If you’re a beach lover looking for the perfect coastal getaway, St. Augustine, Florida should be at the top of your list. As the oldest city in the U.S., this charming destination offers not only rich history and stunning architecture but also some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches on the East Coast. Whether you’re in search of a lively beach with activities, a quiet escape surrounded by nature, or a pet-friendly shore for your four-legged friend, St. Augustine has a beach to match every traveler’s vibe.

Bonus Tip: St. Johns County provides Beach Accessible Wheelchairs at several beach access points, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the sand and surf. Availability, locations, and how to reserve one can all be found here.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best beaches in St. Augustine, along with top activities, the best beachside restaurants, and insider tips to make your trip truly unforgettable.

St. Augustine Beach

A photo of St. Augustine Beach

Best for: Families, water sports enthusiasts, beachside dining

If you want a classic fun-in-the-sun beach experience, St. Augustine Beach is the go-to destination. Stretching for over two miles, this beach is known for its soft, white sand, gentle waves, and excellent amenities. It’s a great place for families as there are plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained. The beach is wide and open, making it perfect for playing frisbee, beach volleyball, or simply soaking up the sun.

One of the biggest attractions at St. Augustine Beach is the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, which offers a great place for fishing, sightseeing, and even spotting dolphins in the early morning. The pier area also includes a splash park, picnic areas, and volleyball courts, making it a fantastic spot for a full day of beachside fun.

For those interested in water sports, St. Augustine Beach is ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The waves here are great for beginners, and there are several rental shops along the beach where you can get gear and lessons. If you’re up for an adventure, consider renting a bike and riding along the hard-packed sand, which provides a smooth and scenic ride.

When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of beachside restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Sunset Grille is a popular choice, known for its famous peel and eat shrimp and ocean views. If you’re looking for a more casual setting, Beachcomber Restaurant, located directly on the sand, serves up delicious seafood and cold drinks with a relaxed, island-style atmosphere.

Accessibility Tip: St. Johns County provides Beach Accessible Wheelchairs at this beach and several others, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the shoreline. For availability, access points, and reservations, check out the official site.

Parking Tip: There are both free and metered parking options near the pier, but weekends can get crowded, so arriving early is highly recommended.

Key Highlights

  • St. Johns County Ocean Pier: A hub for fishing enthusiasts and sightseers, the pier also hosts a beachfront park equipped with a pavilion, splash park, and sand volleyball courts.
  • Water Sports: The beach’s consistent waves make it a hotspot for surfing, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding. Local outfitters offer equipment rentals and lessons for beginners.
  • Beachfront Dining: After a day in the sun, indulge in local seafood at nearby eateries like Sunset Grille, renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and delectable dishes.

Vilano Beach

Image is of the beach and shows sand, ocean, seaweed, and a sky with no clouds.

Best for: Adventurous souls, water sports enthusiasts, shell collectors

Just a few minutes north of downtown St. Augustine, Vilano Beach offers a secluded, laid-back atmosphere with stunning views of the Atlantic. Unlike the powdery white sand found at St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach is known for its coquina-shell sand, giving it a unique texture and color.

Because of its location and geography, Vilano Beach tends to have stronger waves and deeper waters, making it a favorite among surfers, skimboarders, and kiteboarders. If you love adventure, this is the perfect place to ride the waves. Additionally, the beach is excellent for shell hunting, as the coquina sand often washes up beautiful shells and small fossils.

One of the most picturesque spots at Vilano Beach is the Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park, which offers a scenic boardwalk, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the St. Augustine skyline. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or take romantic strolls along the shore.

For dining, Caps on the Water is a must-visit. This waterfront restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and unbeatable sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night spot or just a great meal with a view, Caps is a local favorite.

Photography Tip: Visit Vilano Beach during sunrise or sunset for some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the area.

Key Highlights

  • Water Activities: The beach’s distinctive break makes it popular among surfers and kiteboarders. Jet skiing and skimboarding are also favored activities here.
  • Shell Hunting: The coquina-shelled sands provide excellent opportunities for shell collectors to find unique treasures.
  • Scenic Views: The beach offers stunning vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a favorite spot for photographers and romantics alike.

Anastasia State Park

image of Anastasia State Park pristine beach after Environmental Clean Up

Best for: Nature lovers, campers, wildlife enthusiasts

If you love unspoiled, natural beaches, Anastasia State Park is a must-visit. Spanning over 1,600 acres of protected coastline, this state park offers a unique blend of beach, dunes, tidal marshes, and maritime hammocks, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Unlike more developed beaches, Anastasia State Park maintains a pristine, untouched environment, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including gopher tortoises, dolphins, migratory shorebirds, and the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse, which also inhabits the dunes at Butler Beach. If you enjoy exploring, the park’s nature trails wind through ancient dunes and lush forests, offering a peaceful retreat from the busy tourist areas.

For water lovers, the park provides rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, allowing you to explore the calm waters of Salt Run, a lagoon within the park. This is a great place for beginners to try kayaking or paddleboarding, as the waters are usually very calm and easy to navigate.

