St. Augustine Beach sits along Florida’s oldest coastline. It offers wide open sand, calm inlets, and warm water most of the year. Whether you want to relax or stay active, there’s plenty to fill your day.
This blog covers six ways to spend time here. You’ll find that the beach has something for every kind of traveler.
1. Sunbathe and Swim Along the Atlantic Shoreline
St. Augustine offers miles of soft, walkable sand and warm Atlantic water. These are the top locations for sunbathing and swimming
St. Augustine Beach (Ocean Pier Park)
This is the most popular stretch. It features wide sand, a splash park for kids, volleyball courts, easy parking, and restaurants close by. It’s a great pick if you want amenities within walking distance.
Anastasia State Park
The park offers four protected miles of coquina-sand beach. The water here stays calm, which makes it ideal for swimming. Natural dunes line the shore, giving the park a wilder, more untouched feel than the main beach strip.
Butler Beach
Butler Beach is quieter and more historic. The sand is soft, and lifeguards are on duty seasonally. It’s a good choice if you want fewer crowds without giving up beach access.
Crescent Beach
This beach sits further south. It’s known for an exceptionally wide, peaceful shoreline. The atmosphere here is relaxed, and the beach rarely feels crowded, even during busy months.
2. Fish the Waters of the Beach
St. Augustine has earned a reputation as a top fishing destination. The mild, year-round climate keeps fishing season open all year. Anglers travel from across the country to cast a line here.
You can fish right from the beach, off a pier, or from a boat further offshore. Surf fishing is especially popular in summer, when speckled sea trout, kingfish, pompano, and jack crevalle move close to shore. The trick is casting past the breaking waves into the trough just beyond them.
The St. Johns County Ocean Pier is one of the best local spots. It’s known for flounder, sea trout, sheepshead, and black drum. A Florida fishing license is included in the pier’s daily admission fee. This makes it an easy option for visitors without their own gear.
Other popular spots include Lighthouse Park, the Matanzas Inlet Bridge on A1A, and the Vilano Beach Pier. If you’re chasing something bigger, tarpon season runs from June through September near the Matanzas and St. Augustine inlets. These fish can weigh anywhere from 10 to over 150 pounds.
Offshore charters take anglers up to 30 miles into the Atlantic. Out there, you can find black sea bass, gag grouper, cobia, mahi, and even blackfin tuna. For a calmer trip closer to shore, inshore creeks and back bays are known for redfish, flounder, and black drum.
3. Kayak Near Crescent Beach on the Matanzas River
Want to explore the water instead of just sitting beside it? Kayaking near Crescent Beach is one of the best ways to do it.
GeoTrippin runs guided kayak tours out of Genung’s Fish Camp, right along the Matanzas River near Crescent Beach. We offer two very different experiences, depending on what kind of adventure you’re after.
Coastal tours paddle through the sunny, saltwater habitat of the Matanzas River. These trips are known for dolphin sightings and sea turtle encounters, making them a favorite for wildlife lovers who want to stay close to the beach.
Backcountry tours head inland instead, into shaded freshwater habitat near Deep Creek. These trips often bring sightings of alligators and manatees. They offer a completely different side of Florida’s ecosystem just a short drive from the coast.
Every tour is guided, so no paddling experience is required. Guides also plan around nature’s rhythm. Early morning tends to bring the most wildlife activity, though tours run throughout the day. If coastal winds pick up past 12 miles per hour, GeoTrippin can shift plans to the calmer backcountry route instead.
4. View Wildlife Along the St. Augustine Coast
St. Augustine’s coastline is also home to a surprising amount of wildlife. You can view much of it without ever leaving the beach area.
Anastasia State Park
It is one of the best places nearby to spot wading birds. You can rent a kayak and glide through the marshes, or simply scan the coastline for dolphins offshore.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
The park offers a completely different kind of wildlife viewing. Elevated boardwalks stretch over a natural rookery, where wading birds nest by the hundreds. Alongside the birds, you’ll also find alligators and a range of exotic reptiles on site.
Crescent Beach and Vilano Beach
Both beaches are worth a slow walk along the shoreline. Pelicans are a common sight here, often gliding low over the waves. Dolphins are frequently spotted surfing just offshore. Depending on the season, you might also catch sight of sea turtles or manatees passing through.
5. Ride Along the Cinnamon-Hued Sand
St. Augustine’s sand has a distinctive reddish-brown tint. Riding along it is one of the more memorable ways to see the coast. Here are the best places to ride.
The shoreline itself
The shoreline is rideable in several spots. St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, and Crescent Beach all offer flat, hard-packed sand. Time your ride around low tide to get the firmest surface and the smoothest path.
Anastasia State Park
It has flat, paved park roads with dedicated bike lanes. It gives you wide-open access to four miles of coastline. Entry for bicyclists costs just $2, making it an affordable ride in the area.
A1A Beach Boulevard and Nearby Side Streets
These places are quieter. Residential roads like F Street, Santander Street, and Atlantic View Road see far less traffic. They’re a good pick if you’d rather cruise at a relaxed pace than share the road with cars.
The Bridge of Lions and Downtown Loop
These are worth the extra mileage for history lovers. This scenic route runs 9 to 16 miles, starting from the beach and crossing the iconic Bridge of Lions before winding into historic downtown St. Augustine. It’s a great way to pair a beach day with a taste of the city’s colonial past.
However you choose to ride, the mix of open shoreline, quiet streets, and historic landmarks makes St. Augustine one of the more scenic coastal towns to explore on two wheels.
Plan Your Day at St. Augustine Beach
From sunbathing on wide, protected sand to paddling the Matanzas River with GeoTrippin, St. Augustine Beach offers more than a typical day at the shore. Cast a line, spot a dolphin, ride the cinnamon-colored sand, or simply relax by the water. However you spend your visit, this stretch of Florida’s coast will give you a great time.
FAQs
What is there to do at St. Augustine Beach?
St. Augustine Beach offers many ways to enjoy the coast. You can swim, sunbathe, fish, kayak, watch wildlife, and ride along the shoreline. You can also visit nearby parks and attractions. Crescent Beach and Anastasia State Park offer quieter coastal experiences.
How do I spend a day in St. Augustine?
Start with a morning at the beach or a kayak tour. Spend the afternoon fishing, cycling, or visiting a nearby attraction. You can also explore historic downtown St. Augustine. End your day with a relaxing walk along the shoreline.
How many days do you need to see St. Augustine, Florida?
Two to three days give you enough time to enjoy St. Augustine without rushing. You can explore historic downtown, visit the beaches, and enjoy outdoor activities. A longer stay gives you more time for kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and nearby attractions.
What’s the difference between St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach?
St. Augustine is the larger historic city known for its colonial sites, museums, and downtown. St. Augustine Beach is a coastal community south of the city. It focuses more on beaches, outdoor activities, fishing, cycling, and access to the Atlantic.
