Best Beaches and Coastal Parks Near Jacksonville

One of the handful of undeveloped barrier islands left in Northeast Florida, about 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville. More than five miles of beach, bike trails, beachcombing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and forest camping.

Natural preserve just north of Little Talbot, known for nature study, bird-watching, and photography. The draw is Boneyard Beach with salt-washed oak and cedar tree skeletons, plus the 3.9-mile Timucuan Trail.

On Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, about an hour north of Jacksonville. Miles of beaches and trails plus a Civil War fort to explore. Good day trip comparing Nassau County to Duval.

About 30 miles south of Jacksonville on Anastasia Island, across Matanzas Bay from St. Augustine. 1,600 acres with beaches, tidal marshes, nature trails, maritime hammocks, sand dunes, and the historic coquina quarry.

Main public beach access serving Ponte Vedra Beach off A1A in St. Johns County. Named after the Mickler family (in area since 1820s), it features a 600-foot fishing pier, restrooms, expanded parking, and lifeguard station.

Full county list of beach access points from Ponte Vedra down to Crescent Beach. Covers parking counts, pavilion rentals, fishing piers, and which spots allow vehicles on the sand.

Overview of the area's parks including National Park Service sites. Fort Caroline National Memorial has a fort reconstruction from 1564, and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve covers 46,000 acres.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas reserve stretches through St. Johns and Flagler counties covering 73,000 acres of salt marsh and estuary. Coastal waters are important calving grounds for endangered right whales, special in winter.