Best Beaches in St. Augustine & How to Get There Without Parking Stress
Local Guide from Abraxi Taxi
Looking for the Best Beaches in St. Augustine?
St. Augustine is not just history and downtown nightlife — it’s also home to some of the best beaches on Florida’s northeast coast.
But locals know something tourists learn quickly:
Summer parking can become a nightmare.
Between beach traffic, limited parking, concerts, and holiday weekends, getting to the beach can take longer than expected.
After 18+ years driving in St. Augustine, here is a real local guide to the best beaches — plus how to enjoy them without fighting traffic all day.
More local guides: https://www.abraxitaxi.org/
Book transportation: 904 599 6666
- St. Augustine Beach
The most popular beach in the area for visitors and locals alike.
Why people love it:
- Wide sandy shoreline
- Restaurants and bars nearby
- Fishing pier
- Volleyball courts
- Family friendly
Official info: https://www.staugbch.com/
Local Tip
Parking fills very early during:
- weekends
- holidays
- summer afternoons
If you are carrying coolers, umbrellas, or beach gear, being dropped off near the access points is much easier.
“Planning a concert after your beach day? See our St. Augustine Amp guide:”
https://www.abraxitaxi.com/st-augustine-amphitheatre-schedule-tickets-hotels/
- Vilano Beach
Vilano has a more relaxed, local feel with beautiful sunset views and less tourist traffic.
Perfect for:
- quieter beach days
- couples
- surfing
- waterfront dining
Nearby favorites:
- Cap’s on the Water
https://capsonthewater.com/
- Beaches at Vilano
https://www.beachesatvilano.com/
Why Locals Like It
You avoid some of the heavier St. Augustine Beach traffic while still staying close to downtown.
- Anastasia State Park
One of the most beautiful natural beaches in Florida.
Official Park info:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/anastasia-state-park
Known for:
- protected dunes
- kayaking
- nature trails
- wildlife
- quieter beach areas
Important Summer Tip
The park sometimes limits entry once parking is filled.
Arriving early — or using transportation — can save major frustration.
- Crescent Beach
A favorite for long peaceful walks and less crowded stretches of sand.
Perfect for:
- shell collecting
- sunrise photography
- quieter family trips
Many locals consider Crescent Beach one of the hidden gems of St. Johns County.
- Butler Beach
More laid back and residential, Butler Beach is popular with:
- locals
- surfers
- visitors staying in condominiums or Airbnb
Often easier parking than downtown beaches — but summer weekends still get crowded.
The Real Problem: Summer Beach Parking
Visitors often underestimate:
- A1A traffic
- limited beach parking
- heat walking from distant lots
- post-beach exhaustion
Especially during:
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- weekends
- concert nights at The Amp
Amp schedule & local guide:
https://www.abraxitaxi.com/st-augustine-amphitheatre-schedule-tickets-hotels/
Best Beach Bars & Food Stops
After a beach day, locals usually head somewhere cold and relaxed.
Salt Life Food Shack
https://www.saltlifefoodshack.com/
Sunset Grille
https://www.sunsetgrillea1a.com/
Mango Mango’s
Beachcomber Restaurant
https://www.beachcomberstaug.com/
Best Way to Get Around the Beaches
Visitors usually have 3 choices:
Walk
Great if staying beachfront.
Uber/Lyft
Works during slower hours — but surge pricing spikes during summer evenings.
Uber: https://www.uber.com/
Lyft: https://www.lyft.com/
Abraxi Taxi
Best for:
- beach gear
- coolers
- groups
- sunset pickups
- nightlife after the beach
- avoiding parking entirely
- View rates: https://www.abraxitaxi.com/rates
Sunset Strategy (Local Advice)
Smart locals:
- arrive early
- stay through sunset
- avoid leaving during peak traffic
- grab dinner nearby
- let someone else drive
The beach experience becomes a lot more relaxing when you are not hunting for parking or sitting in traffic afterward.
Best Beach by Situation
| Situation | Best Beach |
| Family beach day | St. Augustine Beach |
| Quiet sunset | Vilano Beach |
| Nature & trails | Anastasia State Park |
| Long walks | Crescent Beach |
| Local vibe | Butler Beach |
The best beaches in St. Augustine are absolutely worth visiting — but planning ahead makes a dramatic difference.
If you:
- avoid peak parking times
- know which beach fits your vibe
- plan transportation early
…you’ll enjoy the beach instead of fighting traffic all day.
Plan Your Beach Ride
Abraxi Taxi provides:
✔ beach transportation
✔ nightlife pickups
✔ concert rides
✔ flat-rate local service
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/
Abraxi Taxi is a St. Augustine transportation service offering beach transportation, nightlife rides, and flat-rate local transportation throughout St. Johns County.
Beachfront Hotels & Places to Stay in St. Augustine
Whether you want a luxury beachfront resort, a laid-back beach motel, or easy access to restaurants and nightlife, St. Augustine has excellent beach accommodations.
Many visitors stay near the beach and use transportation services to avoid parking stress downtown or at concerts and events.
Transportation rates: https://www.abraxitaxi.com/rates
Local guides & blog: https://www.abraxitaxi.org/
Hotels Near St. Augustine Beach
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach
Direct beach access, pool, and walking distance to restaurants and bars.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ustabes-embassy-suites-st-augustine-beach/
Perfect for:
- families
- wedding guests
- beach vacations
Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach
Popular oceanfront stay with beach access and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
https://www.guyharveystaugustinebeach.com/
Great for:
- couples
- fishing trips
- beach weekends
La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites
A quieter beachfront option close to the sand and local restaurants.
https://www.lafiestaoceaninn.com/
Hotels Near Vilano Beach
Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach
Modern hotel with rooftop views and quick access to downtown and the beach.
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/sguvz-hyatt-place-st-augustine-vilano-beach
Magic Beach Motel
Retro Florida beach charm with a local feel.
Beach Camping & Cottage Stays
St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday
RV sites, tent camping, and small cottage-style cabins near the beach.
https://koa.com/campgrounds/st-augustine-beach/
Popular for:
- families
- concert weekends
- budget-friendly beach stays
Why Visitors Use Transportation at the Beach
Summer beach traffic can be rough, especially:
- weekends
- holidays
- concert nights
- sunset rush
Many visitors:
✔ stay beachfront
✔ use local transportation for downtown trips
✔ avoid parking fees and long walks
Contact Abraxi Taxi: https://www.abraxitaxi.com/
“Visiting without a rental car? Read our transportation guide:”
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/taxi-vs-uber-st-augustine