Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach Review

Enjoy the waves at one of Jacksonville's busier beaches, which stretches along the coast for 4.1 miles. A boardwalk and a bevy of beachfront restaurants and shops are also draws, so expect moderate crowds during spring and summer school breaks. The municipal Seawalk Pavilion hosts outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals, and the 2-acre Oceanfront Park (1st Street South, between 5th Avenue South and 6th Avenue South) has a small playground, volleyball court, and picnic areas. Anglers can fish without a license from the wheelchair-accessible 1,320-foot fishing pier ($4, $1 spectator; daily 6 am-10 pm), which also has free fish-cleaning stations, a bait-and-tackle shop, and free parking. The historic Casa Marina Hotel, which opened its doors here in 1925, has a popular Sunday brunch. Amenities: toilets; showers; food and drink; lifeguards (seasonal); parking (free). Best for: partiers; sunrise; surfing; swimming.