The beach community of Ponte Vedra is known for its luxury resorts and world-class golf courses. Located just south of Jacksonville Beach and still part of the Beaches oceanside cities that the coast is famous for is a popular tourist destination that has been enticing guests with opulent accommodations and beautiful beaches.
But if you want to explore a fantastic beachside park at the edge of the area’s famous 73,000-acre protected wilderness area, then Mickler’s Landing should be on your list.
While you can access the beach from many locations across the city, this beach park is home to some fantastic amenities. It is also one of the few areas with parking.
It is a bit of a drive, but if you want to immerse yourself in the area’s natural wonder, there is no better location.
The beaches of Ponte Vedra are a gem in their own way. The cascading 40-foot dunes separate the twisting oak and wild palmettos from the coquina and Appalachian quartz sand that makes the shoreline a startling pinkish white. What you get are pristine and clean beaches and water that is warm and inviting.
Activities
Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, surfing, and much more.
Hunting for shells and shark’s teeth is another popular activity here. Because the area border’s protected land, large stretches of the beach are not very well-traveled. This means that the treasures are easier to find than other more populated beach spots.
You can also catch fishermen throwing their lines out into the surf. With a little luck and the right bait, you might be able to catch something impressive. It is not uncommon to see anglers pulling in a big catch at this beach park.
Beachside horseback riding is a beautiful way to explore this stretch of beach. You will need special permits for this activity, but several outfitters in the area will take care of this for you if you are interested.
Amenities
Showers, bathrooms, parking, picnic pavilions, ADA beach access, a beautiful wooden walkway over the dunes.
Mickler’s Landing is also dog friendly. Just make sure they are on-leash, and their waste gets picked up.
During some parts of the year, you may be able to take your vehicle on the sand. This can be an excellent way to set up for a day near the ocean by having your car parked right on the beach.
Nearby Attractions
For the golfers in the group, there is a fantastic 18-hole course that calls Ponte Vedra home. The TPC Sawgrass course is an award-winning link that features some iconic holes in an absolutely breathtaking environment.
If you want to dive into the area’s natural wonder, there is no better place to explore than the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. This expansive nature reserve is home to some of Northern Florida’s largest intact ecosystems and can make a great day of exploring and nature viewing.
Fun Facts
Parts of the PGA Tour and The Players Championship are played on the TPC Sawgrass Course.
Back in the early days of the beachside community, it was known as “mineral town.” This was because the area was rich in valuable minerals that brought people to settle in the area.
Details
Address: Mickler’s Landing Beach Park, USA, County Rd 203, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Season: All-Year
Website: