20 Things To Do In Neptune Beach

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Neptune Beach is a charming coastal town in Duval County, Florida, just east of Jacksonville and north of Atlantic and Jacksonville Beach. The area is commonly referred to as part of Jacksonville Beach, but it is in fact its own town. History states that the area was in fact part of Jacksonville Beach until the tax revolt of 1933 when residents voted to secede from Jacksonville Beach and incorporate the City of Neptune Beach, which sizes up to only 6.8 square miles. The city was named after Neptune, the King of the Sea.

Neptune Beach, although small, has a magical charm that draws you in. You can commonly find locals enjoying the beach, hanging out at AB Corner, or out on the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The best part about this stretch of beach is that it is not typically crowded, so it’s a great place for a relaxing beach weekend. The community is warm and welcoming, with plenty of southern hospitality.

Neptune Beach is a quiet, family-friendly destination that provides laid-back fun. Some popular activities are spending the day on the beach, enjoying nature at the local preserves and parks, or sipping delicious cocktails at beachside bars.

Neptune Beach, Florida

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20 Things To Do In Neptune Beach

1- Spend A Day Enjoying The Beaches

young girl and seagulls on neptune beach florida
Going for long beach walks is one of the popular things to do in Neptune Beach.

Visiting this coastal community wouldn’t be complete without feeling the sand between your toes on the beautiful beaches, such as Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. 

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Neptune Beach is one of my favourite beaches in northeast Florida because it is a little less crowded than the surrounding Jacksonville and Atlantic Beaches.

You can frequently find surfers catching a few waves or locals fishing along the shores.

Spending the day nestled in the soft sand or wading in the blue waters is one of the best ways to appreciate the Sunshine State.

Grab your beach chair, an umbrella, and a towel, and you’re ready to go.

  • Neptune Beach is at Strand St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.
  • Atlantic Beach is at 100 Club Dr, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.
  • Jacksonville Beach is at 85-99 19th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
  • Ponte Vedra Beach is at 311 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.

Recommended tour: Best of the Beaches E-Bike Tour

2- Play Pickleball At Jarboe Park

Jarboe Park is a local community park in Neptune Beach with amenities such as a playground, party pavilion, walking trails, lake views and sports courts.

You can play basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball.

This kid-friendly park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, and for a break from the beach, you can visit from 7 am to 9 pm, 365 days a year.

The sports courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The city of Neptune Beach asks that you rotate gameplay if there are others waiting to play so that everyone can enjoy the amenities equally.

Jarboe Park is at 510 Florida Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.

3- Visit Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

couple on neptune beach at sunset
Enjoying the sunset is one of the relaxing things to do in Neptune Beach.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is in Mayport in the Jacksonville Beaches area and is 447 acres (180 ha) of mature coastal hammock and 1.5 miles of sandy beach.

This is a lovely park because it offers access to both the lake and the ocean. 

Popular activities inside Hanna Park are hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, and even a kid’s splash pad.

The park’s opening hours are from 8 am to 8 pm, 365 days a year.

To sleep inside the park, check out the Hana Campground, which offers tent camping for $18 a day or cabins for $30 a day.

An entry fee of $5 per car or $3 per pedestrian is charged to maintain the facilities.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is at 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233.

4- Take Your Furry Best Friend To BrewHound Dog Park + Bar

Missing your pup while on vacation?

BrewHound Dog Park + Bar is a place for dog lovers where you can drink beer and mingle while your pup plays with other dogs.

The local business is wholly women-owned and operated.

The facilities feature a turf grass area, a doggy splash pad, and a small agility course for furry companions.

The human menu includes wine on tap, locally sourced coffee, craft beers and canned spirits.

The park is open Tuesday to Friday (8 am to 10 pm), Saturday and Sunday (9 am to 11 pm) and is closed on Monday.

If you’re visiting with your dog, bring proof of up-to-date rabies, distemper and bordetella vaccinations. 

BrewHound Dog Park + Bar is at 1848 Kings Cir S, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.

5- Go For Drinks At The Beaches Town Center

The Beaches Town Center, or “AB Corner” as the locals call it, is the hot spot for a night out in Neptune and Atlantic Beach.

There are a bunch of local bars and restaurants to explore all in one place.

We suggest spending time at Lemon Bar enjoying the frozen drinks and beach views, then finishing the day off on Coop 303’s second-story patio or sipping a handcrafted margarita at Flying Iguana.

