Jacksonville Beach has a longstanding culture of surfers and skaters. In this Explore Idea, we cover all of the places that embody the unique Jax Beach surf and skater vibes. And yes, it will include jiffy feet, surf shops, and great places to eat.

1. Grab Breakfast at Delicomb

If you love salty air and enjoy a healthy breakfast, this place is for you. This natural and organic deli is the perfect place to grab a drip coffee and a slice of homemade banana bread. The rest of their breakfast offerings are as solid as they come, almost everything is made in-house and from scratch.

Our favorites items here are the following: Banana bread, Mo’s Melt, B-Spesh egg sandwich, and their coffee Granita’s.

The inside atmosphere is welcoming and spacious, but they also have a nice patio for outdoor dining, which gives you a chance to get a dose of the salty ocean air.

The deli is a 4-minute walk to the pier, which leads to spot #2 and makes it the perfect spot to watch surfers after having a nutritious breakfast.

Actionable item:
Get a delicious breakfast here and eat outside.

Address:
Deli Comb
102 6th Ave N
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

2. Watch surfers at the pier

The surf culture in Jacksonville seems to be like non other. I’ve heard that our surf culture is humble and that the local surfers drop everything when the wave conditions look decent. Of course that happens all around the world too, but a decent wave in Jax is not the same thing as a decent wave in California. Our waves are much smaller. That type of energy fuels a hungry and humble nature in the people, and thats what makes our surf culture unique.

That type of energy was out on the water when Caleb Stephenson took these surfer shots. It was a Tuesday afternoon around 3:30 pm and many surfers did what they could to get on the water.

Most of our big surf comes from nor’easters or tropical storms that pass through. It’s not everyday that we get waves in the pictures above. But despite that, we have an ever-growing surf community that keeps showing up storm after storm, swell after swell.

NOTE:

If you follow this list and go to the pier to watch the surfers, we hope you end up seeing a few surfers! If nothing else, you can watch the shore break and take in the ocean sights.

The Jax Beach Pier is also under construction so you’re unable to walk on it currently. The renovations are scheduled to be completed by April 2021.

Actionable item:
Walk to the pier, take in the sights of the ocean and hopefully spot some surfers.

Address:
Jacksonville Beach Pier
503 1st St N
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

3. Stop at Austin’s Surf Shop

Austin’s Surf Shop opened in 1972 and has been owned operated and by the same lifelong surfer, Jim Austin. For over four decades, it’s been the same gig. A small surf and skate shop in a little wooden house on 3rd street selling new and used surfboards, t-shirts, and more.

I bought a used board from Jim myself, and he was very helpful on which board would be best for me. And every time I’ve been there since, it’s always been Jim behind the counter. It’s cool to be able to get advice from such a knowledgeable local surfer.

Actionable item:
Check out the oldest surf shop in Jax Beach. Talk to Jim about surfing and maybe buy a t-shirt or used surfboard if you are interested in buying something.

Address:
Austins Surf Shop
615 3rd St S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

4. Grab lunch at Sun Deli

Being that Sun Deli is located on the beachside of 3rd St, it’s highly likely you will see someone wandering in with bare feet, AKA “jiffy feet”. But beyond whether people wear shoes or not, their subs are high quality and fresh.

They use Boar head Deli meats, offer housemade chicken and egg salad, and always have hot homemade soup. The atmosphere is homey and it’s the perfect spot for a surfer with sandy toes to walk in and grab a quick bite after a long surf session.

The respect to the surfer community spans beyond the easy-going vibes, it’s also in the names of the subs. A handful of their subs are named after local surf legends. The Hot R.T Sub is named after R.T Thompson, one of the founders of Salt Life. Gnarley Charlie Sub, Babs Best Sub, Hot Cuzzo Sub, Hart Attack, are all named after important figures in the surf world. Maybe when you go to get a sub, you can ask them all about it. 🙂

Actionable item:
Get lunch and relax. Maybe you’ll spot someone with Jiffy feet!

Address:
Sun Deli
1011 3rd St S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

5. Permission Skate Shop

When I went to visit the shop, it was closed for remodeling. So I wasn’t able to fully check out the shop. However, its been said to be a staple skate shop for the local skater community. When its back open, we will take pictures inside and learn all about the place. until then, this info will have to do.

