Jacksonville, Florida, situated on the northeast coast of the state, is a vibrant city known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural scene, and beautiful waterfront setting. As the largest city by area in the contiguous United States, Jacksonville offers visitors a wide range of attractions and activities to explore.
One of Jacksonville’s most iconic features is its extensive riverfront, with the St. Johns River winding through the heart of the city. The Jacksonville Landing and Riverwalk offer scenic views, waterfront dining, and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Sports enthusiasts can catch a Jacksonville Jaguars football game at TIAA Bank Field or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city’s championship golf courses.
Jacksonville’s beaches, including Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, offer miles of pristine shoreline, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Nature lovers can explore the city’s parks and gardens, including the expansive Hanna Park, known for its hiking trails, campground, and freshwater lake, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.
The Same
We have always chosen to visit Jacksonville for the beaches. Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach are two coastal communities located on the northeastern coast of Florida, just east of Jacksonville. They are part of a group of beach towns known as the Jacksonville Beaches. Since Neptune and Atlantic Beaches are two neighboring beaches, where they meet has a ton of paid parking and restaurants so this is where we tend to park and go to the beach.
Neptune and Atlantic Beaches
Neptune Beach
Neptune Beach is a small, quiet, and laid-back community known for its relaxed vibe. It’s less commercial than some of the other nearby beaches, making it ideal for those looking for a more tranquil beach experience. The beach is clean and less crowded, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a peaceful walk along the shore. It’s also a popular spot for surfing, and you’ll often see locals catching waves. The heart of Neptune Beach is the Beaches Town Center, where you can find a mix of casual and upscale dining, boutique shops, and local businesses. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal or shop for unique items.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is slightly larger than Neptune Beach and offers a similar relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. It’s known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and historic homes. The beach here is wide and sandy, perfect for families and those looking to enjoy water activities. It’s a popular spot for fishing, beach volleyball, and shell hunting. Atlantic Beach has a vibrant dining scene, with numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from seafood to international dishes. There’s also a lively nightlife scene with bars and live music venues. The area has several parks, including the popular Howell Park, which offers shaded trails, picnic areas, and a pond. There’s also the Dutton Island Preserve, a great spot for hiking, bird watching, and kayaking.
The DINKs
Living in Charlotte for roughly 20 years, Jacksonville was only a 5 hour drive which made it a perfect long weekend getaway especially when the Carolinas were not warm enough for the beach. For a while we were visiting every year.
Craft Beer
Jacksonville boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several breweries offering a diverse range of locally brewed beers. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Jacksonville’s breweries offer something for everyone to enjoy. These are just a few of the many breweries that contribute to Jacksonville’s vibrant craft beer scene.
- Ink Factory Brewing is a unique craft brewery located in Jacksonville’s burgeoning Riverside neighborhood. The brewery’s name pays homage to the historic building’s past life as a printing press, and its industrial-chic interior reflects this heritage with exposed brick walls, steel beams, and vintage printing equipment. Ink Factory’s beer lineup features a diverse range of styles, from classic IPAs and stouts to experimental sours and barrel-aged brews. Their rotating selection ensures there’s always something new and exciting to try, with seasonal releases and limited-edition small batches keeping visitors coming back for more. The taproom at Ink Factory Brewing provides a welcoming space for beer enthusiasts to gather, with ample seating, board games, and regular live music events adding to the lively atmosphere.
- Hyperion Brewing Company is a dynamic craft brewery nestled in the heart of Jacksonville’s historic Springfield neighborhood. Named after the Greek god of light, Hyperion is known for its commitment to brewing innovative and flavorful beers while fostering a sense of community and creativity. The brewery’s cozy taproom exudes a welcoming atmosphere, with rustic decor, exposed brick walls, and ample seating perfect for gathering with friends or striking up a conversation with fellow beer enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of beers on tap, ranging from classic styles like IPAs and stouts to experimental brews featuring unique ingredients and flavor profiles.
- Aardwolf Brewing Company: Aardwolf Brewing Company is located in the historic San Marco neighborhood and offers a unique selection of artisanal beers, including barrel-aged and sour beers. The brewery’s stylish taproom features a modern industrial design and a rotating selection of beers, including their award-winning Belgian-style ales and IPAs.
- Ale Works: See below for more details especially if you are going to a football game.
Restaurants
Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach boast a vibrant dining scene, where you can savor everything from upscale coastal cuisine to laid-back local favorites, offering flavors as diverse as the city itself.
BBQ Sticks on Neptune Beach offers a delicious and convenient dining option for beachgoers and locals alike. This food truck specializes in serving up mouthwatering BBQ skewers cooked to perfection right on the grill. Visitors can enjoy a variety of meats and veggies, each skewered and seasoned with flavorful marinades and spices. From tender chicken and juicy steak to savory sausage and fresh vegetables, there’s something for every palate. The aroma of smoky BBQ fills the air as patrons indulge in these tasty treats, making it the perfect beachside snack or meal. With its convenient location on Neptune Beach, Food Truck BBQ Sticks provides a satisfying and satisfyingly delicious dining experience for anyone looking to satisfy their BBQ cravings while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.
