Sunrise at Mickler’s Landing

There I stood, on a mystical vortex of Sedona: the Airport Mesa. They say mysterious cosmic forces flow outwardly from the red rocks. These swirling centers of energy enhance and amplify healing, meditation and self-exploration. Hordes of people make pilgrimages to these locations to feel inspired, recharged and uplifted. This hallowed ground upon where I stood supposedly radiated its own unique energy, either flowing upward and outward into the heavens or spiraling downward and entering the earth. Here, the earth was alive with energy and I could be a conduit to the universe. . .

Ok. Ok. So, I didn’t buy all this metaphysical nonsense about vortices in Sedona, but all this spiritual energy should at least ensure I capture a good sunrise, right? It did not.

Don’t get me wrong. Sedona is gorgeous. The red rock formations that encircle the town truly make a visitor feel like they stepped through a portal into another world. But in all its international beauty and acclaim, at least in this one instance, I can attest that I caught a better sunrise in a place of far more modest acclaim.

This is not a place of spiritual healing, although you can still find yogis doing their stretchy stretchy mediation in the morning. People don’t make pilgrimages to this location for spiritual enlightenment, but my mother does enjoy taking walks across this calming stretch of pink and white coquina sand. And tourists don’t visit this site in hordes, but it’s definitely a popular location among locals in Jacksonville for a sunrise on Sunday morning.

Unlike Sedona, surfing and hunting for shark’s teeth are two common activities in the area. The dog to human ratio is also significantly higher here than in Sedona, which must count as some significant indicator of spiritual prominence and projection.

Mickler’s Landing is known as the first public beach in Ponte Vedra. It’s located south of Jacksonville Beach and two blocks east of A1A. Somehow, I stood in one spot with my camera and fired hundreds of shots into the ocean, surprised at how the simple churning of the waves and an occasional surfer can create drastically different moods in each photograph. I have no shortage of beautiful pictures of Sedona. But no matter how many spiritual vortices a city may have, it will always be a challenge to surmount the physical and spiritual beauty of a good ol’ Florida ocean sunrise. I am lucky this vortex exists in my backyard!

There is, one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath.

-Moby Dick

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Getting There and Parking

Mickler’s Landing is located at 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. The beach is open to the public daily, typically from sunrise to sunset. Mickler’s Landing is just off Highway A1A, making it easily accessible for those coming from Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, or nearby areas. If you’re driving, there’s ample parking available near the beach entrance. However, keep in mind that during peak times, the parking lot can fill up quickly. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon might help you secure a prime parking spot. Additionally, visiting during weekdays can provide a more tranquil experience compared to the weekends.

People to Expect

Mickler’s is not a party-oriented beach. For socializing, drinking, and mingling with locals, head north to Jax beach where there is a vibrant community, healthy bar scene, and plenty of attractive individuals from Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Jax Beach, and other nearby communities. During the daytime, Surfer’s Bar is recommended for the younger crowds at Jax beach. Casa Marina is perfect for young professionals looking for “Sunday Funday” vibes, and Lemon Bar on Atlantic beach is the quintessential bar on the beach in the Jacksonville area. Mickler’s is much more family oriented and not nearly as crowded. If you would like a nice craft cocktail in the area (and need to shove some pizza in the kids), Julep Palm Valley is criminally underrated and has one the coolest bar backdrops in the area. My friends like to refer to it as the church of bourbon.

Amenities and Facilities:

Mickler’s Landing has restroom facilities and outdoor showers available for public use. There are designated picnic areas and a boardwalk to help you access the beach. Mickler’s Landing typically has lifeguards on duty during peak seasons and weekends.