Actionable item:
If its open, go inside and check out the skateboards and vibes of the shop.

Address:
Permission Skate Shop
1112 3rd St S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

6. Visit Salt Life’s flagship store

The Salt Life Brand was created by four guys who loved the ocean and anything pertaining to the water. It was here is Jacksonville Beach where the brand began back in 2003. Drawn by their shared passion for ocean-centric activities, they embarked on a journey to develop a brand that wasn’t just a logo… they wanted it to represent a style of life.

This flagship location in Jacksonville Beach opened in 2012 and has been a Jacksonville icon ever since.

To fully understand the ocean sport culture in Jax Beach, we find it helpful to visit this store to get a feel for how passion for the water and a simple phrase such as “Salt Life”.

The phrase “Salt Life” speaks to the hearts of our local community who feel that salt water is a way of life. So much so they would be lost without it. But it’s not only the locals who feel this way, Salt Life has grown beyond the city limits of Jacksonville and has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide.

Salt Life currently has retail locations in Florida, California, and Georgia. It’s also sold in hundreds of other retail stores around the U.S.

Actionable item:
Check out the unique decor of the original Salt Life store and where it all started. Browse their selection and buy a branded Salt Life item if that tickles your fancy.

Salt Life Retail JAX Beach
240 3rd St S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

7. Watch Skaters at Sunshine Park

One of my favorite things to do is to grab a coffee and pastry at Bold Bean Coffee, then drive 3 minutes down the road to sit in my car to watch the skaters as I enjoy my provisions. You can watch the skaters try new tricks, land a jump, or take a big fall. It’s all very entertaining. Or you can get out of the car for a closer look.

What’s really cool about the skater culture is that you can get up close; unlike surfing. Most of the skaters are friendly and they enjoy people watching them land a cool jump, just remember to cheer them on, they love that.

Actionable item:
Grab coffee at Bold Bean, then park right up front where you can watch the skaters. Or you can get out of the car and sip your coffee on a bench to get a closer look. Immerse yourself into a new culture and cheer the skaters on when they land a move.

Address:
South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground
2514 S Beach Pkwy
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

8. Check out the “Anti Bad Vibes” mural & take photos

Ozzy Wrong is the artist of this mural and it’s such a fun and energetic one. If you’re in the mood to take some photos, this is a great place to do so.

The anti bad vibes mural is on the backside of Sunrise Surf Shop. The Beaches Bowl building is next-door which is also a great background for some classic Jax Beach photos. If you do take some pictures, don’t forget to tag @ozzywrong the mural artist, and us at @ExploreJacksonville

Mural Artist: @ozzywrong

Actionable item:
Take a photo in front of these Jacksonville Beach spots that scream cool beachy vibes. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos! 🙂

Address:
Sunrise Surf Shop
834 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

9. Shop at Sunrise

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If you want to feel instantly beachy and carefree, just visit a surf shop. I don’t think it’s possible to be mad or upset in a surf shop, especially if its Sunrise Surf Shop. Every time I’ve gone here I am always cheerfully welcomed by an associate and they are always happy to help if you need it. But they do not bother or hover over you, which is nice. This store sells everything you need for the beach and they cover all of the departments. They sell a wide range of clothing for men, woman, and kids.

And it wouldn’t be a complete surf shop if they didn’t sell swimwear, skateboards, surfboards, shoes, sandals, wetsuits, sunscreen, beach totes, sun hats, towels, and sunglasses, which of course they sell all of it and more.

Actionable item:
Walk around the surf shop and take in the cool vibes. Buy something if you want. If not, no worries, browsing is totally ok too.

Address:
Sunrise Surf Shop
834 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

10. Angies Grom

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If there was a place that embodied Jacksonville’s laidback surf and country culture, it would be Angies Grom.

What comes to mind when I think of Angies Grom is their famous sliders, deer taxidermy, funky decor, and Disney VHS tapes. If you’ve never been to North Florida before, and you want to get a small taste, just plan a visit here.

I love coming here for Lunch with friends who have kids. Kids seem to love the relaxed atmosphere. Maybe it’s the petite sliders, but I really think its the many stacks of VHS tapes in the corner of the dining room area that make the kids feel at home. All day everyday they allow their customers to pop-in a Disney VHS tape of their choosing. Its a magical corner at Angies that kids never forget.

