Here we will discuss The Best of St. Augustine! St. Augustine Florida is a great way to enjoy a beach holiday. St. Augustine’s beaches stretch from Vilano Beach north of the city to Crescent Beach in the south. The Intracoastal Waterway naturally divides the mainland from the barrier islands with their miles of gorgeous coastline with many public areas for beach recreation and relaxation. Among the things to do here, visiting St. Augustine’s beaches are often at the top of the list. St Augustine’s beaches provide a variety of options, from idyllic State Parks to public beaches only a block or two from restaurants. You can choose to spend a day at gorgeous, unspoiled Anastasia State Park, where no cars are allowed on the beach, or drive a bit farther south to St. Augustine Beach where cars are allowed in designated areas. When your day at the beach is done, be sure to check out the great local bars and restaurants that line A1A, “Beachfront Avenue.” Visit the beautiful beaches of Florida’s East Coast or visit us on Pinterest.
St. Augustine Weather (When to Visit)
The best time to visit St. Augustine is between March and May. During this time, you’ll find fewer people, comfortable temperatures and low hotel and airfare rates. The crowds – and prices – are at their largest during the months of June to August when families flock here once school is out, so book your flights and hotels well in advance. You can enjoy favorable temperatures and get accommodation deals from September to November. These months do fall within the Atlantic hurricane season, which starts in June and lasts until the end of November. Between March and May is a great time to escape Florida’s extreme humidity without encountering the area’s chilliest temperatures. However, average temperatures can hover between the 50s and 60s at times, so take a jacket.
Best St. Augustine Area Beaches
South Ponte Vedra Beach
If you’re a fan of shelling, then South Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the best beaches in Saint Augustine for you! Many shells line the shores of this beach and beautiful sand dunes. Some of the most breathtaking resorts are located in Ponte Vedra, as well as some great golf courses. The gorgeous white sands of South Ponte Vedra Beach makes it perfect for sunbathing or for a beach picnic with friends or family. There is a really relaxed and luxurious atmosphere at this beach.
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine BeachSt. Augustine is great for families as there’s a beachfront park, a pavilion, and even a splash park and a sand volleyball court! The hard-packed sand of St Augustine beach makes it ideal for a bike ride as well as sunbathing, and there are a tonne of water activities. The waves at St Augustine beach attract surfers, paddle boarders, and more.
.
Vilano Beach
Vilano BeachVilano Beach is the perfect choice if you’re wanting to make a day out of your beach visit, but without the hustle and bustle of Saint Augustine, and there are plenty of dining options. This is also a great beach for water sports. The heavy surf and strong current makes Vilano Beach ideal for surfing and skim-boarding.
.
.
Anastasia State Park Beach
Anastasia State Park BeachAnastasia State Park has just about everything a beach goer could want; swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, sailboats, paddle-boarding… It is one of the best beaches in Saint Augustine if you’re looking for a beach with a tonne of things to do. Being a protected bird sanctuary, there’s a wide variety of birds to see, as well as turtles and other wildlife. There’s many different nature trails for you to walk that take you through the sand dunes.
.
Crescent Beach
Crescent BeachThe sand at Crescent Beach is also hard-packed, making it a great beach for long walks, bike riding and beach volleyball. You can also enjoy the usual surfing, swimming, and boogie boarding. If you’re looking for a beach that is quieter than some other beaches in the Saint Augustine area, Crescent Beach is the beach to head to.
.
Best St. Augustine Restaurants
Mango Mango’s Caribbean Grill & Bar $11 – 30
They invite you to come in and smell the salt air and savory spices, feel the soft breezes from the ceiling fans, absorb the tropical colors, and take a vacation from everyday life. Whether you choose to drink and dine inside their cozy island-inspired dining room or dine outside on their shaded patio overlooking the beach goers of A Street, they want your meal to be as relaxing as it is delicious. The food at Mango Mango’s combines the best of classic American fare with flavors from the Caribbean and the Southwest. There are over fifty unique menu items to choose from including award-winning appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, fish and chicken entrees, and desserts. Telephone: 904-461-1077 Web: Mango Mango’s Caribbean Grill & Bar.
