Atlantic Beach: Beach, Nature and Culture

Atlantic Beach has more than 20 public beach access points. Beach wheelchairs are available to use free of charge. To use a beach wheelchair, you must submit a request at least four days before your preferred date. The number of beach wheelchairs is limited, and they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If a beach wheelchair is important to your plans, request one in good time and check availability before your trip.

Nature Areas and Trails

Dutton Island Preserve has 9,000 feet of nature trails, a launch site for canoes and kayaks, and camping areas. You can plan your visit around your preferred activity: walking the trails, starting a paddling trip, or camping. Reservations and conditions may change. Check them in advance if camping is part of your plans.

Paddling Between Dutton Island and Tide Views

A marked paddling trail leads from Dutton Island to the southern end of Atlantic Beach and ends at a dock at Tide Views Preserve. Be sure to consider tides and water conditions when planning your trip. Unlike a visit focused on trails on land, this outing also requires planning for conditions on the water.

Tide Views Preserve has 2,500 feet of trails and boardwalks, a canoe launch site, and a fishing area. The trail descriptions differ: Tide Views combines trails and boardwalks, while Dutton Island Preserve has nature trails. The other amenities also offer a way to compare activities: Tide Views adds fishing to its trails, while Dutton Island also has a kayak launch site and camping areas.

Selva Preserve is a protected area maintained for its ecological benefits and public use. It also has a trail for recreation and exercise. This nature area therefore brings conservation and public use together.

Culture and City History

The Adele Grage Cultural Center includes Gulliford Hall, a 60-seat theater, and an art gallery that hosts monthly exhibitions. The theater and gallery offer two distinct cultural experiences: a named venue with a fixed seating capacity and changing monthly exhibitions. If you would like to plan your visit around an exhibition, check the exhibition dates in advance.

Richard Bull Memorial Park also has a historical connection to the city: after Atlantic Beach was incorporated in 1926, the park was the site of the city’s first park and city hall. If you’d like to explore early city history alongside nature trails and exhibitions, the park offers a specific link to Atlantic Beach’s development.

Explore more destinations: Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville

View the regional travel guide: Duval.