Choose Your Adventure on St. Augustine-Area Beaches

Skimboarder catching a wave during the Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament in St. Augustine, FL.

A Day on the Water and Beyond: Discover Nature, Adventure & Local Culture on Florida’s Historic Coast

On the beaches of St. Augustine, a single day can deliver a lifetime of memories. Bask in the glow of nature at its finest; beautiful birds, bountiful fishing and miles of unspoiled shoreline at once inspire relaxation, reflection and recreation. So rise and shine, don your swimwear and prepare for an illuminating adventure.

Birding Bliss at Anastasia State Park

A stroll along the serene shores of Anastasia State Park is a soul-soothing way to start your day, coffee in hand, surrounded by sea breezes and the hush of nature. The park is not only a haven for beach lovers but also a sanctuary for the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, a secretive nocturnal inhabitant of the dune ecosystem.

Spring and summer bring a vibrant show of avian activity. Keep your binoculars handy to spot nesting least and royal terns, brown pelicans, black skimmers, and ring-billed gulls. Graceful great blue herons and chatty laughing gulls often complete the scene as you wander along the shell-dappled coastline.

Paddle and Play: Kayaking, Boating, and More

If you’re craving more adrenaline, the coast offers exciting water activities like surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding—especially at Matanzas Inlet, a global hotspot for kite sports. Rentals and lessons are readily available for ocean adventurers of all levels.

Prefer a more tranquil float? Experience the magic of the water in a completely new way with Get Up & Go Kayaking. Their clear kayaks provide an extraordinary window into the marine world below as you paddle through the coastal estuaries and salt marshes. For a more independent adventure, Gone2Sea Boat Rentals offers everything from skiffs to pontoons, giving you the freedom to explore the Intracoastal Waterway or cruise the open Atlantic at your leisure.

Afternoon Eats and Elevated Views

Fuel your day with a bite at the Anastasia State Park concession, or head over to the Village Garden Food Truck Park for an eclectic mix of local eats. After lunch, relax on the sand or head skyward—literally. Climb the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for sweeping views of the coastline from the top of this iconic beacon.

Sunset Sounds and Seaside Dining

As evening approaches, take a detour to Vilano Beach, where the sands are speckled with sharks’ teeth and coquina shells, making beachcombing an unexpected treasure hunt. Cast a line from the pier or simply unwind with a drink in hand as the sun melts into the horizon.

From May through September, don’t miss the Music by the Sea Concert Series held Wednesday evenings at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. This free event pairs live music from regional bands with local food trucks for an unforgettable night of entertainment by the ocean.

Cap your day with dinner at The Reef, a beloved beachfront restaurant where fresh seafood is served with sweeping views of the Atlantic. As dusk fades, let the rhythm of the waves lull you into tomorrow’s promise of discovery.

Enriching Excursions: Wildlife and Waterways

Animal lovers and science buffs will enjoy a visit to Marineland Dolphin Adventure, the world’s first oceanarium, where interactive programs foster meaningful connections between humans and dolphins. Head north to theGTM Research Reserve, life-size models of marine creatures, aquariums, and exhibits provide immersive insight into local ecosystems.

For a guided journey rich in coastal lore, GeoTrippin' Adventure Company now offers captivating Crescent Beach walking tours and Oyster Trail experiences, illuminating the delicate balance between nature, history, and sustainability.

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