Historical Sites & Museums

Connects Southside to Downtown

Mathews Bridge

Connects Arlington to Downtown

Photos by Stephanie Marty

Main Street Bridge (John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge)

Connects San Marco to Downtown

Play

The Play Section has everything you need to know about relaxing and having fun here on the First Coast.

Photo by Stephanie Marty

Shore Perfection: Beaches & Waterways

One of the best parts of living on the First Coast is having access to some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways in Florida! Here you can breathe in the sea salt air and feel the sand between your toes. If you’re looking to bask in the sun, search for shells, build sandcastles or catch some waves on a surfboard, the First Coast is the perfect place to have a beach day. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Jacksonville has more shoreline than any city in the U.S., including more than 22 miles of beaches stretching down the coast. “

BEACHES DUVAL COUNTY Atlantic Beach

This uncrowded beach gives numerous options for saltwater lovers looking for place to paddleboard, kayak, fish or surf.

Jacksonville Beach

More than four miles long and covering 60 blocks along the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville Beach is ideal for families, vacationers and surfers alike. Beachgoers can also enjoy catching some fish on Jacksonville Beach Pier. Lined by soft sand dunes, Jax Beach is a popular place for sea turtle nesting.

Mayport

North of Atlantic Beach, you’ll find the charming fishing town of Mayport. Located at the mouth of the St. Johns River, this area is well known for its shrimping industry. Beachgoers looking for camping, fishing or surfing can head to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, which has some of the best waves Northeast Florida has to offer.

Neptune Beach

Only about a mile long, the delightful Neptune Beach attracts residents and visitors who enjoy surfing, sunbathing, and riding bikes on the hard-packed sand.

NASSAU COUNTY Fernandina Beach

The First Coast’s northernmost beach, Fernandina Beach is well known for its horseback riding tours along the beach. There are more than 40 public beach access points along the beach’s 13 miles, which are lined by sand dunes as high as 40 feet.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY Crescent Beach

This secluded family-friendly beach lies south of St. Augustine on A1A and is named for the coastline’s natural crescent shape. The beautiful hard-packed white sand makes for a fun day of beach volleyball, bike rides or horseback riding.

North Beach

Just north of Vilano Beach on A1A is North Beach, which offers a scenic highway walkover. This beach is the perfect place for basking in the sun and enjoying the serenity of nature.

Ponte Vedra Beach

South of Jacksonville Beach, this alluring beach is known for gorgeous sand dunes, soft sand and luxury resorts. The area is also the perfect place to hunt for shark’s teeth and shells. The dog-friendly beachside park, Mickler’s Landing, is a popular destination for beachgoers looking for some fun in the sun.

Photo by Stephanie Marty