One Block One Day: Jacksonville Beach

For the active visitor, look no further than Jacksonville Beach. This tiny stretch of coast is a destination all its own. Originally named Pablo Beach, the city changed its name in 1925, and retains its own city government. A popular spot for outdoor living, Jacksonville Beach is best explored by foot or on two wheels inland from the sandy shore, or by board among waves, and runs right into neighboring Neptune Beach, where the fun continues. Below, we share some of our favorite stops in this laid-back, carefree, Northern Florida paradise.

Eat

Courtesy Salt Life Food Shack

The historic Casa Marina Hotel offers a lavish Sunday brunch buffet that tempts guests to linger over house specialties, ranging from a carving station and seafood to tempting breads and desserts. Salt Life Food Shack serves quintessential beach bar grub, perfect for an indulgent meal after a day of beachcombing. Sandy toes welcome.

Casa Marina Hotel
691 First Street, North
904.270.0025
casamarinahotel.com

Salt Life Food Shack
1018 Third Street, North
904.372.4456
saltlifefoodshack.com

Drink

Courtesy Visit Jacksonville

The first watering hole to open after Prohibition was repealed, Pete’s Bar is a staple of nearby Neptune Beach and has been owned by the same family for eight generations. Have a hankering to drink local? Engine 15 is a stop on the Jax Ale Trail, so be sure to get your passport stamped as you enjoy award-winning brews and tasty pub grub.

Pete’s Bar
117 1st S
Neptune Beach, Florida 32266
Phone: 904.249.9158

Engine 15
1500 Beach Blvd #217
Jacksonville Beach
904.249.2337
engine15.com

Shop

The Bookmark stocks a carefully curated selection of modern book titles, and is the perfect stop for picking up the latest novel by your favorite contemporary author, or a gift for the booklover in your life. Fig & Willow, a locally-owned independent boutique, offers breezy, fashion-forward styles for women in children in a relaxed environment.

The Bookmark
220 First Street
Neptune Beach
904.241.9026
bookmarkbeach.com

Fig & Willow
241 Atlantic Boulevard, suite 105
Neptune Beach
904.372.9662
shopfigandwillow.com

Play

Courtesy One Ocean Resort and Spa

Kiss your worries goodbye with a luxurious spa treatment at One Ocean Resort & Spa, where the Ocean Breeze Refresher includes a signature massage and a soothing facial, and is sure to cure what ails you. Or simply ride the waves of the gorgeous beach, which inspired the Salt Life brand of clothing—and a way of life.

One Ocean Resort & Spa
1 Ocean Blvd
Atlantic Beach, FL
904.249.7402
www.oneoceanresort.com

Oceanfront Park
429 First St., South
904.247.6236