
Florida’s Historic Coast: 6 Best Beaches
More than 500 years ago, Ponce de Leon spotted beautiful, inviting beaches that drew him to shore and led to…
Convenient white sand beaches with ties to civil rights history.
Butler Beach on Anastasia Island is located only eight miles south of St. Augustine’s historic district and offers wide stretches of white sand beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Visitors may access Butler Beach via the Frank B. Butler County Park. The Mary Street Beach ramp takes drivers to the beach ($10 per car for beach access). To the right before the pay station, unpaved Gloria Avenue has free beach parking.
Butler Beach offers plenty of amenities, making it a great option for a day of family fun. The park staffs the beach seasonally with lifeguards, and other amenities include free parking, restrooms, showers, barbecue grills, and picnic pavilions. Dogs are welcome on Butler Beach but must be leashed at all times.
In the early 1900’s, a young black man named Frank B. Butler moved to St. Augustine. Upon arriving, he settled in the predominantly African-American area known as Lincolnville – now one of the city’s historic districts. At that time, Florida’s beaches were for the use of “whites only.” In 1927, Butler became so annoyed by this injustice that he began purchasing oceanfront property on Anastasia Island.
Butler was eventually able to acquire a tract stretching across the island from the Atlantic to the Matanzas River. He named it Butler Beach and opened it to African-Americans. It became the only stretch of beach between Daytona Beach and American Beach, north of Jacksonville, where African-Americans were allowed to enjoy the sand and the sea.
Local Tip: For a great view of the Intercoastal Waterway, head to the west-side of the park.
Florida’s Historic Coast: 6 Best Beaches
More than 500 years ago, Ponce de Leon spotted beautiful, inviting beaches that drew him to shore and led to…
History
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
Hotels & Places to Stay | St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL
Search St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach hotels, bed & breakfasts, resorts and vacation rentals, and find the perfect place…
Family Fun
Planning a family vacation in Florida? Try St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach!
“St. Augustine Through the Lens of William Henry Jackson” at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
"Riding High" Vintage Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine , FL 32084
“Sweet Beginnings: Unwrapping St. Augustine’s Chocolate Legacy” at Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum48 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
"The Gilded Age: Treasures" at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
River Wonders: Hallowes Cove Kayak Adventure4065 State Rd 13
St. Johns, FL 32259
Dancing Dolphins Low Tide Oyster Trail Tour291 Cubbedge Rd
St Augustine, FL 32080
Wildlife Escape: Deep Creek Kayak TourDeep Creek Boat Ramp
7975 SR 207
Hastings, FL 32145
"American Scenery and Souvenirs" Transferware by Paul Scott at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
St. Augustine Free Walking Tours10 S Castillo Dr.
St. Augustine , FL 32084
"Still Life" by Julianna O'Hara at First Coast Cultural Center6000 Sawgrass Village Cir., Ste B
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
"American Stories: Paintings and Sculpture" at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
"Moments Between Movement" at Grand Bohemian Galley St. Augustine49 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084