Jacksonville was first settled by the Spanish, who transferred control of Florida to the United States in 1821. In 1883, the Jacksonville and Atlantic Railway Company built a railway connecting Jacksonville to Ruby Beach, which was later renamed Pablo Beach in 1886. The area made aviation history in the early 1920s when First Lieutenant Dolittle flew from Pablo Beach to San Diego in less than 24 hours and broke the record for transcontinental speed. In 1925, Pablo Beach became Jacksonville Beach, and it has remained a municipality separate from Jacksonville ever since. Today, you can learn more about local history, including the rich railway and aviation history in the area, at History Park and the Beaches Museum.
After delving into the local history, you'll surely have an appetite for some great food. There are many great options to explore, including a variety of ethnic restaurants. La Cena Ristorante offers homemade Italian food that makes it one of Jacksonville's best. Taco Lu is the place for Mexican cuisine that blends the authentic with the innovative. Murray Hillbilly is a popular spot for dining on some incredible vegan food, and Sushi Bear is the place to go for Japanese food.
After you've fueled up, you might want to check out the area's many trails, including Julington Durbin Creek Preserve Loop, Hanna Park South Trail, Gopher Tortoise Ridge, and Big Cypress Loop. Other attractions include Jacksonville Zoo, the Museum of Science and History, and, of course, the beach.
Beaches Oktoberfest – Featuring live music, craft beer, and food trucks at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion, Beaches Oktoberfest takes place each October.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival – Each Memorial Day weekend, Jacksonville hosts an annual music festival featuring some of the top jazz performers.
Art Walk – Enjoy good food and creative vision and great art in Downtown Jacksonville on the first Wednesday of each month.
The closest national park to Jacksonville Beach is Congaree National Park in South Carolina. This hardwood forest is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and enjoying the massive trees and plentiful waterways.
Just under a six-hour drive from Jacksonville Beach is Everglades National Park, which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This 1.5-million-acre park is home to manatees, American crocodiles, and Florida panthers. Boating and airboat tours are popular.
Biscayne National Park is six hours away. Located minutes from Miami, it has crystal blue waters, bottlenose dolphins, and some beautiful spots only accessible by boat. It is a premier spot for both snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
Less than 40 minutes away, hidden on a barrier island, is Little Talbot Island State Park. The waters are warm, the beach is inviting, and the camping is great. This is a great place to unwind and build some sandcastles or go fishing, kayaking, surfing, skating, or hiking out in nature.
About 48 minutes from Jacksonville Beach is Anastasia State Park. This 1,600-acre stretch of beach, sand dunes, and marshes is home to osprey, eagles, roseate spoonbills, warblers, and painted buntings.
Fort Clinch State Park is great for seeing history come alive. Just over an hour north of Jacksonville Beach, Fort Clinch was strategic in the Civil War. During the first weekend of every month, cannons are fired while battlefield maneuvers are re-enacted. It's also great for hiking or biking under the live oaks.
Fort Caroline National Memorial, located less than 15 miles away, recreates the Timucuan village, fort, and fate of the French colonists in Florida. At the park, you can explore two local museums and hike one of three trails.
The Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve is the perfect spot to explore the area's history, hike, sightsee, visit museums, and browse local shops. It is located about 40 minutes from Jacksonville Beach.
Castille do San Marcos National Monument is located in St. Augustine about 38 minutes away. This historic Spanish fort can be explored, and films and live recreation bring history alive.
Pecan Park is the perfect spot for those looking for luxury camping. Located near dining, shopping, and the airport, this RV resort offers a swimming pool, hot tub, showers, and a fishing lake.
Fleetwood RV Park is located near many shops and attractions in central Jacksonville, including the Cummer Museum. It is pet-friendly, sits near I-95, and offers full hookups.
Lazy Dayz is pet-friendly and family-oriented. On-site amenities include badminton, sand volleyball, horseshoes, a playground, a 2-acre pond, and showers.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Jacksonville Beach, FL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Jacksonville Beach?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Jacksonville Beach from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Jacksonville Beach?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.