Beaches Museum

When searching for something to get you out of the hot sun or inside on a rainy day, visit the Beaches Museum. It was established in 1995 to showcase the history of the area’s beaches through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Over time, it has become a popular vacation destination in Jacksonville.

The museum started as a local initiative to preserve the history of oceanside towns like Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach. Such proximity to the ocean makes taking lessons at Thompson Surf School followed by a laid-back visit to the museum easy to plan and appealing. 

At the Beaches Museum, you will step back in time and experience what life was like for early river pilots, fishermen, and hardy pioneer settlers. You can stroll the veranda of a gilded-age seaside resort, see artifacts used by early settlers, and much more. 

The first floor features permanent exhibits in the Pritchard Gallery and temporary displays in the Dickinson Gallery. The temporary exhibits change every 2 or 3 months, sometimes with a period with no exhibit.

The Beaches Museum is close to other landmarks, like Bird Island Park, making visiting several attractions in a day possible. 

This family-friendly attraction makes learning about history fun, which is why Beaches Museum is a popular hot spot.

Beaches Museum: Fun Facts & Cool Features

An enduring aspect of the museum is its storytelling approach. The exhibits use interactive displays and multimedia presentations that make the past come to life. It also engages visitors, which makes learning history fun for all ages. 

One of the best features of the Beaches Museum is the docent-led tours of the History Park, which you may explore during off hours. The park showcases buildings that were a big part of the First Coast’s economy and gives an up-close look into how these men and women lived.

The 1903 Pablo Beach post office offers a glimpse into the early postal service, and the 1911 steam locomotive exemplifies the age when railroading was king. The Oesterreicher-McCormick Cabin, built in 1873, is the oldest example of the famous Florida Cracker architectural style. The home is beautifully restored and is available for walkthroughs. 

Another restored building to check out is St. Paul’s By-the-Sea, known as the Beaches Chapel. Built in 1887, the church serves as a venue for weddings, special events, and musical performances.

Be sure to combine your visit with a meal at nearby restaurants. Dockside Seafood Restaurant offers a laid-back vibe with water views and fresh seafood. For fine dining, make a reservation at Restaurant Medure and savor the award-winning cuisine.

The Beaches Museum offers an immersive experience of the area’s history. It features restored buildings and intriguing artifacts, making it a marvelous landmark to explore on a Jacksonville Beaches getaway.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Beaches Museum from Jacksonville: 

• Start by heading east on FL-10 E (Beach Blvd). 
• Continue on Beach Blvd for approximately 8 miles. 
• Turn right onto 3rd St N. 
• Continue straight for about 0.5 miles. 
• Turn left onto 5th Ave N. 
• The Beaches Museum will be on your right. 
• Address: 381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 

Cost 

And the best part is that visiting the Beaches Museum is free!