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7 Of The Best Beaches Near Jacksonville To Visit This Summer

Jennifer Young — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 22:15:00 +0000

When it comes to beautiful beaches, Jacksonville, Florida doesn’t disappoint. Jacksonville’s 22 miles of white sand beaches offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And what’s really great about Jacksonville’s beaches is that they’re family friendly. So, you can’t go wrong if you spend your family’s summer vacation here in this wonderful city.

Jacksonville has three main beach areas: Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach. And just up the road on Amelia Island are four other incredible beaches: Fort Clinch Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Peter’s Point Beach and American Beach.

Listed below is a closer look at each of these seven beaches. Which would you consider to be the best beach in Jacksonville?

1. Jacksonville Beach

yelp/West K.

Jacksonville Beach, located in northeast Florida, has it all. From beautiful beaches to a well-known fishing pier, and an amazing golf course to a variety of restaurants, there are so many great things to see and do in this popular beach area. Jacksonville Beach features some of the best waves in the region, which attracts surfers near and far. According to area locals, the best place to go surfing is "The Poles." This popular surf spot is located right outside of Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. If you're looking for somewhere that offers relaxation, family fun and a variety of recreational activities, Jacksonville Beach is the perfect place to be. If you happen to be here during Christmas, check out this Jacksonville Beach holiday tradition.

2. Atlantic Beach

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flickr/DeusXFlorida

Atlantic Beach, also located in northeast Florida, is a small coastal community that's full of charm and history. Regarding history, many experts think this beach area was North America's first year-round Native American settlement. Atlantic Beach offers many miles of laid-back beaches that are very popular during summertime for both tourists and locals. In addition to beautiful beaches, this coastal community also offers excellent golf opportunities and wonderful parks that are perfect for the entire family. Atlantic Beach attracts visitors from all over, especially surfers, beachcombers and bicyclists. After visiting this incredible beach area, many people decide to either pack up and move here, or to simply make it their second home. Atlantic Beach is such a gorgeous place, so it's not surprising that someone would want to experience this area as often as possible.

3. Neptune Beach

flickr/Aaron Plewke

yelp/Debbi C.

Neptune Beach is a small coastal community that's located on Florida's northeast corner, between Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach. If what you're wanting is relaxation, Neptune Beach is a great area to visit. Because of Neptune Beach's laid-back atmosphere, many people travel here to spend their summer days. This coastal community also has the most incredible sunrises and sunsets. As you experience these amazing views up close, you won't believe your eyes. They're truly incredible! Neptune Beach offers so much more than just a beautiful stretch of beach area. This coastal community also offers several boutiques, amazing restaurants and a couple of oceanfront hotels.

4. Fort Clinch State Park

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flickr/stevbach1

The beach at Fort Clinch State Park is a beautiful natural beach that's located near a historic fort. In addition to the fort, this beach area's half-mile fishing pier is also well known among tourists and locals. And besides its beautiful sandy beach, a few other amenities offered at this park include showers, restrooms and nature trails. Popular activities include walking, swimming and fishing.

5. Ponte Vedra Beach

flickr/Aaron Plewke

flickr/AdamChandler86

Ponte Vedra Beach, located 18 miles south of downtown Jacksonville, is a beautiful seaside community in St. Johns County, Florida. This beach area is very popular among upper-income tourists and golfers. It's also home to the PGA Tour and The Players Championship. When it comes to Ponte Vedra's beaches, the sand dunes are some of Florida's highest. Ponte Vedra Beach is a great place for the entire family.

6. Peter's Point Beachfront Park

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foursquare/Sean R.

Peter's Point Beachfront Park is located at the south end of Amelia Island. What's great about this beach area is that it's free for public use. It's also the same beach area that's used by guests of the nearby Ritz-Carlton. The beach at Peter's Point has a variety of amenities, including barbecue grills, a picnic area, showers, lifeguards (seasonal) and free parking. A couple of popular activities include surfing and swimming.

