12 Must-See Spots In Mayport, Florida’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Tucked away where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic, Mayport feels like stepping into a Florida from another era—unhurried, salty, and full of stories.

Ever watched shrimp boats glide across the horizon while seagulls dance overhead? That’s everyday life here. This little fishing village may not have the glitz of Florida’s tourist hotspots, but it makes up for it with soul. The kind you taste in a fresh-caught meal and feel in a friendly wave from a local dockworker.

Wander through historic corners, savor seafood straight off the boat, or simply take in the peaceful rhythm of the tides. Curious what makes Mayport so special? Maybe it’s time to find out for yourself.

1. St. Johns River Ferry

Taking this iconic ferry feels like stepping back in time while enjoying modern convenience. The 0.9-mile journey across the St. Johns River connects Mayport to Fort George Island and offers stunning views of the river, passing ships, and occasionally dolphins playing in the wake.

I love watching the massive naval vessels from nearby Naval Station Mayport while crossing. The ferry has been operating since 1874, making it a living piece of Florida transportation history.

Kids especially enjoy the short voyage, and it’s an affordable adventure at just a few dollars per vehicle. Don’t forget your camera—the sunrise and sunset views from the deck are absolutely breathtaking!

2. Mayport Naval Station Observation Area

From this special viewing spot, you can watch massive aircraft carriers and other naval vessels come and go from one of America’s most important naval bases. The observation area provides clear views across the channel to the station’s docks where these impressive ships berth.

Military enthusiasts will appreciate the informational plaques describing the types of vessels stationed here. Sometimes you’ll catch sailors in their white uniforms heading into town, adding to Mayport’s unique character.

If you’re lucky, you might witness a homecoming ceremony when ships return from deployment. The emotion and excitement in the air during these events is something truly special and uniquely American.

3. Kingsley Plantation

Just a short drive from Mayport, this preserved plantation offers a sobering glimpse into Florida’s complex past. The main house dates back to 1798, making it the oldest plantation house in Florida. What makes this site particularly significant are the rare tabby slave cabins—among the most complete remaining in the United States.

Walking the grounds, I’m always struck by the contrast between the beautiful riverfront setting and the difficult history it represents. The National Park Service has done an excellent job providing context through interpretive displays.

Guided tours are available, but you can also explore at your own pace along the well-marked paths. The ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss create an atmosphere that feels frozen in time.

4. Mayport Lighthouse Park

Perched at the mouth of the St. Johns River, this charming park offers some of the most spectacular views in northeast Florida. The historic lighthouse, though not open for climbing, serves as a perfect backdrop for photos with its classic red and white stripes standing tall against the blue sky.

Fishing enthusiasts flock here for the excellent shoreline access. I’ve spent many peaceful mornings watching pelicans dive for breakfast while casting my own line into the productive waters.

The park’s picnic areas nestled under shade trees make it ideal for family outings. When cruise ships or container vessels pass by, they seem close enough to touch, creating an exciting moment especially for children who wave enthusiastically at the passing crews.

5. Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant

Fresh-off-the-boat seafood doesn’t get any more authentic than at this waterfront market and eatery. Located right on the docks where fishing boats unload their daily catch, you can watch your lunch being brought in before it’s prepared.

The no-frills atmosphere is part of the charm—order at the counter, grab your number, and find a seat at the picnic tables overlooking the water. Their fried shrimp basket has been my go-to for years, always perfectly crisp with sweet, tender shrimp caught just hours earlier.

Don’t miss their smoked fish dip, a local specialty that pairs perfectly with cold beer. After your meal, browse the market section to take home some of the day’s catch for your own seafood feast later.

6. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Just minutes from Mayport village, this 450-acre coastal park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The park boasts 1.5 miles of pristine Atlantic beachfront that’s typically far less crowded than Jacksonville’s main beaches, perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Mountain bikers rave about the 20+ miles of trails winding through maritime forest, ranging from beginner-friendly paths to challenging technical sections. The 60-acre freshwater lake offers kayak rentals and fishing opportunities right alongside the ocean.

Camping here feels like a true escape despite being so close to the city. The wooded campsites provide privacy, and falling asleep to the distant sound of waves is simply magical. Early mornings often reveal deer grazing peacefully near the campgrounds.

7. Ribault Column

Standing tall on a bluff overlooking the St. Johns River, this stone column commemorates where French explorer Jean Ribault claimed Florida for France in 1562. The monument offers not just historical significance but also one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the region.

