American Beach, FL

American Beach
DESCRIPTION: In 1930, Al Lewis, president of the African American Insurance Company in Jacksonville, bought 200 acres of along 13 miles of beach property as a place for "relaxation without humiliation" for his black employees; until 1970 Americans from every walk of life vacationed and lived here; MaVynne Betsch (1935-2005), the former unofficial mayor of American Beach and older sister of Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, had many kind stories to share about the warm history of the beach; now placed on the National Registry of Historic Places; residents can apply for grants to historically restore houses more than 50 years old; two books, An American Beach for African Americans by Jacksonville native Marsha Dean Phelts and American Beach a Saga of Race, Wealth, and Memory by Russ Rymer provide ample background; today, only 120 of the original 200 acres remains untouched by developers

ADMISSION: Free

ADDRESS: Greg Street at Lewis Street  MAP

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 904-261-3248 Chamber of Commerce

WEBSITE: http://www.historicamericanbeach.com

Jacksonville Beach, FL

Jacksonville Beach & Fishing Pier
DESCRIPTION: Another popular beach for locals located on the Atlantic Ocean, but this one includes a 1000 foot long fishing pier oft enjoyed by fly casters and sightseers; pier has a restaurant, game room, and tackle shop

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: daily 6a-10p, reduced evening hours December-March

ADDRESS: 503 First St. North  MAP

PARKING: paid lots nearby and on street

PHONE: 904-241-1515

WEBSITE: http://www.jacksonvillebeach.org

Jacksonville, FL

LaVilla Park
DESCRIPTION: Possibly the smallest park in Jacksonville, this quaint palm lined park serves as a pleasant landmark repast before and after shows at the Ritz Theater-LaVilla Museum

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: daily

ADDRESS: 800 West Davis Street  MAP
PARKING: on street

WEBSITE:

Huguenot Memorial Park
DESCRIPTION: On the north shore of the St Johns River near the Atlantic Ocean, this popular park and beach is good for surfing, fishing, and swimming.  tent and RV camping are permitted but there are no electrical hookups

ADMISSION: $1

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-sunset

ADDRESS: 10980 Hechscher Drive  MAP

PARKING: $3 per vehicle up to 6 persons

PHONE: 904-251-3335

WEBSITE: link

Metropolitan Park
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1984, this 23-acre downtown park sandwiched between the St Johns River and the football stadium features a large stage with canopy, boat docking facilities, covered picnic shelters and Children's Play Area; this venue is the home of many annual events including Jacksonville Jazz Festival, World of Nations Celebration, Spring Music Festival, Fourth of July Celebration and more

ADMISSION: Free, except during concert events

DAYS & HOURS: daily 7a-sunset

ADDRESS: 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd  MAP

PHONE: 904-630-0837

PARKING: on premises

WEBSITE: link

Fernandina Beach, FL

Fort Clinch State Park
DESCRIPTION: located on the north end of Amelia Island, Florida's northernmost barrier island, one finds 62 campsites, 1,363 acres of beach, dunes, tidal marsh, hiking and bicycling trails, the park includes a Pre-Civil War coastal fort listed on the National Register of Historical Places; leased & well-behaved pets are welcome

ADMISSION: $5 per vehicle up to 8 people; there are also small fort museum entrance and bicyclist fees

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-sunset

ADDRESS: 2601 Atlantic Ave  MAP

PARKING: on premises

PHONE: 904-277-7274

WEBSITE: 
http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch

St. Augustine, FL

Butler Beach
DESCRIPTION: In 1927, St. Augustine businessman Frank B. Butler bought this small stretch of land between Mantanzas River and Atlantic Ocean; for many years it was the only beach between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach that welcomed African Americans; there's also a small park nearby named in Mr. Butler's honor

ADDRESS: A1A Highway at Weffs Road  MAP