Jacksonville Beach, FL

Originally called Pablo Beach, the city was renamed Jacksonville Beach in 1925. The Timucua people were the first inhabitants of this area and were displaced by the railroad and oceanfront development. The first resort hotel, Murray Hall, was built in Pablo Beach in 1886 but was destroyed by a fire. Other hotels came up but met with the same fate. In 1915 and 1916, Martin Williams Sr. set up restaurants, dancing pavilions, shooting galleries and boxing at the new boardwalk. The 1950s saw the decline of the boardwalk.

Delve into the city's history at the Beaches Museum and History park. Exhibits include a chapel built in 1887, a renovated 19th-century house, railroad depot and a 1911 steam locomotive.

The contemporary J.Johnson Gallery showcases paintings, sculptures and photography through four exhibitions held annually. Explore local crafts and enjoy music at ArtWalk, a monthly event.

American fare, fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, Tex-Mex and even tapas make up the vibrant and flavorful food offerings at Jacksonville Beach restaurants.

For a twist on the traditional burger and fries, hop into The Blind Rabbit. Order a whiskey-smoked burger and fries with garlic and truffle oil. Also, try the mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes, both delicious and very satisfying. Another must-have, gorgonzola chips with balsamic glaze and jalapeño slices, remains a local favorite. The restaurant has a wide selection of whiskeys, bourbons and creative cocktails.

Seafood served with a Mexican flair sums up TacoLu Baja Mexicana. Dig into the shrimp or scallop tacos with homemade chips and queso, or savor the brisket with cilantro rice. Wash it down with a cool margarita or a glass of sangria.

Maple Street Biscuit Company dishes up homemade chicken biscuits with maple syrup and maple-flavored coffee. Try the squawking goat made with fresh goat cheese and pepper jelly. Sample the Five-and-a-Dime with sausage, crispy bacon and sumptuous gravy. For dessert, bite into the mini-pecan pies. Open for breakfast and lunch, this restaurant serves a cinnamon pecan biscuit that locals love.

Head to Green Room Brewing for live music and board games. Relax and unwind with a bottle of Count Shakula or lemon cream ale, and play ping-pong or Jenga. This spot even gives out puppy treats if you bring your pet.

Experience football fever on Sundays at the The Brix Taphouse, complete with free food. On weeknights, enjoy the indoor or outdoor bar and hit the dance floor.

Most commuters get to work in private cars or use public transportation. With a wide sidewalk for walking only in parts of the city and no dedicated biking lanes, it proves dangerous to bike in Jacksonville Beach.

U.S. Route 90 ends at the intersection of State Route A1A, just three blocks from the ocean. Route 90 connects the city to Jacksonville and also Interstate 95. On-street parking and municipal lots in downtown Jacksonville Beach have over 1,000 parking spaces and cover the Central Business District.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority runs trolleys from the South Beach Regional Shopping Center to various locations and also offers bus services and express bus services to Jacksonville.

Taxi services include Jet-Ride and Coastal Cab. Uber serves the city of Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

Whether you crave beach access or a place to cool off during the summer with your kids, Jacksonville Beach has many parks from which to choose.

Featuring 2 acres with picnic areas, a volleyball court, dune walkovers and a playground, Oceanfront Park makes a great place to enjoy the beach with the family.

South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground, a perfect spot to spend a lazy summer day, allows the kids to play in the splash pad while you grill some hamburgers for lunch. Play volleyball, tennis or basketball, and walk the fitness trail if you enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Get a membership at Paws Dog Park, and take your furry friend there for some exercise. This off-leash dog park has a small dog area and a large dog area, water bowls, and benches.

Enjoy jazz, blues, rock and roll, and pop concerts in the spring and summer at the beach. You can also watch movies as part of this summer family entertainment event.

The cost of living in Jacksonville Beach ranks higher than the cost of living in Jacksonville, with median rent for a one-bedroom residence at $950. Gas prices are 3.2 percent higher than the national average, and beer costs around $5 at the local pubs. A bus trip to Jacksonville costs $3.

In Jacksonville Beach, locals enjoy shopping at flea markets and thrift stores for vintage home decor and local artisan crafts, while surf shops make it easy to find beachwear, seashells and other fun items. Penelope T, located on 3rd Street, carries jeans, tops and artistic jewelry from both high-end and local designers. With an ever-changing inventory and regular specials, this boutique keeps patrons coming back for more.

Let Ellie Bing add sparkle to your wardrobe. This jewelry boutique on 12th Street South sells estate jewelry and vintage collectible pieces as well as handbags and embellished hair accessories.

Grocery stores in Jacksonville Beach include Publix and Trader Joe's, but if organic fruits and vegetables strike your fancy, they are only a few miles away at The Fresh Market, which also stocks organic meats, breads and sushi. The Beaches Green Market in Neptune Beach is the closest farmers' market. It features fresh eggs, bread and produce.