Attractions and Places To See around St. Augustine Beach - Top 12

Beyond the main St. Augustine Beach, you can visit Anastasia State Park, which offers pristine beaches, ancient sand dunes, and maritime hammock, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. Further south, Crescent Beach is known for its serene setting and towering sand dunes. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) also provides miles of undeveloped coquina sand beach and nature trails.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore the iconic Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, or marvel at the architecture of Flagler College, formerly the luxurious Ponce de Leon Hotel. Another unique historical site is The oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the US, offering a glimpse into early American school life. The Bridge of Lions is also a notable landmark connecting Anastasia Island to historic downtown.

Families can enjoy a variety of activities. The St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier offers a splash park, playground, and volleyball courts. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park provides an educational and exciting experience. For a fun outing, consider Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf. Many beaches like St. Augustine Beach itself are also perfect for family swimming and sunbathing.

There are several great options for walking and hiking. Anastasia State Park features nature trails and pristine beaches for walking. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) also offers extensive nature trails for hiking, biking, or even horseback riding. For easy walks, explore the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail or the Anastasia State Park Marsh Trail.

Yes, the area offers cultural experiences. The Cultural Arts Center at the St. Augustine Beach Hotel, a historic coquina building, hosts community arts and heritage programming. You can also visit the St. Augustine Beach Sculpture Garden for an outdoor artistic experience. For live entertainment, check out The Amp (St. Augustine Amphitheatre), an outdoor concert venue on Anastasia Island.

St. Augustine Beach is known for its wide, sandy shores, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. For a more serene experience, Crescent Beach offers unspoiled beauty with towering sand dunes. Butler Beach is dedicated to preserving a fragile dune system and provides full services. Vilano Beach, just north, is popular with surfers and kiteboarders due to its coquina sands.

Many areas strive for accessibility. The Bridge of Lions is wheelchair accessible, offering beautiful views. While specific accessibility for all attractions varies, many public beaches and parks, including parts of St. Augustine Beach, offer accessible pathways or beach wheelchairs. It's always recommended to check with individual venues for their specific accessibility features.

The best time for outdoor activities in St. Augustine Beach is generally during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with less humidity and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. This makes it ideal for exploring beaches, hiking trails, and historical sites comfortably.

Yes, the St. Augustine Beach area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and boutiques. You'll find many options reflecting the coastal location, with fresh seafood being a highlight. Historic St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine, a short drive away, is also a popular car-free zone packed with shops and eateries.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting Butler Beach, which focuses on preserving its natural dune system and offers a more tranquil setting than the main St. Augustine Beach. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) also provides vast, undeveloped natural areas for peaceful exploration away from the main tourist hubs.

Absolutely! The area offers several scenic routes for running. You can find options like the Castillo de San Marcos to Anastasia State Park route or a loop around the Bridge of Lions. Many of the beaches, especially at low tide, also provide excellent surfaces for a run. Check out the Running Trails around St. Augustine Beach guide for more detailed routes.

The St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier is a prominent landmark in St. Augustine Beach, popular for fishing and enjoying panoramic ocean views. The surrounding beachfront park is a hub for community activities, featuring a splash park, playground, and volleyball courts, and often hosts local events.