Neptune Beach / Florida (Northern) / United States

Believe it or not, Neptune Beach was once part of the well known Jacksonville Beach. But, in 1931, a few of the local residents seceded from Jacksonville. One guy, a very wealthy guy, decided that he needed railroad transportation to take him to Mayport, and so he simply built a station for the newly formed town – christening it Neptune. When the surfing boom appeared, Neptune became a popular surfing spot in Northern Florida, but has now since welcomed wind surfers and kite surfers.

Neptune, like the Jacksonville version, is a long sandy beach that fills to the brim with beachgoers in June, July and August. Only the most desperate of water sport aficionados enter these waters during those months, as wave and wind conditions tend to be generally calm.

The fun starts in the winter, spring, and fall months, where thermal and frontal winds from the north and south mix together creating waves that range from 1 to 3 meters. Wind speeds during these months average around 8 to 11 knots. Though the waters are warm enough to wear a wetsuit in the in the spring, summer and fall months, water temperatures drop below 40 F , so you will certainly need to wear a wet suit.

There are all sorts of restaurants and hotel accommodations available in the Jacksonville, Mayport, and Fernandina area, as well as some as a few places right near Neptune Beach. The great thing about northern Florida is that it has a wealth of surf shops that specialize in renting and selling equipment. When not in the water, head west to Jacksonville where you can tour the many different museums, zoos or even catch a Jaguar’s game.

Like most areas of northern Florida, sharks are a common threat.