So You Wanna Beach Yourself in Jacksonville? A Totally Tubular Guide (with Minimal Sharknado Risk)
Ah, Jacksonville beaches. Where the sand is soft enough to convince you it's whispering sweet nothings in your ear, and the waves are the perfect soundtrack for your inner beach bum symphony. But before you pack your swimsuit with the strategically placed flamingo pattern (because, let's face it, pool floats are last season's news), let's get you prepped for what Jacksonville's beaches have in store.
How Is Jacksonville Florida Beach |
Finding Your Perfect Patch of Paradise
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
Jacksonville boasts a whopping 22 miles of coastline, which basically means there's a beach personality for everyone. Want a scene straight out of a surfer movie? Hit up Jacksonville Beach, where the waves are gnarly (that's surfer lingo for awesome, not grumpy) and the dudes (and dudettes) are shredding it with epic style. Feeling a little more family-friendly? Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach offer calmer waters, perfect for building sandcastles that would make even Michelangelo jealous (or at least mildly impressed).
Activities That Don't Involve Building Sand Empires (Although Seriously, Do Build Sand Empires)
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
Because let's be honest, building sandcastles is exhausting work. Thankfully, Jacksonville's beaches cater to the lazy lizards and the thrill-seekers alike. Want to channel your inner mermaid (or merman, no judgement here)? Take a snorkeling or diving trip and explore the underwater world teeming with colorful fishies and maybe even a friendly sea turtle (don't worry, they're more interested in munching on seaweed than your toes). Feeling the need for speed? How about some jet skiing or parasailing? Just remember, sunscreen is your BFF when you're bouncing around on the waves like a dolphin on a sugar rush.
Beach Bum Essentials: A Checklist for the Forgetful (We've All Been There)
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50, minimum. Florida sun is no joke!)
- Swimsuit (Duh, but with a fun flamingo pattern, obviously)
- Towel (Bonus points for a giant beach towel that says "Don't Talk to Me, I'm on Vacation")
- Sunglasses (Gotta protect those peepers from the sun's glare)
- Hat (To avoid looking like a lobster by lunchtime)
- Snacks (Beach picnics are the best picnics)
- Beach umbrella (For when you need a break from the sun's loving embrace)
- A good book (Or your phone loaded with hilarious cat videos, whatever floats your boat)
Frequently Asked Beach Bum Questions (FAQ):
How to avoid a sunburn? Sunscreen, reapplied religiously! Seek shade during the peak sun hours (around noon).
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How to build a sandcastle that will stand the test of time (or at least a rogue wave)? Moisten your sand for better packing. Build strong foundations and don't get too ambitious with your architecture!
How to find the perfect seashells? Look for them after a storm or early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
How to deal with pesky sand in your swimsuit? Embrace it! Seriously though, a quick brush with a towel usually does the trick.
How to know when it's time to leave the beach? When you look like a raisin and your phone has mysteriously turned into a pool noodle (from all the water damage).
So there you have it! A crash course in Jacksonville beaches. Now get out there, soak up the sun, build some epic sandcastles, and don't forget to relax! Just remember, the only thing scarier than a sunburn is missing out on all the beachy fun Jacksonville has to offer.