One of the best things about living at Seven Pines also is one of the simplest — a beach day is possible every day.

Seven Pines residents have so much to do in their own neighborhood that it’s often tempting to never leave. After all, the tagline for this master-planned community southeast of Jacksonville is, “a legacy of gathering,” and many good things are happening to ensure it.

The community’s 7,900-square-foot amenity center is under construction and will serve as the hub for resort-style swimming pools, a 34-acre park and a launch point for personal watercraft, with canoes and kayaks available. Don’t miss the two-mile trail around its adjacent lake.

But since Atlantic coast beaches are less than 10 minutes east of Seven Pines, let’s load up and go!

Beach days year-round

Living in northeast Florida means Seven Pines residents bask in a year-round temperate climate. When out-of-state friends shiver in January, Seven Pines residents likely only need a light jacket or sweater.

Beaches also are enjoyed 12 months out of the year here. In fact, northeast Florida’s cooler months often are relished by residents who indulge in favorite beach activities sans summer heat.

Just remember that beach safety should never take a vacation. Pack that protective sunscreen, stay well-hydrated and observe any municipalities’ beachside regulations.

Beaches closest to Seven Pines

Literally head west on Butler Boulevard, cross the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway bridge, and you’ll dead-end into A1A, Florida’s Atlantic coast highway. Turn left or right and find your favorite beach and beach access.

The best way to discover your favorite is to ask Seven Pines friends and neighbors for recommendations (another opportunity to meet your new neighbors). Or, just take an exploratory drive up and down the local coast and see which beach scenes appeal to your and yours.

Heading north on A1A, you’ll find three Jacksonville-area beach towns that abut each other. Jacksonville Beach is the southernmost. Next is Neptune Beach, then Atlantic Beach. Check out the South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground in Jacksonville Beach, which offers sports courts, picnic areas, a walking trail, splash pad, skatepark and picnicking facilities.

Heading south, you’ll find Ponte Vedra Beach, a largely residential area worth a leisurely drive down Ponte Vedra Boulevard.

Beach road trips

Day trips, but well worth exploring. Check each destination for entry fees.

North of Atlantic Beach, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a popular 450-acre Jacksonville city park with miles of trails, a sought-after surfing area, and multiple activities and facilities.

Take the Mayport Ferry across the St. Johns River to find the National Park Service’s Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve with its thousands of acres of pristine coastal land and historical sites. Nearby are Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island State Park, which also offer stunning undeveloped beaches and recreational activities.

Remember, the great thing about a road trip is you’ll get to come home to Seven Pines!

Ready for your Seven Pines lifestyles? Talk to us here.