Neptune Beach Nirvana: Find Perfect Happiness

Photo: Haley Hogan

VIBE: Family Friendly, Active Busy Beach, Dog Friendly
Beaches Town Center, 200 First St., Neptune Beach, Florida 32266

This lovely spot is a part of the Jacksonville Beaches and although small, it's one of the top beaches in Jacksonville. With white sand, it is even more pristine than larger neighboring beaches. It is a perfect little beach town with lots of fun to offer every age. 

Often less busy than the main Jacksonville Beach with the pier, it is the perfect choice for a day of shopping, dining and playing by the Atlantic ocean in Florida. It's easy to fly into the city, or you can even take a bus from New York to Jacksonville. Once you're downtown, head East to get to Neptune Beach. 

Neptune Beach Sand

Sparkling sand in Neptune Beach

White sand dunes provide an incredible beach experience. Jacksonville beaches are known for their white sand dunes and soft white sand. It's great to find white sand on an Atlantic ocean beach that's similar in color to Siesta Key. Closer to the water the sand becomes firmer which is easier for walking and riding a bike. Unfortunately, you cannot drive on this beach. If you want to drive on the beach choose Huguenot Memorial Park in Jacksonville or Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. You can camp there too. But don't let that stop you from enjoying a Neptune Beach day. There is still plenty to do!

Neptune Beach Ocean Water

Neptune Beach has clear water

Since Jacksonville is one of Florida's more northern beaches, you will not get warm water until May. But when has that stopped anybody who loves the ocean? The water is clear and perfect for a variety of water sports including surfing, paddle boarding, parasailing, and just jumping the waves. Similar to Daytona Beach, there are no big drop offs. Children will love it!

Neptune Beach Parking and Amenities

Photo: Beaches Town Center by CONBCityManager

Here is where we discuss the biggest problem visitors have when going to any Florida beach: parking! Jacksonville beaches are no different. That's where the Beaches Town Center comes to the rescue. Although you must pay to park at a marked pay station kiosk near the parking spaces, it gives you a stress-free option to leave your car and enjoy your beach day. Everything you need is there from dining to shopping and pubs. It is worth it to pay the parking fee and have everything you want to do close by.

Neptune Beach Activities

Neptune Beach is home to a large number of restaurants and bars. One of the most popular is the Neptune Beach Fish Company. The Neptune Beach Fish Company has been open for over 50 years and it specializes in seafood dishes. They have some of the freshest fish around and it’s served with delicious sides like coleslaw, fries or rice pilaf. 

Neptune Beach is a great place for people who want to do more than just relax. Although just enjoying the natural beauty is easy - just look at those white sand dunes! It has a variety of outdoor activities that offer fun for all ages. Some of the most popular activities are:

• kayaking and paddle boarding on the Intracoastal Waterway
• surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean
• biking along the scenic boardwalk
• swimming and surfing​

Look Out! This Could Happen...

Crowds and parking are really the only issues that come to mind on Neptune Beach. However, this is the case with almost every Florida beach. If you do your research and plan your trip accordingly, you will have a smoother trip: remember to check Florida traffic and other road issues at FL511. Remember to take into account the weather, especially if you visit after June when tropical activity can occur at any time. In the summer, it is the rainy season in Florida. This means it may rain every day around 4pm. 

What We Really Think About Neptune Beach

Photo by Elan smith on Unsplash

​Neptune Beach is the beach for people to do almost any activity. Just keep in mind this is a northern Florida beach so the water will be a cooler temperature until the summer. Dogs are allowed on the beach at any hour from October 1st through March 31st. From April 1st through September 30th, however, dogs are not permitted on the beach during peak hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. These rules can change at any time so check the county website first. Dogs must be leashed at all times. There is also the BrewHound, a locally famous dog park with drinks for the humans! Daily passes are available. So go spend a day dining, swimming and having fun in the Atlantic Ocean.

Neptune Beach Hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
The Seahorse Oceanfront Inn
Hotel Palms
One Ocean Resort & Spa

Seahorse Oceanfront Inn

Neptune Beach Restaurants

North Beach Fish Camp
Flying Iguana
​Poe's Tavern

You Might Also Enjoy:

• Fernandina Beach Amelia Island
• Ormond Beach Andy Romano Park
• Vacation Day in Vero Beach
• Just a Day at Juno Beach
• Top Family Friendly Beaches In Florida

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