Jacksonville Boardwalk? (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ocean City: condo, high school, restaurants)

[mroth]

We are coming from Maryland, so... when we think of the Ocean (hon)... We think of a beach with a boardwalk too. Is there such a thing in the Jacksonville area, or is it just a beach?

What is the 'Beach' to go to when we get down there? Is there a spot that is the best to go to?

[kort677]

Originally Posted by mroth

We are coming from Maryland, so... when we think of the Ocean (hon)... We think of a beach with a boardwalk too. Is there such a thing in the Jacksonville area, or is it just a beach?

What is the 'Beach' to go to when we get down there? Is there a spot that is the best to go to?

jax beach is the closest you'll find to a boardwalk type beach, like many towns like that the area s a bit honky tonk with lots of petty crime, if you're careful and smart it shouldn't be an issue

[mroth]

Well... We have those types of issues up here too, so that isn't a big deal. Well it is, but already used to that. Just kinda curious about the beaches.

[riveree]

Sadly, no boardwalk.....I wish we did have one!

Atlantic Beach has a nice area right off the beach with restaurants, bars, etc., that might be the most similar to what you're used to.

These are some of the ones you might want to try, all are in Jax, a few straddle Duval and the neighboring county (St. John's/Nassau):

Atlantic Beach/Neptune Beach/Jax Beach (they all run into one): Ragtime Tavern is a nice place to stop for lunch, dinner or drinks. There is also the new Jax Beach Pier which goes a mile out into the ocean. Fourth of July fireworks can be really fun to watch from the beach too.

Guana Park: A huge state park system that straddles Duval and St. John's counties, beaches and marshland, here's a link: http://nerrs.noaa.gov/GTM/welcome.html

Hanna Park: A Jacksonville city park with gorgeous beaches, a lake, cabins, hiking trails: http://www.coj.net/Departments/Parks+and+Recreation/Recreation+Activities/Hanna+Park/default.htm (broken link)

Big Talbot Island & Little Talbot Island: More beach-parks, these are huge, tons to do here in addition to the ocean: http://www.floridastateparks.org/big...nd/default.cfm
http://www.floridastateparks.org/lit...nd/default.cfm

Hugenot: Located on the south end of the Talbot Islands, Hugenot has jetties, so it's not great for swimming, but it's great for lounging oceanside on big giant sandbars. I can't find a link, but it's right there with the Talbots.

[mroth]

Ok.. so it sounds like there are more of 'Park' types of beaches to go to. Which is cool, to be honest, the beach I go to the most around here is called Dewey beach (in Deleware) vs. going to Ocean City. Less crowded and commercial. If I need greasy food, or to take the kids to games, I can always drive to Ocean City or even Rehobeth for that.

But soon instead of a 3 hour miserable drive, it should only be an Hour (ish) at most... <doing the happy Beach Dance>

[kort677]

Originally Posted by mroth

Ok.. so it sounds like there are more of 'Park' types of beaches to go to. Which is cool, to be honest, the beach I go to the most around here is called Dewey beach (in Deleware) vs. going to Ocean City. Less crowded and commercial. If I need greasy food, or to take the kids to games, I can always drive to Ocean City or even Rehobeth for that.

But soon instead of a 3 hour miserable drive, it should only be an Hour (ish) at most... <doing the happy Beach Dance>

jax beach is a down market version of rehobeth, and it isn't as large

[riveree]

Right, lots of preservation-type beaches, which is quite nice really.

Remember, we have the river too! You'll want to check that out as well (some nice parks on the river) .

[smash731]

hi mroth, I am moving to Jax in August and I have spent my whole life (minus the last 2 yrs in grad school on the Space Coast) in Elkridge. My fam had a condo on 42nd st. in OC when I was growing up...I miss it! Anyhoo, I paid a visit to Jax beach a few weeks ago and sadly, it is not anywhere near as built up as OC. However, if you prefer Dewey, you might like JAx Beach as well. I want Candy Kitchen!! And to turn on the resort video guide and see Batman's smiling face...hehe...

[mroth]

Hi Smash,

As a young, single male, I LOVED Ocean City, especially right after I graduated High School.

Nowadays with 3 kids, it is still neat, but not as appealing.