Jacksonville Beach Pier

One First Coast landmark that will add fun to your beach vacation is visiting the Jacksonville Beach Pier.

The iconic structure was constructed in 1925 to offer anglers prime fishing spots and sightseers glorious views of the Atlantic Ocean. Since then, it has proven to be a popular Jacksonville Beach landmark.

Over the decades, the Jacksonville Beach Pier has withstood hurricanes and countless visitors on its deck. It has undergone several renovations, the most recently completed in 2008, transforming the wooden pier into a modern concrete structure. 

The pier stretches 1,300 feet into the ocean, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline and horizon. It is the go-to for unobstructed sunrises, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation.

Aside from being close to Atlantic Beach, the pier is central to many entertaining Jacksonville landmarks and restaurants. For example, after watching a sunrise, head to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for a day of exploration. 

Families will enjoy strolling the pier, taking in the ocean, and maybe spotting a dolphin. Anglers flock to the structure to drop lines into deep water and troll for fish, while those seeking relaxation can lean on the railings and gaze into forever. Additionally, the pier serves as a hub for community events, music festivals, and seasonal celebrations.

No matter when you visit the First Coast, the Jacksonville Beach Pier offers low-key fun that is perfect for all ages.

Jacksonville Beach Pier: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the standout features of Jacksonville Beach Pier is its impressive fishing opportunities. Since it juts 1,300 feet into the ocean, anglers don’t need a boat and have access to deeper water and larger fish like flounder, pompano, and tarpon, to name a few.

Another exciting aspect that will appear to animal lovers is that the pier is a prime location for dolphin watching. The waters around Jacksonville attract these friendly mammals, and visitors can often spot them surfacing for air in the nearby surf. Spotting dolphins in their natural habitat is a memorable experience that enhances any visit.

As mentioned, the pier’s proximity to area restaurants and attractions makes planning multiple visits daily doable. SoNapa Grille offers a taste of California wine and cuisine in a West Coast-style setting, while Eleven South, which is only blocks from the ocean, serves world cuisine for lunch and dinner. 

Visiting the Jacksonville Beach Pier is essential to any First Coast vacation. Discover its rich history, stunning coastal views, and various features for an enriching experience. 

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Jacksonville Beach Pier from Jacksonville: 

• Start on I-95 S from Jacksonville. 
• Take exit 350B for I-295 S toward Daytona Beach. 
• Merge onto I-295 S and continue for approximately 12 miles. 
• Take exit 44 for FL-210 E toward Jacksonville Beach. 
• Continue on FL-210 E for about 5 miles, following signs for the beach. 
• Turn right onto A1A S. 
• Follow A1A S until you reach the pier area. 
• Address: 503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. 

 Cost 

Here are the costs associated with visiting Jacksonville Beach Pier: 

• Non-local Day Pass: $2.00
• Local Day Pass: $1.00
• Non-local All-Day Fishing Pass: $5.00
• Local All-Day Fishing Pass: $4.00

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.