North Beach - Atlantic Beach, FL

Native American people lived on the land around modern North Beach for thousands of years. When European settlers arrived in the 1500s, a power struggle ensued, with French, Spanish and English settlers battling over the area. Eventually a fishing community established itself and the region became an important port and tourist destination.

Present-day North Beach neighborhood has grown considerably since its inception in 1957. You can find out more about its history just to the south at the Beaches Museum and History Center. Several festivals occur annually in and around North Beach, including the Community First Seawalk Music Festival, which takes place on the oceanfront in Jacksonville Beach every June. Talented local musicians and food vendors fill the Seawalk Pavilion on Ocean Street with life during the one-day event.

North Beach may just be a gourmet's paradise. An array of restaurants adorn both the community's south side and Mayport Road on the east side of the neighborhood. Mexican, Greek, Vietnamese and Asian eateries all coexist comfortably within walking distance of one another. You'll also find some of the best seafood restaurants in the area.

Head to Simply Tasty Thai on Mayport Road for delectable noodles and truly authentic spicy flavors. If the herbs seem extra tasty, it's because they're brought in fresh every day by the owner, who grows them in her own garden. Order the Choo Chee — a Thai village turmeric curry with lemongrass, lime leaves and coconut milk — to please your palate. Complete your meal with mango mousse for a delightfully sweet finishing touch.

Get to Nick the Greek just south of the neighborhood for some of the best Greek cuisine in Jacksonville. Whet your own appetite with the heavenly smell of Greek bread, which wafts out the door in the early morning. Then, go in for a melt-in-your-mouth gyro, or try vegetarian-friendly dishes like moussaka and spanakopita. Wrap up with a rich Turkish coffee for a post-supper kick.

Try Casa Leon Mexican Restaurant, also on Mayport Road, for arguably the best shrimp cocktail in the state. Generous portions, succulent fajita meat and home-style cooking at this spicy hot spot keep locals coming back again and again.

There's plenty to do at night in North Beach. Hang out in a restaurant for dinner and drinks or slip on something stylish and get on down to a bar. Go to the Brass Anchor Pub on Mayport Road for a lively atmosphere, a little pool and karaoke. Owned by a retired Navy serviceman, this nightspot has a fun, hole-in-the-wall ambiance and reasonably priced drinks, so you can really let your hair down. Walk a little further and you'll come across Cap'n Odies Lounge, voted best dive bar in Jacksonville. This bouncing bar has live music on Wednesday evenings as well as a tremendous sound system.

Walking, cycling and driving are the three most common ways to get around in North Beach. Most residents own vehicles, which they park in designated off-street spots. Sidewalks are abundant, making the neighborhood very walkable. Dedicated bike lanes on Wonderwood Drive make cycling a great option, too.

You can get to larger regional roads easily. Just turn onto Wonderwood, otherwise known as Highway 116, and follow it onto Highway 113. You'll come to the Arlington Expressway, which will take you into central Jacksonville.

Hailing a cab on the street in North beach can be tough. Thankfully, you can order a cab online or by phone. Several companies serve the North Beach area, including local Jacksonville firm Checker Cabs. For a luxury experience, check out Jax Elite Charters, which runs a fleet of black sedans, airport shuttles and minivans. The drivers come dressed in suits and provide bottled water for every journey. Uber provides an alternative ride-sharing option.

You can get to Jacksonville city center by bus in less than an hour. Simply board a westbound number 10 bus on Atlantic Boulevard and change to a number 9 bus at the Regency Square Hub to get to your inner city destination.

Two parks in North Beach provide residents with a wide variety of outdoor activities. Modesky Park on Green Cay Avenue is a 5.6-acre venue with basketball courts, picnic shelters, tables, grills and trash barrels. This well-kept little park also has playground equipment for the kids.

For a bigger outdoor experience, head over to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for biking and hiking trails, several picnic areas, cook-out areas and bathrooms. This park has a 60-acre lake upon which you can fish, canoe, kayak and more. Surf, sunbathe or simply relax at the 1.5-mile-long beach or take the family camping. There is a small fee to get into the park, or you can purchase an annual pass to save money on repeated visits. Pets are permitted, but only leashed and in designated areas.

Several local companies offer outdoor eco-tours around the Intercoastal Waterway near North Beach. You can often spot dolphins, local birds and even manatees on the tours, which travel through the local countryside to bring you closer to nature.

Overall, living in North Beach costs about 10 percent more than the Jacksonville average, because of the neighborhood's proximity to the city itself. Gas prices in North Beach are roughly equal to gas prices in central Jacksonville, but still about 2.5 percent higher than the national average.

You can expect to pay about $4.75 for an imported bottle of beer, or $3.75 for a domestic draft ale in a bar. A one-bedroom property will run you approximately $704 per month. Getting into Jacksonville city center by bus costs $1.50 for a one-way ticket, or 75 cents if you qualify for reduced rates. Seniors ride for free.

Most of the stores in North Beach are on Mayport Road and Old Mayport Road. Almost everything North Beach residents need can be found within a stone's throw of the neighborhood. You'll find four grocery stores within a mile of North Beach. For everyday needs, Mayport Food Store on Old Mayport Road has most everything to keep your family going. Choose from an extensive selection of fish at Roland Seafood Company, or head over to Manila Jax Oriental Store for a variety of Asian ingredients and ready-made meals.

Pick up local produce and seasonal products at Beaches Green Market, located at Jarboe Park in Neptune Beach just down the A1A. This farmers market is open every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and sells all-natural meats, free-range eggs, vegan and gluten-free foods, organic vegetables, and handcrafted items.

Specialty stores in North Beach include Whisnat Surfboards on Mayport Road, which has been building custom boards for its customers since 1989. Buy a brand new board or take your existing ride to the store for expert repair. For more specialty shopping options, head south to Atlantic Beach. Shore Things on Atlantic Boulevard stocks a beautiful selection of custom-made beach decor items and ocean-themed gifts. You'll love the friendly, personal service and the accessible price range at this pretty little shop.