What is there to do around State Road 206 and A1A in St. Augustine?
The State Road 206 and A1A corridor offers some of St. Augustine’s best beaches and hidden gems, including Crescent Beach, Matanzas Inlet, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Marineland Dolphin Adventure, fishing at Matanzas Bridge, beach access parking, and highly rated local restaurants like Paladar Cuban Eatery, Back 40 A1A, Elkhouse Eatery, and Kraken Kitchen.
Most visitors come to St. Augustine for the history.
Locals know some of the best memories happen south of town.
The moment you cross the State Road 206 Bridge and turn onto the legendary Florida State Road A1A, the atmosphere changes completely. The crowds thin out, the beaches widen, and suddenly St. Augustine feels less like a tourist destination and more like the Florida people imagine when they plan their vacation.
This corridor stretches from Crescent Beach south toward Matanzas Inlet and continues toward Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and Marineland.
If your perfect vacation includes coffee on a balcony overlooking the ocean, long walks on uncrowded beaches, fishing at sunrise, dolphin sightings, hidden local restaurants, and quiet evenings listening to the surf, this may be the best area in all of St. Augustine to stay.
Why Beach Lovers Fall In Love With This Area
Unlike downtown hotels where you may be several blocks from the water, this section of A1A is filled with:
- Oceanfront condominiums
- Vacation homes with private beach walkovers
- Properties with direct beach access
- Balconies overlooking the Atlantic
- Quiet beachfront communities
- Large vacation rentals perfect for families
- Hundreds of vacation rental opportunities through VRBO and similar platforms
One of the biggest advantages is simple:
Wake up, pour a cup of coffee, step onto your balcony, and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic without ever getting in your car.
Many accommodations here offer direct beach access literally steps from your room or condo. For travelers who prioritize the beach over nightlife and crowds, this area often becomes their favorite part of St. Augustine.
Crescent Beach: One of St. Augustine’s Best Beaches
There is a reason locals quietly recommend Crescent Beach over some of the more famous beaches farther north.
The beach is incredibly wide.
Even during busy seasons it rarely feels crowded.
Parking is easy.
The atmosphere is relaxed.
There are multiple public parking areas and beach access points spread throughout the community, allowing visitors to choose quieter sections away from larger crowds.
Morning walks here are spectacular.
The sand feels endless and the sunrise views can be absolutely stunning during summer months.
Families love Crescent Beach because the gradual shoreline makes it feel less hectic than some nearby beaches while still offering plenty of room for beach games, chairs, umbrellas, and long walks.
Matanzas Inlet: Two Beaches in One Destination
Many visitors never realize that Matanzas Inlet actually offers two completely different experiences depending on which side of the inlet you visit.
The Atlantic Ocean Side
This is the side most visitors imagine.
Large dunes.
Rolling surf.
Shell collecting.
Surf fishing.
Long sunrise walks.
This side of Matanzas is one of my favorite places anywhere in St. Augustine to walk early in the morning.
Arrive thirty minutes before sunrise with a cup of coffee and you may find yourself almost completely alone except for seabirds and the sound of waves.
For photographers, this area produces some incredible morning light.
For couples, it may be one of the most romantic walks in Northeast Florida.
The River Side
Cross to the west side and the environment changes completely.
Instead of crashing surf you’ll find:
- Marsh grass
- Calm water
- Fishing opportunities
- Dolphins
- Bird watching
- Boats moving through the inlet
- Incredible sunset views
The river side feels peaceful in a way that’s difficult to describe until you experience it yourself.
Many locals simply sit here and watch the boats pass through the channel.
Check out our must-have beach packing list locals never forget.
Parking and Beach Access at Matanzas
This is one of the most useful pieces of information for visitors.
Matanzas has multiple parking areas and access points on both sides of the inlet.
You’ll find parking lots that provide access to:
- The Atlantic beach side
- The river side
- Fishing areas
- The Fort Matanzas ferry area
- Nature walks and boardwalks
Many first-time visitors mistakenly park in one location and never realize the second side even exists.
Explore both.
They offer completely different experiences and both are worth visiting.
Fishing Around Matanzas Bridge
Ask local fishermen where to go and this area will come up repeatedly.
The waters around the bridge, inlet, marshes, and shoreline produce:
- Redfish
- Trout
- Flounder
- Whiting
- Sheepshead
- Pompano depending on season
Even if you don’t fish, watching anglers work the currents while dolphins occasionally appear nearby is part of the charm of this area.
Southeast Intracoastal Waterway Park: One of St. Augustine’s Quietest Hidden Gems
Just before reaching Matanzas Inlet you’ll pass the often overlooked Southeast Intracoastal Waterway Park.
Most tourists drive right by.
Locals stop.
This isn’t an attraction filled with activities.
It’s something better.
It’s a place to slow down.
Walk along the water.
Watch boats move through the Intracoastal.
Take photographs.
Enjoy the breeze.
Sit on a bench with coffee.
Some of the best places aren’t destinations at all.
They’re places that give you permission to do absolutely nothing.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
One of the most unique experiences in the area is visiting Fort Matanzas National Monument.
Unlike most historic attractions, you can’t simply drive to the fort.
The Spanish constructed the fort in 1742 to defend the southern entrance to St. Augustine and visitors reach it by taking a National Park Service ferry across the river to the island.
The ferry ride itself is part of the experience.
But here’s the local tip:
Even if you never take the boat, the visitor center area is beautiful.
Boardwalks wind through maritime forest and marshes.
The scenery is peaceful.
The walking trails are gorgeous.
Many visitors end up spending far more time here than they expected simply enjoying the environment while waiting for the ferry.
