Mickler's Beach near Jacksonville, Florida

Mickler’s Beach near Jacksonville, Florida is a short drive from I-95 making it the perfect spot to stretch your legs on your next road trip. It’s also the only beach in Ponte Verda that offers free parking, making it a popular destination for those looking for free beach access.

I recently drove from my home in Ohio to Orlando for a conference with my daughter and two of her teenage friends. Our long road trip was plagued with rain and cloudy skies pretty much from the beginning and though we had expected the skies to clear up in Florida, they never really did until we were heading home and about to cross the state line into Georgia.

When the skies cleared just south of Jacksonville, I knew I had to take the opportunity to visit a beach- any beach- before leaving the state so when I spotted a sign for Ponte Vedra Beach along the interstate, I decided to follow it. We followed the signs to the end of Ponte Vedra Blvd. and then continued across the street when we caught a glimpse of a beach sign.

When we pulled into the parking lot we could hear the beach and I swear my heart started to beat a little faster. I don’t know what it is about the shoreline, but I love to be near it.

As we pulled into the large parking area, I noticed the clean restrooms, outdoor showers and recycling containers- which was a plus since I’d had no idea where I would wind up when I began to follow that sign along the highway. I also saw signs that share information about threatened and endangered species sometimes found or spotted on the beach as well as placards that pointed out other wildlife that you can expect to see at different times of the year while enjoying the beach, accompanied by warnings of the strong current and riptide that is common along the Atlantic Coast.

The wooden walkway leading to the beach is handicap accessible and makes for a quick, easy jaunt to the beach. Along the walkway, you’ll see signs alerting you to a horse trail that follows the beach so you may want to watch your step.

We couldn’t have picked a better time to stop at the beach. We arrived right before sunset and saw people beach combing, surfing, fishing, jogging and flying remote control planes over the water. It was clear that this is a family friendly beach and one I’d return to over again if we lived near the area.

The beach was littered with shells and I’m told Shark’s Teeth are plentiful, though I was disappointed not to find any. I did leave with my pockets full of sea shells.

The beach is lined with gorgeous million dollar homes instead of high rise hotels and bars, which I also thought was nice.

Mickler’s Beach is easily one of the nicest beaches that I’ve been to and one that I hope to revisit next time I find myself on a road trip to Florida.

Want to visit Mickler’s Beach? No need to follow the road signs like I did. You ‘ll find the beach at 1109½ Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra.

Do you love the beach? Where is your favorite beach?

You may also enjoy:
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Venice Beach in California
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A Day at the Beach

This post is linked to Travel Photo Thursday with Budget Travelers Sandbox. Looking for some travel inspiration? You’ll find it there.

Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

Tuesday 3rd of June 2014

Mickler's Beach looks like a great little find, especially considering you didn't know what you were following the signs to. I like that it's such a family friendly beach and good for shell hunting. As for me, I've decided that I must not be a beach person. Our condo complex is right on the beach, but the nuisance of having to go to the guard booth to get a key to the beach access gate is enough to keep from going often. Goodness sakes, I sound lazy. I do enjoy looking out over the water from my window, though.

Tonya

Wednesday 4th of June 2014

I don't think you're lazy. If you're like me, you may tend to take for granted what's nearby. Does that make sense? My family spent a LOT of time in Virginia Beach. Months right on the beach and there were days we didn't go play in the sand- and we were in a hotel. I guess I just kind of got used to the beach being there. Besides, when you can look out your window and see the view and hear the surf, why do you need to go step in the sand, right? Maybe you feel differently, but that's how I was at that point in my life.

Crystal Green

Monday 2nd of June 2014

I am highly allergic to the beach, but I love to view it from a distance. I love the sound of the ocean water waves too. This looks like such a great beach to escape to.

Allergic to the beach? Oh no! Is it the sand that bothers you?

Nancie

Sunday 1st of June 2014

I can never pass up a nice beach. We have some pretty fine beaches in Nova Scotia. The water is almost always too cold to swim in, but great beach walking. Your photos are gorgeous.

I don't normally swim at the beach- the current scares me so I'm much more relaxed when my family isn't in the water, or when they're just wading in to enjoy the waves. One day I really need to visit Nova Scotia so I can check out your beaches.

Carey Frankel

You should come visit Ponte Vedra Beach. We are out on the beach in December. We do have people from up north going into the water at that time but it is too cold for us southerners.

Tiff @ Babes and Kids

What a beautiful beach spot! I love Florida. I've only been there a few times but it is just really beautiful.

Marcia

I know what it is, Tonya - it's the sound of the waves crashing to shore. It always gets my heart racing too. I didn't realize how much until a few years ago when my heart called me to the beach at the end of November. Gosh, the sound of the waves was like music to my ears. It just calmed me. Since then, I've made sure to be never too far from the sea.

Yes, I do love the sound of those crashing waves. If we stay near the ocean, I always request a second (or above) floor room so we can leave our balcony door open just to listen.