If you love beaches, Jacksonville, Florida is the best tourist spot in the state for you! With miles of white sandy coastline, sparkling Atlantic Ocean waters, boating docks, and family parks, you can’t ask for a more paradisiacal spot for your next vacation. 

The good news about Jacksonville, though, is there isn’t just one spot where you can enjoy ocean vistas and bum it up in the sand. There are beaches aplenty for everyone, and our top 5 list of best beaches in Jacksonville, FL are all under an hour away from the city by driving.

1. North Beach

North Beach is our top pick for the real beach lover, the one who can’t get enough of the water, the fresh sea air, and the fun outdoor activities that you can only enjoy at the beach. 

This area is around twenty minutes away from Jacksonville by driving, a short trip that is well worth your while. Here, at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, you can swim and surf in the ocean, stretch your legs on hiking trails, or test your kayaking skills in nearby the creeks and bays. 

For a real taste of the natural beauty of the Jacksonville area as well as the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find no better beach destination than North Beach. 

2. Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach is the ultimate beach getaway. It’s its own little resort town, with hotels, water parks, and a gorgeous boardwalk that acts as a vantage point for some incredible seaside photos. 

But the real star is, of course, the beach itself, which you can access in Hanna Park. Watch the sun rise in the east in the morning, squish your toes in the warm sand, and bask in the heat of a stunning Florida beach day. The best part? Your hotel and all the amenities of a beautiful resort are a short walk away. 

3. Neptune Beach

Neptune Beach is a sweet small town situated right on the Florida coast. The drive from Jacksonville clocks in at around 20-30 minutes, traffic permitting. There’s not much to do here except go to the beach, which is perfect for vacationers longing to catch those deep blue waves without a ton of other people around. You will find a nice park nearby with playground equipment and a lake, for those families with active kids. 

4. Atlantic Beach

Around half an hour’s drive from Jacksonville is Atlantic Beach. This town is all about the sun, the sand, and the surf. With its stunning white beachfront and parks with walking trails, playground equipment, and lakes, it’s ideally suited for vacationers who love the outdoors. 

If, on the other hand, you feel like relaxing – it is a vacation, after all – look no further than the nearby One Ocean Resort and Spa. Still, there’s no stress reliever quite like lying on the beach with the warm Atlantic waves lapping at your toes.

5. Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is the destination for you if you want to make the most of your seaside visit. Not only does is feature a beautiful beach, but it’s also home to famous resorts such as the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. Golf lovers will appreciate this area, as they can get both their beach fix and their putting fix all in one swing! 

Family Kia

Thanks for reading our article exploring the “Best Beaches Near Jacksonville, FL.” Family Kia is proud to offer new and used vehicles for sale to customers near Jacksonville. We’d love to know which beaches in Jacksonville, FL are you adding to your vacation itinerary?