10 Beautiful Beaches to Visit Near Saint Augustine Florida

Florida is known for its endless sandy shores. St. Augustine, with its Spanish influence and unrivaled magnetism, is no different. With 42 miles of coastline, it doesn’t matter if you’ve chosen to stay on the water or in the heart of the Ancient City; there are numerous places to relax and unwind in the oceanside.

If you aren’t sure to go, many of these beaches are less popular than some of the more frequently visited beaches across the United States. But that also adds to their charm. Let’s take a deeper look around at some of my favorite beaches you can visit near St. Augustine, Florida. 

Porpoise Point

This is a true gem and hard to find unless you’re a local. Like other beaches in the neighborhood, this area allows vehicles to drive onto the sand. Mind the tide, though. The surface changes vastly with the ocean’s ebb and flow, but the tide pools make for great places to splash in.

The tides may even sweep in some unlucky sea creatures. And, yes, these sandy shores live up to their name. You will often see dolphins breaching the waters in the sea and the brackish waters of the St. John’s River. What truly makes it incredible is the views of downtown St. Augustine, a breathtaking site to catch the glimmer of a sunrise or the sparkle of golden hour.   

Vilano Beach

Adjacent to Porpoise Point, this unique locale is prime for vehicles and creature-watching. From seagulls to pelicans, jellyfish to dolphins, you never know what you’ll spy in the sea or the sky. You can spot the St. Augustine Lighthouse and, at the southernmost rock wall, some views of downtown.

Vehicle space is limited on the sands but allowed for a fee. Parking times are strictly enforced, and vehicles must be four-wheel drive. This, however, is worth the hassle when planning a family beach day — no toys and coolers to lug. There is a small parking lot with restrooms, though spots fill fast. Lifeguards are on watch from May until September. Bring your furry friend; leashed dogs are welcome to join you. 

Where to Stay: The Vilano-Porpoise Point nook also hosts several hotels for easy access, like The Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, Oceanview Lodge, St. Augustine Beach House, and Magic Beach Motel. There are also numerous beach houses available to rent. 

Local Perk: Several restaurants and a grocery store are near these beaches. The downtown area is just a quick hop over the bridge. 

North Park Beach

Just a quick drive north of Vilano Beach, you’ll find North Park Beach. Beach rentals and homes dot the shoreline. To access these shores, park in the car lot and utilize the pedestrian bridge over A1A for your perfect beach day. The sands are spacious, a great place to dive into the rolling ocean or meditate in the waves’ rhythmic tranquility as time slowly melts away.

Bring snacks to refuel, or take a short trip to Vilano to satiate your thirst. Restrooms are next to the parking lot, with a shower to rinse off. When young ones get weary from the salty air, take them to the playground for jungle gym fun. 

Where to stay: Beachcomber Cottages offers four buildings with eight suites to accommodate guests. Each room is just steps away from salty sea breezes and ocean fun. Want the option of a pool day? Request the Lagoon Cottage for a real slice of coastal heaven.

Wren Beach Rentals has a plethora of houses to meet your vacation needs. Whether you’re a couple for a weekend getaway or a family of 20 seeking a week-long water adventure, their portfolio has the beach house for you.  

Nestled in the palmetto and oak trees, is the North Beach Camp Resort, a great option to explore North Park and the surrounding beach communities. The property hosts RVs or tents and even has several cabins available. Be blown away by the radiant sky as the sun rises and delight in the colors of the sunset. 

St. Augustine Beach

South of the downtown hustle and over the Bridge of Lions is St. Augustine Beach. The St. Johns County Pier and Fishing Gift Shop greets you upon arrival. A short walkway runs parallel to the ocean while the pier allows you to stand over the water’s majesty.

Observe the waves rolling in and out while the winds whip through your hair in this picturesque spot. A small playground and splash pad allow for a break from the sand and a way to cleanse the salty remnants of the ocean. There is a small fee to access the pier and to fish, which can be purchased in the shop.  

Local perk: Parking by the pier is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, except Wednesday mornings during the farmers’ market. Numerous dining options are walkable from the sand. Try the well-known local staple Salt Life Food Shack, Sunset Grille, Beachcomber St. Augustine, and Fillin’ Station, to name a few. 

Anastasia State Park

This state park has all the makings for incredible beach fun. From biking to fishing and boating to sunning, there is much to do while taking solace in the sweeping dunes of this park. Attack the surf and set up your campsite to experience an overnight under the stars. Campsites are available for only $28 a night. Many of these spots enjoy the coverage of the legendary Live Oak trees. But make sure to book in advance.

There are 139 sites for rent. Tent campers and RVs, 38 feet or smaller, are welcome to save a spot. Sun-seekers who want day entry to the grounds will pay eight dollars per vehicle for up to eight people, four dollars for solo drivers, or just two dollars for cyclists and pedestrians. Paddle through the marshlands with a canoe or kayak rental. This is a great way to bird watch, enjoy time on the water, snack on a picnic, or catch a fish. 

