Best Beaches in St. Augustine
Butler Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, which one is right for your trip.
Best Beaches Near St. Augustine, Florida
Miles of uncrowded Atlantic coastline, and you don’t have to fight Orlando traffic to reach them.
Main Beach Areas
St. Augustine Beach
The main beach community just south of Anastasia Island, about 6 miles from the historic district. Wide, flat Atlantic beach with free public access at multiple points. The pier area has restaurants and shops. Uncrowded compared to most Florida beach destinations.
Best for: Families, casual beach days
Parking: Free at multiple access points
Anastasia State Park Beach
Four miles of undeveloped Atlantic beachfront inside the state park. One of the best beaches on the northeast Florida coast, no development behind the dunes, clean water, and consistently uncrowded. Camping, kayaking, and windsurfing are also available inside the park.
Best for: Nature, uncrowded experience
Fee: State park vehicle fee applies
Vilano Beach
A quieter barrier island beach north of downtown St. Augustine, across the Tolomato River. The beach is underdeveloped by Florida standards, mostly residential, which keeps the crowds thin. Good for surfing when there is swell, and consistently less crowded than St. Augustine Beach to the south.
Best for: Surfers, quiet beach days
Nearby Beach Alternatives
Crescent Beach (South of Anastasia)
Continue south on A1A past St. Augustine Beach into Crescent Beach. The density of visitors decreases noticeably the further south you go. Some of the most unspoiled shoreline on the First Coast is accessible along this stretch.
Ponte Vedra Beach (North, 30 minutes)
An affluent community north of St. Augustine with high-end resort beaches. The public beach access points are fewer but the quality of the beach itself is excellent, calm, clean water and soft sand.
Water Activities
Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing are all practiced along the St. Augustine coast. Surfing is most consistent at Vilano Beach and the south end of Anastasia Island. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at multiple locations near both the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Local Tip: The best beaches are almost always a short drive south of the main St. Augustine Beach access area. Most visitors stop at the first parking lot they see. Drive another mile south and you will find the same beach with a fraction of the people.
Plan your St. Augustine beach visit:
Take the coast home with you
Shop St. Augustine beach-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Plan your St. Augustine beach trip:
Places to Explore
Learn More
Anastasia State ParkAnastasia State Park stands as a vital sanctuary for nature enthusiasts visiting the St. Augustine area. This expansive…Butler BeachButler Beach stands as one of St. Augustine's most historically significant and naturally beautiful coastal destinations, offering visitors…
Crescent BeachCrescent Beach offers visitors a tranquil retreat on the southern end of Anastasia Island, embodying old Florida charm…
Matanzas InletMatanzas Inlet stands as one of Florida's most captivating and historically significant coastal destinations, where the Atlantic Ocean…
St. Augustine BeachSt. Augustine Beach serves as the primary beach destination for visitors to America's Oldest City, offering a perfect…
Vilano BeachVilano Beach offers visitors a refreshing escape from the crowded tourist attractions of downtown St. Augustine, presenting a…