I'm a Californian who visited Jacksonville Beach for the first time. I preferred the Florida spot over Santa Monica for a laid-back vacation.

Molly O'BrienJun 28, 2024, 00:38 IST

Florida and California both have great beach destinations.Molly O’Brien

I'm a Californian who visited Jacksonville Beach, Florida, for a spring getaway.
Everything was generally more low-key in Jacksonville, and the beach was less crowded.

I've lived in Los Angeles for five years, so I'm about 30 minutes inland from Santa Monica. It's a beautiful, classic Southern California destination with a beach, a pier, and an abundance of classy shopping and dining spots.

But I decided to visit Jacksonville Beach, Florida, (or "Jax Beach" as I heard it referred to by many locals) for a spring trip. I liked that it's still on the "up and coming" end of the tourism spectrum. It felt like an unpretentious surfers' paradise.

Jacksonville Beach felt similar to Santa Monica, but there were also a few distinct differences between the beach towns on either coast.

The ocean is actually warm enough for me to swim in at Jacksonville Beach.

I think the Atlantic Ocean tends to feel a little warmer than the Pacific.Molly O’Brien

Santa Monica's public transportation is much better than Jacksonville Beach's options.

I found it a little hard to get around in the Florida city.Molly O’Brien

Jacksonville Beach felt easier and less overwhelming to navigate on foot.

I could walk around Jacksonville Beach pretty easily.Molly O’Brien

The restaurant and bar scene is more polished (and pricier) in Santa Monica.

I liked the casual dining options in Jacksonville Beach.Molly O’Brien

Santa Monica's Pacific Pier offers fun games, but it can feel a bit chaotic in the busier season.

The pier in Santa Monica is bigger than the one in Jacksonville Beach.Molly O’Brien

Jacksonville Beach's weather is less predictable.

Florida can be stormy.Molly O’Brien

Jacksonville Beach still has plenty of room to develop new hotels and restaurants.

I stayed in a relatively new hotel in Jacksonville Beach.Molly O’Brien

Santa Monica is more accommodating of dietary restrictions.

Santa Monica has plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dining options.Molly O’Brien

It was easier to find parking in Jacksonville Beach — and it cost less, too.

When I drove in the Florida city, I didn't have trouble parking.Molly O’Brien

Both destinations are pretty family-friendly.

I saw lots of multigenerational families enjoying their time in Jacksonville Beach.Molly O’Brien

It's easier to bring your pups to the beach in the Florida city.

Dogs aren't allowed on Santa Monica State Beach.Molly O’Brien

The destinations are about the same distance from the nearest commercial airport.

I didn't have any trouble flying into Jacksonville Beach.Molly O’Brien

There are some beautiful outdoor parks and green spaces on both coasts.

Palisades Park has great ocean views.Molly O’Brien

I'd prefer a laid-back vacation in Jacksonville Beach over a trip to Santa Monica.

I loved the vibes in Jacksonville Beach.Molly O’Brien

I spent just $180 for a coach ticket on a 7-hour red-eye flight to Europe. I'd book the same budget airline again, but I wouldn't go overnight.

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