Actionable item:
Grab lunch or breakfast here. You must try the Blondie and Peruvian slider, they are BOMB! Also don’t forget to checkout the Disney VHS corner and the decor.

Address:
Angie’s Grom
204 3rd Ave S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

11. Roll down First Street on wheels

If there’s one thing the Beaches locals have in common, it’s that they love to put on some type of wheels and take a stroll down First Street. It could be a bike, skateboard, rollerblades, or even a golf cart. As long as it has wheels, they will take it down First Street.

First Street is not just any type of neighborhood street, what makes it special is that there is virtually no car traffic. As you can see in the photo above, Ana is in front of a traffic block that separates Jacksonville Beach from Neptune. Neptune is the side that has no traffic, which then flows right into Atlantic Beach once you pass through the Beaches Town Center, which is a perfect little town center to grab a bite to eat and relax for a spell.

Anyways, what also makes this street special is its unique beach homes that all have their own colors and personality and the excessive amount of palm trees that line the street. Not to mention the quant alleyways and adorable cats that seem to pop out of nowhere.

First Street is an undefined promenade where you can see people just being themselves. Many times I have seen a lady bike down with her two parrots as she enjoys a little wind during a hot day. Other times its children biking to school, joggers getting in a workout, or neighbors stopping in the street as they talk to another neighbor still in their morning robe. Its a lovely place to be and pass time if you ask me.

Actionable item:
Grab some type of wheels and take a long stroll down First street. There is free, non-overnight parking all down first street.

If you’re up for a long bike ride, the stretch from The Beaches Town Center all the way to Osceola Ave on First St is a good ride. Of course you can go beyond both points if you want a longer ride. If you go north of the Beaches Town Center, you will find yourself in a compact residential area filled with large beautiful seaside homes. If you go past Osceola Ave, you will end up on A1A as you stroll past some of the most expensive homes in Jacksonville, that when you know you’re in Ponte Vedra.

If you want to rollerblade, skateboard or you have small kids with you, the section of First St that is safest and least amount of cars on it is from Seagate Ave to Atlantic Blvd.

Address:
Beaches Town Center
0 Atlantic Blvd
Neptune Beach, FL 32266

to

Address:
First Christian Church of the Beaches
2125 Ocean Front
Neptune Beach, FL 32266

12. Surf & Skate Surf Shop

Long before Jax Beach started to get a little nicer in the 2010’s, it was home to small surf shops, shell shops, and dive bars. That was about it.

It’s great to see the newer shops and restaurants open up on First St in Jacksonville Beach by the pier, but it’s also good to see some of the staples last decade after decade. And Surf & Skate Surf Shop is one of them.

This surf shop is the no fuss classic surf shop. It sells everything you would need for a beach day, much like all of the other shops. But this one doesn’t have an ounce of trendiness and it never tries too hard. It’s a basic Florida surf shop through and through.

Expect to find tacky Florida t-shirts as well as the basic sun-protection t-shirts and bikinis. The store is packed with merchandise, so you are bound to find what you are looking for.

Actionable item:
Walk through the shop, if you need anything; buy it. Otherwise just browse then leave.

Address:
Surf And Skate Surf Shop Jax Beach
239 1st St N
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

13. Surfer Bar Happy Hour

If you’re a young skater or surfer in Jacksonville, or just a person between the age of 21 and 30, this is a great place to dance and have a good time.

Inside the bar, they have a full size airstream that serves tacos. Which is nice for those that get hungry while parting. Its a nice little surprise. 🙂

The music is loud, and the dance floor is usually crammed pack on the weekends. So if you’re not too keen on your dance moves, no worries here. You will blend into the sea of loose arms and legs bopping the night away.

If late night dancing is not your thing, and you feel too old for parting late into the night, then go early to get a tasty handcrafted cocktail on their happy hour menu that is usually from 4 pm to 8 pm with half-off drinks.

Actionable item:
Go early for happy hour, or go at 11 pm for an all out night of dancing and partying.

Address:
Surfer THE BAR
200 1st St N
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Parting notes from the writer…

That is all folks! I had so much fun putting this list together. I hope you found this post useful and fun.

Did I cover all of the right spots? Did I get anything wrong? If so, please comment below with your thoughts!

Until next time, stay positive, curious, and never stop exploring!

– Esther Curry