Located along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Jacksonville Beach is known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches. The 22 miles of shoreline provide a beautiful setting to enjoy a game of beach volleyball or a bike ride. During the warmer months, you can cool off with a dip in the Atlantic waters or grab a surfboard and catch a wave — in fact, the city is known for having some of the best surf breaks in the state. If you get caught in a summer storm, don’t worry — Jacksonville Beach has plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy, like the Beaches Museum or the local theater.

With both fresh and saltwater fishing options in the area, it’s no surprise that you can enjoy an assortment of freshly caught seafood from the local restaurants here.

Grab a seat at one of many outdoor dining establishments and you can listen to the sound of the ocean from which your meal was sourced.

The spring and fall usually see warm but pleasant temperatures, making them ideal times to visit. You can enjoy fishing and other outdoor activities during this time, although the ocean waters may be chilly. While the summer months are considered the region’s rainy season, the hot temperatures provide the ideal weather for swimming and surfing in the ocean waters.

The cooler winter temperatures do not lend well to typical beach activities, but this is the perfect time to visit the area’s other local attractions — such as hiking along the unspoiled wetlands of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve or walking the boardwalks at Cradle Creek Preserve.

Numerous events are held in Jacksonville Beach throughout the year, including two music festivals — one focused on Southern rock and the other on blues — held in the spring. In October, you can join Florida’s largest Oktoberfest, which features musical performances and food and beverage trucks.

Beaches Museum

The Beaches Museum offers a look back at the city’s history through exhibits, an art gallery, old photographs of the town, and events held throughout the year. The exhibits showcase authentic artifacts from the past, including several different versions of the lifeguard equipment used throughout the years. The outside portion of the museum is known as History Park, which has several original buildings that have been moved to the museum grounds for restoration and display — the city’s original post office, a small residence, and a wooden chapel are among these restored buildings that now act as part of the museum exhibits.

Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier

While the area has more than one fishing pier, the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, extending nearly a quarter of a mile from the boardwalk into the Atlantic Ocean. This section of the boardwalk features a bait shop, concessions, and several fish cleaning stations — everything you need for a day of fishing. The pier also provides an excellent place to enjoy a sunrise or sunset over the ocean waters.

Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

Located about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville Beach, the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve is one of the only remaining coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. The 46,000-acre preserve includes salt marshes, coastal dunes, and several of Florida’s historic sites and natural treasures, such as the Fort Caroline National Memorial and the Theodore Roosevelt Area. Hiking, biking, and kayaking are all popular ways to explore the area’s wildlife and natural beauty. Fishing and boating are also allowed.