11 Best Oceanfront Hotels in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville, aka Jax, is one of the best beach cities on the East Coast. The gorgeous region boasts 22 miles of white sand beaches, with the waters offering excellent diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing opportunities. In addition to the beaches, the city is also home to the St. John’s River and almost 40 miles of Intracoastal Waterway. Additionally, the vibrant downtown has walkable streets, buzzing rooftop bars, and world-class museums as well. So, it’s no surprise that there are many amazing beachfront/oceanfront hotels in Jacksonville, FL, on the beach where you can enjoy a memorable stay during an equally memorable vacation. Plus, they range from Victorian-era B&Bs and cool boutique hotels to luxurious oceanfront resorts. So, the hotels cater to all kinds of travelers, whether it’s couples or families, or large groups. To that end, here are the best beachfront/oceanfront hotels on the beach in Jacksonville, FL.

Riverdale Inn

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The Riverdale Inn is one of the most gorgeous waterfront hotels in Jacksonville, FL, despite not being on the beachfront/beach or oceanfront. It sits in the heart of downtown, right on the St. John’s River. This quaint, 11-room historic B&B is all about personalized service. It sits in a stunning turn-of-the-century mansion and is run by amazing hosts who’ll regale you with the history of the area over afternoon tea.

Choose from 11 impeccably decorated rooms with luxurious ensuites, period furnishings, and antiques. Some even have two-person Jacuzzi bathtubs, cozy fireplaces, and picture-perfect four-poster beds. Your day begins with a hearty complimentary gourmet breakfast with made-to-order items such as breakfast sandwiches, pecan waffles, and smoked country ham omelets. After lounging at the beach or walking along the riverside, drink at the lobby’s 24-hour self-serve honor bar before retiring to your room.

Courtyard By Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront

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Best value for money. If you’re looking for an affordable hotel, then the Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront is ideal. Despite being one of the best cheap hotels on the Florida beachfront, this hotel blends modern elegance with ultimate comfort. This peaceful Jacksonville Beach retreat boasts 150 elegant rooms with plush beds, luxe bathrooms, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. But the best thing is the private balconies with stunning ocean views, which you can find in the oceanfront rooms. Since it sits on the beach, stepping off the pool deck means you’re on the sand. After you lounge by the sea, you can retire to the pool deck and enjoy cocktails or swim in the heated pool. When the hunger pangs come calling, dig into delicious American fare at the onsite restaurant. A fitness center, laundry facilities, and vending machines wrap up the amenities here.

The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach

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Most family-friendly. The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach is a family-friendly beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Jacksonville, FL, on the beach. Despite being a boutique resort, it goes the extra mile to ensure that families have a memorable time here. While younger kids are taken care of in the nursery, you can enjoy some time in the heated lap pool. This is even as older kids splash about in the kid-friendly pool with a splash park and a waterslide. What could be better? During afternoons, steal some quiet time for yourself at the adults-only oceanfront pool and jacuzzi, or head for a massage at the spa. Evenings are best-spent building sandcastles on the beach right out front of the hotel. Wind up the day with craft beers in the Tavern and a family dinner at the onsite restaurant.

Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

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Most luxurious. When it comes to luxury, you can’t go wrong with the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. This AAA Five-Diamond rated luxury hotel sits right on the Atlantic Coast, with Lake Vedra right behind. All you need to do to get to the beach is walk off the property. You’ll be greeted by a beautiful stretch of sand, where you can lounge, drive beach cruisers, enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and even swim. What’s more, the resort boasts a throng of amenities, including playgrounds and lush gardens, a 36-hole golf course, and as many as four heated swimming pools. And with as many as 10 bars and restaurants, you will not feel hungry at any point in time. It’s no wonder that people have been flocking to this resort, one of Jacksonville, Florida’s most romantic hotels, for a century.

Again, it’s no surprise that the rooms and suites are the very epitomai of luxury. They all have historic charm, classic decor, and modern amenities such as balconies and deep soaking tubs. What could be more romantic than this?

Seaside Amelia Inn

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Best boutique. If you don’t mind going north, check out the Seaside Amelia Inn, a gorgeous beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Jacksonville, FL, on Fernandina beach. This intimate and cozy inn is perfect for travelers looking for boutique seaside hotels on the Floridian Atlantic Coast. Not only is it on the beach and feels secluded, but it’s also close to town. The hosts here are wonderful and make you feel completely at home with recommendations for sightseeing and meals, as well as offering you freshly baked cookies with lemonade.

Your day begins with a fabulous Southern breakfast, after which you can head to the beach right out front. Lounge on the daybeds in the morning and retire to the courtyard pool at the hotel in the afternoon. You can even relax on the sundeck or on the beachfront patio in your room. Rooms and suites are intimately nautical and come with flatscreen TVs, coffeemakers, plush beds, and roomy, modern bathrooms.

One Ocean Resort and Spa

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Most romantic. The One Ocean Resort and Spa is tailor-made for couples who want a luxurious beach resort experience in Jacksonville. With the beach sitting right down a short wooden boardwalk, your days at this resort are all about water fun. The white sand beach aside, the resort has many amenities, including an ocean-facing pool for swimming and relaxing and even an oceanfront spa. When you want to step out of the resort, grab the complimentary bicycles and go exploring the neighborhood. Don’t miss digging into delicious food at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, which sits right on the beach. The beach-chic rooms and suites feature comfy beds, deluxe baths, Keurig coffeemakers, and large flatscreen TVs. If you want to splurge, upgrade to one of the oceanfront rooms or suites, which have spacious patios or balconies with sweeping views of the ocean.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

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There’s no beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Jacksonville, FL, on the beach quite like The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Since it sits right on the Atlantic coastline, you can enjoy hours of fun and frolic on the pristine golden sands. When you’re not doing that, savor world flavors at the many restaurants on the property. If you don’t feel like soaking the sun up on the beach, head to the poolside and lounge on the cabanas, where you can even enjoy a cocktail. Or you could trade a few hours at the pool for full-body treatments or massages at the spa.