Check out Poe’s Tavern or Joseph’s Pizza for takeaway if you want something hearty to eat.

The Beaches Town Center is at 0 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.

Recommended tour: The Avondale Culinary Tour in Jacksonville

6- Have A Spa Day At One Ocean Resort & Spa

Located on the outskirts of AB Corner is One Ocean Resort & Spa, this luxurious resort is a staple of Neptune Beach.

The beautiful spa at the resort offers top-tier services, including specialty packages such as the Deep Blue Package or a la carte offerings such as massages, facials, and aromatherapy.

This is a great way to unwind and forget the stresses of everyday life.

The spa is open on Monday (9 am to 4 pm), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (9 am to 5 pm), Friday and Saturday (9 am to 6 pm).

One Ocean Resort & Spa is at 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.

7- Hire A Fishing Charter

Northeast Florida Angling is a charter service in Neptune Beach.

Captain Buzz is an expert in inshore saltwater fishing in northeast Florida, including Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

The most popular catches on these adventures include Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, Sheepshead and Black Drum.

Whether you have an avid sport fishing fan in the family or are just starting as a beginner, this is a great activity for everyone.

Northeast Florida Angling Fishing Charters is at 2211 Kings Cir S, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.

8- Hike The Trails In Tide Views Preserve

This 8-acre (3ha) preserve features gorgeous views of the Intracoastal Waterway, well-maintained hiking trails, a canoe launch, and a fishing area.

It’s a lovely spot to explore the natural beauty of Florida and is especially popular for birdwatching.

It’s open from sunrise to sunset, and public parking is available.

Tide Views Preserve is at 1 Begonia St, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.

9- Slip Down The Water Slides At Adventure Landing

Adventure Landing is a small amusement park in nearby Jacksonville Beach and a top spot for fun in the northeast Florida area.

Besides aquatic fun on the water slides and in the wave pools, you can enjoy land activities such as mini golf and go-karts.

Adventure Landing is open every day of the week, and there are several admission options, including multiple attraction passes, Family Night Special, and Night Swim passes.

Adventure Landing is at 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

10- Go Birding At Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve

pelican in the mangroves
Looking for birds and other wildlife is one of the things to do near Neptune Beach for nature lovers.

Venture out a little farther than the Tide Views Preserve to Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve, a 600-acre (243 ha) natural area of forest, wetlands, and scrub vegetation.

Many visitors enjoy birding in this peaceful area, as woodpeckers, wrens, and hawks are commonly seen from the bird observation pavilion.

This lovely park is also open seven days a week from 9 am to 4:45 pm.

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve is at 13165 Mt Pleasant Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225.

11- Enjoy The Flowers At Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

This 120-acre (48.5 ha) property allows you to connect with nature in Jacksonville.

Located just 10 miles (16 km) from Neptune Beach, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are truly special.

The facility features many trails to wander and appreciate various species of natural plants, flowers, and trees.

December is an enchanting time to visit as it’s a winter wonderland with twinkly lights and holiday cheer.

It costs $3 per person, which makes it a great budget-friendly option.

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is at 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225.

12- Grab A Cup Of Joe At Bold Bean Coffee Roasters

Bold Bean Coffee Roasters is a locally-owned shop in Jacksonville Beach founded in 2007 and dedicated to sustainable specialty coffee.

In the cafe, friendly faces serve unique blends and drinks such as a Duval Sunset, Honey Lavender Latte and delicious pastries.

You can regularly find locals hanging out in the cafe, working on laptops, reading a book, or chatting with the barista about new coffee blends.

Bold Bean Coffee Roasters is at 2400 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

13- Learn About The Past Of The Beaches At The Beaches Museum

seagull on neptune beach
Looking for things to do in Neptune Beach? Check out our list of top 20.

In the heart of Jacksonville Beach, The Beaches Museum provides history on all of the beaches in the area, including Mayport, Neptune Beach, Jax Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Palm Valley, through events, exhibits and archives.

The Beaches Museum is in a historic building known as the “Pablo Historical Park”.

It has exhibition spaces, a research centre, a gift shop and a community room for events and programs.

The museum regularly hosts exhibits that provide a fresh perspective on the region’s heritage along specific themes of the area’s history, culture and art.

They can be quite interesting and sometimes these exhibits feature local artists, photographers or community organisations.

