Fellow Californian here. When I think of beach, I think of the Pacific. You know, waves. So I go to the Atlantic side of the state. Starting north there are three beach towns in Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach. They run together within about a five mile stretch along the Atlantic Ocean and each has its own flavor. There’s a lovely hotel, One Ocean, right on the beach at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and A1A. Lots of shops and restaurants. Some upscale and some funk. You can walk along the beach and then fall into Lynches (an Irish Pub) for Sunday Brunch. They don’t mind sand there and you can have a bottle of champagne and your choice of juice for $10. Going down the coast you have Vilano Beach near St Augustine and also St Augustine Beach. Beautiful too. Then there’s Flagler Beach and the Funky Pelican. You can actually eat on an outdoor patio and see the waves there. Not too many places have that, or I haven’t found them yet. Then there is New Smyrna, Cocoa and Vero Beach. Cocoa and Vero probably has more of what you’re looking for. Of course if you’re looking for a real adventure, head to Haulover Beach. Not a day trip, but certainly plenty of sights to see (wink). What ever you do, have fun and embrace the wild Atlantic. You may even see a dolphin or two.
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