St. Augustine may be famous for its historic streets and centuries-old landmarks, but its coastline deserves just as much attention. St. Johns County has 42 miles of Atlantic shoreline, giving families plenty of options for swimming, surfing, shell hunting, and relaxing by the water.
If you are staying in one of our St. Augustine vacation rentals, you can easily make the beach part of your daily plans. From popular stretches near restaurants and shops to quieter beaches north and south of town, here are several beaches worth visiting.
Saint Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is a great starting point for families who want plenty to do nearby. Its broad shoreline offers space for swimming, surfing, walking, and spending a full afternoon in the sun.
The St. Johns County Ocean Pier & Park area adds even more family-friendly features. Visitors will find beach access, parking, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a splash pad.
Travelers visiting in 2026 should note that the Ocean Fishing Pier is temporarily closed for repairs. The surrounding park amenities remain available, making this area one of the most convenient things to do in St. Augustine for families who want an easy beach day.
Crescent Beach
Head south from St. Augustine Beach to find Crescent Beach, a spacious stretch of shoreline known for its hard-packed sand. The firm surface is great for long walks, bike rides, beach games, and other activities. Swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding are also popular here.
Crescent Beachfront Park has parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, pavilions, and beach driving access. Vehicle access is available through Cubbedge Road, although beach conditions can affect when vehicles are allowed onto the sand.
Vilano Drive on Beach
Want a different Florida beach experience? St. Johns County permits vehicles on designated sections of its coastline, including access from the Vilano Beach Ramp. There are approximately 12 miles of county beaches where vehicle access is allowed.
Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended, and beach access can change with tides and sand conditions. A beach driving pass is required from March through September, and the speed limit on the sand is 10 mph.
Always check current access conditions before driving onto Vilano Beach.
Surfside Park Beach
Surfside Park is just north of the Vilano Bridge and provides easy access to a wide Atlantic beach. It can be a good alternative when you want to explore beyond the busier beaches around Anastasia Island.
The park has parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, and a pavilion. Keep an eye on the sand while walking the shoreline. Visitors sometimes find shells, shark teeth, and pieces of sea glass here.
Its convenient facilities also make Surfside Park easy to visit from our vacation rentals in St. Augustine without needing an elaborate plan for the day.
North Beach Park
Continue north along Coastal Highway to reach North Beach Park. This beachfront park is especially useful for families because you can combine time on the sand with other activities.
North Beach Park underwent a major renovation completed in early 2026. Improvements included a new restroom building, changing area, shaded playground, additional parking, and an upgraded walking trail. Visitors can also use the pavilion, grills, showers, and beach access.
Final Thoughts
There is no single best beach in St. Augustine. The right choice depends on the kind of day your family wants. St. Augustine Beach puts plenty of amenities close at hand, Crescent Beach offers room for recreation, and the beaches around Vilano give you another side of the area's coastline to explore. Try more than one during your stay. A morning at North Beach can feel very different from an afternoon walking Crescent Beach, even though both are only a short drive from the historic city.
Book Your St. Augustine Rental with TPG Vacation Rentals
A great beach trip is even better when you have a comfortable home to return to. The Proper Group offers vacation homes ranging from quaint two- and three-bedroom properties to spacious luxury homes that work well for family trips and reunions. Browse our St. Augustine rentals and find a home that keeps you close to the beaches, downtown attractions, dining, and everything else that makes this part of Florida worth exploring.
