Marineland FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Marineland, Florida.
1. River to Sea Preserve
ROCKY BEACH WITH BOARDWALK
River to Sea Preserve offers a picturesque rocky beach with clear water and excellent shelling opportunities. The preserve features convenient facilities including restrooms, showers, boardwalk access, and small pavilions with over 100 parking spaces. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, beachcombing, and exploring the 90-acre preserve that includes trails on both sides of A1A.
2. Marineland Beach
WHITE SAND GEM
Marineland Beach features white, solid sand where visitors don't sink and can find great shells when walking away from Marineland park. The beach offers facilities, ample parking, and sometimes hosts a food truck at the end of the boardwalk for convenient dining. Though not overly crowded, visitors should stay in sections between the rocks, where boogie boarding is excellent, though the water can get rough when tides change.
3. North Beach
COQUINA BEACH RECREATION
North Beach is a coquina-type beach located at 3721 Coastal Highway in St. Augustine, accessible by taking the Vilano bridge over the intracoastal and heading north on A1A. The beach park offers comprehensive amenities including restrooms, showers, a highway walkover, grills, a playground, and a picnic pavilion. Popular activities at this dawn-to-dusk beach include sunbathing, fishing, and beachcombing.
4. Surfside Beach
FISHING AND RELAXATION
Surfside Beach is located half a mile north of the Vilano vehicle access ramp on Highway A1A at 3070 Coastal Highway in St. Augustine. The beach features essential amenities including restrooms, a dune walkover, showers, and picnic tables. This dawn-to-dusk beach is particularly popular for fishing, sunbathing, and beachcombing activities.
5. Vilano Beach
SURFING AND SUNBATHING
Vilano Beach is located just over the New Vilano Bridge at 2725 Anahma Drive, about 2 miles north of downtown St. Augustine on Highway A1A. The beach offers restrooms, a dune walkover, showers, and is staffed with lifeguards during the peak season. This popular spot is known for fishing, sunbathing, and excellent surfing conditions, especially when the tide is coming in.
6. Washington Oaks State Park Beach
SCENIC OCEANFRONT PARK
Washington Oaks State Park Beach offers an oceanfront experience with a small entrance fee collected via honor box. The beach provides 36 parking spaces and pedestrian access with port-o-let facilities. Visitors can enjoy the unique coastal setting while exploring both the beach and the state park's other natural attractions.
7. Malacompra Park Beach
ACCESSIBLE COASTAL RETREAT
Malacompra Park Beach is located at 115 Malacompra Road in Palm Coast, offering approximately 35 parking spaces for visitors. The beach features convenient amenities including showers near the restrooms and pedestrian access. Visitors can enjoy a more secluded beach experience while still having access to essential facilities.
8. Ocean Street Beach Access
SECLUDED BEACH GETAWAY
Ocean Street Beach Access is located half a mile down Ocean Street where it meets A1A in Palm Coast. This more secluded beach option offers pedestrian access for visitors seeking a quieter coastal experience. While there are no parking facilities or amenities at this access point, the beach provides an opportunity to enjoy a less crowded waterfront escape.
9. Atlantic Drive Beach Access
HIDDEN COASTAL GEM
Atlantic Drive Beach Access is situated half a mile down Atlantic Drive from its intersection with A1A in Palm Coast. This beach access point offers pedestrian access only with no designated parking or amenities. The location provides visitors with a more natural, undeveloped beach experience away from more crowded public beaches.
10. Ragga Beach
OCEANVIEW DINING EXPERIENCE
Ragga Beach is accessible via a short walk across A1A from Marineland Marina, offering a beautiful ocean view for visitors. The beach area is complemented by the Ragga Surf Cafe, which serves delicious daily specials and sweet treats with oceanfront views. Visitors can enjoy both beach activities and convenient dining options in this charming coastal setting.