7. American Beach

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TripAdvisor/James H

American Beach is located about five miles south of Fernandina Beach and is a well known historic landmark. This popular beach was founded in 1935 during a time when there weren't many beaches in the area for blacks. During the 1940s-50s, blacks came from near and far to visit American Beach. For those of you interested in history, American Beach is also part of Florida's Black Heritage Trail.

Do you plan on visiting any of these Jacksonville beaches this summer? Are there other beaches in or near Jacksonville that you like to visit? Let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!

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Little Talbot Island Is An Easy Hike In Florida That Takes You To An Unforgettable View

Celina Colby — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:24:33 +0000

Little Talbot Island is one of a just a few undeveloped barrier islands left in Northeast Florida. With five miles of pristine beach and 3 miles of biking and hiking trails, visitors can experience several different ecosystems in just one trip.

For hikers, the Campground Nature Trail is an accessible one mile stroll. You'll begin next to the salt marshes of Myrtle Creek and then over gentle sand dunes and into an oak maritime forest. On this 30 minute walk you'll experience three different landscapes and the natural wonders within them.

Florida State Parks

The trails are just one facet of what Little Talbot Island has to offer. Fishing is popular along this coastline, and redfish, flounder, trout and black drum are all native to the area.

Florida State Parks

The sun-bleached cedar and palm trunks that can be spotted along the island are like natural sculptures dotting the beach gallery. The beach is, of course, used for sunning, delving into a riveting beach read and playing sand sports as well as for long scenic walks.

Florida State Parks

There are 36 campsites available on the island, allowing visitors to spend more quality time within the lush setting and wake up to the gentle rays of the oceanside sun.

Florida State Parks

Canoes and kayaks are available for rent on the island and Kayak Amelia, the rental organization, also offers guided paddle tours of the region. You can take a yoga paddle class, a bird watching paddle tour, even a full moon paddle excursion.

Florida State Parks

The park is open from 8 am to sunset and entrance is $5 for a vehicle holding up to 8 people.

Florida State Parks

It’s rare to experience so many different natural landscapes in one location. Each trail on Little Talbot Island takes you to a new and unforgettable view.

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11 Absolutely Amazing Places To Visit In Jacksonville

Victoria W — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 20:52:52 +0000

If you’re looking for something fun to do around Jacksonville, you’re in luck. Jacksonville is a big city, and there are plenty of fun things to keep you and your family entertained for the summer and beyond.

1. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Flickr/Rob Bixby

This sanctuary provides a loving home for tigers, leopards, lions, and other big cats. They offer tours and nighttime feedings at reasonable admission prices.

2. Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands

Flickr/Susannah

About 20 miles outside of Jacksonville lie two of Northeast Florida's last unspoiled barrier islands. Beautiful natural beaches lined with driftwood, maritime forests, dunes and marshes provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventure. Kayaking, fishing, camping and wildlife viewing make this one of Northeast Florida's best hidden gems.

3. Florida Theatre

Flickr/Craig ONeal

This historic movie theatre provides a unique viewing experience for plays, concerts, and other events. The stylish theatre, with its Mediterranean Revival architecture, is one of the few of its kind remaining in Florida.

4. Autobahn Indoor Speedway

Facebook/Autobahn Indoor Speedway - Jacksonville, FL

On these Grand Prix style indoor tracks, you can drive Italian-made electric karts at speeds up to 50 mph. This is guaranteed to be unlike any other go kart racing you've ever experienced.

5. Riverside Arts Market

Facebook/Riverside Arts Market

Every Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), December through March, head under the Fuller Warren Bridge for fresh produce, live music, food, art and handmade gifts.

6. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

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This sprawling zoo covering 117 acres is home to over 2,000 animals. The zoo features exciting exhibits, animal encounters, and a brand new river cruise.

7. Atlantic Beach

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A few miles from Jacksonville Beach, this coastal community offers a beautiful stretch of beach, with plenty of great restaurants. If you can make it on a weekday, you will find a less crowded, more family friendly beach.

8. MOSH - Museum of Science and History

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Jacksonville's most visited museum is 82,000 square feet of science and local history. The museum also features a newly updated planetarium. Stop by on $5 Fridays for a great discount and extended hours.