Camping is another highlight at Anastasia State Park, with well-maintained campgrounds nestled within the maritime hammock, just a short walk from the beach. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight adventure, this park offers one of the most unique beach experiences in Florida.

Accessibility Tip: The park offers a beach wheelchair ramp, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to access the sand and enjoy the shoreline.

Wildlife Tip: Be on the lookout for nesting sea turtles and migratory birds, especially during spring and summer.

Key Highlights

  • Diverse Ecosystems: Explore tidal salt marshes, maritime hammocks, and ancient sand dunes teeming with flora and fauna—including the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse.
  • Recreational Activities: Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking along the park’s nature trails. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting various bird species in their natural habitats.
  • Camping: The park offers well-maintained campgrounds nestled within the maritime hammock, providing a unique overnight beach experience.
  • Accessibility: A wheelchair-accessible beach ramp makes the park more inclusive and enjoyable for all visitors.

Butler Beach

Best for: Solitude seekers, pet owners, history enthusiasts

For those looking to escape the crowds, Butler Beach is a peaceful, scenic retreat with a fascinating history. Located south of St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach is less commercialized and offers a more natural, tranquil setting.

One of the unique aspects of Butler Beach is its historical significance. This beach played an important role in the civil rights movement, as it was one of the few beaches in the area where African Americans were allowed to swim during segregation. Today, it stands as a reminder of progress and resilience.

Butler Beach is also a great spot for pet owners, as it’s one of the most dog-friendly beaches in St. Augustine. Just be sure to keep your furry friend on a leash and bring plenty of water.

Pet Tip: Since there’s not much shade on the beach, bring an umbrella or sunshade to keep your dog cool during hot summer days.

Key Highlights

  • Pet-Friendly: Dogs on leashes are welcome, making it a perfect spot for pet owners to enjoy the beach alongside their furry companions.
  • Natural Beauty: The beach is part of a vulnerable dune ecosystem that houses the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse and the gopher tortoise.
  • Historical Significance: Butler Beach played a role in the civil rights movement, adding a layer of depth to your visit.

Crescent Beach

Best for: Relaxation, beachcombing, scenic walks

If you’re looking for a beach that offers peace, tranquility, and breathtaking natural beauty, Crescent Beach is the perfect choice. This beach gets its name from its crescent-shaped shoreline, which stretches for miles along the Atlantic coast.

Crescent Beach is a favorite for those who enjoy long walks, beachcombing, and simply relaxing by the water. Because it’s a bit farther from the city, it’s often less crowded than other beaches, making it ideal for a quiet getaway.

Adventure Tip: Rent a fat-tire bike and cruise along the hard-packed sand for an incredible beachfront biking experience.

Key Highlights:

  • Expansive Shoreline: The broad white sands provide ample space for sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking.
  • Eco-Tourism: The natural setting is perfect for eco-tourists interested in observing local wildlife and exploring the coastal environment.
  • Water Activities: The calm waters are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Top Things to Do Beyond the Beach

Image of 2 dolphins jumping out of water with sunset in the background seen during Sunset Dolphin Walk

St. Augustine’s beaches offer more than just sun and sand. Here are some activities to enrich your coastal experience:

Embark on a Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour

Experience the local marine life up close by joining a dolphin-watching tour. Companies like Florida Water Tours offer eco-friendly excursions where you can spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitats. These 90-minute tours provide an educational and scenic journey through the wetlands and coastal marshes of St. Augustine.

Engage in Surfing or Paddleboarding

With its favorable surf conditions, St. Augustine is an excellent place to learn or practice surfing and paddleboarding. Local shops provide rentals and lessons suitable for all skill levels. For instance, Surf Station offers surf lessons and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) instruction, catering to both beginners and seasoned surfers. Additionally, St. Augustine Surf School provides private and group lessons, ensuring a personalized experience for all participants.

Try Your Hand at Beach Fishing

The abundant waters around St. Augustine make it a prime location for fishing enthusiasts. Whether from the shore or a pier, anglers can expect to catch species like redfish, flounder, and pompano. Local shops offer equipment rentals and can provide information on the best spots to cast your line.

Fishing Tip: In St. Johns County, a saltwater fishing license is required for beach fishing. If you’re a Florida resident, it’s free—but you still need to register. Non-residents must purchase a license. You can find full details and get your license through the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s website.

Cycle Along the Coastline

The hard-packed sands of certain beaches are perfect for biking. Rent a beach cruiser and enjoy a leisurely ride along the water’s edge, taking in the scenic views. PIT Surf Shop offers bicycle rentals, allowing you to explore both the beach and the historic downtown area of St. Augustine.

Engaging in these activities will enrich your visit to St. Augustine, offering a blend of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in the natural beauty of Florida’s Historic Coast.​

Your St. Augustine Beach Adventure Awaits!

From the bustling shores of St. Augustine Beach to the serene retreat of Crescent Beach, each beach in St. Augustine offers something special. Whether you’re into surfing, kayaking, beachcombing, or just relaxing under the sun, this historic coastal town has the perfect beach for you.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.