Fort Clinch State Park
Set on a large barrier island, this beach is excellent for avid shark tooth hunters and shell gatherers. Its has several miles of hard-packed sand that can also be navigated by bicycle. Camping is available along the Amelia River and fishing is popular at the half-mile long fishing pier and nearby jetties. Directions: From I-95, head east on A1A. Go approx. 14 miles to the intersection of Centre Street and Atlantic. Take a right at the light. Approx. 1-1/2 miles on the left is Fort Clinch.
Amelia Island State Park, Ft. George
Amelia Island State Park offers over 200 acres of undeveloped sea island recreational opportunities. Relax and unwind, search for seashells, or even see some rare wildlife. Fishing is popular in Nassau Sound and Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers guided, beachfront horseback riding.
American Beach
This is a six-acre county oceanfront park named in honor of the late I.H. Burney, former president of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company. American Beach is one of the oldest African-American Residential and Vacation Beaches in the United States and is on the Florida Black Heritage Trail. Directions: From I-95 head east on A1A to Amelia Island. After crossing the Thomas J. Shave Bridge, turn right at the first traffic light. Follow the American Beach sign to Lewis Street.
Main Beach
With its white Appalachian quartz beaches and the relaxing Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Island provides vacationers an unhurried haven from life's frantic pace. Step onto these relaxing shores and enjoy strolling Amelia's 13 miles of secluded beaches.
Big Talbot Island State Park
This natural park has a one-of-a-kind beach with black, rocklike outcroppings and fallen trees that have become bleached and weathered with time. The picnic area has a bluff overlook view of Nassau Sound. This is a non-bathing beach, but you are welcome wade out and cool off.
Little Talbot Island State Park
Camping is offered on the western side of Little Talbot Island along Myrtle Creek, approximately a quarter of a mile from the beach. Big waves perfect for body surfing break here year 'round. Bathhouses, picnic areas and shelters are available.
Huguenot Memorial Park
This 449-acre ocean and riverfront beach sits on the north side of Jacksonville and offers primitive camping, a bird observation tower, playground and of course, fishing and swimming along the beach. Directions: From Regency take 9A North over the Dames Point (Broward) Bridge to Heckscher Drive. Turn right (east) onto Heckscher Drive for approximately 10 miles going 1 ½ miles past the Mayport Ferry (A1A) to Huguenot Park entrance on the right at the flashing yellow light.
Mayport Beach
One of the oldest fishing villages in the nation, Mayport is home to one of the largest naval facilities in the United States. On weekends, visitors can tour a Mayport-based ship and occasionally a visiting foreign ship. Also on the grounds is the historic Mayport Lighthouse, built in 1889. Directions : I-95 to Heckscher Dr. east, then to the St. Johns River Ferry. Take ferry to Mayport.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Just south of Mayport lies 450 unspoiled acres of ocean property known as Hanna Park. In addition to its spectacular beaches with opportunities for relaxing, sunbathing and ocean swimming, this city park offers a variety of salt- and fresh-water fishing and swimming, picnic and camping sites, and challenging bicycle trails.
Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach
These two beach towns border the area's "hot spots" for dining and dancing. At the end of Atlantic Boulevard, one block from the ocean, are a number of restaurants, gift shops and night clubs. Directions: I-95 to Butler Boulevard (202) East; exit onto San Pablo Rd. North. Take San Pablo to Atlanta Blvd. and head east.
Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is the most populated beach community and home to offshore boat races, beach volleyball, pier fishing, surfing and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy free festivals, connects and events at the Sea Walk Pavilion. Families visiting the area will want to see the Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk and Pablo Historical Park. Directions: I-95 to exit 340. Take 115 North to Beach Boulevard east.
Ponte Vedra Beach
In northern St. Johns County, the beaches of Ponte Vedra offer sand dunes, shell-sprinkled shores and some of the most outstanding resorts in the country where you can play the links and gaze at the Atlantic Ocean at the same time.
North Beach
North Beach sits above historic St. Augustine Inlet on scenic highway A1A north. It offers a carefree oceanside environment and two campsites.
Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach is just north of the Matanzas Inlet near St. Augustine, on scenic highway A1A. This serene setting features an unending Atlantic coastline, and, coupled with down-to-earth lodgings, this a perfect getaway for families.
Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park, located on Anastasia Island, provides an abundance of outdoor fun. Camping, fishing, picnic areas, nature trail, beach volleyball and 1,700-acre bird sanctuary highlight the area. The park is home to several rare, threatened and endangered species. Canoe, kayak and wind surf rentals available.
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach, located on the southern end of 18-mile Anastasia Island, offers wide beaches, St. Johns County Pier and abundant recreational activities. A wide range of lodging and restaurants make this a complete family destination.
Butler Beach
Steeped in African-American history, Butler Beach is named in honor Frank B. Butler, a leading black businessman in St. Johns County during the 20th century. A scenic shoreline and great picnic facilities complement the area located on scenic highway A1A.
Crescent Beach
Located in southern St. Johns County east of the Bridge of Lions, Crescent Beach has a wide shoreline that is characterized by its serene and unhurried setting. With towering sand dunes, shell-sprinkled shores and plentiful, natural foliage, Crescent Beach is truly a vacationer's paradise waiting to be discovered.
Fort Matanzas Beach
Fort Matanzas Beach is home to Fort Matanzas National Monument, which was built in 1742 to protect the area from British forces. It also serves as a haven for several endangered species. The pristine shoreline makes this a popular site for swimming and fishing.
Guana River State Park
Located north of historic St. Augustine, Guana River State Park is believed by many to be the site of Ponce de Leon's historic landing in North America. Its 4.2-mile shoreline with 30 to 40 foot dunes is recognized as one of Florida's top 25 beaches. In addtion to swimming, surfing and fishing, birding and hiking are extremely popular.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Known as "The Rocks," this park stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mantanzas River covering 410 acres. Ocean waves have washed away the sand, exposing coquina rock and creating a picturesque boulder-strewn beach in one section, perfect for exploring tidal pools.
Flager Beach Municipal Beach
Set in a small coastal community, Flager Beach Municipal Beach offers six miles of uncrowded, car-free shoreline with a public fishing pier than was built in 1925. Gamble Rogers State Park at Flagler Beach This park offers campsites, a nature trail, grills, a boat ramp and unlimited access to silent, sun-kissed beaches with warm, brown sand.