Official website:
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park May Be the Most Beautiful Park in Northeast Florida
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
If you only visit one park during your trip, make it this one.
The famous coquina rock shoreline gets most of the attention.
It deserves it.
Florida doesn’t have many rocky coastlines and these formations are unlike anything else in the state.
Photographers love this location.
Families love exploring the tidal pools.
Engagement photographers practically live here. Seriously
But the gardens themselves may be even more impressive.
Inside you’ll find:
- Reflection ponds
- Massive oak canopies
- Formal gardens
- Walking paths
- Seasonal flowers
- Bird watching opportunities
- Shaded benches
- Beautiful photo locations everywhere you look
The park sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River and contains some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the region.
If it rains during your vacation?
Go here.
If you’re looking for engagement photos?
Go here.
If you simply want a peaceful afternoon?
Go here.
Dolphin Encounters at
Marineland Dolphin Adventure · Website · (407) 563-4701
This area is home to one of Florida’s most unique marine experiences.
Interactive dolphin encounters remain one of the most memorable experiences families can book while visiting the area.
Children especially remember these experiences for years afterward.
Where Locals Eat Along A1A South
Morning Coffee and Cuban Pastries
Start your day at:
The Cuban coffee alone is worth the stop. By the way, order the steak topped with fries, you can’t go wrong.
Casual Beach Food
After a day at the beach, locals head to:
The atmosphere perfectly matches the laid-back vibe of Crescent Beach. The Back 40 A1A serves healthy salads, amazing tacos, and a signature wet burrito. Check out their menu for all their delicious options.
Date Night Dinner
For a memorable dinner:
This hidden gem has become one of the area’s favorite dinner destinations. They serve locally and regionally sourced seafood and wild game dishes.
A New Local Favorite
You’ll also want to keep an eye on:
Perfect for beachgoers looking for something casual and local before heading back to the water. They have hoagies, grinders, gourmet hot dogs, and smashburgers.
This Is Where a Travel Specialist Can Make a Huge Difference
Choosing between downtown, Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, Butler Beach, or this southern coastal corridor can dramatically change your vacation experience.
Some travelers want nightlife.
Some want walkability.
Others simply want:
- Ocean views
- Quiet beaches
- Balcony sunsets
- Direct beach access
- Morning coffee overlooking the Atlantic
This corridor is often perfect for those travelers.
Our travel specialists can help you find:
- Oceanfront condos
- Balcony rooms
- Family-sized vacation homes
- Direct beach access properties
- Vacation rentals near restaurants and attractions
- The right location based on how your family actually likes to travel
Because staying in the right part of St. Augustine often matters more than the hotel itself.
A Final Local Tip
If you follow only one recommendation from this article, make it this:
Wake up before sunrise.
Drive to Matanzas Beach.
Bring coffee.
Walk south as the sky turns orange over the Atlantic.
No schedule.
No crowds.
No rush.
Just waves, seabirds, and one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Florida.
Many visitors come to St. Augustine for the history.
Many leave talking about Matanzas.
And locals understand exactly why. 🌅
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crescent Beach a good place to stay in St. Augustine?
Yes. Crescent Beach is one of the best areas for visitors who want direct beach access, oceanfront balconies, vacation rentals, and a quieter atmosphere than downtown St. Augustine.
Is there public parking at Matanzas Inlet?
Yes. Matanzas Inlet offers multiple parking areas on both the Atlantic Ocean side and the Intracoastal River side with beach access from both locations.
Can you fish from the Matanzas Bridge?
Yes. The Matanzas Bridge area is a popular local fishing spot known for redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and seasonal pompano.
Is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park worth visiting?
Absolutely. Washington Oaks is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Northeast Florida and is famous for its coquina rock formations, gardens, and photography opportunities.
How do you get to Fort Matanzas?
Visitors take a free National Park Service ferry from the visitor center to the fort located on an island across the Matanzas River.
Are there places to stay with beach access near Crescent Beach?
Yes. The area is filled with oceanfront condos, vacation rentals, and beachfront accommodations offering balconies and direct beach access.
Is Matanzas Beach good for sunrise walks?
Many locals consider Matanzas Beach one of the best sunrise walking beaches in all of Northeast Florida due to its natural beauty and lighter crowds.
Are there restaurants near Crescent Beach?
Yes. Local favorites include Paladar Cuban Eatery & Bakery, Back 40 A1A, Elkhouse Eatery, and Kraken Kitchen.
Continue Exploring St. Augustine
If this hidden stretch of coastline sounds like your kind of vacation, these local guides can help you discover even more of what makes St. Augustine special:
- Best Beaches in St. Augustine – Compare Crescent Beach, Vilano Beach, Anastasia State Park, Butler Beach, and more to find your perfect stretch of sand.
- Best Sunrise Spots in St. Augustine – Discover where locals go for unforgettable mornings, including Matanzas Beach and Crescent Beach.
- Best Family Activities in St. Augustine – Dolphin encounters, pirate museums, trolley tours, and local favorites for kids.
- Where to Stay in St. Augustine – Compare downtown, Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, and oceanfront resort options.
Not Sure If Downtown or Crescent Beach Is Right For You?
Where you stay in St. Augustine can completely change your vacation experience.
Some travelers want historic streets, restaurants, and nightlife within walking distance.
Others want quiet mornings, ocean views, direct beach access, and coffee on a private balcony overlooking the Atlantic.
Our local travel specialists help visitors choose the perfect area, accommodations, attractions, and experiences based on how they actually like to travel.
Whether you simply need a personalized itinerary or would like someone to handle every detail of your vacation, we’re here to help.
Ready to start planning?
→ Work With a Travel Specialist
