Best Beaches in Florida: St. Augustine

St. Augustine stands proud as America’s most ancient city, boasting 42 miles of stunning beaches.

April 27, 2024

Catherine Walters,

The National Park Castillo de San Marcos National Monument fort is the big attraction in St. Augustine. P

Photos by Roberto Gonzalez

St. Augustine stands proud as America’s most ancient city, boasting 42 miles of stunning beaches. A visit to St. Augustine Beach ensures the quintessential beach vacation experience, complete with a beachfront park with a grand fishing pier, a spacious beachside pavilion, a splash park, and a sand volleyball court.

Visitors can indulge in a multitude of activities or choose to unwind, basking in the tranquil ambiance. They can stroll along the shore or relish the serene ocean views from beneath a vibrant beach umbrella. Service providers such as Big Bill’s Beach Stuff Rentals and Barney’s Beach Service stand ready to cater to all beach necessities.

With its wide, hard-packed sandy expanse, St. Augustine Beach emerges as the perfect location for a scenic bicycle ride. The waves at this beach beckon enthusiasts of skim boarding, boogie boarding, surfing, paddle boarding, and kite boarding. Visitors can buy or rent an array of surf sports equipment from PIT Surf Shop.

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States.

One can frequently spot sea turtle nests, distinguished by their brightly colored tape and wooden stakes, along these beaches. Housing around 100 eggs each, these nests are carefully marked to safeguard them from traffic and prying eyes. Visitors fortunate enough to witness a nest hatching or a delayed sea turtle making its way back to the ocean should ensure they don’t disturb them, as any interference with their instinctive rush to the water could be lethal for these magnificent beings. Sea turtles typically nest from May through October.

Opting for a boat or kayak tour offers opportunities to spot dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat. Dolphins are often sighted near the beach, their fins and upper backs visible as they rise and fall amidst the waves. The Bridge of Lions, the seawall outlining downtown St. Augustine, and the inlet at Vilano Beach are excellent vantage points for watching these marine creatures.