Where to Stay in the Jacksonville Beaches (Best Places, By a Local)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in the Jacksonville Beaches

The Jacksonville Beaches are all part of the greater Jacksonville area or right outside of it. These smaller towns or areas generally include Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and sometimes Ponte Vedra Beach. They are either parts of Duval County or, in Ponte Vedra Beach’s case, St. Johns County.

The Duval County beaches–Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach–are all south. Further south is Ponte Vedra Beach. Jacksonville Beach is the largest of the Jacksonville Beaches communities.

It’s easy for travelers to confuse the different communities. I recommend staying in either Jacksonville Beach or Atlantic Beach, as they have the most hotels and Airbnbs. However, all of these communities are within a short drive of each other.

For budget travelers, it can also be worth looking for somewhere adjacent to stay in Jacksonville.

In this next section, I’ll help lay out the pros and cons of each of the Jacksonville Beaches:

Jacksonville Beach

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Jacksonville Beach Hotels: Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach • Hampton Inn Oceanfront Jacksonville Beach • Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach is the biggest and most popular of the Jacksonville Beaches, and the most accessible to first-time visitors. From the beach itself to the Beaches Museum, South Beach Park, Seawalk Pavilion, or nearby Adventure Landing, Jacksonville Beach is easy to navigate and family-friendly.

The nightlife is fun and lively and there’s a variety of local restaurants and bars. Jacksonville Beach also functions well as an easy access point between the different Jacksonville Beaches communities.

My top hotel choice is the Margaritaville Hotel. It’s a short walk to the sand, has a great view of the ocean, its own restaurant and bar, and many excellent reviews.

Pros of Staying in Jacksonville Beach:

• Walkable and bikeable compared to most of the greater Jacksonville area
• Tourist friendly
• Near family-friendly things to do

Cons of Staying in Jacksonville Beach:

• Crowded and loud
• Limited parking

Neptune Beach

👉 Best Area For Local Shopping and Dining | ✨ Best Neptune Beach Hotels: Seahorse Oceanfront Inn • Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront

Neptune Beach can be found in between Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach. Neptune Beach is the smallest of the Jacksonville Beaches, but is home to several of the best local restaurants and shops in the area. Neptune Beach is quieter and more laid-back.

Neptune Beach shares the Beaches Town Center with Atlantic Beach. It’s easily walkable or bikeable, and the businesses are only minutes from the beach. Neptune Beach is easy to overlook when compared to the other communities, but its friendly, relaxed nature makes it great for visitors looking for a calm night out.

One downside to Neptune Beach is its lack of hotels. Most of the best hotels near it are either in Atlantic Beach or Jacksonville Beach, save for the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn, which is in Neptune Beach proper and right on the beach.

Pros of Staying in Neptune Beach:

• More quiet and relaxed
• Several great restaurants and bars
• Local businesses

Cons of Staying in Neptune Beach:

• Lack of hotels directly in Neptune Beach
• Less nightlife than other beaches
• Difficult parking, especially at the Beaches Town Center

Atlantic Beach

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Life | ✨ Best Atlantic Beach Hotels: Salt Air Inn & Suites • One Ocean Resort and Spa

Jacksonville’s northernmost beach has everything from local nature to shopping and dining. Sharing the Beaches Town Center with Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach is near the Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Mayport, and the Dutton Island Preserve. Atlantic Beach is also home to the Jack Russell Park.

Both the One Ocean Resort and Spa and Salt Air Inn & Suites are found on Atlantic Beach and less than a ten-minute walk to Neptune Beach and the Beaches Town Center. Local hiking, swimming, and surfing can all be found in parks like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, making Atlantic Beach the best option for anyone looking to spend their time outdoors.

It’s also a great option for families, benefiting from the nearness of the Jacksonville Beaches. Attractions like Adventure Landing and South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground are a short drive away. Atlantic Beach also has several great food and shopping options.

Pros of Staying in Atlantic Beach:

• Beautiful nearby parks
• High-rated hotels
• Great dining options
• Close proximity to the Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach attractions

Cons of Staying in Atlantic Beach:

• Busy weekends
• Hotels can be expensive
• Half-hour drive to Downtown Jacksonville

Ponte Vedra Beach

👉 Best Area For Resorts | ✨ Best Ponte Vedra Beach Hotels: The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach • Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra • Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

Ponte Vedra Beach is an affluent community in St. John’s County, with beautiful sands and activities like golfing and tennis minutes from the picturesque beaches. Ponte Vedra Beach is a short drive from all the other Jacksonville Beaches. 

It’s easy to enjoy a hotel like The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beachand then head to all the nearby attractions the Jacksonville Beaches offer.

Bird Island Park is perfect for get-togethers or a serene afternoon picnicking or bird-watching. You can enjoy shows at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall or fall in love with the coquina sand of Mickler’s Landing (pronounced mike-lers). 

Pros of Staying in Ponte Vedra Beach:

• Beautiful beaches
• Proximity to Jacksonville and the other beaches

Cons of Staying in Ponte Vedra Beach:

• Expensive
• Most of the best bars and restaurants are a short drive away

Tips for Staying in the Jacksonville Beaches

Bring or Rent a Car

Jacksonville is not a very walkable or bikeable city. The Beaches are slightly more accessible, but it’s still best to bring or rent a car.

To make things easy, check out my guide on how to rent a car in Jacksonville.

Bring Bug Spray

Florida bugs are unlike any others. Bug spray is an absolute necessity.

Have a Plan

Jacksonville is huge, and the Jacksonville Beaches alone offer a ton to do. Making a plan or following an itinerary – like this 3-day Jacksonville itinerary I created for you – can really help make sure there’s never a dull moment during your stay.

Pack Sunscreen

Sunscreen is, without a doubt, 100% necessary. It’s extremely easy to burn up, especially for those not used to the Florida heat.

Bring the Correct Footwear

Sometimes the sand gets so hot it can blister the bottoms of your feet. Whether going through town, the beaches, or a local park, bringing the correct footwear can save you from all sorts of burns and bites.

FAQs

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Thank you for reading! I hope I helped you narrow your search for where to stay. Remember to be safe and have fun. When you’re done enjoying the beaches, consider some other day trips from Jacksonville you can take!