Ale Works on Game day: If you are heading to a football game this is the perfect place to pregame. Great local beer, okay food and a great rooftop with a peak at the stadium. The smash burger was a bit disappointing so I’d recommend sticking to the brawt and adding a side of beer cheese. It’s worth the extra cost.
Sports
Jacksonville is a sports lover’s haven, offering everything from NFL action with the Jaguars to exciting college matchups, professional golf tournaments, and a thriving local sports culture.
Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) The Jacksonville Jaguars play at EverBank Stadium, located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The stadium is renowned for its passionate fan atmosphere and unique features, including the two giant video boards and pool cabanas. We loved that the stadium is located right on the water. The cool breeze was appreciated even on an October afternoon. We also appreciated the little theatre they had which was showing another game prior to the start of the Jaguars game. Along with the live music it kept us entertained as we entered the stadium pretty early before game time. We also felt the Jaguar fans were really welcoming and open towards the other teams fans who seemed to out number them.
Boneyard/ Black Rock Beach – Big Talbet Island
Boneyard Beach, also known as Black Rock Beach, is a captivating and rugged stretch of shoreline located on Big Talbot Island, just northeast of Jacksonville, Florida. This unique beach is renowned for its dramatic landscape, featuring a hauntingly beautiful collection of fallen trees, weathered driftwood, and sun-bleached skeletons of trees scattered along the sandy shore. Visitors to Boneyard Beach are greeted by a surreal scene that feels almost otherworldly, as the bleached skeletons of maritime forest trees create a stunning contrast against the blue sky and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach gets its name from the eerie appearance of the exposed tree roots and trunks, resembling a “boneyard” or graveyard. Exploring Boneyard Beach is like stepping into a natural sculpture garden, where each twisted tree trunk and gnarled root system tells a story of resilience against the elements. Photographers flock to this unique spot to capture its ethereal beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset when the warm light casts enchanting shadows across the landscape.
It’s important to note that Boneyard Beach is a natural area, and visitors should take care to respect the fragile ecosystem and leave no trace behind. With its mesmerizing beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Boneyard Beach is a hidden gem along Florida’s northeast coast, offering a truly unforgettable beach experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Jacksonville Beach:
The namesake of the area, Jacksonville Beach is the largest and most popular of the beaches. It features a wide sandy shoreline with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is a popular spot for fishing and scenic ocean views, while the Beaches Town Center offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options.
Little Talbet Island
Little Talbot Island is a beautiful barrier island located in Northeast Florida, just north of Jacksonville. It is part of the Talbot Islands State Parks, which also include Big Talbot Island and the smaller nearby islands. Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. It features over five miles of pristine beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests, providing a glimpse of Florida’s natural landscape. The island’s beaches are wide, clean, and relatively uncrowded, making them perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. The shoreline is known for its soft white sand and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Driftwood often washes ashore, creating a picturesque setting. Little Talbot Island is a fantastic destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in Florida’s natural beauty. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or just want to relax by the beach, it’s a perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Ponte Vedra Beach:
Just south of Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach is known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and upscale residential communities. TPC Sawgrass, home to the iconic Stadium Course and THE PLAYERS Championship, is a major attraction for golf enthusiasts, while the upscale shopping and dining options along Ponte Vedra Boulevard cater to luxury travelers.
Mayport
Mayport, Florida, is a historic fishing village and naval community located at the mouth of the St. Johns River, just east of Jacksonville. It’s known for its maritime heritage, the presence of Naval Station Mayport, and its unique blend of natural beauty and local culture. Mayport has a long history as a fishing village, and it’s still an active hub for commercial and recreational fishing. You can see shrimp boats in the harbor and buy fresh seafood directly from local fish markets.
- Singleton’s Seafood Shack: The village is famous for its seafood, particularly Mayport shrimp. There are several locally-owned seafood restaurants where you can enjoy fresh catches. Places like Singleton’s Seafood Shack are well-known for their authentic, no-frills seafood experience.
- Mayport Lighthouse: While the lighthouse itself is within the Naval Station and not open to the public, it’s an iconic structure with historical significance. The original lighthouse dates back to 1858, guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the St. Johns River.
- Mayport Ferry:The St. Johns River Ferry, also known as the Mayport Ferry, provides a scenic and historic route across the St. Johns River, connecting Mayport to Fort George Island and A1A. The ferry is a popular way to travel between Jacksonville’s beaches and the Talbot Islands while enjoying the water views.
Summary
Jacksonville, Florida, offers a versatile coastal experience that caters to both families and DINKs sun and sand. While both groups enjoyed the charming Atlantic and Neptune Beaches, the DINKs’ frequent visits allowed them to explore Jacksonville’s broader array of coastal treasures. Their adventures extended to the striking Boneyard/Black Rock Beach on Big Talbot Island, the serene shores of Little Talbot Island, the bustling Jacksonville Beach, the upscale Ponte Vedra Beach, and the historic town of Mayport. This deeper dive into Jacksonville’s diverse beach scene gave the DINKs a richer, more varied experience, showcasing the area’s true coastal charm beyond the popular spots.
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