Top Northeast Florida Beach Destinations
The northeast region of Florida features miles of beaches, intercoastal waterways with marshes and wetlands, and a 13-mile-long barrier island just north of Jacksonville called Amelia Island.
The First Coast beaches along the Atlantic Ocean entice visitors from Amelia Island to Jacksonville and down south to St. Augustine.
Amelia Island
Ranked as the Best Beach to Giddy Up, 13-mile-long Amelia Island’s untouched beaches are ideal for a wide variety of relaxing activities from sunbathing and swimming and wildlife “safaris” to oceanfront horseback riding. Visitors will also find kayaking on the south end of the island and on the north end there are the 40-foot, sea oat-dappled dunes beside the historic town of Fernandina Beach.
Amelia Island, located just off the coast of northeast Florida, is easy to get to but difficult to forget. This barrier island has long been a favorite destination for visitors and residents alike, with 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters.
Amelia Island’s quaint charm has made it a popular vacation destination for generations. Its upscale resorts and world-class spas combine with a charming collection of bed and breakfasts, historic sites, and enthralling festivals to create a truly Floridian experience.
Anastasia Island
A trip to St. Augustine would be incomplete without a visit to this magnificent park. There is something for everyone to do and see here because there is so much to do and see. There are numerous trails and hikes that will immerse you in one-of-a-kind beauty because it is located on some of the most pristine natural landscapes in the state. You can take a leisurely stroll along any section of the over four miles of beautiful coastline, or you can hike through wooded areas and to ancient sand dunes.
Eighteen-mile-long Anastasia Island, east and south of St Augustine, is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. From its wide beaches to the St. Johns County Pier, visitors enjoy fishing or simply relaxing in the sun on this scenic seashore paradise.
The Anastasia State Recreation Area offers facilities for camping, hiking, fishing, picnics, barbecues, nature walks, beach volleyball and simply relaxing in the sun. The natural beauty of the area is accented by the 1,700-acre bird sanctuary, rich with four miles of beach, lagoon waterways, and plentiful wildlife. Tours provide visitors with experienced guides who can point out the flora and fauna that inhabit the Recreation Area.
Jacksonville Beach
The 60-block-long shoreline of Jacksonville Beach with its wide, hard-packed white sands backed by dunes is ideal for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surfing, and sunning. The city provides access points at the eastern end of 64 streets, with free parking slots. The 1000-foot-long fishing pier with a restaurant at its end is popular with both fishermen and sightseers.
Dolphins roll just outside the surf line, delighting both visitors and locals. Some of the best waves in the region draw surfers to Jacksonville Beach. Spending time in Jacksonville Beach and its surrounding attractions reveals a one-of-a-kind blend of history, leisure, and recreational activities.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park provides an out-of-the-way beach where kayaking, biking, freshwater fishing and hiking are popular sports.
Ponte Vedra Beach
In northern St. Johns County, the beaches of Ponte Vedra are characterized by their towering dunes, shell-sprinkled shores and plentiful, natural foliage. Truly a vacationer’s paradise and near some of the finest resorts in the United States, visitors can ride horses in the surf, enjoy a stroll in the soft sand, fish or simply sit back and enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the ocean.
The 40-foot sand dunes at Ponte Vedra Beach are among the highest in Florida. They descend from their peak to white sand beaches made of Appalachian quartz and ancient coquina. In the twisted oaks and hammocks of the wild palmettos, you can find seaside resorts and private escapes.
At Guana River State Park, south of Ponte Vedra Beach, saltwater anglers can fish in the ocean or the Guana River or enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing in Guana Lake. Boat launches are available at both the river and lake.
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is the closest beach to Old Town St. Augustine. The municipal sandscape includes a festive mix of boating and fishing recreation near the St. Johns County Pier, as well as sunbathing and picnic areas along the rest of the two-mile-long beach. A playground, bait shops, volleyball courts, and food options are all nearby. On weekends, the pier is frequently the site of concerts and other special events.
St. Augustine Beach has it all: sunny accommodations, tropical seaside restaurants, a beachfront park with an impressive fishing pier, a large beachside pavilion, a splash park, and a sand volleyball court. You can spend your time in St. Augustine Beach being as active or as relaxed as you want.