its care of sick and injured pelicans, eagles, osprey and other feathered friends.
Not far from B.E.A.K.S. are two of the region’s most treasured natural area. Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands. Acquired by the state as a wetlands nature preserve, Big Talbot features a near-pristine beach and miles of nature trails to explore. Little Talbot offers miles of white sand beaches ideal for walking and picnicking, as well as hiking trails and camping sites. Visitors may also rent canoes, bikes and other recreational equipment at the park.
As you can see, the Jacksonville and Northeast Florida shoreline offers countless opportunities to discover history, explore wilderness areas, or simply relax, swim, sunbathe or play in the surf. And, perhaps best of all, all of this summertime fun is found only a few minutes away from wherever in Jacksonville you may be.
So, what’s stopping you? Put on the swimsuit, pack a bag with a few drinks, a little suntan lotion and a pair of sunglasses and head to the beach. The surf’s always up in Jacksonville.
