Florida’s historic gem, St. Augustine, isn’t just known for its cobblestone streets and Spanish forts – it’s also a gateway to some of the most enchanting beaches.
From award-winning tourist hubs where the sand teems with visitors (St. Augustine Beach), to tranquil shores that remain untouched by the bustling crowd (Butler Beach), there’s a beach for every kind of traveler.
If you’re a treasure hunter, you’re in luck! Many of these shores are renowned for shell collecting, with some even offering the thrill of finding shark teeth (Mickler Beach).
And for those looking to hit the beach with their furry friends, most beaches on our list roll out the sandy carpet for dogs.
What’s more, many of these picturesque spots allow beach driving too.
Discover the best beaches near St. Augustine, where sun, sand, and surf await your footprints!
1. Surfside Park
- Distance from St. Augustine: 4 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, pavilion, dog-friendly
Part of the expansive Vilano Beach, Surfside Park is the nearest beach to St. Augustine.
A haven largely uncharted by the tourist crowd, this serene stretch of sand presents an inviting space for locals and those in-the-know.
As soon as you park, the beach welcomes you with its easy access and the potential treasures of shells, shark teeth, and elusive sea glass.
Besides its natural allure, Surfside Park is well-equipped with off-beach parking, restrooms, a pavilion, grills, and picnic tables.
If you’re seeking an uncrowded beach experience complete with amenities, Surfside Park is the undiscovered gem near St. Augustine waiting to be explored.
2. Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park
- Distance from St. Augustine: 4 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, pavilions
Perched on the pristine shores of Vilano Beach, this Oceanfront Park offers 1.7 acres of idyllic beachfront splendor.
Tucked between sand dunes and the Atlantic’s azure embrace, this locale presents a picturesque escape.
To its north, the renowned Vilano Beach Ramp facilitates direct driving access to the beach.
Alongside, St. Johns County has adorned the area with a modern pavilion, splash park, outdoor showers, benches, bike racks, and restrooms.
This beach, often buzzing with over 150 vehicles daily, plays host to significant events like the National Skim Boarding Championships and the enchanting Easter Sunrise Service.
Visitors are charmed by its shell-rich sands, nearby eateries, and captivating views.
If you’re scouting for another Vilano Beach gem, this park is a must-visit, blending natural allure with ample amenities.
3. North Beach Park
- Distance from St. Augustine: 5 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing, camping
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, grills, dog-friendly
A 5-mile drive from St. Augustine, North Beach Park offers highly-regarded beach access.
Boasting a plethora of amenities, this coastal haven is equipped with ample parking, a handy highway walkover, restrooms, showers, a robust playground, picnic pavilion, and grilling stations.
A significant draw for visitors is the iconic “love bridge,” a walkway over A1A adorned with romantic locks, marking it as a local landmark.
Visitors revel in the beach’s bountiful shell offerings and its reputation for surf fishing.
Moreover, North Beach Camp Resort, just a stone’s throw away, promises a delightful camping experience amidst moss-laden oaks and palmettos, positioning North Beach as both an idyllic beach destination and a gateway to outdoor adventures.
4. St. Augustine Beach
- Distance from St. Augustine: 5 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, restaurants, hotels, pier, volleyball courts, splash pad, dog-friendly
St. Augustine Beach, a sparkling gem on Florida’s coast, ranks 13th on TripAdvisor’s list of Top 25 Beaches in the U.S., standing out amid the state’s renowned beach destinations.
Tourists flock to its “gorgeous white powder sand,” ensuring a lively atmosphere year-round.
Offering more than just sunbathing, visitors can rent equipment from various vendors and dive into diverse watersports, from surfing to fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Amenities, such as the splash park, picnic areas, and the significant beachfront pavilion, cater to both solo travelers and families.
With provisions for pet-friendly outings, a pier, and vehicle access, St. Augustine Beach is truly a holistic seaside experience.
5. Anastasia State Park
- Distance from St. Augustine: 4 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, restaurants, hotels, pier, volleyball courts, splash pad, dog-friendly
Located just 4 miles from St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park sprawls over 1,600 acres of untouched beaches, tidal marshes, and ancient sand dunes.
As a sunbather’s paradise, it offers four miles of white quartz sands, guarded by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
But it’s not just for relaxation; the adventurous can explore the waters with rented kayaks or SUPs from Anastasia Watersports.
