Jacksonville Beach, Florida, is known for its beautiful sandy shores, lively atmosphere, and abundant outdoor activities. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Jacksonville Beach offers an ideal destination for relaxation, adventure, and family fun. But beyond the beach itself, the surrounding areas offer even more exciting activities, from exploring nearby parks to swimming with dolphins in St. Augustine. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the top activities to enjoy near Jacksonville Beach, including the unforgettable experience of interacting with dolphins at Marineland.
Jacksonville Beach itself is a top destination for beach lovers. The wide stretch of sandy coastline along the Atlantic Ocean provides ample space for sunbathing, beach games, or simply relaxing with the sound of the waves. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, or taking long walks along the shore.
Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier: One of the iconic landmarks of the area is the Jacksonville Beach Pier, which stretches nearly a quarter of a mile into the ocean. The pier is a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can rent gear or bring their own. It’s also a great place for a leisurely stroll, offering beautiful views of the ocean and the beach.
Local Dining and Shopping: After a day on the beach, visitors can explore the nearby dining and shopping scene. Jacksonville Beach has a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual seafood shacks to upscale dining experiences. Popular spots include Ocean Grill & Bar for fresh seafood and Salt Life Food Shack for coastal-inspired cuisine. The local shopping scene features a mix of boutiques and surf shops, offering unique souvenirs and beach essentials.
Just a short drive from Jacksonville Beach, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This 450-acre park is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, biking, and water activities.
Biking and Hiking Trails: The park features over 20 miles of trails, perfect for mountain biking or hiking. The trails wind through lush forests, offering a chance to explore Florida’s natural beauty. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can stroll along the scenic lake or through the shaded pathways that lead to quiet picnic areas.
Lake Activities: In addition to its beach access, Hanna Park has a freshwater lake where visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboats, or canoes. It’s an excellent spot for a peaceful paddle or to enjoy birdwatching. The park is home to various species of birds, and the lake’s calm waters make it a perfect environment for wildlife observation.
Camping: For those looking to extend their outdoor adventure, Hanna Park offers both tent camping and RV sites. Spending a night under the stars with the sound of the ocean nearby is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in nature.
Jacksonville Beach is one of the best places for surfing on Florida’s east coast. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, the waves here are perfect for catching a ride. Several surf schools offer lessons for all skill levels, making it a great place to learn.
Surf Schools: Local surf schools like Saltwater Cowgirls and Jax Surf and Paddle provide lessons and board rentals, ensuring that even first-timers can hit the waves with confidence. Lessons typically cover surfing basics, ocean safety, and proper techniques, making it a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
Surf Competitions: For those who want to watch the pros in action, Jacksonville Beach hosts several surfing competitions throughout the year, including the **Super Girl Surf Pro**, which brings top female surfers from around the world to compete. These events are not only exciting to watch but also a great way to enjoy the local surf culture.
While Jacksonville Beach offers plenty of fun activities, a trip to nearby St. Augustine opens the door to even more exciting adventures. Located about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., known for its historic sites, charming streets, and unique attractions. One of the highlights of a visit to St. Augustine is a trip to Marineland Dolphin Adventure, where you can swim with dolphins near Jacksonville Beach.
The Dolphin Swim Adventure, located along the beautiful coast of St. Augustine, offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with dolphins in a safe and controlled environment. This family-friendly attraction provides various dolphin encounter programs for visitors of all ages and swimming abilities. You will get the famous belly ride across the water!
Dolphin Royal Swim: For those who want to swim alongside dolphins, the Dolphin Royal Swim program is the ultimate experience. Participants get the opportunity to swim, touch, and interact with the dolphins in both shallow and deep water. Trainers guide you through the experience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time. You will get 2 rides with the dolphins in the program.
Dolphin Encounter (non-swim): This is perfect for visitors who want a more relaxed experience. The Dolphin Encounter takes place in shallow water, where participants can stand while interacting with the dolphins. You’ll get to touch, feed, and learn about these incredible creatures from the knowledgeable staff. 3 and 4 year olds get to go free with a paid adult participant.
Dolphin Touch & Feed: For families with young children or those who prefer to stay out of the water, the Dolphin Touch & Feed program allows visitors to stay on dry land while interacting with the dolphins. You’ll be able to pet and feed the dolphins while learning about their behavior and biology.
The trainers at Marineland focus on education and conservation, making the dolphin encounter not only a fun experience but also an opportunity to learn about marine life and the importance of protecting the ocean’s ecosystems.
Info or Book Your Dolphin Program
After your dolphin adventure, take some time to explore the historic streets of St. Augustine. This charming city is rich in history, with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and fascinating landmarks.
Castillo de San Marcos: One of the most famous landmarks in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort. Visitors can tour the fort, explore the rooms, and learn about the history of Spanish colonization in Florida. The views of the waterfront from the top of the fort are also spectacular.
St. George Street: For a more leisurely experience, take a stroll down St. George Street, the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. This pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, offering plenty of opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs or enjoy a meal.
Lightner Museum: History and art enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel. The museum features an impressive collection of Victorian-era artifacts, art, and decorative pieces.
For those who enjoy water activities, the Intracoastal Waterway near Jacksonville Beach offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Several local companies offer fishing charters for both inshore and offshore fishing, allowing anglers to catch a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, and flounder.
**Boating and Kayaking**: If you prefer a more relaxed water adventure, rent a kayak or boat and explore the Intracoastal Waterway’s calm waters. The waterway is home to diverse wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and various bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore Florida’s natural beauty, or enjoy unique experiences like swimming with dolphins, Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding areas offer something for everyone. With its wide range of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and the nearby historic charm of St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach is the perfect destination for your next coastal adventure. Don’t forget to plan a trip to Marineland Dolphin Adventure for an unforgettable swim with dolphin encounter near Jacksonville Beach that will create memories to last a lifetime.
