Living in or visiting the St. Augustine area likely means you are going to make at least one stop at the beach, but what beach access should you choose? There are plenty of options along the coast, with something for everyone. This week, we are sharing some of our favorite public beaches in and around St. Augustine.
St. Johns County Ocean Pier
350 A1A Beach Blvd.
St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
The St. Johns County Ocean Pier is one of the most popular public beaches in St. Augustine. This beach access offers pedestrian ramps, a splash park, a covered pavilion, showers, bathrooms and both regular and handicapped parking, free of charge. For a small fee, you can also visit the pier itself for sightseeing or fishing.
Anastasia State Park
300 Anastasia Park Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Ranked #6 as one of the best state parks in the US, Anastasia State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including windsurfing, fishing and kayaking, as well as 4 miles of public beaches. There are also 138 campsites that give visitors a chance to spend their vacation at the park. Admission is $8 per vehicle/$2 per pedestrian and camping is $28 per night.
North Beach Park
3721 Coastal Highway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
North Beach Park is located just north of the Vilano Bridge, with a full range of facilities. There is free parking, as well as a highway walkover directly from the parking lot. This beach access also has bathroom, showers and a playground for the kids.
Vilano Beach
2750 Anahma Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Vilano Beach is located just north of downtown St. Augustine and is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This beach has a steep drop-off and heavier surf, which makes it ideal for surfing. There are also bathrooms, showers, a covered pavilion, free parking and picnic tables at this public beach access.
Fort Mantanzas National Monument and Park
8655 A1A South
St. Augustine, FL 32080
The Fort Mantanzas Inlet park has 2 main beach areas and 3 parking lots, offering plenty of free regular and handicapped parking spaces. The beach areas on either side of A1A, with one along the Atlantic Ocean and the other along the Mantanzas River estuary. The Fort Mantanzas Monument also has access to the fort via ferry and a visitor’s center.
A Street Beach
A Street
St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
A Street is a popular beach amongst locals and surfers, as well one of multiple drive-on beach entrances. The Eastern Surfing Association St. Augustine chapter also holds their surf contests at A Street. There are also a few local restaurants and bars within walking distance, as well as free regular and handicapped parking, bathrooms and showers.
If you're planning on visiting any of these beaches this summer, check out the Surf Station for summer surf camp, surf lessons or surfboard rentals. Let us know which beaches you check out!