History enthusiasts are in for a treat, as the park houses the Coquina Quarry, linked to the construction of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
With 139 campsite offerings amid maritime hammocks, a nod from Travel + Leisure as one of America’s most beautiful beach campsites, and proximity to the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse, Anastasia State Park promises an unparalleled beach experience.
6. Ocean Hammock Park
- Distance from St. Augustine: 7 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing, beach driving
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, boardwalk, free parking
Tucked away in the heart of St. Augustine Beach lies the hidden gem of Ocean Hammock Park.
Famous for its picturesque quarter-mile boardwalk draped in coastal vegetation, this serene escape offers visitors a shaded journey through unique ocean hammock ecosystems, culminating in vast expanses of sugar-white sand.
While the beach welcomes automobiles with a careful 10 mph speed limit, its most defining feature is the contrast between its soft dunes and the rock-hard sand near the ocean.
As the tide rises visitors are advised to be watchful to ensure the sea doesn’t claim their belongings.
While amenities are minimal, with free parking being a significant perk, the park’s boardwalk, with occasional glimpses of sunning lizards and benches for relaxation, remains its main attraction.
7. Crescent Beach
- Distance from St. Augustine: 7 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing, horseriding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, parking, rentals, accommodations, restaurants
Nestled just 7 miles south of St. Augustine, Crescent Beach stretches out, true to its name, in a gentle crescent along Florida’s sun-kissed coast.
The beach’s hard-packed sand sets the stage for various activities, from beach biking to volleyball.
While water enthusiasts relish in surfing, swimming, and boogie boarding, horseriding enthusiasts can enjoy the shoreline during designated times with a special permit.
Unlike its more commercial counterparts, Crescent Beach remains a cherished enclave, preserving its “Old Florida” charm in a family-friendly environment.
Essential amenities, such as picnic gazebos, restrooms, and a notable beachfront park, ensure a comfortable experience.
As a highly-rated haven, it offers an impeccable mix of recreation and relaxation while retaining its authentic coastal essence.
8. Butler Beach
- Distance from St. Augustine: 8 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing, beach driving
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, parking, dog-friendly
Tucked 8 miles south of St. Augustine’s historic heart, Butler Beach unfurls as an expansive, pristine stretch on Anastasia Island.
Highly-rated for its tranquility and unspoiled beauty, this shoreline draws both locals and tourists, offering a serene retreat away from busier tourist hubs.
Visitors revel in the unique experience of beach driving, albeit a cautionary nod to the soft sands demanding vehicles with all-wheel or 4-wheel drives.
Activities abound – from sunbathing and kite flying to fishing and spotting occasional low-flying aircraft.
The beach’s thoughtful amenities, encompassing free parking, restrooms, showers, and lifeguard-staffed areas, enhance its allure.
Rich in African-American history, Butler Beach isn’t just a place of relaxation but also a symbol of resilience and inclusion in Florida’s tapestry.
9. South Ponte Vedra Beach
- Distance from St. Augustine: 9 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, bodyboarding, surfing, picnics, fishing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, pavilions, parking, dog-friendly
Situated a 9-mile drive from St. Augustine, South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area is a hugely popular destination for beach enthusiasts.
Nestled on Highway A1A, this scenic beach offers a unique blend of tranquility and amenities.
Visitors can savor breathtaking sunrises, engage in beachcombing, and relish a rich tapestry of seashells.
The beach’s amenities are thoughtfully designed for a memorable day out: from off-beach parking and picnic tables to a grill section and convenient beach access via a stair walkover.
For those with pets in tow, the beach warmly welcomes leashed dogs.
A trip to this coastal gem is not just about dipping toes in the ocean; it’s about immersing in nature’s wonder while enjoying top-notch facilities.
10. Mickler Beach
- Distance from St. Augustine: 21 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, surfing, picnics, fishing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, parking, dog-friendly
Tucked away on the southern end of Ponte Vedra Beach, Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park beckons beachgoers with its renowned pink coquina-sand stretches.
A local treasure, this beach is not just a sunbather’s paradise but also a haven for collectors – famed for its abundance of shark teeth and captivating shells.
Adding to the charm is the pristine, natural habitat for local wildlife and the 20-foot high sand dunes you encounter as you meander the wooden walkway from the parking area.
Mickler’s Landing ensures a comfortable visit with an array of amenities, including clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and ample parking.
Dog lovers can rejoice as their furry friends, leashed, are welcome.
With lifeguards at the ready and a handicapped-accessible path, this gem truly caters to all.
