There are countless reasons to visit St. Augustine—the rich history, vibrant arts scene, fantastic weather, and lively music. But don’t forget about the beaches! This is Florida, after all, and Northeast Florida is home to some of the most stunning shorelines in the state.
The St. Augustine beaches aren’t just beautiful and well-maintained, they’re also refreshingly uncrowded. With over 40 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun and surf. Each beach has its own unique charm, and we’ve rounded up our favorites below.
But before diving into our top beach picks, take a look at these eight essential tips for planning your perfect St. Augustine beach getaway:
Tip #1: Look on a map
If you search for St. Augustine beaches, be forewarned–it can be confusing. First and foremost, the historic district downtown is not on a beach. It is on water…the Matanzas Bay. It is bordered by a coquina seawall. There is no swimming access–although there is boat access at our City Marina. Matanzas Bay is filled with natural beauty–including sea turtles, manatees, and tons of dolphins! But you’ll be watching them from the land…not from the sand. In fact, our inn is a great vantage point to spy dolphins jumping out of the sparkling water–sit on our upstairs deck around 4:00 to try to catch them.
Above is a view of Matanzas Bay from the front of our inn. The lighthouse sits just beyond that narrow strip of land, hidden behind the houses on Anastasia Island—but we’ll get to that soon!
Tip #2: Understand the difference between towns and beaches
Don’t worry if the beaches in St. Augustine seem a bit confusing—there’s actually a town called St. Augustine Beach right next to St. Augustine, which can make things a little tricky! Here’s a quick rundown:
- Downtown St. Augustine: Downtown St. Augustine is referred to as the Historic District. It spans from the Fort (Castillo de San Marco) to the end of the seawall (just south of the Bayfront Marin House). The Bridge of Lions is in the center of the historic district–if you cross that, you are still in the city of St. Augustine, but you are no longer in the historic district. Technically, you are on a barrier island called Anastasia Island.
- St. Augustine Beach: Drive 2 miles further on A1A (away from St. Augustine city), and you will come to the city of St. Augustine Beach. That’s the full name of the city–it has a different zip code from St. Augustine. St. Augustine zip is 32084, while St. Augustine Beach is 32080. St. Augustine Beach is still on Anastasia Island. But it does get confusing–I think it’s why a lot of people think that St. Augustine (the city) is on a beach (because of the separate city called St. Augustine Beach). Confused yet?
- Vilano Beach: There is a second barrier island, Vilano Beach. Vilano Beach is the name of the island. It has the same zip code as St. Augustine city (32084). To get to Vilano, you cross the Usina Bridge, which is north of the downtown Fort (Castillo de San Marco). Vilano Beach (starting at the base of the Usina Bridge) is 2.2 miles from the downtown historic district. And because the Bayfront Marin House is on the south end of the historic district, Vilano Beach (and our beach cottages) is about 3 miles from the Bayfront Marin House.
Let’s look at this map. The yellow area is the Historic District of St. Augustine. You can see the Bridge of Lions around the middle of the map, which goes to Anastasia Island, and eventually St. Augustine Beach (city). Around the top of the map, you’ll see the Usina Bridge. That leads to Vilano Beach. I hope that helps you picture where you’re going!
NOTE: If you’re trying to locate the Bayfront Marin House, we’re at the corner of Avenida Menendez (right next to the Bay) and Bridge Street. Our beach cottages are on the top of the map–just to the left of the far end of the Usina Bridge, where the A1A circle is posted. And if you ever have a question about where we are in relation to the rest of town, please call us!
Tip #3: Plan on packing a lot
If you are most familiar with beaches in New Jersey, or North Carolina, you may be surprised at the differences here. There are no 20-story tall high rises on St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach. That is certainly one of the reasons that our beaches are not as crowded, but it also means that you won’t find as many amenities. So plan on packing water, sunscreen, snacks, chairs, towels, and an umbrella. If you’re staying at our Vilano Beach rentals, your unit has chairs and umbrellas right next to your cottage in a deck box (or if you’re in the yellow house–they are in a closet under the stairs). Beach towels are in your room–just ask if you need more. If you’re staying at our downtown inn, please ask at the front desk for towels, chairs, and umbrellas. We have them for you!
Tip#4: Call a beach rental company
Again, if you grew up near beaches further north on the East Coast, you probably had multiple companies that would rent you tents or umbrellas for the day. That likely won’t be the case in St. Augustine–but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your beach set up…well, set up for you.
