Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Neptune Beach, Florida

Positioned between Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach serves as a charming community within the Jacksonville Beaches.

As the smallest of the Beaches, with a population of under 8,000, it possesses a distinctly residential character. Unlike neighboring areas, you will not encounter extensive resorts or vast beach parks dominating the coastline.

Instead, the beachfront is characterized by natural dunes, featuring 20 public access points for visitors. It is difficult to gaze upon this beach without feeling an immediate attraction.

Although the ambiance at Neptune Beach is relaxed and serene, you will find numerous dining options, entertainment venues, and famous landmarks, such as the Jacksonville Beach Pier, conveniently situated nearby.

1. Neptune Beach Public Beach Access

The city’s central attraction is its expansive sandy shoreline, which is sure to capture your affection upon arrival. The beach is surrounded by gentle dunes, intermittently interrupted by public access walkovers.

As of this writing, there are precisely 20 public access points. Due to the tranquil residential nature of Neptune Beach, parking options may be somewhat limited, particularly except for the southern area near Seagate Avenue.

The beach area is notably shallow, extending far into the ocean during low tide, making it particularly suitable for family outings.

It bears repeating when discussing Florida’s Atlantic beaches: setting your alarm to witness the sunrise here is an absolute must.

2. Beaches Town Center

Partially located in both Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach, this vibrant lifestyle district stretches across several blocks of Atlantic Boulevard.

One appealing aspect of Beaches Town Center is its walkability. Visitors can leisurely stroll along brick-paved sidewalks shaded by palm trees, exploring boutiques and deciding on culinary stops for lunch or dinner.

A variety of chain restaurants can be found further west, while a greater number of local establishments populate the eastern side near the beach.

Among the specialty shops offering candles, leather goods, handmade crafts, clothing, and surf equipment, you will find an array of dining options including seafood, health food, French cuisine, contemporary American fare, Asian street food, Italian dishes, Filipino BBQ, frozen custard, and much more.

3. Jarboe Park

Source: Rex Whisnant / Facebook

Jarboe Park, situated a few blocks from the beach access on Florida Boulevard, presents a spacious community park featuring a large pond on its northern side.

This park includes a fountain and a small causeway leading to a palm-shaded island. Visitors should be prepared to encounter inquisitive Canada geese and numerous turtles in the water.

For those seeking recreational activities, Jarboe Park boasts a basketball court, a volleyball court, and facilities for tennis/pickleball. In addition, there are multiple play areas for children, including a designated sand area.

4. Beaches Museum

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

To gain insight into the history and culture of the Beaches, an informative museum is located nearby in Jacksonville Beach.

This museum features exhibits detailing the stories of pioneers, elegant Gilded Age hotels, and the vibrant atmosphere of historic boardwalks.

The outdoor area includes an engaging history park housing a locomotive from 1911, a railway depot (c. 1900), the 1903 Pablo Beach Post Office, among others.

These structures are situated within the charming Heritage Garden, which showcases herbs, flowers, and vegetables historically linked to the region.

Visitors should look for periodic exhibits, as they often provide valuable insights. During my latest visit, there was a compelling timeline detailing tourism in the Beaches.

5. Tide Views Preserve

While the Atlantic shoreline in Neptune Beach is undeniably attractive, there is also a stunning wetland landscape located to the west of the city.

This area can be accessed via Tide Views Preserve, situated on the north side of Atlantic Boulevard. Spanning eight acres, this park overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.

Tide Views Preserve is an excellent location for launching kayaks or paddleboards; however, if you are seeking a leisurely stroll, a lengthy boardwalk navigates the wetland area. I recommend visiting at sunset, as the low sun casts a golden hue on the waterways.

Interpretive signage throughout the preserve helps visitors identify various fish species and the local plant communities.

6. Castaway Island Preserve

Source: Josh Marcano / shutterstock

It is well worth exploring the Jacksonville side of the Intracoastal Waterway for a fresh perspective on the wetlands. With minimal traffic, Castaway Island Preserve presents a picturesque setting, showcasing an intricate network of tidal streams and salt marsh environments.

The Island Trail meanders away from the paved road, leading visitors through marshlands toward an observation platform. During my brief visit, I encountered egrets, roseate spoonbills, and a variety of small lizards.

Remaining on the main access road will lead you to a kayak launch, fishing dock, and sweeping overlooks. In such areas, where stagnant water may be prevalent, the use of insect repellent is advisable.

7. Jax Surf & Paddle

This versatile establishment caters to a wide range of water activities available in the vicinity of Neptune Beach.

Whether you wish to experience the Intracoastal Waterway and its diverse ecosystems or are an experienced surfer awaiting the perfect swells at Jacksonville Beach Pier, Jax Surf & Paddle has something for everyone.

