The Best Drive on the Beach in Jacksonville FL: Huguenot Memorial Park

by Kathy Brown••0

🏖️ Drive on the Beach Jacksonville, FL: Why Huguenot Beach Is a Hidden Gem

If you’ve ever dreamed of being able to drive on the beach in Jacksonville, FL, let me introduce you to a spot that’s both convenient and fun: Huguenot Memorial Park. Located just north of Jacksonville, this is one of the few places in Northeast Florida where you can drive on the beach—and it’s one of our favorite stress-free beach day escapes.

Steve and I recently loaded up the car with our beach chairs, snacks, cooler, and Mr. Jax (well, not this time—dogs aren’t allowed on the sand here, unfortunately!) and headed out to spend the day at this drivable beach near Jacksonville, FL.

A silver car parked on the white sand at Huguenot Memorial Park with a view of the Atlantic Ocean and a cloudy blue sky in Jacksonville, FL – a beach you can drive on.
4×4 is recommended for driving on the Beach.

🚗 Yes, You Can Drive on the Beach Here

The best part? You can park right on the sand, above the high tide line, and be steps away from the waves. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t want to lug gear across hot dunes or search forever for parking.

Huguenot is one of the few places where you can drive on the beach in Jacksonville FL, without hassle, making it perfect for travelers looking for convenience and a little adventure.

We drove right up, popped open the trunk, and set up camp. Our regular Honda handled the sand fine, but 4WD is recommended—especially after rain or during soft sand conditions.

🌊 What Makes Huguenot Beach Special

  • Less crowded than other Jacksonville beaches
  • Crystal-clear Atlantic waters, often more blue and calm than nearby spots (possibly due to being north of the St. Johns River)
  • Unbeatable views of the jetties and intercoastal ships sailing by
  • Birdwatching galore! It’s a favorite for the Audubon Society thanks to the shorebirds that love this area

Honestly, the vibe is just relaxing. Fellow beachgoers were friendly, there was plenty of space to spread out, and the sound of the waves paired with ships in the distance gave it a peaceful, almost cinematic feel. It’s exactly the kind of laid-back atmosphere you’d hope for when you drive on the beach in Jacksonville FL.

🐦 Nature Bonus: Bird Watching & Wildlife

On our visit, we got a kick out of the birds chasing fishing nets. There’s also a nature center near the entrance, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife roaming the dunes. Parts of the beach close seasonally for bird nesting, so plan accordingly.

📝 What You Need to Know Before You Go

📍 Address: 10980 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226
🕓 Hours:

  • March 11 – Nov 4: 6 AM – 7 PM
  • Nov 5 – March 10: 6 AM – 6 PM

💵 Admission: $5 per carload (up to 6 people); $1 for each additional passenger
🚫 Pets: Not allowed on the beach
🚽 Restrooms: Located near the park entrance
🏕️ Extras: Fishing, camping, and a small nature center are available
⚠️ Heads-up: Do not confuse Huguenot Memorial Park with Huguenot Park—they are entirely different locations!

✨ Why You Should Add This to Your Jacksonville Itinerary

Huguenot is one of the only places where you can drive on the beach in Jacksonville and enjoy beautiful views with less crowds.

If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a road trip through Northeast Florida, Huguenot Beach is one of the best beaches you can drive on in Florida—and a unique local experience that’s easy, affordable, and relaxing.

📍 More Travel Tips for Northeast Florida

Want more ideas for your Jacksonville trip? Check out my Jacksonville Beach Happy Hour Guide for breezy beach bars and budget-friendly sunset spots.

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