- Drifters Bike and Beach Rentals has everything you need for a day at the beach. You can rent tents, chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and even games! Reserve online or call them at (904) 315-6150.
- Barney’s has a physical location at the Hampton Inn on St. Augustine Beach (430 A1A Scenic Highway). Call (904)461-1422 for their setup service. They set up at 10 am and will return to collect their items at 4 pm. They also rent boogie boards and metal detectors.
Guests at our downtown inn and Vilano Beach cottages have access to our chairs and umbrellas. If you’re staying somewhere else, you can contact one of the companies above to have beach items delivered to you. Note to our guests: we have sandcastle tools, boogie boards, and frisbees available at our beach location. Other games can be purchased at Publix just a block away from the cottages.
Tip #5: Beaches are for everyone
Walking on loose beach sand can be challenging, especially for those with mobility concerns. If someone in your group has avoided the beach for this reason, we have good news. St. Johns County offers beach wheelchairs by request to make access easier. The county even delivers them, as long as it’s to a public beach managed by St. Johns County.
To secure one, be sure to reserve online at least three days in advance, but don’t wait too long—availability is first-come, first-served, and they book up quickly in the spring and summer!
Tip #6: Bring your pup
Beaches wouldn’t be for everyone if they didn’t welcome our four-legged friends! Luckily, all beaches in St. Johns County are dog-friendly. Just remember, dogs must stay on a leash, except when they’re in the water, and owners are required to clean up after them immediately.
For a pet-friendly stay, check out our Oceanview Cottage! We recently gave it a full refresh, including new floors, fresh paint, updated window treatments, an electric fireplace, a renovated bathroom, and a brand-new half bath in the master bedroom. It’s the perfect getaway for you and your best fur-end!
Tip #7: Remember the turtles
St. Johns County actively protects the sea turtles that nest along our shores. In 2024, 863 nests were recorded—mostly loggerheads, greens, leatherbacks, and rare Kemp’s Ridley turtles. Vilano Beach saw the highest count with 642 nests, and an impressive 41,231 hatchlings made their way to the ocean!
To help them survive, the county ropes off nests with pink or yellow tape, and we take extra care to reduce light pollution. From May 1 to November 1, guests are asked to close blinds before sunset to prevent hatchlings from following artificial lights instead of the moon. We also use low-wattage yellow bulbs in all ocean-facing houses.
During nesting season, avoid walking on the beach at night with flashlights or lanterns, and be mindful that beach driving hours are reduced to protect the turtles. If you spot a nest, stay outside the protective tape. If you find an injured or sick turtle, call Florida Fish and Wildlife at 888-404-3922—do not push it back into the ocean.
Tip #8: Get the app
For the latest beach conditions, closures, vehicle restrictions, and rip current warnings, download St. Johns County Connect. Open the app, tap MORE…, then go to Reach the Beach on page two for real-time updates.
Rip currents can be deadly, so always check alerts on the app or signs at beach entrances. Lifeguards are seasonal and not present at every beach. Enjoy your beach time—and stay safe!
Now that you have tips for planning a great beach day in St. Augustine, check recommendations for our favorite beaches:
Best Natural Beach: Anastasia State Park
If you’re drawn to beaches for their natural beauty, serenity, and mindful relaxation, Anastasia State Park is the perfect escape. With miles of scenic trails, it’s ideal for hiking, biking, or simply unwinding in nature. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, showers, and a seasonal snack bar, plus lifeguards during peak season for added safety.
Note: Anastasia is a state park, not county-managed. While dogs are welcome in the park and campground areas, they are not allowed on the beach.
Best Beach for Families: St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is our top pick for families thanks to its wide range of amenities that make a beach day easy and fun for all ages. You’ll find:
- A visitor center and gift shop—perfect for last-minute flip-flops or that sunscreen that mysteriously ran out.
- Splash pads—great for younger kids and a hassle-free way to rinse off sandy feet.
- Showers and restrooms for added convenience.
- Fishing spots to keep older kids entertained.
- Picnic areas, volleyball courts, and beach rentals for a full day of fun.
