MAYPORT, FLORIDA

Mayport is located at the mouth of the St. Johns River about 25 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida.

It is a small working fishing village in the shadow of Naval Station Mayport, one of the largest naval ports on the Atlantic coast.

Vintage Postcard Mayport Lighthouse

The easiest way to get to Mayport is to take State Road A1A north from Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach until it dead ends at the river.

You will be in Mayport, and can take the car ferry across the St Johns River to a continuation of A1A that will take you up to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach.

Continue scrolling for information on the car ferry schedule.

Mayport Carferry Across The St Johns River

Nobody knows for sure when Mayport was first settled. Guesses range from 1562 when the French first settled in the area to 1828 when the area started to grow. The original settlers were fishermen.

The historic lighthouse in Mayport was built in 1858, and there are several other historic buildings remaining in town.

St Johns River Lighthouse Mayport

Mayport developed a tourist industry in the late 1800s and sported several hotels and taverns.

The railroads used to go through Mayport, but they were abandoned in 1919.

There wasn't much going on in Mayport until World War Two.

Mayport Presbyterian Church

The sleepy village of Mayport was awakened in 1942 when the government dredged a harbor, built a runway and created Naval Station Mayport. 

USS Myles C. Fox, DDR829

When I was in the Navy years ago, I was stationed at Naval Station Mayport aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Myles C. Fox (DDR-829).

Old School in Mayport Repurposed to Marine Science Education Center

Many other ships were in the harbor at the same time including the aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Main road traffic to and from the village of Mayport does not go through the Naval base; base traffic largely heads south to the Jacksonville Beach area on a separate road.

U.S. Naval Air Station Mayport

The view above is of Naval Station Mayport looking west up the St. Johns River. You can see the village of Mayport along the river on the right hand side of the photo. The village is clustered along the single airstrip that serves the base.

SCHEDULE FOR MAYPORT CAR FERRY

The following image and information is from the St. Johns River Ferry website as of January 16, 2021.  

St. Johns River Car Ferry at Mayport, Florida

FROM MAYPORT VILLAGE TO FT. GEORGE ISLAND

Monday – Friday: 6:00 am, 6:30 am, 7:00 am and continuing on the hour and half hour, with the final departure at 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 am, 7:30 am, 8:00 am and continuing on the hour and half hour, with the final departure at 8:30 pm. 

FROM FT. GEORGE ISLAND TO MAYPORT VILLAGE

Monday – Friday: 6:15 am and continuing on the quarter after and quarter before the hour, with the final departure at 7:15 pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 7:15 am and continuing on the quarter after and the quarter before the hour, with the final departure at 8:45 pm.

For the most up-to-date information, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or check out our mobile app. 

The ferry operates every day, including holidays. 

Please check schedule frequently for holiday and special events extended hours at St. Johns River Ferry website.

RECOMMENDED MAYPORT RESTAURANT

Seafood restaurants have been part of the Mayport tradition since the very early days.

Singleton's Seafood Shack

You can be assured that the seafood you are being served is fresh, right from the boat. Singleton's Seafood Shack continues the tradition and has been doing so since 1969.

This is Old Florida dining, not fancy, lots of fried stuff, and styrofoam serving plates and bowls and plastic knives and forks and spoons.

READ MORE ABOUT SINGLETON'S SEAFOOD SHACK

THINGS TO DO IN MAYPORT, FLORIDA

Mayport Ferry
Morningstar Marinas, 4780 Ocean St, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 | (904) 241-9969

I discussed the ferry in detail earlier on this page.

Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant
4378 Ocean St, Mayport, FL 32233 | (904) 246-4911

This bustling spot is where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the freshest catch straight from Florida's waters. The market offers a variety of seafood for purchase, while the restaurant serves up delicious dishes with unparalleled ocean views.

Their menu is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the region, featuring everything from succulent shrimp to perfectly grilled fish. Safe Harbor is anothr go-to for a true taste of Mayport's maritime heritage.

Mayport Lighthouse
Naval Station Mayport, 414 Massey Ave, Mayport, FL 32228

Though access may be limited due to its location on a naval base, the lighthouse's presence is felt throughout the community. As one of Florida's oldest lighthouses, it stands as a beacon of history, guiding ships since the 19th century.

The area around the lighthouse, with its sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River, is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a connection to Mayport's rich nautical history.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
500 Wonderwood Dr, Mayport, FL 32233 | (904) 255-6767

This sprawling park offers something for everyone, with over 1.5 miles of pristine beaches, a freshwater lake for fishing and kayaking, and numerous hiking and biking trails through lush coastal hammocks.

Its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a day of fun in the sun. There is a volleyball court and picnic tables.

Hanna Park's serene environment and natural beauty are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.