Sunset Grille $11 – 30
Award winning creations and a Key West style atmosphere. In 25 years of operation, they have participated in, and hold multiple awards from, many local culinary events such as The Great Chowder Debate, The Taste of St. Augustine, The Taste of The Beach and The Datil Pepper Festival. Many of the awards they were given, were voted on by the locals! Telephone: 904-471-5555 Web: Sunset Grille.
The Balefire Brasserie $11 – 30
This New American restaurant boasts prime beef, fresh seafood, cured meats and seasonal vegetables. Ingredients are locally-sourced from area farms to bring only the freshest cuisine to St. Augustine. The name, The Balefire Brasserie, was inspired by the lighthouse located on Anastasia Island. Before there was electricity, lighthouses used fires to direct fisherman to shore. The Balefire Brasserie will implement much of the same time and care the lighthouse keepers used from yesteryear when preparing its fresh locally-sourced fare. Telephone: 904-826-1016 Web: The Balefire Brasserie.
College Restaurant $31 – 60
When dining at Collage, be prepared for a first-class, award-winning experience. The menu reflects the eclectic tastes of owners Mike Hyatt and Cindy Stangby and focuses on fresh local seafood, steaks, lamb and veal, using international flavor profiles. Located just a block off of St. George Street in the heart of the historic district, Collage serves dinner nightly from 5:30 p.m. Telephone: 904-829-0055 Web: College Restaurant.
The Floridian $11 – 30
They call it ‘Innovative Southern Fare for Omnivores, Herbivores and Locavores.’ Regionally-inspired and fresh from the source, their cuisine is a synthesis of Down-home Southern Comfort Foods, and lighter, healthier, vibrant and creative dishes–with many vegetarian options. They support local growers and producers because–to them–that just makes sound, sustainable sense. Their menu will change continuously with the seasons, and will reflect their sincere appreciation of traditional Southern cooking with an updated dedication to keeping it fresh–literally and figuratively. Keep an eye out for their featured Farm, Fish, and Artisan partners as they do their best by their incredible product. After all, a restaurant’s menu can only be as good as the ingredients used to craft it. Telephone: 904-829-0655 Web: The Floridian.
Best Bars & Nightlife
The Ice Plant
Ice is an integral component of a well-made drink. Their mission is to return to the craft of ice harvesting by freezing purified water in large blocks. Their bartenders can make drinks colder and with precisely the desired amount of dilution. Telephone: 904-829-6553 Web: The Ice Plant.
The Social Lounge
The Social Lounge opened on June 10, 2016. They are a lounge specializing in Florida Craft beers and organic wines and sangria. They offer indoor and outdoor seating and are pet friendly outside. They also offer board and card games to play while you are there. Stop by when you are visiting St. Augustine to enjoy a pint or glass of wine. Cheers! Telephone: 317-270-7002 Web: The Social Lounge.
Ann O’Malleys Irish Pub
Join the locals at their favorite Irish Pub! Ann O’Malley’s has been called “The Local’s Local” and when you visit you’ll see that they treat you like you’re one of the family. If you’re looking for the best place for a pint, a great sandwich or to watch your favorite Soccer, Rugby, Football, Baseball, Hockey or Basketball game, then you have found the place to be in Saint Augustine. Each week they have daily specials, an open mic night, a pub quiz night and great live music for you to enjoy. Telephone: 904-825-4040 Web: Ann O’Malleys Irish Pub
Red Frog & McToad’s Grub & Pub
Redfrog & McToad’s is the first Grub-N-Pub in Northeast Florida. Stop by today and enjoy their casually cool eating and drinking establishment. They invite you to experience the difference, they are the new beach destination! With 25 flat screen TVs, you can rest assured that you’ll have a great seat for the big game. Their family-friendly atmosphere and children’s menu are great for an affordable night out on the town. Telephone: 904-814-8430 Web: Red Frog & McToad’s Grub & Pub.
Tradewinds Lounge
The Tradewinds Tropical Lounge is dedicated to having the very best live entertainment in North Florida. Featuring Those Guys, Spanky, Lisa and the Madhatters and Blistur—acts that complete the evolution from our early days as folk lounge to our current mix of the best music — rock’n’roll, blues, and a little country. The place has a unique decor – a lot to look at and take in. The people are friendly and you will feel at home here. Telephone: 904-826-1590 Web: Tradewinds Lounge.
Top St Augustine Beach Hotels
I’ve been to St. Augustine once, but the little “historic” town area that’s on the water, not the beach itself. Do you know if it was impacted by the latest hurricane, or is it still ok? I know it’s fairly far north in Florida so perhaps it got spared the worst. The only thing I remember from my trip to St. Augustine is just how much fancy beautiful arts and crafts there are, and how easy it would be to spend a lot of $ on those things there! After reading this I’m tempted to go back, and this time I’ll have more of a plan!
Yes, the St. Augustine marina received millions of dollars worth of damage. As to the rest of the city, they were thankfully spared. I have not been to the historic part of the town. I will have to venture there without my wallet in hand! Thanks for visiting St. Augustine Beach Vacations Penelope 🙂
The beach in that picture looks super and really enticing…great that there are 3 airports but the St Augustine one is the nearest which I did not realise, the promo code with One travel looks to be great value and cheap flights is definitely worth checking out again as I am not too familiar with them. The Irish pub O’Malley’s sound great also – thanks for your helpful information
You are very welcome Ryan and I am glad I could help you with some information that you can use. Thank you for checking out St. Augustine Beach Vacations!
My wife and I have never been on a real vacation before. I get so excited when I get the chance to read up on such wonderful and exciting information as you have here. St Augustine Beach seems like it could be a good place to start. We both love the sun and ocean water as I am from a small fishing village in Halifax Nova Scotia.
the temperature seems like it could be easy to deal with. I like the part of the airports being so handy. So many options here I think we soon better look into this vacation thingy.. I will checking back to follow up on your site for more information down the road.
Awesome read, keep up the good work.
Thank you so much Leo and I am glad the information on St. Augustine Beach has been helpful for you 🙂
What a fabulous sunny page full of information, Leahrae, on what looks to me a gorgeous beach destination! Whenever I would look for a beach travel destination in the U.S. this site gives me the taste of Florida already! Unfortunately, it needs longer planning for me coming all the way from Europe, but I have marked St. Augustine Beach vacations already, just in case… I love that you give instant information on how to book flights and/or hotels, as well as restaurants, bars, and nightlife. What is the quality of the St. Augustine beach itself, is it all sand, or are there any rocky parts? And is it possible to list one or more itineraries should I be looking or a couple of beach travel destinations to go visit?
I will revisit your site and its information in future whenever I plan going back to the U.S.and I will try to include a beach travel destination for sure!
Thanks! Jan
You are going to find mostly sandy beaches in St. Augustine with some shelly areas. I am going to start doing itineraries shortly. So bookmark my site, and check back for them. Thanks for visiting St. Augustine Beach Vacations.
I spent many of my childhood summers in St. Augustine. 🙂
I’m a beach addict–I even changed jobs last year to move within a block of the nicest beach in Abu Dhabi.
We may be visiting some family in St. Augustine next summer. What do you recommend for 5* hotels or luxury rentals?
The following are great luxury choices: Casa Monica Resort Spa, World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort, Ocean Gate at Hibiscus Resort or the Pearl of the Sea Luxury Bed & Breakfast. Yeah, I’m a beach addict too, getting ready to move to Florida 🙂
My wife and I like to see about going south when we can to get out of the snowy winters. Florida is one of our most important choices as the fight time is reduced compared to flying to one of the islands.
Your article makes deciding where to go much easier with information about what you can do in the area and what to expect. We have friends that mention areas to go but they always return to the same place, and we find we like to check out more areas to get a better appreciation for what is available.
Thanks for the information.
I like to do a little of both. I go to St. Pete Beach a lot, but then I also like to check out other beaches in Florida as well. Glad you enjoyed reading Travis.
At my age, backpacking is always an option! (sometimes…the only option) so I’m glad that such beautiful destinations can still offer these opportunities to travel savvy youth.
Speaking of youth (and money), is there any value in going during the off-season?
I’ve been to amazing places on a budget because I traveled during those times.
Yes, the hotels will be cheaper off season, so yes there would be value 🙂 And heck, the weather will be still nice, and St. Augustine beach will be less crowded. A win-win 🙂
I just finished reading St. Augustine Beach Vacations. Thank you for the travel guide through the area. I love Florida vacations, they have great beaches on both coasts. As yet I have not been to St. Augustine but a friend has suggested we go to play some golf at a course he likes in the area. I think we’ll go.
Allan
Yes, Allan you will like the area and there are a few great golf courses in the area. Have fun and let me know if you need any additional information!
I was interested in your website because my husband and I travel quite a bit since we retired. I was especially interested in your analyzation of the best times to look for plane flights and of course packages for hotel stays.
We have found that the Tues and Wednesday booking is the most economical and have used Priceline to book our flights when traveling in Africa. We did have many one way flights because of the times of our tours, but it was the most economical way to fly.
On another trip to Ireland, we were able to book our nightly stays in bed and breakfasts. We enjoyed the opportunity of meeting so many people and staying in many unique and out of the way homes.
I like your website and will be checking in with you again to learn more about travel. By the way, we are in Central Florida right now, so no beaches.
Blessings to you. Joyce
You are not far from beaches though 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed and hope you come back to Beach Travel Destinations more. And if there are any questions, I will be glad to answer them.
Wow what an amazing guide. This is great! I have been looking for info and your post has been an amazing place to begin.
As a family of 5 – 3 being kids, is there any accommodation that you would recommend for us to stay? I’d love to stay at a B&B, but I feel that with 3 kids this may be less enjoyable than if I were to stay with, say, my only Love and I.
– Nehpets
Ok, any Hampton Inn, Double Tree Inn or Comfort Inn & Suites are great for families. They are all available in St. Augustine. Thanks for reading the St. Augustine Beach Vacations guide. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
This is a great page. It’s really well organized and “clean”. I especially like the photos/logos next to each description of a place, whether it is a restaurant or a hotel.
Comments/questions I have are:
1. what’s a recommended number of days to spend if we wanted to make a family vacation (ie long weekend, a week, two weeks, etc) and maybe a recommended itinerary as it seems to offer much more than just beautiful beaches.
2. Is Airbnb an option for this area?
3. Are there recommended areas within St Augustine if you are: couples, singles, families, retired, etc.
I know you only wanted comments on this page, but I love your other pages and the images are so beautiful. I’m seriously thinking about our next beach vacation!
Hi there Ayako! I would recommend at least one week. My son and I generally go for one week. We generally will spend at least 3 of those days doing water sports, i.e. jet skiing, paddle boarding and things like that. Those are all available for rental at the beach. Then we allow one day for shopping, things we might want to take home or take to friends. The last are for travel and just lounging by the ocean and playing in the water. There are several Airbnb places on St. Augustine, so yes that is an option. I would say that all areas are great for everyone, that is just my personal feeling 🙂 Please let me know if you have any other questions, I would be more than happy to help 🙂
St. Augustine Beach reminds me of Cape Town with its sunny climate and beautiful beaches.
You certainly give the reader a lot of choices on vacations. I have never been on vacation to Florida and hope someday I will take that vacation with my family. I would probably book a holiday rental with all the amenities like sports etc and of course a stunning view of the sea.
And that would be a perfect vacation 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed reading about St. Augustine Beach.
This is such a great page with loads of useful information. I loved the video at the end of this page too! I live in Denmark and we’re desperate for some sun and beach and I really want to go to Florida now!
Then you need to make the trip! You would absolutely love St. Augustine Beach!
You have really made me want to go on holiday now! Thank you so much for sharing your travel insights. Your passion and experience shines through 🙂
You have given so much information about St Augustine beach that I almost feel like I know the place. You have given a great variety of places to go to cater for all travelers.
Great Sarah, that is my intention. As you can tell this is a huge passion of mine that just brings me joy. Love sharing it!
Great site! I love the list of all the hotels and restaurants and all the info on them! This site is super informative and helpful. I would definitely use this to help me plan a beach trip. I could see how this would help a lot of people plan their trip.
Keep up the good work! 🙂
Thanks so much Abbey! St. Augustine Beach is a really great place to visit in Florida.