Beaches

St. Augustine Beach

Truly one of the best beaches in St. Augustine with everything you need for the ideal beach vacation — sunny accommodations, beachside restaurants, a beachfront park with an impressive fishing pier, pavilion, splash park, and sand volleyball. Plus, a decidedly laid back attitude.

Ponte Vedra Beach & Mickler’s Landing

Elegant resorts with challenging golf courses line the shore of Ponte Vedra’s serene beaches. Mickler’s Landing (pronounced mike-lers) is a popular access point for visitors. The beaches at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve feature a life-size statue of Ponce de Leon and interpretive panels commemorating Ponce’s 1513 journey and first landfall here.

Anastasia State Park Beach

White quartz sand beckons beachgoers at one of the areas most beautiful beaches (and one of Florida’s most popular parks). With abundant bird and wildlife populations, visitors to Anastasia State Park can enjoy the beach or explore the dunes on designated nature trails.

Crescent Beach

Located on Anastasia Island, this beach is named for the shoreline’s natural crescent moon shape. Visit Crescent Beach for miles of broad white sand and some of the most scenic and unspoiled shoreline in the area, perfect for eco-tourists and beachcombers.

Vilano Beach

A popular beach destination ever since Henry Flagler’s millionaire friends of the late 1800s enjoyed it. Tucked away in a charming little beach town, you’ll find nearby shopping, dining, and beach cottages for rent. Coquina sands and a near-shore break also make Vilano Beach popular with surfers and kiteboarders.

Butler Beach

Butler Beach played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Today it is home to a vulnerable dune ecosystem that houses the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse and the gopher tortoise. Butler County Park provides easy beach access and plenty of convenient facilities.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the beaches in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, Florida:

How do I get to St. Augustine’s beaches?

There are dozens of public beach access points along the coast, giving you easy access to St. Augustine’s beaches. Public parking is available.

Where can I get access to Ponte Vedra beaches?

You can access North Beach and Mickler’s Landing Beach from scenic A1A. Public parking is available.

Can you drive on St. Augustine beaches?

Some beaches allow cars to drive right onto the sand. You will need a pass to drive on the beach during peak season (annual and day passes are available). For more information about vehicle access and permits, please visit the St. Johns County website.

What are the best beaches in St. Augustine?

From the bustling St. Augustine Beach and St. Johns County Ocean Pier, to the quieter Crescent Beach with its wildlife refuge, there’s something for everyone. Click below for more information about each of our beaches.

What kind of beach activities are there to do in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra?

The stunning 42-mile oceanfront playground along the Atlantic coast is a beachgoer’s dream, with plenty of activities to enjoy year-round. Relax in the sun, taking in the scent of salt water and the gentle ocean breeze. Fish, go shelling, or hit the waves to swim, kayak, windsurf or kiteboard.

Where can I stay near St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra beaches?

There are plenty of accommodations near the beaches. Browse our places to stay page and choose from hotels, bed & breakfasts, historic inns, beachside resorts, and campgrounds.

Anything else I should know about St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra beaches?

Please be considerate of the environment and other beachgoers. No alcohol or glass is allowed on the beaches. Dogs are permitted on most beaches and must be kept on a leash at all times. Check posted signs at each beach for other rules and regulations.