Jay FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Jay, Florida.
1. Blackwater River State Park
PRISTINE RIVER EXPERIENCE
Blackwater River State Park offers visitors a pristine waterway with crystal clear water and pure white sandbars perfect for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing along the gentle current of one of Florida's most unspoiled rivers. The park's natural sandy beaches along the riverbanks provide excellent spots for picnicking and sunbathing while surrounded by a lush longleaf pine forest.
2. Hidden Lake Resort
PRIVATE LAKE PARADISE
Hidden Lake Resort features an 8-acre private fishing lake and the Blue Lagoon swimming area with a sandy beach perfect for water recreation. Visitors can enjoy water volleyball, swimming, and fishing in this gated private entrance resort with various amenities. The resort offers a tranquil escape with its Club House and natural surroundings while still providing recreational activities for all ages.
3. Floridatown Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATERFRONT PARK
Floridatown Park offers a charming waterfront experience on Escambia Bay with a small beach area suitable for wading and water access. The park features picnic pavilions, a playground, and a boat ramp making it ideal for families looking to spend a day by the water. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and the opportunity to watch local wildlife while enjoying the gentle waves of the bay.
4. Sanders Beach
URBAN BAYFRONT RETREAT
Sanders Beach provides a convenient urban waterfront experience along Pensacola Bay with views of the bay and passing boats. The beach area offers swimming access, picnic facilities, and a community center making it popular among locals seeking a quick escape. Its location offers beautiful sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere despite being close to downtown Pensacola.
5. Bayou Chico Beach
SECLUDED BAYOU SWIMMING
Bayou Chico Beach offers a small but pleasant waterfront area along one of Pensacola's historic bayous. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddling activities in this somewhat secluded spot away from the more crowded beaches. The bayou setting provides a unique coastal experience with calmer waters than the open Gulf beaches and interesting maritime activity to observe.
6. Navy Point
SCENIC WATERFRONT ACCESS
Navy Point provides public access to Bayou Grande with a small beach area and boat ramp facilities for water enthusiasts. The area is popular for fishing, small watercraft launching, and enjoying the picturesque views of the bayou and Naval Air Station across the water. Families appreciate the playground facilities and the relatively calm waters that make it suitable for children and beginners to enjoy water activities.
7. Open Pond Recreation Area
SERENE FOREST SWIMMING
Open Pond Recreation Area features a large natural pond surrounded by the beautiful Conecuh National Forest with a designated swimming area and sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddling activities in a peaceful setting far from the crowds of coastal beaches. The recreation area offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails making it perfect for a complete outdoor getaway experience.
8. Jacksonville Beach
VIBRANT COASTAL EXPERIENCE
Jacksonville Beach stretches along 22 miles of wide, uncrowded white-sandy shoreline offering visitors magnificent Atlantic Ocean views and plenty of space to relax. The beach area features a vibrant pier, beachfront restaurants, shops, and regular events that create an energetic yet laid-back coastal atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and beach volleyball while also having easy access to urban amenities and nightlife options nearby.
9. Atlantic Beach
CHARMING BEACHFRONT COMMUNITY
Atlantic Beach offers a charming, family-friendly oceanfront experience with its clean, white-sand beaches and relaxed community vibe. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere compared to other Florida beaches while still having access to restaurants, shops, and accommodations within walking distance. The pet-friendly beaches and easy public access points make it a favorite among locals and tourists looking for a more authentic coastal experience.
10. Redfish Point Beach
HIDDEN BAYFRONT GEM
Redfish Point Beach offers a small but scenic bayfront experience on the shores of Pensacola Bay with beautiful sunset views and fishing opportunities. The beach provides a quieter alternative to Gulf beaches with shallow, calmer waters ideal for families with young children. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, wading, kayaking, and watching boats navigate the bay while experiencing a local favorite that remains relatively undiscovered by tourists.