10 Amazing Places to Take Your Boat Near Jacksonville, FL

The beautiful weather and water here in Northeast Florida lend themselves to fantastic boating experiences. Whether you are looking to fish, watch wildlife, hang out on a sandbar, or even see some exotic animals at the zoo, we have you covered with our best recommendations! 

1. Ft. George Inlet

Located north of Atlantic Beach & Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Ft. George Inlet is a popular spot because of its beautiful beaches and sandbars. This is a great place to bring your boat for a relaxing day disconnected from the rush of city life.

2. Bird Island

Bird Island lets you know exactly what you’ll find here right in its name, lots of birds! Take a lap around this island with your camera and binoculars to get a classic Florida bird watching experience.

3. Nassau Sound

Those of you who love to fish, will want to check out the Nassau Sound. For many, the fishing bridge here is a favorite spot to cast a line. Not to mention, it is yet another place on this list with gorgeous natural scenery.

4. Lake George

The St. Johns River flows into Lake George which is located in Volusia and Putnam counties. If you want the lakeside experience, this is one of the best places to be in Northeast Florida with many opportunities for the whole family to find something they enjoy. 

5. St. Augustine

An extremely popular spot for everyone in Northeast Florida, St. Augustine also has a municipal marina ready for you to travel in by boat and explore this historic city. Check out the city with the whole family and take in the unique experiences this town has to offer. 

6. Halifax Harbor Marina

The Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona Beach is a top marina for many. This large harbor is right off the Intracoastal Waterway, close to the ocean, and in the heart of Daytona Beach. The location alone makes this a fantastic spot to dock your boat, plus they also offer top-notch amenities.

7. Cumberland Island

Just outside of Florida is Cumberland Island in Georgia. This is the spot for nature lovers with lots of undeveloped scenery and camping options. There are also opportunities for biking and guided tours at this national seashore.

8. Matanzas Inlet

This inlet is found south in St. Johns County and is a great spot for many outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and fishing. There are no jetties at this inlet, meaning that storms in the past and future have and will continue to shift and change the area. Make sure you keep up-to-date on what the access is like at the inlet before visiting.

9. Jacksonville Zoo

Did you know that this is the only zoo with an admission gate located on the water in the country? It is a unique experience for the whole family, however at the time of this article it is currently closed due to hurricane damage. Keep an eye on the news to be one of the first to arrive when it reopens!

10. Mayport Jetties 

The Mayport Jetties are one of the hottest places to fish in all of Northeast Florida. The Mayport Boat Ramp is a popular destination and the largest ramp in Duval County. From here boaters can find quick access to the jetties for a day of fishing.

Where will you head to on your next boat excursion? Wherever you chose to travel, we hope you enjoy all that Northeast Florida has to offer with your friends and family. Boating is one of the most remarkable and unique ways to explore the area and we encourage you to try out one of these 10 incredible destinations.