What fascinates me about this site is how it represents the often-forgotten French chapter in Florida’s colonial history. The original column was placed in 1924 and later replaced with the current replica after hurricane damage.

Sunset is my favorite time to visit when the golden light bathes the river and surrounding marshlands. The peaceful setting makes it easy to imagine what these shores looked like when Ribault’s ships first arrived nearly 500 years ago, long before Mayport existed.

8. Dutton Island Preserve

Hidden away just across the river from Mayport, this 9,000-acre preserve offers a genuine wilderness experience that feels worlds away from civilization. The extensive boardwalks wind through pristine salt marshes, providing intimate views of Florida’s coastal ecosystem without disturbing the delicate environment.

Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars! I’ve spotted everything from majestic osprey and bald eagles to colorful roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows. The fishing pier extends into the tidal creek, offering excellent catches of redfish and flounder depending on the season.

Kayaking here is a true adventure through winding tidal creeks that change dramatically between high and low tides. The primitive camping platforms allow for overnight stays where you’ll hear nothing but nature’s symphony of frogs, owls, and the distant surf.

9. Mayport Marine Science Center

Hands-on marine education comes alive at this compact but fascinating science center focused on local ecosystems. The touch tanks are always a hit with kids who get to gently handle starfish, horseshoe crabs, and other resilient sea creatures under staff supervision.

What makes this place special is how it connects visitors to the specific marine environments surrounding Mayport. The exhibits on commercial fishing history help you understand the village’s deep maritime roots and ongoing fishing traditions.

Staff members are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation. They regularly conduct beach cleanups and sea turtle monitoring programs that visitors can join. The center’s small size means you can thoroughly enjoy everything in about an hour, making it perfect for families with younger children.

10. Huguenot Memorial Park

Where else can you drive your vehicle directly onto the sand and park with your tires in the Atlantic Ocean? This unique beach park offers the rare experience of beach driving, making it incredibly popular with locals who bring coolers, grills, and canopies for day-long gatherings by the water.

Bird enthusiasts flock here for different reasons—the north end serves as a critical nesting ground for endangered shore birds. During nesting season, these protected areas are clearly marked but still offer excellent viewing opportunities.

The park’s location at the mouth of the St. Johns River creates spectacular views of massive ships entering and leaving the port channel. Fishing is exceptional here, particularly during the fall mullet run when predator fish chase bait schools right up to the shoreline.

11. Mayport Village Historical District

Strolling through Mayport’s historic district feels like walking through a living maritime museum. The weathered wooden buildings, some dating back to the late 1800s, have withstood countless storms and tell the story of a community shaped by its relationship with the sea.

Many residents are descendants of Portuguese fishermen who settled here generations ago. This heritage is evident in local architecture and traditions that persist today. The small Palmer Street stretch contains the highest concentration of historic structures.

Unlike overly commercialized historic districts elsewhere, Mayport maintains its authentic working village character. You’ll see fishermen mending nets, boats being repaired, and real people going about their daily lives. This genuineness makes it particularly special among Florida’s coastal communities that have largely surrendered to tourism development.

12. Singleton’s Seafood Shack

Don’t let the humble appearance fool you—this unassuming seafood joint has been serving some of Florida’s freshest catches since 1969. The weathered building sitting right on the water has survived hurricanes and changing times while maintaining its old Florida charm and dedication to simple, perfectly prepared seafood.

Famous for their blackened fish sandwich and minorcan chowder, Singleton’s has earned a loyal following that includes locals and celebrities alike. The walls covered with decades of photos tell stories of remarkable catches and memorable visits.

Sitting on the deck watching shrimp boats come in while pelicans hover hopefully nearby creates an authentic experience that fancy waterfront restaurants simply can’t match. The portions are generous, the prices fair, and the seafood always impeccably fresh—exactly what you hope for in a true Florida fish camp.

13. Mike McCue Park & Boat Ramp

Local fishermen consider this well-maintained boat ramp their gateway to some of northeast Florida’s most productive fishing grounds. The facility offers multiple launch lanes that can accommodate everything from kayaks to larger offshore fishing vessels.

Even if you don’t have a boat, the park provides excellent shore fishing opportunities along the seawall. Watching the sunrise here while casting a line is one of my favorite Mayport experiences. The peaceful mornings often reveal dolphins feeding in the river current.

The clean, covered picnic areas make this spot perfect for families to gather after a day on the water. The playground keeps younger kids entertained while older ones can watch the boat traffic. The park’s location offers spectacular views of both the St. Johns River and the Mayport Naval Station across the water.