6 Best Beaches in St. Augustine, FL
The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, has much more to offer than just historical sites and museums.
St. Augustine’s over 40 miles of white sand beaches are the perfect place to soak up ocean air and rejuvenate your body.
The best beaches in St. Augustine, Florida, are waiting for you to explore them, and you won’t regret it.
- Ponte Vedra Beach
This waterfront community is known for its luxurious resorts and golf courses and is located in the highly visited Jacksonville Beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Is it your goal to find high-class St. Augustine, Florida shores?
Then, make sure this beach is one of your first stops when you get to St. Augustine.
The good, beautiful, and excellent beaches that line this resort town’s elegant hotels have drawn vacationers for years.
It consistently places high on lists of Florida’s most beautiful beaches.
However, did you happen to notice something else?
This section offers more than just a plush place to unwind.
Visit these well-known beaches in St. Augustine to participate in various adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities.
Other watersports available here besides surfing are stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
And we forgot to mention that it’s also very historic!
A life-size statue of Ponce de Leon stands on an overlook platform, and visitors can learn about the explorer’s journey to Florida in 1513.
Expert Tip
Visit the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve for a thrilling experience.
This park’s 73,000 acres of mangrove tidal wetlands and salt marsh are a haven for wildlife and eco-tourists.
- Vilano Beach
Although only 1.8 square miles in size, this seaside town is jam-packed with exciting attractions.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Vilano is among the best beaches in St. Augustine for those interested in water sports.
Since it regularly experiences high-quality waves, surfers consider it the best spot in the region.
Additionally, water sports such as jet skiing and skimboarding are just two of many fun things to do on the beach.
Surprisingly, it’s also family-friendly, with amenities like picnic tables and bathrooms.
There is a splash park for the younger crowd that will provide hours of wet and wild entertainment.
And to top it all off, the beach has breathtaking sunsets that are worthy of an Instagram post.
Expert Tip
Going to the end of the old bridge will reward you with breathtaking sunset views.
Or, you could visit one of the area’s excellent restaurants, such as Beaches at Vilano, where you can enjoy the scenery of a breathtaking sunset.
- Anastasia State Park
This park’s 1,600 acres are home to various natural wonders, including a preserve home to hammocks, a tidal salt marsh, and pristine beaches with white sand.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beaches at Anastasia State Park are among the best in St. Augustine.
Like many of Florida’s finest shores, this state park provides all the amenities necessary for a memorable vacation by the sea.
It’s a great place to get vitamin D while enjoying water sports like surfing, sailing, paddle boarding, and fishing.
It’s the best swimming beach in St. Augustine because of the clean, calm waters and low waves.
And if you get tired of playing in the sand and surfing, there are beautiful trails through the dunes to explore.
The park is also home to numerous species of wildlife, such as turtles and birds.
Expert Tip
Spend a night at the state park’s fully-equipped campground for a trip you won’t soon forget.
This state park is beautiful and relaxing at night, thanks to the cool air and easygoing atmosphere.
More importantly, it has the facilities you’ll need for a comfortable camping trip, such as clean restrooms and hot showers.
Even better, a shop stocked with camping gear is right by the shore.
- Crescent Beach
This crescent-shaped beach is a popular destination on Anastasia Island.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You’ll find many things about Crescent Beach to love.
This beach is excellent for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city because there is very little commercial and modern development here.
Further, if you’re looking for some adventure on your vacation, this beach town has plenty to offer.
Walks, rides, and games of volleyball and frisbee can all be enjoyed along the beach.
Water sports like boating, boogie boarding, and surfing are available, which is a bonus.
You can even ride horses on this beach with the proper permits.
One of the best beaches in the area of St. Augustine.
Expert Tip
At South Beach Grill, you can gorge on various delicious seafood dishes.
The restaurant’s crab cakes, fresh sandwiches, and fish tacos have been crowd pleasers for over 20 years.
Moreover, the shrimp and pepper Datil cornbread are two of our favorite things to order there.
- Butler Beach
Just 8 miles from St. Augustine’s Old Town, this beach’s expansive white sands are a sight to behold.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When you visit Butler Beach, you know you and your loved ones are in for a day of laughter and joy.
There are a variety of facilities available to beachgoers at no cost, including parking lots, restrooms, showers, shower stalls, picnic areas, and barbecue grills.
Lifeguards are on duty, so even the youngest beachgoers can enjoy themselves without fear.
This beach welcomes pets, making it an excellent getaway for people with canine companions.
Expert Tip
Visit Butler Park West and take in the breathtaking views of the ICW.
- St. Augustine Beach
This beachfront community on Anastasia Island features two miles of pristine water and white sand.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beautiful stretch of sand should not be left off any list of the best beaches in St. Augustine, Florida.
This section of the beach offers a wide variety of services and facilities, guaranteeing a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
This destination has both sunny lodgings and tropical eateries by the water.
It’s also a good option for the whole family.
With its calm waters and on-duty lifeguards, this St. Augustine beach is the ideal place to take the kids.
There is also a fantastic park right on the beach, complete with a pavilion, sand volleyball courts, a water play area, and a pier for fishing.
Expert Tip
There aren’t many free parking options near the beach, so plan.
Therefore, if you are driving, please be on time.
The Old Town Trolley Tour also includes a free beach shuttle for passengers with valid passes.