ATLANTIC BEACH
Where
Beaches Town Center, located at 200 First Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266, acts as the boundary between Atlantic Beach on the north and Neptune Beach to the south. You’ll find more than 20 beach accesses in Atlantic Beach.
The vibe
Historic, upscale, and laidback, Atlantic Beach is a residential seaside community with beach bungalows bordering generous sweeps of empty sand. On the beach, you might see surfers scoping out the waves or riding them, as well as families, couples, and groups of friends.
See, feel
A delicious cocoa color, Atlantic Beach’s sand is hard-packed where it meets the ocean, making it ideal for biking or jogging. The ocean is bordered by dunes lush with willowy grass, with beach walkovers that pass between stately homes, some with widow walks and Victorian-style gables. The beach has only one high-rise– the lavish, eight-story Dune House Hotel and Spa. Palm fringed and paved with bricks, Beaches Town Center is a pedestrian-friendly hub of dining, shopping and nightlife that marks the southern tip of Atlantic Beach and promises the most activity. Expect some waves, which will vary depending on tides, the wind, and offshore systems.
On or near the beach
Kicking back by the shore, playing in the waves and surfing are popular ways to enjoy the beach– and you can bring your dog. Beaches Town Center, just off the sand, invites you to scoop up treasures at shops like Milo Fashion and Drift Boutique; enjoy live entertainment, hand-crafted beer and award-winning seafood at Ragtime Tavern; or refuel at Coop 303 or Poe’s Tavern. Jacksonville Surf and Paddle, located in the Town Center, offers surfing lessons and rentals that include surfboards, paddleboards, beach chairs and bikes. 450-acre Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, sited at the northern tip of Atlantic Beach, delivers outdoor adventures that include hiking, biking, fishing, surfing and camping.
Accessibility
Atlantic Beach offers more than a dozen wheelchair-accessible beach access points, as well as beach wheelchairs that are free to use at multiple access points. Please submit an application for a beach wheelchair four days in advance.
Facilities
Walkovers, bike racks, benches, showers and trash cans at some accesses, with details here.
Lifeguards
One Ahern Street, Atlantic Beach. Mon. – Fri. from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. – Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Memorial weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Parking
Check out this map with parking areas.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ATLANTIC BEACH IN FLORIDA
Q. Where is Atlantic Beach, Fla.?
A. Atlantic Beach is located in Northeast Florida, just east of Jacksonville. It is part of the Jacksonville Beaches communities and offers a charming coastal atmosphere. The beach is easily accessible via A1A and is known for its beautiful sandy shores and relaxed vibe. For more information, check out Visit Jacksonville’s page on Atlantic Beach or https://www.beachestowncenter.com/.
Q. What county is Atlantic Beach, Fla. in?
A. Atlantic Beach is located in Duval County. It is part of the Jacksonville Beaches area, which includes several other beach communities. The county offers a mix of urban and natural attractions, making it a great place to explore.
Q. What is there to do in Atlantic Beach, Fla.?
A. In Atlantic Beach, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as surfing, fishing, and beachcombing. It’s home to Beaches Town Center, just off the sand and complete with charming local shops and restaurants.
Q. What are the beach hours at Atlantic Beach?
A. Atlantic Beach is open to pedestrians 24 hours a day. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific regulations or temporary closures.
Q. What amenities are available at Atlantic Beach?
A. Atlantic Beach offers walkovers, bike racks, benches, showers and trash cans at some accesses, with details here. Beaches Town Center, just off the sand, invites you to scoop up treasures at shops like Milo Fashion and Drift Boutique; enjoy live entertainment, hand-crafted beer and award-winning seafood at Ragtime Tavern; or refuel at Coop 303 or Poe’s Tavern.
Q. What is the best time to visit Atlantic Beach?
A. The best time to visit Atlantic Beach is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Summers can be hot and humid, but the beach offers a refreshing escape.
Q. Are there any family-friendly activities near Atlantic Beach?
A. Yes, Atlantic Beach is a great destination for families with activities like beachcombing, visiting local parks, and exploring nearby attractions such as the Jacksonville Zoo. The area also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. For more family activity ideas, visit Visit Jacksonville's family guide or https://www.beachestowncenter.com/.
Q. What wildlife can be seen at Atlantic Beach?
A. Atlantic Beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and numerous bird species. The nearby Dutton Island Preserve offers opportunities to see more local flora and fauna. For wildlife watching tips, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's page or the Dutton Island Preserve guide.
Q. Is there parking available at Atlantic Beach?
A. Yes, there is parking available at Atlantic Beach. Check out this map with parking areas. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Q. What are some nearby attractions to Atlantic Beach?
A. Beaches Town Center, just off the sand, invites you to scoop up treasures at shops like Milo Fashion and Drift Boutique; enjoy live entertainment, hand-crafted beer and award-winning seafood at Ragtime Tavern; or refuel at Coop 303 or Poe’s Tavern. Nearby attractions include the Jacksonville Beach Pier, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, and the historic Mayport Village. Each offers unique experiences from fishing and hiking to exploring local history. For more attractions, visit our city of Atlantic Beach page.
Q. Are there any events held at Atlantic Beach?
A. Atlantic Beach hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art festivals, music concerts, and community gatherings. These events provide a great way to experience the local culture and meet residents. For an event calendar, visit https://www.beachestowncenter.com/.
Q. What is the water like at Atlantic Beach?
A. The water at Atlantic Beach typically offers good conditions for swimming and surfing. As an Atlantic Coast beach, it features regular wave action, ocean swells, and shifting tides that make it a recognized local spot for surfing and boogie boarding—particularly near areas like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Lifeguards are on duty Mon. – Fri. from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. – Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Memorial weekend to Labor Day weekend. Water temperatures range from the upper 50s to low 60s °F in winter to the low-to-mid 80s °F during summer.