9. Clark's Fish Camp

Flickr/Callie Reed

If you're looking for a unique -- even entertaining -- restaurant in Florida, Clark's is a must. The entire restaurant is decorated with displays of exotic taxidermy, and there's even a live alligator named Lilly. This is a great place to take kids and out-of-town guests.

10. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

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Every kid who grew up in Jacksonville has probably taken a few field trips to this historic museum that holds over 5,000 permanent pieces and a 2.5-acre garden. Check out Free Tuesdays from 4 p.m to 9 p.m and Free Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

11. Brewery Tours

Flickr/Michel Curi

Jacksonville has an amazing up and coming craft beer scene, and it seems like exciting new breweries are popping up every day. Bold City, Intuition Ale Works and Aardwolf Brewing Company are just a few of the city's best new breweries.

What’s your favorite thing to do around Jacksonville? Looking for more summer fun? Check out these 7 Awesome Beaches Near Jacksonville.

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You May Be Surprised To Learn These 10 Famous People Are From Jacksonville

Jennifer Young — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 17:51:40 +0000

Many celebs hail from Jacksonville, Florida. From award-winning actors and singers, to professional athletes and authors, many famous people call Jacksonville home. Listed below are 10 of the most famous people from Jacksonville.

1. Ashley Greene

wikipedia/Gerald Geronimo

Ashley Greene, an actress and model, was born in Jacksonville, Florida and is best known for playing the role of Alice Cullen in the "Twilight" films.

2. Rex Smith

Flickr/Sergei ~ 5of7

Rex Smith, born in Jacksonville, Florida, is an actor and singer. In 1978, Smith made his acting debut in the Broadway play "Grease." It was during that time he became a teen idol and was featured regularly in several teen magazines, including 16 Magazine and Tiger Beat.

3. Barbie Blank

YouTube/KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas

Jacksonville-born Barbie Blank is a model and former professional wrestler who went by the ring name Kelly Kelly. She's best known for her time with WWE, as well as her role on the E! reality television series "WAGS," which premiered August 2015.

4. Patrick Heusinger

wikipedia/Work for hire owned by TGE (the group entertainment), provided by Talent Manager Kyle Luker

Patrick Heusinger was born in Jacksonville, Florida and is an actor who's best known for playing the roles of Lord Marcus on the hit television series "Gossip Girl" and Adam Pierce on "Royal Pains." Heusinger is a graduate of Juilliard.

5. Elizabeth Edwards

wikimedia commons/J at English Wikipedia

Elizabeth Edwards, born in Jacksonville, Florida, was an attorney, best-selling author and health care activist. She was best known as the wife of John Edwards - the 2004 U.S. Democratic vice-presidential nominee.

6. Jessica Morris

YouTube/Jessica Morris

Jacksonville-born Jessica Morris is an actress who's best known for playing the role of Jennifer Rappaport on the award-winning soap opera "One Life to Live."

7. Patrika Darbo

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Patrika Darbo, an actress and producer, is best known for playing the roles of Penny Baker on "Step by Step" and Nancy Wesley on the award-winning soap opera "Days of Our Lives," which earned her an Emmy nomination in 2000. Darbo also appeared in the films "Rango" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

8. Pat Boone

flickr/Gage Skidmore

Pat Boone was born in Jacksonville, Florida and is an award-winning singer, actor and motivational speaker. During the 1950s and early 1960s, he was a highly successful pop singer. Throughout his career, Boone has sold more than 45 million albums.

9. Paula Kelly

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Paula Kelly, born in Jacksonville, Florida, is a dancer and actress. A few of her Broadway credits include "Something More!," "The Dozens" and Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Ladies." Kelly has also appeared on several hit television shows, including "Sanford and Son" and "The Golden Girls."

10. Johnny Van Zant

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Jacksonville-born Johnny Van Zant is an award-winning musician who's best known as Lynyrd Skynyrd's lead vocalist.

There sure are lots of famous people from Florida! Did you know there were so many celebs from Jacksonville?

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