Neptune Beach, Florida
Neptune Beach is one of the newer beach towns in northeast Florida with its own special small town flavor. Located in Duval County on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west, it encompasses approximately 6.5 square miles and is bounded by the City of Atlantic Beach to the north and the City of Jacksonville Beach to the south. About 7,100 residents live here and the city government is determined to restrict construction and development so as not to spoil the ambience of the neighborhood.
About The Community
The name Neptune Beach has interesting origins dating back to 1922. Dan Wheeler had to walk to Mayport to take a train from there to reach his workplace in Jacksonville. He built his own train station next to his home and named it Neptune; as it appeared that the train would be required to stop at this station. The Sea Turtle Inn is now stands where the station was located. The area remained a part of Jacksonville Beach until the tax revolt of 1931; at that time the residents of Neptune voted to secede from Jacksonville Beach and incorporate the City of Neptune Beach.
The original charm and atmosphere of Neptune Beach has remained unchanged over the years. Visitors will still be able to see dolphins, storks, and other animal life on this barrier island. The combination of a small town atmosphere with beautiful beaches guarantees a relaxed vacation, with enough to do if you so wish. Vacation home rentals are the norm and there are a few very nice resorts and hotels too. The hotels, which are in keeping with the local Southern charm and style, provide excellent service.
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A popular place is the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn situated on the scenic Atlantic Ocean. It offers beautifully appointed guest rooms with every amenity and all rooms boast of private balconies or patios with panoramic ocean views or views of the oceanfront courtyard pool area. A private beach walkover offers easy access to the beach, as well as to their famous poolside Lemon Bar.
Vicinity of Neptune Beach
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The sun sand and sea can whet your appetite and Neptune Beach restaurants will not disappoint you. Nearby Scarlett O’Hara’s Restaurant will certainly satisfy your appetite with fine cuisine, which includes such items as chilled cucumber-avocado soup, seared Alaskan halibut, and champagne berry compote. Sliders Oyster Bar offers a fresh and creative menu of different cuisines. Enjoy delicious seafood specialties include seafood gumbo, Cajun grilled maxi, and butternut grouper. Enjoy a mellow, late-night hangout providing beer, pool tables and mixed drinks at the legendary Pete’s Bar, open since 1933.
Jarboe Park is a lovely local park available for birthday parties and other events. The park has an unlighted softball field, basketball courts and volleyball courts, lighted tennis courts, sheltered picnic tables and exercise trail, small duck pond, butterfly garden and a playground.
Neptune Beach is also known for its commitment to sustainability and preserving its natural beauty. The city actively promotes eco-friendly practices, including recycling initiatives and programs to protect local wildlife and habitats. The nearby Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers an opportunity to explore pristine coastal wetlands, marshes, and historic sites, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. Whether you’re kayaking along the Intracoastal Waterway, enjoying a peaceful sunrise stroll on the beach, or exploring local parks, Neptune Beach is a haven for those seeking to connect with nature and unwind in a serene coastal environment.