Visit Tuesday through Saturday (10 am to 4 pm), and on Sundays, it’s open from noon to 4 pm.

Admission to this quaint museum is free, making it an option if you’re on a tight budget.

The Beaches Museum is at 381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

14- Enjoy An Outdoor Concert At The Seawalk Pavilion

The Seawalk Pavillion is centrally located across the street from The Beaches Museum.

Various events occur at this outdoor amphitheatre and green space, such as an arts market, surf contest, vendor days, yoga classes and outdoor concerts. 

The Seawalk Pavilion is at 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

15- Get The Freshest Catch At Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier

This fishing pier in Jacksonville Beach is impressive, as it stretches almost a quarter of a mile over the Atlantic Ocean, offering the perfect place to cast a line or enjoy sunset views.

Common catches for this area include whiting, redfish, speckled sea trout, pompano and black drum.

Whether you are experienced or learning the basics, this is a great spot for casting and trolling.

It costs $5 a day for fishing and $2 if you want to walk along the pier.

Opening times are from 7 am to 7 pm, with weather permitting.

Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is at 503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

16- Eat Like The Locals At Taco Lu

Taco Lu is a staple in Jacksonville Beach.

This locally owned, Baja-style restaurant serves up dishes inspired by the owner’s trips across Southern California and New York City to find the best tacos.

The owners brought their inspiration to Jacksonville to create TacoLu.

You won’t find a better taco in the area, some of our favourites are the Bangin’ Shrimp, The $10 Taco, and you can’t forget the chips and queso.

The restaurant does not offer reservations, so be prepared to wait at the bar with a margarita.

Taco Lu is at 1712 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

17- Make Some Aquatic Friends On A Boat Tour

neptune beach umbrellas and lounges
Spending a lazy day on the sand is one of the top things to do in Neptune Beach.

This is an excellent activity for groups, families or visitors keen to discover more about the marine life in the area.

The 1.5-hour tour will take you on the water, up close and personal with dolphins and other species, such as sea turtles, manatees, ospreys, eagles, pelicans and sharks.

Make reservations beforehand, as spots on the boat fill up quickly.

Tickets are very reasonable, with private tour options available upon request.

Recommended tour: Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure

18- Play A Few Rounds Of Golf At Queen’s Harbour Yacht & Country Club

Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club is a semi-private club designed by Mark McCumber.

It has hosted PGA Tour qualifiers and the Mercedes Collegiate Championships.

This championship course is centrally located and offers beautiful coastal views on top of already beautifully kept grounds.

Golfers can enjoy an 18-hole course, putting and chipping green, full driving range, and a southern-styled full-service clubhouse.

The club offers lessons, junior programs, and membership options for those interested.

Queen’s Harbour Yacht & Country Club is at 1131 Queens Harbor Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225.

19- Go Shopping At St. Johns Town Center

The St. Johns Town Center is a lively spot in Jacksonville, just a quick drive down Butler Blvd from Neptune Beach.

This outdoor mall has a wide array of shops, so it’s the perfect place to go if you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket.

You’ll find everything from Target to luxury brands such as Tory Burch and Tesla.

Restaurants in the area include chains and local spots, I recommend driving around the corner to Mellow Mushroom for excellent pizza.

St. Johns Town Center is at 4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246.

Recommended tour: Electric Bike Guided Tour in Jacksonville Art and Architecture

20- Take A Scenic Drive Along The Beautiful A1A

woman walking on the beach
Feeling the sand between your toes is one of the things everyone does in Neptune Beach.

State Road A1A is a National Scenic Byway that runs north-south along the east coast of Florida from Fernandina Beach to Key West.

It runs through many of the beach towns along this side of the state and provides some stunning scenery.

Start at any point along the coast, including Neptune Beach.

Download an app via scenica1a.org, where you can get a self-guided tour of the byway giving you the best spots to stop.

Some popular stops along the way are Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and Faver-Dykes State Park.

A1A is at 3rd St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. 

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Jordan Donahue
Jordan is a freelance writer that has been in the industry for over a year. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Communications which she used in her marketing career. Her hometown is Philadelphia, PA. Currently, Jordan resides in Central Florida with her family and French Bulldog, Philly. Jordan has travelled many places for fun and even travels for a living as a Flight Attendant. Her favourite destinations include Denver, Reno, and anywhere else with mountains and plenty of good coffee!