One of my top favorite spots in Jacksonville doesn’t even serve food. They only serve drinks, inviting people to sit, sip and soak up a splash of sea salt air. My quintessential beach backdrop, Jax beach laid-back vibes, let the afternoon slowly roll by, soak up sun and play games, with chilled out tunes spot is: The Wreck Tiki Lounge.
Summertime and The Livin is Easy
Located right by the main beach parking lot, this spot has a bar inside then a large deck/open area outside with cornhole, giant Jenga and high tops. The place has simple decor and just hints at Margaritaville contentment. Drinks are fairly cheap so you can try a happy hour draft, or a spiked lemonade of sorts if you want to get something sweeter. There are more games inside and the open layout invites you to mingle, feel the ocean breeze and just be glad you’re a Floridian.
I like to bring my friend here because it’s like the coffee shop of beach bars – a place where you can kick it for hours. Sometimes my friend Ryan plays…or this blonde dreaded guy. I think I’ve heard covers Jack Johnson, Sublime, and maybe even 311 while hanging out.
Groovy View and the Ocean Too
If you sit outside you can view passers by, heading from one end of the beach bars and restaurants to the other. There will be bicyclists, families, couples, surfers, UNF students, and a little bit of everyone. Sure it would be nice if the place served food so I could stay a little while longer. At the same time, I appreciate the no nonsense vibe. They’re not trying to appease every single beach goer, and there’s pizza, tacos, gyros and more within walking distance.
I came to this place in the winter months and have continued to enjoy it all year. Some people don’t want to sit in burning sunlight or be in the midst of chatty bar goers, but I find the mood is overall calm. It’s that hotel California bliss. Orlando might have Coconuts with a lively rowdy spirit of forever spring break. But some of us beach bums just wanna roll up in flip-flops, grab a Corona, get sand on our toes, feel a rogue ocean breeze and let our minds rest for just one moment.