A must-visit attraction is the St. Johns County Fishing Pier, a favorite for both kids and seniors. Whether you’re fishing ($6) or just strolling ($2), it’s a great place for people-watching. Just remember—no swimming or surfing is allowed within 400 feet of the pier. In addition, the pier hosts a farmer’s market from 8am to noon on Wednesdays. It’s a good place to grab some produce and enjoy it on one of the picnic tables.
While we’re talking about families, please note that not all beaches in St. Johns County have lifeguards, and those that do only employ them seasonally (Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10am – 6 pm). It’s important to look for lifeguard towers, particularly if you have young children, and to check whether the beach has restrooms and other facilities for added convenience.
The following beaches have lifeguards:
- Vilano Beach (main entrance): 2725 Anahma Drive
- Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park (further north on Vilano): 1109-1/2 Ponte Vedra Boulevard
- Anastasia State Park (on Anastasia Island): 340-A A1A South Coastal Highway
- St. Augustine Beach (on Anastasia Island): 350 A1A South Coastal Highway
- Butler Beach (on Anastasia Island): 5860 A1A South Coastal Highway
The following beaches have restrooms:
- Surfside Beach (on Vilano): 3070 Coastal Highway
- Vilano Beach (main entrance): 2725 Anahma Drive
- Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park (further north on Vilano): 1109-1/2 Ponte Vedra Boulevard
- Anastasia State Park (on Anastasia Island): 340-A A1A South Coastal Highway
- St. Augustine Beach (on Anastasia Island): 350 A1A South Coastal Highway
- Butler Beach (on Anastasia Island): 5860 A1A South Coastal Highway
Best Beach for Dogs: Vilano Beach
With all St. Johns County beaches allowing leashed dogs, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but Vilano Beach stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and pup-loving community. Locals frequent this beach daily with their dogs, making it a great spot for socializing with other pet owners.
Reminders for Pet Owners:
- Dogs must stay leashed at all times, except when in the water.
- Clean up after your pet—bring your own waste bags.
Vilano Beach’s main entrance (next to the Hampton Inn) features a new splash area—perfect for rinsing off sandy paws. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to stay, our Oceanview Cottage welcomes dogs and is just steps from the beach path!
Best Beach for Shark’s Teeth: Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park
Mickler’s Landing (pronounced Mike-lers, if you want to sound like a local) consistently has the most shark teeth, although Vilano Beach is pretty good for finding them too. We’re not going to promise that you’ll find a Megalodon tooth…but it has been known to happen! For the best luck, hit the sand after a storm has blown through, which tends to scoop a lot of them up and toss them on the shore.
Best Beach to Drive On: Butler Beach
If you prefer a hassle-free beach day, drive-on beaches are a fantastic option—just park, pop your trunk, and enjoy! Before heading out, always check the SJC Connect app for current beach driving conditions and restrictions. Butler Beach charges $10 per car from March through September, but beach driving is free from October through February.
Conditions can change due to shifting sands—sometimes four-wheel drive is required, and occasionally cars are prohibited altogether. To avoid getting stuck, always verify conditions on the app before driving onto the sand.
Beaches you can drive on:
- Vilano
- Porpoise Point (on Vilano): 3400 Coastal Highway
- A Street (on Anastasia Island): A Street and Coastal Highway, St. Augustine Beach
- Dondanville Road (on Anastasia Island)
- Matanzas Avenue (on Anastasia Island)
- Mary Street (on Anastasia Island)
- Crescent Beach (on Anastasia Island at Cubbedge Road)
Prettiest Beach: Crescent Beach
I know, I know… picking a favorite beach around St. Augustine is tough because there are so many gorgeous options! But Crescent Beach gets my vote for its wide shoreline, soft white sand, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it.
The sand at Crescent Beach is hard-packed in some areas, making it ideal for bike riding. Renting a beach bike with extra-thick tires is a must—it makes gliding along the sand so much easier.
Fun Fact: If you caught the HGTV show Beachfront Bargain Hunt featuring owners Sandy and Mike, that opening shot of them riding bikes on the beach? It was filmed at Crescent Beach!
Wherever you choose to go, follow the tips, stay safe, and enjoy your time exploring St. Augustine’s beautiful beaches!
Ready to Experience St. Augustine’s Beaches?
After a fun day of sun and sand, return to the comfort and charm of Bayfront Marin House. Our waterfront location, luxurious rooms, and exceptional service make the perfect base for your St. Augustine beach adventures. Book your stay with us and enjoy the best of St. Augustine’s beaches and historic beauty!
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