Is Jacksonville Beach Worth Visiting? The Florida Beach Town Everyone Overlooks
- Maddie Luchsinger
- Aug 3
- 6 min read
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This post is for everyone who has ever asked me "Why Jacksonville?" when I've told them that's where I'm headed. Here's why Jacksonville Beach is worth visiting.
Recently, I just got back from a girls trip in Jacksonville Beach, but there was a common theme we all noticed while we planned it: Every time one of us told someone our destination, it was met with "Why Jacksonville?"
I grew up going to Jacksonville for family vacations. I'm sure my family had a lot of reasons for choosing it, but regardless, the JAX area became a place we returned to frequently, whether it was Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island, or good ol' Neptune Beach. As an adult, it's become a beach I'm quite fond of, beyond just the nostalgia of my childhood. So the review in short? Jacksonville Beach is worth a visit, despite how often it's overlooked.
Why Jacksonville Beach is Overlooked
Clearly, JAX isn't getting the same buzz as other Florida destinations. It doesn't have the nightlife of Miami, and it's definitely not the same kind of picturesque as the keys. It's not on the Gulf of Mexico like Destin, but personally, I consider that a perk.
In comparison to it's Florida rivals, Jacksonville Beach might seem — well, kind of boring — but I think its low-key atmosphere is what makes it the perfect place for a quiet week away. But don't let it's under-the-radar reputation fool you. Jacksonville isn't a small town — it does house an NFL team, after all. It's also home to a Naval air base and Mayo Clinic, so by virtue of sheer population, there's plenty of entertainment to find if you know where to look.
Why Jacksonville Beach is Worth the Trip
There are a few reasons I keep going back to JAX, and I think my friends would agree that they're the factors that would have them coming back, too.
The Beach
Jacksonville has over 20 miles of beach with white sand and waves courtesy of the Atlantic. The main beaches consist of JAX Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Mayport Beach, but it's close to Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island, and St. Augustine.
In my time there, I haven't found the beaches to be overly crowded, and it doesn't hurt that Jacksonville Beach has year-round lifeguard protection, too. On a personal note, this is my favorite beach to run on, because it has the perfect sand consistency for it — but it's my favorite beach to walk on, too, because it's pet friendly, and everyone's dog is having the time of their life.
The Food
On Atlantic Beach, you'll find a cute little city-center in Beaches Town Center with some of my favorite places to eat with a variety of cuisines. I highly recommend North Beach Fish Camp if you're looking for seafood — just be sure to make a reservation. I've also had great luck with breakfast in Jacksonville. Most recently, we ate at the The Toasted Yolk Cafe, but Metro Diner has been old faithful in the past.
Of course, like any beach, you'll find plenty of chains (I'm looking at you, Joe's Crab Shack), but there are several cool, local places with great food at reasonable prices (or, maybe I think they're reasonable, because I live in the DC-area).
My Recs:
North Beach Fish Camp
The Toasted Yolk
Southern Grounds (there are so many locations!)
The Doings
Jacksonville Beach is a really laid back town, but there's plenty to do.
Are you into working out? Crossfit Total Control welcomed my sister and me with open arms (I still want to kill her for that one), and there are plenty of other gyms around, if you're into classes like pilates or barre. Personally, I was in it for the promise of Parlor Doughnuts after.
Looking to paddleboard or kayak? Like most beaches, there's an abundance of rental options or lessons available. If you're willing to drive the hour or so to Amelia Island, I highly recommend Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company — we got a fantastic paddleboarding lesson and a tour as part of our experience.
Interested in surfing or diving? Jacksonville Beach has both. You'll see surf lessons on the beach most mornings.
Aside from the multiple beach-related activities, tours of all shapes and sizes are available in Jacksonville, too, ranging from ghost tours to historical landmarks to boat outings. Really, there's something for everyone.
Practical Information
So, have I sold you yet? Here's what you should know before you book.
When to Go: Jacksonville's peak season is June through August, which is when I've typically visited myself. I've never found it to be too crowded, but if you're determined to avoid crowds and save a buck, shoulder seasons fall March to May and September to November. In peak season, expect hot weather, afternoon storms, and pleasant evenings.
Getting there: The beach is roughly 35 minutes from JAX airport, but the Uber isn't too outrageous. If you plan on eating out for every meal (or even just every evening), a rental car makes it much easier, depending on what beach you find yourself on. I've used Kayak to find cheap rental cars, but I've also made the drive from Tennessee once or twice.
Budget: Jacksonville Beach, unlike it's more popular Florida counterparts, is fairly reasonable in price. Personally, I find a condo to be the best way to beach vacation, and condo prices close to the beach are much more affordable compared to other Florida hot spots — especially if you're splitting (they might be a bit pricey if you're flying solo). On my most recent trip, our 2-bed, 1-bath condo came out to $1323 for 5 nights, which is roughly $264.60 a night (cheaper than some of the hotels we perused). It was walking distance to Neptune Beach, and came equipped with beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels for 4 people. Together with our rental car, we spent just shy of $150/day each, between the three of us.
Where to Stay: If you're looking for walkability, the north end of Neptune Beach or the south end of Atlantic Beach is your best bet. There, you'll have access to plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. If you have a car and you're looking for a quieter stay, a spot further down Neptune Beach might be more of you jam. There are several condos available for rent, but hotel properties are also available right on the beach.
Who Jacksonville Beach is For
As someone who loves (yes, I did say loves) Jacksonville, I can tell you who it isn't for: If you're looking for crazy nightlife, this isn't the vacation spot for you — check out Miami instead. If you're looking for a diver's paradise, you'll probably want to head to the Keys, since that's what they're known for. If you like the Gulf, stick to the Gulf.
But, if you're like me, and just looking for a warm spot in the sun to get away without dealing with crowds, it's a great spot. As a solo traveler, I'd definitely consider it as a great workation destination, and I'd absolutely feel comfortable going on my own. But there's no denying it — Jacksonville Beach is a family-friendly spot. There's a reason my family continued to make their way back to the area summer after summer.
Why Not Jacksonville?
Every time I've been met with "Why Jacksonville?" in my head, I've thought, "Why not Jacksonville?" I'm a beach babe at heart, so I'll always be partial to wherever I can swim in salt water and lay out on the sand (even though I really, really hate sand), so admittedly, if there's a beach, a destination is already an "A" in my book. But caveats aside, there's a reason Jacksonville keeps winning me back. Whether it's the beaches, the food, or the atmosphere, I'm sure I'll find myself there again soon.
Do you have an underrated destination you love? What about a destination you thought was totally overrated? I'd love to hear about it, and maybe put it on the review list. In the meantime, maybe consider Jacksonville Beach for your next getaway (or girls trip).
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