Equipment rentals are available ranging from one hour to seven days, including bodyboards, skimboards, and bicycles.

For beginners, this company provides options from private coaching sessions to public classes and camps, thus accommodating all skill levels.

8. Beaches Green Market

Located just a short distance away in Jacksonville Beach is a weekly farmer’s market serving the Beaches community. Held on Saturday afternoons, the Beaches Green Market operates as a producer-only market.

This format ensures that many vendors are genuine farmers offering locally-sourced, organic produce. During the growing season, there is no better venue for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, offerings include seafood, local eggs, pasture-raised meats, orchids, various houseplants, fresh breads, baked goods, and a selection of pet treats.

This market is also an ideal destination for handmade gifts or souvenirs from your trip to the Beaches. Among my preferred vendors was the Botanical Beverage Bar, featuring a selection of iced tea, lattes, and kombucha.

9. BrewHound

Source: BrewHound Dog Park + Bar / Facebook

As a pet owner, I am delighted to discover bars that embrace dogs. At BrewHound in Neptune Beach, dogs are integral to the experience.

Spanning an acre, the facility features a designated off-leash dog park with turf grass, separate areas for small and large dogs, ample shade, and a doggy splash pad. Known as The Yard, this section requires a monthly membership.

Overlooking the dog park, The Porch offers a bar serving local craft beer and wine, along with specialty canned beers and coffee. Access to The Porch does not require a membership, and patrons are welcome to bring their leashed pets.

10. Pete’s Bar

While Beaches Town Center boasts modern establishments, some long-standing businesses remain, such as Pete’s Bar, which has operated since 1933, making it the oldest bar in Duval County.

This beloved local institution is renowned for its steadfast dedication to its dive bar identity. Recently, the bar underwent a change in ownership and has become smoke-free without losing its charm.

The establishment now features a backyard deck with its own bar, occupying space formerly used by a neighboring residence. Inside, patrons can enjoy classic bar games for a quarter, as well as televisions and arcade games.

11. Jacksonville Beach Pier

Source: margaret.wiktor / shutterstock

Another exceptional location to witness the sunrise is the Jacksonville Beach Pier, a brief drive south along A1A.

During my visit, this 1,300-foot structure had recently reopened after repairs following damage from Hurricanes Matthew and Irma in the 2010s.

Whether you are fishing or simply enjoying the scenery, there is a nominal fee to access the pier. Particularly in the winter months, this pier contributes to high-quality surfing waves, making it one of the prime surfing spots in Northeast Florida.

The pier is situated in a lively section of Jacksonville Beach, surrounded by numerous eateries and frequent live events at the nearby Seawalk Pavilion.

12. Southern Breeze Cart Rental

Neptune Beach is among a select few communities in the Jacksonville Beaches area served by Southern Breeze Cart Rental, the sole provider of street-legal golf carts in the vicinity.

These electric carts present an environmentally friendly and economical mode of transportation, ideal for the beach town lifestyle, and are permitted on any road with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. It is noteworthy that the largest cart, named The Blue Surfer, can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Southern Breeze Cart Rental offers rentals on a 24-hour, multi-day, and weekly basis, with the added convenience of direct delivery to your location.

13. Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach

For a family-friendly outing, visit the amusement park at Adventure Landing, located just five minutes away in Jacksonville Beach.

The highlight at Adventure Landing is the seasonal Shipwreck Island Water Park, featuring a 500,000-gallon wave pool, a pirate-themed play area, and slides including The Rage— the first uphill water-coaster in the region.

The amusement park also includes a spectacular quarter-mile karting track, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, laser tag, batting cages, and much more.

Additionally, Gator Alley allows visitors to safely feed alligators using special feeding poles for a small fee.

14. Jax Beach Golf Club

Source: Jax Beach Golf Club / Facebook

Located just across Beach Boulevard from Neptune Beach, Jax Beach Golf Club is a widely esteemed municipal golf course.

This course, which has been serving the community for approximately 60 years, underwent significant renovations in 2018. Jax Beach Golf Club now features new holes, durable Platinum Paspalum grass, and state-of-the-art irrigation and drainage systems.

This modernized course is well-equipped to handle the various challenges posed by the Florida climate, consistently maintaining near-perfect greens throughout the year.

Following the renovations, the last three holes have been completely redesigned, culminating in a challenging dogleg right over water to finish a round.

15. Fletcher Swimming Pool

If you are seeking a straightforward public pool for swimming, Fletcher Swimming Pool is an excellent option. Located behind the associated high school, the pool is open to the public during the afternoon hours.

Lap swimming sessions cater to those looking for exercise in a controlled environment, distinct from the ocean.

While it may not cater extensively to older children or teenagers, it serves as a valuable facility for younger children, especially during summer breaks. Local programs include classes and individual lessons for community members.