10 Best Beaches in Jacksonville, FL

City street with palm trees and buildings under a blue sky

Jacksonville's stunning beaches are the perfect destination for your next getaway, and Red Roof is here to make your stay even better. Whether you're seeking a relaxing day on soft, white sand or thrilling water adventures, our affordable, pet-friendly hotels are conveniently located near the city's top beach spots. With crystal-clear waters and miles of shoreline to explore, there's something for everyone just minutes from your Red Roof hotel.

From hidden natural gems to popular family-friendly shores, we've curated a guide to the best beaches Jacksonville has to offer. Let Red Roof be your starting point for a sun-soaked adventure by the sea.

Sandy beach with colorful umbrellas and a clear blue sky

Located 30 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach features miles of white sand and clear waters to explore. Most believe it's the location of one of the first year-round Native American settlements in North America.

The beach is a top destination for surfers, kayakers, and sunbathers alike. With hard-packed sand lining the shoreline, you can even bring your bike along for a ride down the coast. This family-friendly beach is known for its abundant supply of shells that kids love to collect during a day in the sun. The Town Center is located nearby, offering plenty of restaurants and shopping options to explore after your beach day.

Beachfront with high-rise buildings and waves along the shoreline

Jacksonville Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city, featuring close to four miles of soft white sand to enjoy. Take part in almost every outdoor activity you can think of, including surfing, paddle boarding, beach volleyball, and cycling. A 430-yard fishing pier offers the perfect place to cast a line into the Atlantic. If your day in the sun works up an appetite, set up for lunch at the sheltered picnic areas or pop into one of the many nearby restaurants.

Sandy beach with large rock formations and a clear sky

Fort Clinch State Park is a must-visit destination for nature and history lovers alike. Located on the northeast tip of Amelia Island, this 1,500-acre park features a white-sand shoreline that wraps around a historic brick fortress dating back to the 1800s. Take a guided tour of the fort and then head to the sand to set up for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Miles of surrounding trails offer the perfect place for a bike ride, hike, or leisurely stroll.

Black Rock Beach, located within Big Talbot Island State Park, is a natural wonder formed at the end of the last ice age. A collection of ancient black rocks and fallen tree skeletons line the shore, making it a must-stop for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the beach's otherworldly beauty, stroll or bike the nearby paths, and try to spot the various bird species that live in the surrounding forest.

To enjoy a picnic, stroll north to the larger Big Talbot Island, where you'll find kayaking, picnic tables, and grassy lounging areas.

Wide sandy beach with gentle waves and a clear horizon

Ten miles south of Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach is an oceanside community known for its white sandy shoreline and calm waters. Whether you plan to sunbathe, surf, paddle, or beach comb, Ponte Vedra offers plenty of outdoor activities for the entire family. As you stroll onto the sand, you'll find an abundance of shells and black fossilized shark teeth to collect and take home as a souvenir. Before you leave, don't forget to explore the 40-foot-tall sand dunes that tower over the beach and provide a picturesque backdrop.

Located just five miles north of Jacksonville, you'll find the sandy shores of Neptune Beach. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, the beach is ideal for a relaxing day in the sun. Whether you want to lay in the sand, surf the waves, or jump in for a swim, there's something for everyone. Early birds can catch the photo-worthy sunrise, or stop by later for a romantic sunset stroll with your special someone.

If you've ever wanted to drive onto the beach, now's your chance. Peters Point Beachfront Park is a family-friendly Jacksonville beach that allows cars to drive right onto the sand and park directly on the shore. Pack a picnic, enjoy the white sandy shoreline, and head into the water for ocean activities. Kids will love the nearby playground and frolicking in the calm waves. If you work up an appetite, head to one of the local restaurants for an oceanside meal with stunning views.

Sandy path with a sign reading 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles Recommended near dunes

Known as one of the top birdwatching spots in the area, Huguenot Memorial Park is a nature lover's dream. The sprawling nature reserve is protected as a critical wildlife area, allowing you to get up close and personal with native shorebirds and local wildlife. Once you've explored the reserve, make your way down to the white sandy beach for a day of sunbathing, kayaking, fishing, or kitesurfing. With surrounding playgrounds, fishing spots, and walking trails, Huguenot Memorial Park is a must-visit destination for the entire family.

Discover 450 acres of stunning shoreline at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Located south of Mayport Village, this park features a blend of lush forests, freshwater lakes, and white sand beaches. It offers the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, swimming, surfing, fishing, and biking. Young ones will love the quarter-acre water playground located within the park. If you're looking for a place to set up for lunch, stop by the lakeside picnic tables and grills or head to the beach for an oceanside picnic.

Mayport Beach is a hidden gem in Northeastern Jacksonville and a hot spot for local surfers. It's often less crowded than other nearby beaches, making it ideal for those who want to relax and lounge in the sun. While the Mayport Naval Station blocks off some areas of the beach, a must-see spot called "The Poles" attracts surfers for its consistent breaks and sizable swells. Even if you're not a surfer, you'll enjoy the soft sands and scenic surroundings as you unwind by the sea. You might even catch a glimpse of the local marine life!

Head thirty minutes south of Jacksonville to discover Crescent Beach's sweeping coastline, with its notable 'C' shape extending along the Atlantic Ocean. This family-friendly spot is noticeably less busy than surrounding beaches, offering an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing day by the water. Enjoy a beachfront picnic at one of the many gazebos, lounge in the sand, or jump into the water for a swim. Once you're ready to pack up, stop at the nearby shops and restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.

Planning a trip to Jacksonville? Book your stay at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.

10 Best Beaches in Jacksonville, FL

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