Discover the Best Beaches in St. Augustine

With 360 miles of shoreline, Florida’s East Coast possesses some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With gorgeous white sand and water warm enough to swim in from April to October, it’s no wonder people flock to the state each year for vacation. In each coastal city, the shore is broken up into different beaches, each with unique characteristics. To help you pick the best spot for you for your next trip to St. Johns County, we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in St. Augustine. Check them out below and get ready to enjoy days of endless sun and surf when you visit.

Anastasia State Park

As the #6 State Park in the country, Anastasia State Park offers guests more than just gorgeous beaches. Here, you can enjoy fishing, cycling, kayaking, and more! Pack the cooler and enjoy the 4 miles of immaculately preserved coastline. With fewer crowds and fantastic park amenities, spending a day here is an incredible addition to your St. Augustine vacation. 

When you need a break from the beach, you can hang out at the picnic areas, let the kids play on the playgrounds, or take a walk through the winding Ancient Dunes Nature Trail and glimpse native waterfowl and marine animals. While there is a fee to enter, the parking is convenient, and prices are only $8 per day.

Crescent Beach

Located on Anastasia Island, just south of St. Augustine, Crescent Beach offers visitors a unique experience. In addition to classic activities like surfing, boogie boarding, and skimboarding, the compacted sand lends itself to the unique opportunity to drive on the beach as well!

Space is limited at Crescent Beach's beach access points, but if you arrive early enough and have the proper permits, your day can be much more convenient. Instead of lugging your gear across the sand, you can simply drive right to the water’s edge! Pack all your favorite games like Frisbee and corn hole and challenge the family to some friendly competition.

If you don’t have four-wheel drive, there are plenty of easily accessible boardwalks and bridges that provide beach access. With spacious areas and peaceful scenery, Crescent Beach is easily one of the best beaches in St. Augustine.  

Vilano Beach

Located minutes away from historic downtown St. Augustine, Vilano Beach is one of the city’s hidden gems. If you’re looking to catch some of the best waves in the area, this spot is perfect, thanks to the strong current as the tide comes in and the steep drop-off.

Public beach access is available via Anahma Drive, and if you’re looking to launch a jet ski or enjoy some fishing, Porpoise Point at the southern end is a popular go-to.

If you’re staying in one of our pet-friendly St. Augustine vacation rentals, you’re in luck because Vilano Beach is also open to well-behaved four-legged family members. Seasonally staffed lifeguards also provide an extra layer of protection so you and your family can splash and play safely.

Beyond the sand, this beach town hosts frequent community events, such as monthly artisan markets, fishing tournaments, and races. Check out their upcoming activities so you know what to expect during your visit.

St. Augustine Beach

Easily the most popular beach in St. Augustine, the namesake shore has every amenity you could want. From waterfront restaurants serving delicious seafood to the impressive St. Johns County Ocean Pier, there’s more to do than just hang out in the sand.

When you need a break from the salt water and sun, visit the pavilion and splash park and let the kids go nuts. The sand volleyball courts are an ever-popular spot where you can join in a pick-up game and make new friends. At the end of the day, head up to the pier for some fishing; you may even catch some live music and entertainment! 

With the rolling Atlantic waves coming high onto the shore, you end up with miles of easily walkable terrain. Hunt for seashells, build sandcastles or ride your beach cruiser past the waves. With so many opportunities to both relax and be entertained at St. Augustine Beach, if you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, you’ll find it all right here.

Butler Beach

This Anastasia Island beach is not only one of the area's most picturesque spots, but it also has deep ties to history and the Civil Rights movement. In 1927, after enduring the injustices of the segregated South as long as he could, St. Augustine resident Frank Butler began buying up parcels of oceanfront property on Anastasia Island. 

Up to this point, the beaches in the area were all designated as "Whites Only," forbidding any Black residents from enjoying the coast. Eventually, he purchased a tract that stretched all the way across the island from the Atlantic Ocean to the Matanzas River. He named the area Butler Beach and immediately opened it to African Americans. 

Butler Beach was, at that time, the only Black-welcoming beach from Daytona Beach to North Jacksonville. 

Today, Butler Beach is open to all - visitors and residents alike. With parking, seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, showers, grills, and picnic areas, it's a fantastic spot to spend a beach day during your St. Augustine vacation. It's also dog-friendly, so your pup can come along for the fun!

Book Your Beach Vacation with Coastal Realty

These are just a few of the best beaches in St. Augustine. To experience the rest of our sweeping coasts, as well as the epic culture in the Nation’s Oldest City, check out our St. Augustine vacation rentals and book your trip directly with Coastal Realty.

Consistently voted the best in the city, our team of local experts is available to help you find the perfect spot for your family and assist you with everything from booking to checkout. Whether you’re looking for St. Augustine oceanfront condo rentals or a luxury vacation rental, we have something to fit every budget and need. 

You can even ask us about St. Augustine Vacation Rental Management if you’re looking to invest in a property here!