Discover the Best Beaches in St Augustine, Florida
One word that seems to be synonymous with Florida: beaches. And with good reason – the Sunshine State has no shortage of shorelines that tempt the imagination, and no two are exactly alike. With long stretches of sand, warm water temperatures, and perpetually sunny weather, visiting the state is an ideal choice for individuals and families looking for days filled with shelling, swimming, and sand castle construction.
Hugging Florida’s northeastern coastline, the city of St Augustine is a great place to explore the Atlantic side of the state. As the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US, it’s known for its historical monuments and attractions – but the beach scene here should not be overlooked. The waters are a bit more brazen than its Gulf of Mexico counterparts, making it attractive to surfers and boogie boarders. Avid wildlife watchers will appreciate that the crashing waves, grassy dunes, and golden sand create tropical habitats for sea turtles and spoonbills residing in the state parks and nature preserves around the area.
From family-friendly beachfront parks to waterfront wildlife sanctuaries, you’re bound to find a stretch of sand suited to your adventure – here are five of the best beaches in St Augustine.
Connect with Nature at Anastasia State Park
Four miles of pristine shoreline sit nestled within the 1,600-acre preserve at Anastasia State Park. While the white sandy beach attracts sunbathers seeking the perfect spot to unwind, the brisk waters offer just enough chop to delight surfboard, sailboat, and paddleboard enthusiasts.
Before you embark on an afternoon swimming in the salty waves, wind your way through the park’s tidal salt marshes and hammock preserves via one of the nature trails. You’ll spot birds, turtles, and a variety of wildlife along the way. If you time it just right, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrises in the state.
Camping is also available here for $28 per night.
Surf, Sand, Snacks: St Augustine Beach is the Perfect Day Out
St Augustine Beach checks off a slew of must-haves for a comprehensive beach day: shoreside restaurants for post-sun snacks, a fishing pier, beachside parks, sand volleyball courts, and a splash pad for younger visitors. It offers something for everyone, making it a prime location for a delightful beach experience.
The waves here are popular with kiteboarders and surfers, while the hard-packed sandy floor serves as a solid surface for a peaceful bike ride along the coast.
If you’re planning your day by the shore but are concerned about the equipment you’ll have to carry, there are several beach rental shacks in St Augustine Beach offering lounge chairs and umbrellas needed for a comfortable day by the ocean.
Hunt for Shark’s Teeth at Ponte Vedra Beach
Ponte Vedra is akin to the crown jewel of beaches in the St Augustine region – with its turquoise waters and sugary sands, the area attracts a fair share of upscale resorts and luxury homes. It is also home to the world-renowned TPC Sawgrass, host of The Players Championship golf course.
To access the beach, enter through Mickler’s Landing, just two blocks east of A1A on the southern end of Ponte Vedra. Here, you’ll discover the famous pink coquina-sand beaches (coquina is a type of sand composed almost entirely of shells) along with beachcombers hunting for modern-day and fossilized shark teeth along the shore. Additionally, plenty of opportunities exist to spot wildlife—just take the wooden walkway near Mickler’s entrance through the towering sand dunes for a closer view.
Enjoy a Beautiful Sunset from Vilano Beach
While visiting St Augustine, channel your inner railway mogul and set a day aside to bask in the sun on Vilano Beach. In the 1800s, it was the beach of choice for the founder of the Florida East Coast Railway, Henry Flagler, and his affluent friends. Today, it remains popular among locals, featuring a retro pier and charming art deco surroundings.
Located just north of downtown St Augustine’s historic district, it’s one of the area’s best-kept secrets, offering an incredible vantage point for watching sunsets. However, don’t expect a leisurely day floating on a lounge chair – due to its location near the Matanzas Inlet, the beach’s steep drop-off, heavier surf, and strong current make it more suited for surfing and skimboarding.
Unspoiled Crescent Beach is Perfect for Getting Away from It All
Named after the natural shape of its shoreline, Crescent Beach is a tranquil stretch of sun-kissed sand located on Anastasia Island, just 20 minutes from downtown St Augustine. It boasts minimal development – just a few house rentals and cottages – making it the ideal spot for getting lost in a good book. Consequently, this beach is a highlight for eco-tourists and beach purists alike.
For those seeking a more active experience, the hard-packed sand at Crescent Beach is suitable for horseback riding, beachside biking, peaceful jogging, and rounds of frisbee.
