Best Beaches Near St. Augustine (And How Far They Are)

TL;DR – Beaches Near St. Augustine

• Several beautiful beaches—including St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park, Vilano Beach, and Crescent Beach—are just minutes from downtown

• Each nearby beach offers a different vibe, from lively and convenient to quiet, natural, and uncrowded

• Staying downtown allows flexible beach days without committing to a single stretch of coastline

• Bella Donna makes easy day trips to the coast possible while keeping historic dining, shopping, and nightlife close at hand

Best Beaches Near St. Augustine (And How Far They Are)

While St. Augustine is best known for its history, beaches are never far away. One of the city’s biggest advantages is the ability to enjoy both charming downtown experiences and coastal relaxation—often on the same day.

This guide highlights the best beaches near St. Augustine, what each offers, and how far they are from downtown so you can plan the perfect balance of city and shore.

St. Augustine Beach (Approx. 10 Minutes)

St. Augustine Beach is the most accessible and popular beach near downtown. Located on Anastasia Island, it offers wide stretches of sand, beach access points, and nearby amenities.

Why visitors love it:

• Easy access

• Nearby cafés and shops

• Lively but not overwhelming

It’s ideal for half-day beach trips or sunset walks.

Anastasia State Park (Approx. 15 Minutes)

For a more natural experience, Anastasia State Park offers unspoiled beaches, dunes, and scenic views.

Best for:

• Nature lovers

• Quieter beach days

• Walking trails and picnic areas

This beach feels more secluded while remaining close to town.

Vilano Beach (Approx. 15 Minutes)

Located north of downtown, Vilano Beach offers a laid-back vibe and beautiful views of the inlet.

Why it stands out:

• Less crowded than St. Augustine Beach

• Casual dining nearby

• Scenic coastal atmosphere

It’s a favorite for relaxed afternoons and sunsets.

Crescent Beach (Approx. 20 Minutes)

Crescent Beach offers long, peaceful stretches of sand—perfect for travelers seeking space and quiet.

Ideal for:

• Long walks

• Low-key beach days

• Fewer crowds

It’s a great option when you want to disconnect without going far.

Which Beach Is Best for You?

• Closest & most convenient: St. Augustine Beach

• Natural & scenic: Anastasia State Park

• Relaxed & uncrowded: Vilano Beach

• Spacious & quiet: Crescent Beach

Each beach serves a different purpose depending on your mood.

Why Downtown Makes the Best Home Base

Many travelers choose to stay near the beach—but for short trips, staying downtown often works better.

Downtown stays allow you to:

• Enjoy beach days without committing

• Avoid driving every evening

• Mix city and coastal experiences

Bella Donna offers this flexibility—making it easy to enjoy beaches as day trips rather than obligations.

A Balanced Beach-Day Strategy

A typical beach day might look like:

• Morning downtown coffee

• Late-morning beach visit

• Afternoon return for rest

• Evening dining or nightlife

This balance keeps beach days refreshing rather than exhausting.

For nearby attractions and planning ideas, explore the Things to Do in St. Augustine page.

Final Recommendation

St. Augustine’s beaches are close, varied, and easy to enjoy—especially when you stay downtown. By treating the coast as a day-trip destination, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Staying somewhere central and comfortable like Bella Donna allows you to enjoy beach days on your terms—without sacrificing historic charm or convenience.

Ready to Plan Your Coastal Escape?

Enjoy sunny beach days and charming city nights with the perfect home base. Book your stay at Bella Donna today and experience St. Augustine with the flexibility it deserves.

👉 Book now at https://www.stabelladonna.com/