You may have driven past the Beaches Museum in Jacksonville Beach. The bright yellow building near the corner of Beach and 3rd Street is hard to miss. Better yet, maybe you have attended their Polar Express day or other seasonal event. But did you know it’s actually a great museum filled with local Florida history?
As you start your visit you’ll want to begin in the museum main building, yep the large yellow one. When you sign in the nice volunteers will help you out on where to start. Bringing little ones? No problem! They have scavenger hunts with rewards. One for the younger kids and then a different version for those older visitors. Be sure to grab a clip board and a chunky pen for them.
Learn Some Local History
We started in the small movie room for a brief film about the history of the area and how it was developed, the many countries who ruled over it, and even Florida’s statehood. From there, you begin the circular path around with artifacts and a few hands-on areas. It’s small, but does contain a lot of information, examples, and things to see, read and learn.
The Beaches Museum had More Than Just History
Also in the museum is a small gallery area. Here they rotate local artists’ work to display. If you’re lucky, volunteer Reggie will be working and will be able to take you outside through the other buildings on the property. A tour like this is the way to be able to get inside the post office, train area, old depot with its awesome model train. An added bonus, you’ll hear even more history than the plaques near the buildings can tell you.
Granted, one building in the museum holds a little extra importance to my family as my husband’s grandmother was born and first lived in the old cabin there, when it was located on what is now, Twenty Mile in Nocatee, before it was moved to the museum to be preserved.
The Perfect Visit for Kids of All Ages
All the buildings are air conditioned, so even in a Florida summer, this little museum stop is a great way to learn more about the area formerly known as Pablo Beach, and learn some of Florida’s history. The museum also hosts musical concerts, can be rented for weddings and events, and even has a “traveling trunk” program bringing much of the history to classrooms and homeschooling groups. The Beaches Museum is definitely a gem at Jacksonville Beach.
Melody is a graduate of Jacksonville University. She married a Jax Beach resident, moved away for 12 years, then returned to the area in 2016. Together they have two girls. Melody works as owner/photographer of Melody Coarsey Photography, she loves yoga, family, traveling, dining with a view and the ocean.
