What is the best beach in St. Augustine?
St. Augustine Beach is the most popular beach in St. Augustine thanks to its wide sandy shoreline, family-friendly atmosphere, fishing pier, restaurants, and easy access. However, Vilano Beach is often preferred by couples, Crescent Beach is known for its peaceful setting, and Anastasia State Park offers some of the area’s most beautiful natural scenery.
One of the best things about visiting St. Augustine is that you are never far from the water.
Whether you’re looking for a lively family beach, a romantic sunrise walk, world-class surfing, fishing opportunities, or a quiet stretch of sand to relax, St. Augustine offers a beach for every type of traveler.
Here is our local guide to the best beaches in St. Augustine.
1. St. Augustine Beach
Best For
- Families
- First-time visitors
- Swimming
- Restaurants
- Easy access
St. Augustine Beach is the most popular and most visited beach in the area.
The beach features:
- Wide sandy shoreline
- Public beach access
- Fishing pier
- Splash park
- Volleyball courts
- Restaurants nearby
The St. Augustine Beach Pier is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks and serves as a gathering place for fishing, events, and ocean views.
Nearby Attractions
- St. Augustine Beach Pier
- Splash Park
- Beachside restaurants
- Ice cream shops
Local Tip
Arrive early during summer weekends to secure parking close to the pier or consider staying at Embassy Suites at St. Augustine Beach, which puts you feet away from everything St. Augustine Beach has to offer.
2. Vilano Beach
Best For
- Couples
- Scenic views
- Relaxation
- Waterfront dining
Located just north of downtown, Vilano Beach offers a quieter atmosphere than St. Augustine Beach.
What makes Vilano special is the combination of:
- Beautiful Atlantic shoreline
- Intracoastal waterfront dining
- Boutique accommodations
- Stunning sunrise views
Many locals consider Vilano Beach one of the most beautiful areas in St. Augustine.
Nearby Attractions
- Vilano Beach Pier
- Vilano Town Center
- Intracoastal restaurants
- Scenic overlooks
Local Tip
Grab dinner overlooking the Intracoastal after a beach day and stay for sunset.
3. Crescent Beach
Best For
- Peace and quiet
- Long walks
- Couples
- Relaxation
Crescent Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Northeast Florida.
Its wide shoreline and lower crowds make it perfect for visitors seeking a more peaceful experience.
Unlike busier beaches, Crescent Beach feels less commercial and more natural.
Why Visitors Love It
- Fewer crowds
- Beautiful sunrise views
- Long stretches of sand
- Excellent shelling opportunities
4. Butler Beach
Best For
- Locals
- Families
- Beach driving access nearby
Butler Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with excellent public access.
This beach tends to be less crowded than St. Augustine Beach while still providing easy access and plenty of parking.
Visitors love Butler Beach for its simplicity and natural beauty.
5. Anastasia State Park Beach
Best For
- Nature lovers
- Wildlife viewing
- Photography
- Kayaking
Anastasia State Park offers one of the most pristine beach experiences in the region.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Protected dunes
- Nature trails
- Wildlife viewing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
This beach feels far removed from the city despite being only minutes from downtown.
Local Tip
There are lots of activities to do at Anastasia State Park, including paddleboarding and camping. There are also fees to enter the state park. Check out the park map here.
6. Matanzas Inlet
Best For
- Fishing
- Photography
- Shelling
- Scenic views
Matanzas Inlet offers a completely different coastal experience.
Instead of traditional beachgoing, visitors enjoy:
- Fishing
- Nature photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Surf fishing
- Exploring the inlet
This is one of the area’s hidden gems.
Which Beach Is Best For You?
| Looking For | Best Beach |
|---|---|
| Families | St. Augustine Beach |
| Couples | Vilano Beach |
| Relaxation | Crescent Beach |
| Nature | Anastasia State Park |
| Fishing | Matanzas Inlet |
| Local Feel | Butler Beach |
| Photography | Vilano Beach |
| Shelling | Crescent Beach |
Best Beaches for Families
- St. Augustine Beach
- Butler Beach
- Anastasia State Park
Families appreciate easy parking, restrooms, nearby restaurants, and wide beaches.
Best Beaches for Couples
- Vilano Beach
- Crescent Beach
- Anastasia State Park
These beaches offer a quieter atmosphere and incredible sunrise views.
Best Beaches for Surfing
- St. Augustine Beach
- Crescent Beach
- Butler Beach
Local surfers frequently check conditions throughout Anastasia Island.
Best Beaches for Fishing
- St. Augustine Beach Pier
- Matanzas Inlet
- Vilano Beach Pier
Best Sunrise Beaches
If you want the perfect sunrise photo:
- Vilano Beach
- Crescent Beach
- St. Augustine Beach
The Atlantic-facing shoreline creates incredible morning colors year-round.
Beach Safety Tips
Before heading out:
- Check rip current conditions.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Observe flag warnings.
- Watch children carefully near the surf.
Local Expert Tip
If you’re visiting St. Augustine for several days, don’t spend all your time at one beach.
Experience:
- St. Augustine Beach for activity.
- Vilano Beach for atmosphere.
- Crescent Beach for relaxation.
- Anastasia State Park for nature.
Each offers a completely different experience.
Local’s Beach Essentials for First-Time Visitors
After spending countless mornings, afternoons, and sunsets on the beaches around St. Augustine, we’ve noticed first-time visitors almost always forget the same things.
Florida sun is stronger than most people expect, summer storms can roll in quickly, and carrying chairs, towels, coolers, and toys through deep sand gets old fast.
If you’re visiting for the first time, check out our complete guide on beach essentials that locals always pack.
Bonus Local Tip 💡
If you’re flying into Florida and don’t want to purchase gear for a single vacation, many hotels and vacation rentals provide beach chairs and umbrellas, and local companies deliver beach equipment directly to your rental property or beach access point. As an Amazon Associate, SaintAugustineFlorida.net earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe make your beach day better.
Continue Planning Your Vacation
You may also enjoy:
- Family Guide to St. Augustine
- Best Water Activities in St. Augustine
- Vilano Beach Guide
- Best Things to Do in St. Augustine
- Where to Stay in St. Augustine
- Best Orlando Day Trips From St. Augustine
FAQ
What is the nicest beach in St. Augustine?
Many visitors consider Vilano Beach and Crescent Beach the most scenic beaches in the area, while St. Augustine Beach is the most popular overall.
Which beach is closest to downtown St. Augustine?
Vilano Beach is the closest major beach to historic downtown.
Which St. Augustine beach is best for families?
St. Augustine Beach is generally considered the best family-friendly beach due to its amenities, pier, splash park, and nearby restaurants.
Can you drive on the beach in St. Augustine?
Certain sections of the coastline allow beach driving during designated times and conditions.
What is the least crowded beach near St. Augustine?
Crescent Beach and parts of Butler Beach are often less crowded than St. Augustine Beach.
Is Vilano Beach worth visiting?
Absolutely. Vilano Beach offers beautiful scenery, waterfront dining, a relaxed atmosphere, and some of the best sunrise views in St. Augustine.
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