St. Augustine FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near St. Augustine, Florida.
1. St. Augustine Beach
CLASSIC FAMILY BEACHFRONT
St. Augustine Beach boasts wide stretches of soft sand, gentle surf, and picturesque dunes topped with wildflowers, creating a relaxed and scenic setting. Families and beachgoers enjoy swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, and shell collecting, with dedicated areas for picnics and plenty of space for all ages to play. Its welcoming atmosphere and walkable access to nearby restaurants and shops make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
2. Anastasia State Park
NATURE-RICH COASTAL ESCAPE
Anastasia State Park features four miles of pristine beaches bordered by rolling dunes and a lagoon framed by tidal marshes, offering a tranquil yet adventurous coastal environment. Visitors can swim, kayak, bike, camp, and windsurf within this 1,600-acre park, immersing themselves in both water recreation and nature trails. The park's unique blend of unspoiled shoreline and abundant wildlife watching opportunities sets it apart as a natural retreat just minutes from historic downtown.
3. St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park
PIER-SIDE FUN AND SURF
St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park offers a lively waterfront setting with a much-loved fishing pier, sandy beach, splash park, and playground, making it ideal for family fun. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, beach volleyball, and spectacular ocean views. The pier's vibrant social scene and variety of amenities make it a centerpiece of community activity all year round.
4. Vilano Beach
RETRO VIBES AND SURF
Vilano Beach features a laid-back, retro beach town atmosphere with unique coquina sand and a popular fishing pier stretching into the Tolomato River. Known for its surfing waves and scenic sunsets, the beach is also convenient to waterfront dining and picnic spots at Surfside Park. Its combination of energetic water activities and charming local character makes it a beloved escape for both adventure seekers and leisure lovers.
5. Crescent Beach
LAID-BACK SANDY HAVEN
Crescent Beach delivers a peaceful, uncrowded shoreline with immaculate white sands perfect for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. The setting is relaxed, with nearby wildlife refuges and limited development preserving its natural charm. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a quieter, more scenic beach away from the typical crowds.
6. Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park
SEASHELL AND SHARK TOOTH SPOT
Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park is renowned for its pink-hued coquina sands, impressive dune walkovers, and bountiful seashell and shark tooth hunting. The park provides direct beach access, picnic areas, and restrooms, making it family-friendly and easy to visit. Its unique blend of scenic beauty and treasure-hunting appeal attracts both locals and visitors searching for coastal surprises.
7. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR)
WILD ESTUARY AND BEACHES
GTMNERR offers miles of unspoiled beaches along with estuarine habitats ideal for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and nature walks. Unique features include a life-size statue of Ponce de Leon and interpretive panels commemorating Florida's early exploration. This reserve is perfect for those who want to explore both pristine beachfront and the diverse flora and fauna of the coastal environment.
8. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Beach
COQUINA ROCK COASTLINE
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park's beach is famed for its striking coquina rock formations and lush garden backdrops, providing a dramatic and photogenic seascape. Visitors enjoy beachcombing, tidal pool explorations, and relaxing walks surrounded by both natural and cultivated beauty. The blend of rocky shoreline and peaceful park setting offers a one-of-a-kind waterfront escape just south of St. Augustine.
9. River to Sea Preserve
UNSPOILED RIVER AND OCEANFRONT
River to Sea Preserve features direct access to both the Matanzas River and the Atlantic, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and nature walks. The preserve's quiet beaches and boardwalk trails provide a serene environment for birdwatching and water recreation. Its position at the confluence of river and sea creates a diverse and scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Butler Beach
TRANQUIL DUNES AND SURF
Butler Beach is a peaceful Atlantic shoreline marked by high dunes, powdery sand, and gentle waves ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The area has an inclusive history, welcoming all beachgoers and offering a relaxed, uncrowded ambiance. Its easy access and low-key atmosphere make it a favorite among locals seeking relaxation and ocean views.