Jacksonville Beach Area
Jacksonville Beach, along with sister beaches Neptune and Atlantic, are referred to as the Jax Beaches. And what an incredible stretch of prime sand they are. Most of the action revolves around the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier: grab some breakfast, or a fish sandwich and observe this unpretentious and casual beach community. Said to be the best choice, Jax Beach has the widest, whitest sands, backed by dunes, the most popular being from around Fourth Street to 6th Ave South. The city has thoughtfully gone about keeping high rises and other traffic producers at bay; “we don’t want to be another Miami” is the prevailing local attitude, leaving us to enjoy the laid back, unfussy beach vibe. Take your family go-carting at Adventure Landing. It’s free to get in, then you pay for just the rides, etc., you want. Since Jax beaches are all flat and close by, rent a bike and see them all at a leisurely pace. Notice how Neptune and Atlantic Beaches, part of the same strand, change in flavor, Neptune a bit more commercialized, Atlantic a bit quieter. “Golfers Nirvana” is what Ponte Vedra, to the south of Jax, is called with its many upscale golf clubs and spas. The Jax beaches are unpretentious and a nice alternative to the snootyness that has claimed so many other beach communities.
Here’s the local scoop on good place to eat.
Enjoy!
Restaurants:
Breakfast:
Beach Hut Cafe: Real good breakfast at the beach. Laid back locals joint.
1281 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 249-3516
Ellen’s Kitchen: A local institution for good breakfasts and for good reason.
1824 3rd St N, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 246-1572
Bakery:
Panera Bread: All the good morning pastry stuff, plus quiches and a lot of good fresh baked breads and gourmet coffees. They serve lunches on that same good bread.
2104 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 246-6688
Seafood:
Singleton’s Seafood Shack: Rustic old beach shack full of great fresh seafood. A total hole in the wall with outside seating to watch the comings and goings at the St. John’s River mouth. Get a cup or bowl of the Minorcan clam chowder.
4728 Ocean St, Atlantic Beach, 904) 246-4442
Safe Harbor: Great seafood kitchen right on the docks. Some say better than Singleton’s and determining that for yourself is a great vacation mission.
4371 Ocean St, Atlantic Beach, (904) 247-0255
Pizza:
DaVinci’s Pizza: Good thin crust pies beachside.
469 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, (904) 241-2001
General Goodness:
Mojo Kitchen: $ Gooooood BBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1500 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 247-6636
North Beach Bistro: $$ You can have your black angus tenderloin there, but you can’t have mine, cause it’s too damn good. Seafood to steaks, truffles, and a great wine list, this place is wonderful.
725 Atlantic Blvd, Ste 6, Atlantic Beach, (904) 372-4105
Sun Dog Diner: Dog theme diner that’s been around forever. Beachy, with live music and good grub all the way to the big steaks.
207 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, (904) 241-8221
Nightlife:
Freebird Live: A GREAT music venue with a rotating calendar of top name acts. Real nice setting for a concert. If you’re into music at all, go check this unique place out.
200 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 246-2473
Watercolor by Peter Bailey