With history dating back to 1565, St Augustine is one of the oldest European settlements in America. Visiting this relatively small coastal city is like taking a step back in time. Stroll down the picturesque narrow cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful colonial architecture. The old part of the town is home to numerous art galleries, small boutiques, seafood restaurants and streets filled with colors and music. It is not just the rich history and the mouth-watering cuisine that make St Augustine one of the best summer holiday destinations. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, St Augustine is home to approximately 50 miles of stunning white sandy beaches, some of which known to be the best across the United States of America. Start planning your summer holiday getaway, because Florida‘s Crown Jewel of the Beaches – St Augustine Beach is calling your name!
St Augustine – Florida’s Crown Jewel of the Beaches
As one of the most pristine white sandy beaches located along the Atlantic Coast, St Augustine Beach is the perfect spot to spend a day relaxing by the beach. The beach’s proximity to colorful bars and restaurants and the relaxing and laid-back atmosphere combine together to make St Augustine Beach Florida‘s Crown Jewel of the Beaches.
Location of St Augustine Beach
Quietly sitting on the Atlantic coast, the city of St Augustine is known as one of the best summer holiday destinations. Visitors can choose between a wide variety of beaches from more secluded and remote ones to lively and dynamic coastal areas offering numerous ways to spend a fun family day on the beach. Situated on the southern side of Anastasia Island, St Augustine Beach is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in the resort.
Getting to St Augustine Beach
St Augustine Beach is located approximately 6 miles away from the old part of the town. The fastest and easiest way to get to the beach is via the A1A Highway. Depending on traffic, you can expect between 15-20 minutes before reaching the main entrance point at Ocean Pier. Stretching for 4 miles, St Augustine has a number of other access points, so you can also use the one that is closest to you.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is approximately 50 minutes north of St Augustine. Check out the best domestic flight deals.
Working Hours and Entrance Fee
As a public beach, St Augustine is open 24 hours per day all year-round. There is no entrance fee to access the beach. Driving along St Augustine beach is also allowed within the designated area, however, during the peak season from March until September, visitors who would like to drive on the beach are required to pay a fee of $10 per day. For active military members and handicapped visitors there is a 50% discount.
Staying Overnight
Camping at St Augustine Beach is not permitted, however, there are some extremely peaceful and quiet campgrounds nearby. One of the options is St Augustine Beach KOA campsite, which does not only feature RV facilities and tent sites, but it also offers deluxe cabins. Another option is to head to the recreational area of Anastasia State Park. Covering approximately 1,600 acres this state park protects the beautiful white sandy beaches and rich fauna diversity of the St Augustine area.
Alternatively, if you are planning a more luxurious overnight stay, you can check some of the accommodation options within the city of St Augustine. Some of the most popular hotels in the Anastasia Island area are Hampton Inn St Augustine Beach, Castillo Real and Hilton Garden Inn St Augustine Beach.
Facilities
As a relatively popular beach, St Augustine offers various facilities, without being too commercialized. The main amenities, such as restrooms, showers, a large picnic pavilion with tables and volleyball court are located near the main entrance by the Ocean Pier. In this area, families can also find a playground perfect for the little ones. The beach is conveniently located only a block away from numerous stores, restaurants and bars. As a result, the beach remains extremely family-friendly with a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, yet its close proximity to various facilities allows visitors to have a more dynamic and vivid afternoon as well.
Activities
The white sand of St Augustine Beach, surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are calling for a fun family day at the beach! People can enjoy various activities such as, playing beach volleyball, building sand castles, sunbathing or just relaxing on the beach. If you enjoy outdoor sports, you would be happy to know that with its bigger waves, the beach is also perfect for surfing. Depending on the swimming conditions, kids can also try body boarding.
The beach often gets a lot of shells, so a stroll along the beachfront in search of some interesting and unique shells is also a good idea for a more relaxing afternoon. Another option is to take a walk along the pier for an extra charge of $2 per person. Well-known among fishermen, keep in mind that sometimes the pier can get a bit noisy and crowded.
Pet owners will be happy to know that the beach is also dog friendly, so you can take your furry friend for a walk along the beach. Please keep in mind that this is a family-friendly area with a lot of kids running around, so make sure that your dog is leashed and well-behaved.
Last but not least, there is a bike rental place near the beach. Get a bike for a few hours and get to explore the neighborhood’s streets or even ride on the beach, while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
Are you getting your packs ready? Florida‘s Crown Jewel of the Beaches is waiting for you! The beautiful sandy St Augustine beach is the perfect spot to spend your summer holiday getaway.
