The Complete Guide to All St. Augustine Beaches and Parks

If you visit St. Augustine for anything, it is probably its many (many) beaches.

We take a look at the best of the beaches, from the very northern tip of the city, through its heart, and all the way down!

When you stay at our St. Augustine condo rentals, you can experience them all. 

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is about 10 miles north of St. Augustine proper. It is also, perhaps, its quietest beach. Ponte Vedra is known for its gorgeous million-dollar homes right along the ocean and its majestic Spanish moss trees. Tucked away in one of North Florida’s most pristine beach havens. 

Most parts of the beach along Ponte Vedra are private, but there is a public access point at Mickler’s Landing beach. Amenities are scarce, access is difficult, and parking is hard to spot (there is no street parking permitted in Ponte Vedra). But if you are open to bearing with these challenges, you will find a wonderful little getaway. 

Vilano Beach

Due to the difficulties of accessing Ponte Vedra publicly, we recommend Vilano Beach. It is directly across from the Vilano Bridge on the north side of St. Augustine. Amenities are plentiful, including a shower room, large bathrooms, a play fountain, and a dedicated parking area. There’s also a shopping plaza directly across from the beach, which includes a Publix- great place to grab a beach sub!

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is utterly massive. At just over 1,600 areas, Anastasia State Park includes a little bit of everything for nature enthusiasts. Aside from the beach, there are walking trails, educational tours, excellent bird watching opportunities, dedicated bicycling trails, and even camping. Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. where vehicles and dogs are prohibited. This gives the park a quiet and relaxing energy during the night, an excellent opportunity for nature-loving campers.

St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach is the quintessential beach escape. It is the biggest and most popular of the city’s beaches. Amenities are common, including a huge shower space, a free parking lot, a pavilion, and multiple beach access points. 

There are about three main public beach access points along St. Augustine Beach. Some may charge for parking. One spot, towards the middle of the beachline, is home to two very popular restaurants: Mango Mango’s and the Beachcomber. This public access point allows vehicle beach parking. 

St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park

The northern tip of St. Augustine Beach is home to the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park. The stop features, of course, a lovely pier, ice cream and Italian ice stop called Rita’s, and a large walking path. Parking here is free and it is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Use 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 on your GPS to head directly there from our St. Augustine oceanfront condos for rent.

Butler Beach

If you want to escape the crowds, especially during peak travel seasons of spring and winter, we suggest Butler Beach. This quiet enclave is south of St. Augustine Beach and offers are more relaxed and isolated environment. The best Butler Beach public access point is the Frank butler park at 5860 A1A S. 

Washington Oaks

Washington Oaks is a spectacular stop. Less a huge beach escape and more a garden, Washington oaks features sprawling Spanish moss, butterfly gardens, and numerous walking paths. The beach is present, but it is up against the Matanzas River as opposed to the Atlantic. Washington Oaks charges a modest admission per vehicle. 

Faver-Dykes State Park

Faver-Dykes is a quiet and massive state park with excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. It is one of the largest areas to explore in the county and undoubtedly the quietest for real nature lovers. 

Closest Beach to The Ocean Gallery

The closest beach is directly across the street from our St. Augustine resort. You don’t have to worry about parking or driving to a beach location. Just grab your beach towel and enjoy!