Vilano Beach

Vilano Beach, a sliver of land stretching not quite four miles from its southernmost point to the Beachwalk on Vilano, can be reached by taking A1A from downtown, across the Vilano Bridge.

This small region has thriving neighborhood groups and locally owned businesses, and is home to seaside and waterfront restaurants, hotels, and camping areas — and arguably the best and most challenging surfing beach in St. Augustine.

The area is known for being a good vantage for sunsets because the bit of land has a west coast that overlooks the marshes and the Tolomato River. You can watch the sunset from Cap's On the Water or Aunt Kate's Restaurant—both have docks for those arriving by boat. If you want a breathtaking view of the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, dine at The Reef. There are also entry points and docks if you're interested in offshore fishing, and there's a public boat ramp on the western side of the Vilano Bridge.

The small shopping district just across the bridge is home to a fishing and recreation pier, created from a portion of the old bridge. A visit to Vilano Beach must include a visit to the pier, and a photo op with Vilano’s Bluebird of Happiness statue. If you stay in Vilano, you can choose from a number of campgrounds and RV parks, or cottages such as those at the Beachcomber on Vilano, vacation rentals such as Wren Beach Rentals or hotels and motels, including Magic Beach Motel, the OceanView Lodge, and the St. Augustine Beach House.

If you're staying in Historic Downtown and want to be close to the beach, Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park is only 3.5 miles from the Plaza de la Constitución.