If you want to go to the Beach in Florida, you have a lot of options. Although those who frequent the Gulf Coast and Panhandle areas won’t agree with my taste, I do prefer the Atlantic side as I prefer my ocean to have waves. The fact that Savannah, GA makes for a good lunch stop when coming from Atlanta doesn’t hurt the case either. One of my good buddies, Danny, introduced me to Atlantic Beach four years ago and I am so glad he did. Atlantic Beach is located just outside of Jacksonville. There are basically only two hotels there as most of the beach area is residential. This cuts down on the crowds, making for a more laid back and relaxing beach experience. This place will extract the stress out of your body within a couple of hours.
The two hotels are One Ocean Resort and The Seahorse Oceanfront Inn. Although they reside beside each other, they are two very different types of places. I have stayed several times at One Ocean. If you are looking for full service resort with first class amenities, this is the place. This is one hotel in which the food in the little fridge is purely complimentary. The hotel even asks you what types of snacks and drinks they should stock every day during your stay. There is a staff person assigned to your room to get ice and whatever else you may want. The rooms are very luxurious really add to the resort experience.
One thing I don’t like is their “resort fee.” I believe it is like $75 which I think is bogus. Just add it to the price of the room. I will say that the pool is fabulous.
And then there is the Seahorse Ocean Front Inn. If you want a party atmosphere, this is the place. I wouldn’t recommend it for families with small children but for singles and couples, it looks like a lot of fun. None of us have stayed there, but we all frequent the Lemon Bar, which resides in the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn courtyard, at least once a day when we go to Atlantic Beach. The Lemon Bar has it all. Lovely beach views, the smell of the ocean, an extensive beach drink selection and the women are good for a glance as well. Their happy hour is first rate with great drink specials and live music. We usually get an appetizer as well. It is a great way to spend two to three hours and just enjoy hanging out. I would recommend taking a trip to the Lemon Bar if you are anywhere in the Jacksonville Beach area.
One of my favorite things about Atlantic Beach is that you can park your car and forget it. I used to drive so much during the week for my job so that last thing I wanted to do was spend my vacations in the car. Not here. Once the care is parked, you won’t need a reason to get back in until its time to leave. You have a wonderful selection of great restaurants and bars in a three block area. I will cover the eating and drinking scene in another blog down the road. This time, let’s just stick to the beach.
By the way, this is Danny. Thanks so much buddy. You definitely know your beach destinations. Here’s to you.
