Day Tripping Around Atlantic Beach

I recently took a road trip to Atlantic Beach, Florida, not for the first time. This small stretch of coast in Duval County on Florida's Northeast coast is one of my favorite beaches. The small community takes immense pride in its stretch of sand, reflected in the eclectic storefronts, pristine beaches, and welcoming atmosphere. Atlantic Beach also boasts a rich history rooted in commercial fishing, naval tradition, and surf culture. Spanning just under 12 square miles, Atlantic Beach is perfect for a day trip. It features 18 parks, a bustling town center, vibrant restaurants, and historic sites.

Starting Off The Day With Some Food

My day started at 1985 Coffee Shop & Events, a new coffee shop close to the beach that serves Bold Bean Coffee, a local favorite. Along with its drinks, 1985 Coffee participates in a unique program designed to drive local businesses. The app is called Experience Jax and is highly recommended for anybody new to the area, as it showcases coffee trails, brew trails, and information about the numerous historical markers in town. Also, as the cherry on top, any time someone purchases a beverage at one of the participating merchants, they can enter a code on the app, which leads to free beverages and food.

For breakfast, I dined at Le Petit Paris Cafe in Beaches Town Center, a cafe I had been eager to try for quite some time. The French cafe was packed, but the food and service were worth the wait. I savored the Le George salad and house-made macarons before strolling through the Town Center, home to popular spots like Poe's Tavern, known for its quality food, drinks, and service. Poe's offers exceptional food, especially burgers, and a charming atmosphere with patio seating. The brick interior is adorned with pictures of its namesake, Edgar Allen Poe, and has dim lighting. The patio is a great option for warm nights and has great views of the Town Center. Moreover, the patio dining area offers excellent views of the Atlantic Boulevard and 3rd Avenue intersection, a vantage point ideal for people-watching as pedestrians enter and leave the Beaches Town Center.

Exploring The Bustling Streets of Atlantic Beach

Beaches Town Center has been open for a few years. The brick sidewalks wind past local shops and restaurants and end on the beach, making it a perfect option for a stroll. As Atlantic Beach is an active community, it is not uncommon to see joggers and bicyclists walking around town. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, and conversing with a local is not hard. Adding on to the vibe, the town center has many bars and restaurants, including Ragtimes, Coop 303, and the renowned dive bar Pete's, which has been open since the 1930s. It connects Atlantic Beach with Neptune Beach, and you can hear the crashing surf of the Atlantic Ocean as you walk among the quaint shops. A personal favorite is the Bookmark, a large bookstore that hosts many book signings.

While paved streets and quirky stores abound, no day in Atlantic Beach is complete without visiting one of the parks. Keeping this in mind, I stopped at Jack Russell Park afterward, one of many in this small coastal town. This park is next door to the charming city hall, which includes ballparks and a recreational park. On Sundays, a large farmer's market draws a large crowd. Old oak trees shade the parks and are a pleasant way to spend a hot summer day.

Onto Outdoor Opportunities

For a more intensive outdoor experience, there are miles of hiking trails and nature preserves, especially at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. The 450-acre park is at the end of Seminole Road, offering a reprieve of wilderness in this Floridian community. There is no clear park entrance, so it might take a while to find where the natural expanse actually begins. While walking along Seminole Road, one might notice a historic mansion where the roads converge. This 9,000 square feet "Harlow House" was built in 1935 by prominent attorney William Harlow Rogers with the Atlantic Ocean as a backyard.

Another outdoor charmer is Dutton Island Preserve, just west of historic Mayport, which has over 9,000 feet of hiking trails. It is a popular park for nature lovers, offering kayaking, camping, and a marsh viewing platform. In addition, there is a vibrant and popular beach area, which tends to get crowded on the weekends, but just a few blocks away is the tranquility of an unspoiled preserve. Thus, this park and area serve as an example of how diverse Atlantic Beach is.

Taking in Atlantic Beach's Storied Past

Given the close proximity of the historic Mayport fishing village to Atlantic Beach, I decided to visit the Pablo Mayport Cemetery. This cemetery, dating back to the 19th century, serves as the final resting place for several prominent local families, including the Tuttles and Sallas. Some of the markers have weathered to the point of illegibility, but the plots are well-maintained.

Mayport is one of the nation's oldest fishing villages, famed for its shrimping industry, which has been a key part of its economy for centuries. The village's origins are debated; some assert it dates back to 1562, while others maintain it was incorporated in 1828 under the name Mayport Mills. That said, history is prevalent, and visitors can walk past plenty of old shanties and landmarks that exude a rustic charm. To explore further, the area boasts two ferries that cross the Saint Johns River next to the docks, connecting the beach to the north side of town via Heckscher Drive.

Ending The Day Strong

The day ended at the Voo Swar Restaurant and Lounge, a historic bar and grill. Earnest "Mr. E" Davis started it in 1963 so that local African American sailors could have a place to unwind. Mr. E ran the lounge until his unfortunate passing in 2019, when his son took over the reins. Today, Voo Swar is a legendary place in Atlantic Beach and a great place to end a day of exploring the small town. For a snack after the meal, many locals prefer the Pie Haven Bakery Cafe, a lovely little joint with delicious pies and pastries.

The Final Word

Atlantic Beach stands out as one of the most charming coastal towns in northeast Florida near Jacksonville. With its abundance of parks, historical sites, and exceptional dining options, it’s easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle. The town's friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals make it a delight to visit. Day-tripping through Atlantic Beach is a fulfilling experience with plenty to see and do. For example, the Beaches Town Center is a major draw, with quaint local shops like the Bookmark and fine eateries like Le Petit Paris Cafe. On the other hand, the historic Mayport fishing village is a short drive away, featuring workboats and a ferry service across the Saint Johns River. Watching a breathtaking sunset as the salt air gently caresses your skin is the perfect way to end the day.