I can get some cheap tickets from the ATL to JAX in late September, and we would like to spend a long weekend at a beach. We are looking for the following:

1) Someplace within 75 miles of JAX;
2) Someplace we haven't been yet (rules out St. Augustine and Daytona;
3) Nice sandy wide beach;
4) Some sort of restaurant/nightlife scene even if it's really laid back;
5) Mid-size ocean-front hotels (as opposed to B&Bs and large resorts).

Thanks so much for any and all suggestions!

Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach are both nice, kinda low-key beaches on the FL/GA line (about 30-40 miles due north of Jax). Both neighboring areas have nice beaches, friendly people, and a gentile sense of what I'm told "old Florida" used to have. Additionally, Jekyll Island off of the coast of GA has a nice semi-private feel too.

Fernandina Beach is great. You can drive on most parts of it also.

Jacksonville has wonderful beaches. Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach to the south. Atlantic Beach has a hotel called the Sea Turtle Inn on the ocean. Across the street is what we call "The Corner". Resturants, nightlife, shopping and white sandy beaches.

Thanks for the replies. I think we've decided on Jacksonville Beach. And I'm thinking of staying at the Comfort Inn Oceanside. It looks to be about halfway between Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach.

Teresa, how's this location? We looked at the Turtle Inn, but I think it was a bit more expensive, but if you think it's worth it, we'll reconsider.

Thanks!

The beaches area is a close community. The Comfort Inn is nice but the crowds tend to be a little heavier at that beach, it is right next to the Holiday Inn Sunspree, so you have two hotels vying for beach space. Although in late September the beaches should not be too crowded. Still nice weather, but everyone is in full Jaguar swing and likely to be heading downtown to the football game. Not to worry, there is plenty of beach. The crowds at the Comfort Inn tend to be a little younger (early-mid 20's). They have a very nice pool. The Sea Turtle is a nicer hotel but you can easily get to that part of the beach since it is only 2-3 miles from the Comfort Inn. Probably not worth the money, unless you want to spend it. A great restaurant you should try in Atlantic Beach is Ragtime. Great food and they have their own brewery. There is a motel right across from the Sea Turtle Inn that is called the Sea Horse Oceanfront Inn (904) 246-2175. It is more of a motel, but it has a pool and the rooms are clean. I was quite surprised the rooms were as nice and clean since there is not much to the outside. I wouldn't wait too long at making reservations. Not sure what weekend you are coming, but if it is a Jaguar home game hotels fill up fast. Hope this is helpful.

Teresa, thanks so much, you are being extremely helpful!

The Sea Horse Oceanfront Inn sounds like it might be a good choice for us. We don't need fancy, and I usually don't stay in larger hotels at the beach (too many people to compete with for beach space). And it would be nice to be able to walk to bars/restaurants.

Do you know if they have oceanfront balconies? There's just something about sitting on a private balcony sipping a gin and tonic listening to the ocean. (I guess I could just give them a call, but this is much more fun!)

And any additional bar/restaurant recommendations would also be much appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Brian, There is a brand new Best Western on the beach too. If I remember correctly, it's between the Turtle and Comfort Inn. They had beach front rooms. Just another option.

Gene's Seafood resturants are a local chain. Good food at good prices. The Homestead is off Beach Blvd. not far from Jax Beach. The place serves homestyle meals and has been there for years. Our favorite bar was on the beach, The Crab Pot. But it was supposed to be torn down for a new hotel. You could eat, drink and listen to live music right on the beach. Teresa - is it still there?

Brian, the Sea Horse is not a big place. It has 25-30 rooms and is only two stories. The hotel curves around the pool kind of like a semi-circle (if I remember correctly). I don't recall if the second floor has an oceanfront balcony or not. Like I said earlier, it's more like a motel, but I was surprised by the rooms. Of course this was several years ago, although it hasn't changed much. It is a great area to stay in because there is a lot to do within walking distance. Ragtime restaurant is right across the street, as well as Sun Dog Diner, and Al's Pizza. Al's is a local favorite, good pizza and Italian food in a very casual setting. Mezza Luna restaurant is a nicer Italian restaurant. Sun Dog has great live music in the evenings. Also, I hear Papa Joe's is fun, although I've never been. Pete's Bar is a really fun place if you like real bars. Ice cold beer, cheap drinks, juke box and 25 cent pool tables. This bar has been around for over 65 years and is a beaches landmark. There is also a Sushi Bar across from Pete's. All of this is in what we call our Town Center. It is the dividing line between Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, the Sea Horse being in Neptune Beach. As Lynne said the Homestead is a great restaurant with homestyle cooking, about a 10 minute drive from the Sea Horse. Everything a the beach is pretty casual and you shouldn't have to dress up unless you'd like to.

Yes, Lynne, the Crab Pot is still there. They will be tearing it down to build a new hotel. The Crab Pot is great for people watching. Lots of tatoos, body piercing and thong bikinis, crowds can be on the rough side. The Best Western is a new hotel in downtown Jax Beach although I've never been inside. Jacksonville Beach is our "downtown" area of the beaches, most of the hotels are there. Atlantic and Neptune Beaches are in a more residential area with more locals frequenting these establishments.

Hope this has been helpful, sorry it took me so long to respond.

Thanks so much for your recommendations Lynne and Teresa. If you ever come to Atlanta, I'd love to return the favor.

Teresa, your bar/restaurant recommendations are right on target. I will definitely try to stay closer to Town Center. I've requested a brochure from the Sea Horse.

Thanks again!

Brian - FYI They are completing the last phase of our Town Center. Construction will continue through November. They have the road torn up and blocked off in a one block area (the main thoroughfare). You still can get to the hotel, restaurants and shops by walking. Once you get to your hotel you probably won't need your car anyway. They are repaving the road, putting down brick sidewalks and landscaping. Just thought I'd let you know. Business owners say business hasn't slowed down much but I didn't want you to get here and be disappointed with the construction. Just a FYI. Teresa

Thanks for the heads-up Teresa. We booked a corner ocean front room at the Sea Horse. Looks like it will be perfect.

Thanks again for all your help.

We're thinking of flying into Jacksonville in April. Two adults, two 18-year olds. Would love to find a house/cottage on a beach in this area. Any such thing? I seem to hear about motels, the really expensive resort on Amelia Island, and B&B's, none of which appeal to us. I know that when we go to the Outer Banks in North Carolina I am able to get books from realtors that list beach and beach/area houses with color photos and details (I've gotten about 5 of thiem this month) but we want to try Florida that year. Can anybody help? Thanks!

P.S. Will consider areas within 2-hour drive of Jacksonville (except Spring Break-type places. Thanks!