Exploring the Beach Parks of St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida, isn't just the nation's oldest city—it's also home to over 40 miles of stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. From pristine state parks teeming with wildlife to family-friendly beaches with piers and playgrounds, the area's beach parks offer something for everyone, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a touch of history. In this blog post, we'll dive into all the major beach parks in and around St. Augustine, complete with detailed information, activities, amenities, and links to help you plan your visit. These spots are primarily located in St. Johns County, where the beaches are managed to preserve natural habitats while providing public access.sjcfl.us Let's start from the north and work our way south.

Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park

Located in the upscale Ponte Vedra area, Mickler's Landing is a popular county park offering access to one of the most beautiful, shell-sprinkled beaches in Northeast Florida.visitflorida.com This spot is ideal for those looking for a quieter escape with natural dunes and coquina rock formations.

• Location: 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (about 20 minutes north of downtown St. Augustine).
• Description: A serene beachfront park with undisturbed coastline, known for its pinkish coquina shells and shark tooth hunting opportunities. It's a favorite for beachcombing and watching sunrises.
• Amenities: Free parking (limited spots, arrives early), restrooms, showers, boardwalk access, and wheelchair-accessible mat for beach mobility.
• Activities: Swimming, surfing, fishing, shelling, horseback riding (with permit), and walking along the dunes. No lifeguards on duty.
• Fees: Free entry and parking.
• Unique Features: Home to the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse; no driving on the beach here to protect the dunes. It's also a great spot for finding prehistoric shark teeth.
• Link: St. Johns County Parks - Mickler's Landing

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR)

This massive 74,000-acre preserve spans the northern part of St. Johns County and includes several beach access points like Guana River South Beach Access and North Beach Access.visitflorida.com It's a haven for nature lovers.

• Location: Main entrance at 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (about 15-20 minutes north of St. Augustine).
• Description: Features over four miles of undeveloped, coquina sand beaches backed by 35-foot dunes, tidal marshes, and estuaries. It's part of a protected research reserve focused on environmental education.
• Amenities: Parking lots ($3 fee), boardwalks, restrooms, picnic areas, visitor center with exhibits, and kayak launches.
• Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, shelling, hiking/biking on 9+ miles of trails, horseback riding, birdwatching (part of the Great Florida Birding Trail), and kayaking. Educational programs and scavenger hunts available.
• Fees: $3 per vehicle for parking; free for pedestrians/cyclists.
• Unique Features: Includes a life-size statue of Ponce de Leon and historical markers commemorating his 1513 landing. The reserve protects diverse ecosystems and is excellent for observing wildlife like roseate spoonbills.
• Link: GTM Research Reserve

Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park (including Surfside Park)

Vilano Beach is a laid-back local favorite just north of St. Augustine, often called a "best-kept secret."oldcity.com Surfside Park serves as a key access point.

• Location: 2750 Anahma Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084 (across the Vilano Bridge, 5 minutes from downtown).
• Description: A serene oceanside area with wide beaches, vacation rentals, and waterfront dining. It's less crowded than central spots.
• Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, playground, splash pad, and a fishing pier nearby.
• Activities: Swimming, fishing from the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, parasailing, Sea Doo rentals, surfing, picnicking, and beach driving in designated areas (with permit).
• Fees: Free; beach driving pass required seasonally ($10 daily for non-residents).
• Unique Features: Offers deep-sea fishing charters and sailboat rentals. Pets are allowed on leashes in certain areas.
• Link: St. Johns County - Vilano Beach

North Beach Park

Further north from Vilano, North Beach is a tranquil spot blending ocean and Intracoastal Waterway views.oldcity.com

• Location: 3721 Coastal Hwy., St. Augustine, FL 32084 (about 10 minutes north of downtown).
• Description: A peaceful beach area with campsites and easy access to both the beach and river.
• Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, picnic areas with grills, boat ramps, and nearby campgrounds like North Beach Camp Resort.
• Activities: Swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and dining at local seafood restaurants.
• Fees: Free parking; camping fees vary (around $50-100/night at resorts).
• Unique Features: Dual access to ocean and Intracoastal; great for watching sunrises and sunsets. The area includes two campsites for RV and tent camping.
• Link: North Beach Camp Resort