No matter how you choose to relax, make sure that you choose an oceanfront room or suite. All rooms boast stylish plush beds, equally plush furniture, luxe bathrooms, and furnished balconies/patios with ocean views. And thanks to round-the-clock room service, you can even enjoy meals right on the balcony.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa

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If your idea of a beachfront/oceanfront vacation is being surrounded by tropical gardens full of rivers, ponds, and lakes, then Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa is the place to be. It’s tucked on acres of lush land in the Ponte Vedra Beach area and is perfect for golf enthusiasts, thanks to the golf course. But there’s a lot to do here besides tee time too. Head to the decadent spa for a massage, and then head to one of the six different drinking and dining spots for a delicious meal. The best bit is that you can enjoy beach time even while staying here since the resort has a complimentary shuttle to Ponte Vedra Beach. At the end of an adventureful day, you’ll love retiring in one of the luxurious rooms and villas. Think smart TVs, plush beds, modern bathrooms, and sweeping views of the tropical grounds.

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

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It might not be a beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Jacksonville, FL, on the beach, but it’s certainly on the riverfront! We’re talking about the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. It allows you to stay near the water on the St. John’s River, and that too right in the heart of downtown. The rooftop hot tub and pool, which offer 360-degree views of the skyline, are one of the highlights of this hotel. When you’re not walking along the river or swimming in the pool, dig into a steak dinner at the hotel or enjoy Starbucks coffee at Market.

There’s even a free shuttle that’ll take you anywhere within a three-mile radius. The spacious, contemporary rooms and suites are a bonus, especially since they come with all mod-cons for a comfortable stay. The premium suites are a definite upgrade, as they also come with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the St. Johns River and full kitchenettes. 

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

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Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach is one of the most delightful beach hotels you can stay at. This beach-chic hotel is perfect for those who want a well-rounded beach experience on the Floridian coast. Choose from 202 rooms and suites, all of which have deluxe bathrooms with bespoke products, smart TVs, and the comfiest beds ever. However, we’d highly suggest the premium oceanfront rooms, as they come with private wraparound balconies and spectacular views of the ocean. When you do get out of the rooms, rent lounge chairs and spend your day chilling on the beach. Back at the hotel, swim in the outdoor pool while sipping margaritas. When you get hungry, dine at one of the many tropical restaurants and bars. So, whether you like hearty breakfasts or late dinners, this is the place for you.

Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

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Marriott Jacksonville Downtown might not be a beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Jacksonville, FL, on the beach, but it’s on the St. Johns Riverfront! Formerly the Omni, this Marriott outpost is close to all the amazing things to do around the city. When you’re not strolling along the riverfront, you’ll love lounging at the rooftop pool, which offers sweeping views of the St. Johns River. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art gym, a swanky bar for sipping cocktails, and iconic restaurants serving delicious farm-to-table food. Later on, unwind in your room or suite, the best of which have oversized windows with views of St. Johns River. Besides the usual mod-cons, the digs also have slippers and robes for you to enjoy a cozy night in.

Our Verdict!

While Marriott Jacksonville Downtown is an excellent hotel, there are amazing hotels based on their specific attributes, which we’ve listed below:

• Best value for money: Courtyard By Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
• Most family-friendly: The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach
• Most romantic: One Ocean Resort and Spa
• Best boutique: Seaside Amelia Inn
• Most luxurious: Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

Best Beach Areas in Jacksonville

If you want to be close to the city and to the beach, with a bit of adventure thrown into the mix, then you need to go to Jacksonville. We begin with the city’s namesake neighborhood and beach, Jacksonville Beach. This gorgeous place is the city’s crowning glory and features the most perfect sandy beach you’ll have ever seen. This place is perfect if you want to lounge on the sand, play volleyball, swim in the water, or eat and drink all day. Not only is it remarkably crowd-free, but it’s also super close to shops and restaurants. Secondly, there’s Neptune Beach, which is just north of Jacksonville Beach. This small beachfront community is one of the most romantic spots on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

Atlantic Beach, which is just north of Neptune Beach, is the East Coast’s most historic area. In fact, the sandy spot is believed to be the first place on the continent where Native Americans settled year-round. Today, it’s a surfing hotspot, while the sandy beach is perfect for lounging throughout the day. Finally, the Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island lies an hour north of Jacksonville. It’s one of the best stops on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Do you have a short layover? Consider staying in one of the best hotels near Jacksonville airport.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Jacksonville

• Surfer the Bar: This is one of the coolest bars in Jacksonville Beach and is particularly known for its crafted cocktails that blend all kinds of fun flavors! Think Blackberry Jam Session with tequila to Orange Jalapeno Margarita. The food is superb, too, whether it’s a shrimp cocktail, tacos, or sliders. 
• Hoptinger: This beach bar boasts a unique menu with all kinds of cocktails, craft beer, gastropub food, sausage dogs, and more. Dig into delish dishes such as falafel burgers, flatbreads, pretzel sticks, corn dog bites, and more. 

Recommended Activities in Jacksonville

• Adventure Landing: Whether you’re traveling to Jacksonville with your kids or just like a dose of adventure yourself, then Adventure Landing is the place for you. This massive amusement park has everything from baseball batting cages and go-karting to laser tag, miniature golf, and more.