Neptune Beach has a rich history that sets it apart from its neighboring communities. Originally a part of Pablo Beach, now known as Jacksonville Beach, it was sparsely populated with a single brick road, now First Street, connecting it to Atlantic Beach. The town got its name in 1922 from one of its early residents, Dan Wheeler, who built a train station near his home and named it ‘Neptune.’ By 1931, the number of homes had grown from 29 to about 70, many of which were summer residences for citizens who lived in Jacksonville, mainly real estate agents and lawyers. Following a tax revolt, Neptune Beach separated from Jacksonville Beach and incorporated as its own city in August 1931, with O. O. McCollum as its first mayor.

Neptune Beach is unique in its character and atmosphere. It is the ‘youngest’ of the three communities, including Jacksonville Beach to its south and Atlantic Beach to its north. Neptune Beach offers a more relaxed and informal environment than Atlantic Beach and is quieter and more residential than the tourist-focused Jacksonville Beach. This distinct character and rich history make Neptune Beach a special place to live and visit, and at Neptune Beach Preservation, Inc., we are dedicated to preserving this unique heritage.