Anastasia State Park

One of the crown jewels of Florida's state parks, Anastasia offers unspoiled beaches and diverse ecosystems.floridastateparks.org

• Location: 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32080 (5 minutes from downtown on Anastasia Island).
• Description: A 1,600-acre protected bird sanctuary with 4 miles of pristine beaches, ancient dunes, and tidal marshes.
• Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, lifeguards (seasonal), bathhouse, concessions, gift shop, pavilion, playground, and beach equipment rentals (umbrellas, chairs, kayaks).
• Activities: Swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking on nature trails, kayaking/canoeing on Salt Run, birdwatching, biking, camping (139 sites), and volleyball.
• Fees: $8 per vehicle (2-8 people); $4 single occupant; $2 pedestrians/bicyclists.
• Unique Features: Historic coquina quarries used to build St. Augustine's Castillo de San Marcos; no vehicles on the beach. It's a key nesting site for birds and the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse.
• Link: Florida State Parks - Anastasia

St. Augustine Beach and St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park

The heart of St. Augustine's beach scene, this area features wide sands and a iconic pier.staugbch.com

• Location: 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 (10 minutes from downtown).
• Description: A bustling yet spacious beach with soft white sand, gentle waves, and proximity to shops and eateries.
• Amenities: Parking (paid in some lots), restrooms, showers, pavilion, playground, volleyball courts, concessions, bait/tackle shop, and the 1,000-foot fishing pier.
• Activities: Swimming (lifeguards seasonal), fishing from the pier, surfing, beach volleyball, picnicking, and beach driving in designated areas.
• Fees: Pier admission $2 (fishing $5); beach driving pass $10 daily non-residents.
• Unique Features: The pier park includes a splash park and farmers market on weekends. Vehicles can drive on the beach south of here.
• Link: City of St. Augustine Beach - Parks

Frank B. Butler County Park

Named after a local civil rights pioneer, this park preserves history and nature.oldcity.com

• Location: 5860 A1A S., St. Augustine, FL 32080 (15 minutes south of downtown).
• Description: A pristine beach dedicated to protecting dunes and wildlife, with ties to African-American history as a former segregated beach.
• Amenities: Parking (on and off-beach), restrooms, showers, picnic tables, pavilion, and seasonal lifeguards.
• Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and walking the dunes.
• Fees: Free; beach driving pass if applicable.
• Unique Features: Protects the Anastasia Island beach mouse and gopher tortoises; historical significance as a beach open to African-Americans in the 1920s.
• Link: St. Johns County - Butler Beach

Crescent Beach Park

A southern gem on Anastasia Island, known for its unspoiled beauty.oldcity.com

• Location: 6930 A1A S., St. Augustine, FL 32080 (20 minutes south of downtown).
• Description: Serene, wide beach with towering dunes and natural foliage, perfect for a peaceful day.
• Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and boardwalk access.
• Activities: Swimming, boating, diving, fishing, beachcombing, and nearby RV camping.
• Fees: Free.
• Unique Features: Part of a wildlife refuge; convenient to camping facilities and less crowded than northern beaches.
• Link: St. Johns County - Crescent Beach

Matanzas Inlet and Fort Matanzas National Monument

At the southern tip, this area combines beach access with historical exploration.visitflorida.com

• Location: 8635 A1A S., St. Augustine, FL 32080 (25 minutes south of downtown).
• Description: A scenic inlet with beaches, marshes, and a historic fort built in 1742 to guard against British attacks.
• Amenities: Parking, restrooms, boardwalks, picnic areas, and boat ramps.
• Activities: Swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking on nature trails, birdwatching, and free ferry to the fort (seasonal).
• Fees: Free entry; donations appreciated.
• Unique Features: Explores four ecosystems (beach, dunes, marsh, forest); the fort is a National Monument with self-guided tours.
• Link: National Park Service - Fort Matanzas

St. Augustine's beach parks are a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreation, and history. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife (especially during sea turtle nesting season from May to October), and check for updates on beach conditions via the St. Johns County app.sjcfl.us Whether you're camping under the stars or simply strolling the shore, these spots will make your visit unforgettable. Pack your sunscreen and hit the sand!