Camping facilities include a bathhouse, restrooms, laundry area, and parking.

For those in need of mobility support, beach wheelchairs are also available for free, though prior arrangements are strongly recommended. Contact the Island Beach Shop or Anastasia Water Sports with questions. Vehicles are not permitted on the beach in the State Park limits.

Service animals and pets are welcome in most of the Florida State Parks and campgrounds, though rules apply. Changes to the policy may occur. For the latest on pet restrictions, visit the park website or contact the park directly.

Butler Beach

Bring your pup for a run in the sun at Butler Beach. Try a skimboard to glide across the shallow tides. For ten dollars, four-wheel drive vehicles can maneuver onto the sand and perch for a day of vibrant activities.

Lifeguards are only on duty in the summer months. But you can always use the pavilions and picnic areas, showers, restrooms, and parking lots free of charge. 

Crescent Beach

This location gets its name from the curved nature of the coastline. It’s a beautiful spot to play soccer, dive into the waves or sink into the sand. Crescent Beach has restroom access and parking, as well as restaurants nearby. Vehicles are welcome on the sand here, as well as horses. For rules and restrictions, visit the county website. 

Where to stay: Butler and Crescent Beaches: Beachers Lodge or stay a few miles north at Ocean Gate Resort. Vacation rentals are also available.

Mickler Beach

Pronounce it like a local: MIKE-ler. Pack a picnic for this expansive coastal spot and prepare to spend all day indulging in the ocean’s greatest gifts. While there aren’t restaurants or hotels next to this beach, it is a great spot for a family day in the sand. The parking lot makes it easy to get close. Get there early, or you’ll be walking to save your spot by the water. Restrooms and showers are also located nearby to rinse away the day. 

Not the picnic type? If it’s time to escape the sun’s rays, you’ll find various restaurants just a few minutes north in Ponte Vedra. Try Pusser’s Bar and Grill, Aqua Grill, Nona Blue, Beach Diner Ponte Vedra Beach, or Poppy’s Italiano to cool off and refuel your energy.

As the Guana Reserve, a protected region of land and water is near this beach, there aren’t many hotels close. But the Marriott Resort and Spa Sawgrass is a great place to book, only about three miles north. Bonus: The hotel has its own beach access and shuttle to get you to the waves…and back.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is a favorite place to scour for the rare and coveted shark teeth. If you don’t discover this illustrious treasure, you can fill your buckets with ornate shells to decorate the perfect sandcastle.

The crystal waters seem infinite and are ideal for a stroll, run, or surf. Even with high tide, you’ll have space to play games or relax with your favorite read. Check out the beachfront properties, which are impressively gorgeous as well as expansive. 

Where to stay: For a luxurious place to rest, reserve a room at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. This five-star experience kisses the sea and has indulgent southern hospitality, with every amenity you can dream of; tennis, spa, pools, and more. 

Neptune and Jacksonville Beaches

Follow the A1A north for more sun and sea access. The beaches along Neptune and Jacksonville boundaries are equally stunning and cater to those who seek more than the water’s thrill. If you don’t want to jump in the waves, cast a line from the Jacksonville Pier or bike through the sands with a rental from East Coast Sports Rentals. 

When you tire from resting by the melodic waves, wander through quaint shops and uncover all the delectable dining options. Grab a coffee before a seaside stroll at Southern Grounds & Co. Grab the latest reading indulgences for the entire family at the local shop Bookmark. Or quench your thirst at a few native spots that’ll leave you raving: North Beach Fish Camp,  Flying Iguana Taqueria and Tequila Bar, or keep it healthy vibe with Homespun Kitchen.

If it’s beach chic looks you seek, try Kd & the Sunshine Co. or Fig and Willow. These boutiques have curated, comfortable clothes and home items selected for your pleasure. And don’t forget to tackle the waves with a surf session from Jacksonville Surf and Paddle. No matter what you choose, there are no bad decisions in this beach community.

Where to stay: Seahorse Oceanfront Inn is in the heart of Neptune Beach. With beach access, this family-owned establishment is home to the popular Lemon Bar, a great spot to enjoy a frosty beverage. One Ocean Resort and Spa faces the Atlantic.

This pet-friendly oasis also beckons you to indulge in a treatment at the on-site spa or unwind all day by the pool. The fine-dining experience at Azurea will refresh your spirits with one-of-a-kind cuisine.

Closer to the Neptune-Jacksonville Beach line, you’ll find several favorite hotel brands; Courtyard by Marriot, Hampton Inn, and Fairfield Inn Suites, each ocean adjacent and perfect for maintaining any rewards alliance. For a local gem, step into history when you visit the historic Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant, which is rumored to have hosted Al Capone.

As a guest of these coastal areas, kindly note the rules and regulations. Take special care starting May 1, as sea turtle nesting begins. This continues through October. Young turtles hatch in the evening and make their way to the seas. Often, these nest areas will be marked to make note of eggs nestled delicately beneath the surface. Vehicular access is strongly regulated and enforced during this time.