I will be going to Atlantic Beach Florida in the fall. I have never been there, it will be part of a business trip.
My questions are :
Aside from the Sea Turtle Inn, where would be a good beach hotel? Are the Best Western or Comfort Inn nice?
Can anyone recommend decent restaurants in the area?
I have been to Jax before and know some places to eat there, but Atlantic Beach is a mystery to me!
Thanks for any info you care to share!
KateC

Hi Kate!
I love Atlantic Beach! My family is from Jacksonville, and we have been visiting that part of town for years.

Atlanta Beach is a very older community. It is not what you think of when you think of Daytona, or PC Beach. Therefore, the accomodations are going to be a little older as well. I know that the Sea Turtle is a very nice hotel, right in front of quaint shops and cafes. If you go further south down the beach you will find Jacksonville Beach. I have never stayed there, nor at the Best Western or Comfort Inn but I do know that the night life is pretty vibrant. They have a traditional boardwalk along the beach with various venues and shops.

The Island Grill is a nice seafood restaurant in between Atlantic and Jax beaches. If you don't have to stay near Atlantic Beach, the next beach after Jax gets into the Ponte Vedra Beach area, which is a more exclusive neighborhood.

If you stay in Atlantic Beach, you should visit Shelby's cafe for coffee and breakfast, and Al's Pizza for lunch--amazing! Also, Peterbrooke chocolates would be a nice stop for an afternoon treat.

All of these shops are in the area right in front of the Sea Turtle Inn.

Some other restaurants in the area (not on the beach)
Lighthouse Grill (LG)
The Homestead
Beach Diner (fabulous breakfast)

I hope that helps.

I concur with Cate22 (not to be confused with Kate2. Do you need to be a Cate/Kate to participate in this conversation?).

I would add, though, if you can go to the SunDog Cafe for lunch. It's not great, but I like it . There is a string of cute little shops near the SunDog.

The Sea Turtle was recently redone. But it's still not the Ritz. But it's nice, and is in a great location.

Also, I can't remember if it's the Island Grill or something else, but there's a GREAT restaurant overlooking the beach heading towards the boardwalk (or what's left of it) from Atlantic Beach. I think it's the same owner who owns the Homestead. (You will have a long wait at the Homestead. I don't think they take reservations.)

have fun.

I know, the name thing is pretty weird! Cate 22 and Kate2...but we will allow you in this conversation!

Thank you !!
This was a great help. I am making a list and you have given me a great start. I think going in the fall will be nice, the weather and the crowds should be manageable.
Any more thoughts on this are welcome!
and all non-Cates/Kates/Jacks are invited also

Okay, there's a First Street Grille and there's an Island Grill. They are about 1 block apart, both on the beach.

One of them is very, very good. I just can't remember which one. Aren't you glad I responded?!?

Sorry to say that the Island Grill no longer exists! The restaurant closed and they bulldozed the building to put up some high-rise condos.

But no worries - there are lots of other great restaurants in the area! Here are some of my favorites:

Uli's European Restaurant (Old World style with kind of a gourment twist)
Old Siam (Thai food - excellent!)
Al's Pizza (the BEST pizza in Jacksonvile)
The Homestead (Southern style with a twist)
Angie's Subs (only open for lunch - the best subs I've ever had!!)
Beach Diner (awesome breakfast, as someone already mentioned)
Beach Hut Cafe (another great breakfast spot)

If you want more specifics or are looking for a certain kind of cuisine, I'd be happy to give more recommendations!

As for hotels, I'd go with the Sea Turtle Inn. (But maybe I'm biased, since I'm getting married there in September!) The location is great, with lots of cute restaurants, bars and shops in walking distance.

Have fun!!

I've been to the First Street Grill several times and have always had a great meal in a fun atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating.

oh no...I must have been thinking of First Street Grill...sorry about the confusion! I always get them mixed up...

Kate2, I agree with all the advice given, I live in Jacksonville and have worked at Jacksonville Beach. I think the Sea Turtle Inn is a good choice. I am also THRILLED that Bone Fish Grill and Roy's have just opened up at Jax Beach! Hope you have time to enjoy our area.

Wow, thank you so much! We will have to either move to this area or visit often to enjoy all of these restaurants!
I have booked us into the Sea Turtle Inn, I could not resist the ocean view.
We will be eating at Bistro Aix in Jax one night, the others will be at the beach. One thing for sure, we will be eating well!

Meredith: Where is Al's Pizza? When we visit relatives in Orange Park, we never can find a good pizza - we'd be willing to drive to JAX for one.

Thanks for sharing!

Directions to Al's Pizza: Head towards the beach. When you're about 1 1/2 blocks from hitting the water, Al's will be on your left.

Seriously, it's on Atlantic Blvd, at Atlantic Beach. It's about 1 1/2 blocks west of the Sea Turtle. On the left side of the road.

There are also two other Al's locations: one is in Ponte Vedra and the other is in the Wal-Mart shopping center at Beach Blvd. and San Pablo Road, just west of the Intracoastal Waterway.

ATPittsely, unfortunately none of these locations are anywhere near Orange Park! But if you are willing to drive to the beach for pizza, you won't regret it!

It's good pizza, but it would be a LONG drive. If you do make the drive, I'd go to the one on Atlantic Blvd. It has, um, atmosphere. (If one can be that generous.)

Meredith & Jack -- thanks for the info. My sister-in-law works in Jax and we hit the beach often, so the drive isn't a big deal to us at all.

Appreciate your responses...
ATPittsley