Planning a St. Augustine beach vacation in 2025? Welcome to Florida’s oldest city, where sun-soaked beaches meet centuries old history. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine blends the allure of cobblestone streets with the attraction of the Atlantic coast, making it a perfect getaway for locals from Jacksonville or Palm Coast and vacationers alike.
In 2025, expect vibrant events like Nights of Lights, new eco-tours, and more suitable historic reports. Whether surfing at Anastasia State Park or exploring Castillo de San Marcos, this guide covers the best beaches, historical sites, activities, dining, and travel tips for an unforgettable St. Augustine beach vacation. Let’s dive into why St. Augustine is a Florida must-visit destination in 2025.
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ToggleTop St. Augustine Beaches for Your 2025 Vacation
St. Augustine shoreline is a treasure trove of sandy beaches, each with its vibe. Here’s an observation of the best beaches in St Augustine Florida for your 2025 trip.
Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park, spanning 1,600 acres, offers 4 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, perfect for a St. Augustine beach holiday. Surf the waves, kayak through salt marshes, or spot uncommon birds just like the roseate spoonbill. In 2025, new eco-tours discover the park’s dunes, and sunset drumming circles upload a unique vibe. The park’s Coquina Quarry, a historical gem, provided stone for Castillo de San Marcos.
Local Tip: Visit mid-week at 4 PM to avoid crowds, then head to O’Steen’s Restaurant (10 minutes away) for his or her famous fried shrimp. Surfboard and kayak rentals are available online, making it ideal for adventurers searching for Anastasia State Park activities.
St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach Florida is a family-friendly favourite with soft sand and a lively boardwalk. Fish off the pier, sunbathe, or enjoy picnics with ocean views. In 2025, assume increased boardwalk events and meals truck festivals showcasing neighborhood flavors like fresh seafood tacos. It’s best for families or couples looking for a colourful St. Augustine seashore vacation.
Local Tip: Park near A Street for clean get admission to and grab a coffee at Island Donuts, a local gem just steps away.
Vilano Beach

For a quieter break out, Vilano Beach gives an unfashionable vibe with calm waters and soft sands, best for shell collecting or paddleboarding. In 2025, new boutique hotels and weekly farmers markets elevate its charm.
Local Tip: Head to Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park without cost parking and picnic areas, a favorite amongst Florida locals. This hidden gem is ideal for a calming St. Augustine beach vacation.
Historical Attractions to Explore
St. Augustine’s wealthy history, dating returned to 1565, makes it a haven for history buffs. Here are the top St. Augustine historic sites to go to in 2025.
Castillo de San Marcos

The Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry citadel in the U.S., is a must-see. Built from coquina stone in the 17th century, it withstood sieges and storms. Today, it gives guided tours and cannon-firing demonstrations that bring St. Augustine history to life. In 2025, new interactive reveals explore Spanish colonial records, and middle of the night ghost tours add a spooky twist.
Local Tip: Book tickets online at nps.Gov/casa to skip strains, specifically at some stage in peak seasons like spring or Nights of Lights.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Climb 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast. This working lighthouse, paired with a maritime museum, showcases shipwreck artifacts and local history. In 2025, augmented reality tours highlight memories of misplaced ships, making it successful for all ages.
Local Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and forestall by using The Floridian for Southern delicacies nearby. It’s a highlight of any St. Augustine beach vacation.
Flagler College

Housed in the former Ponce de León Hotel, Flagler College is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Guided tours in 2025 dive into Henry Flagler’s legacy, who shaped modern Florida. The campus’s Tiffany stained-glass windows are a highlight. Local Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll down St. George Street in Historic Downtown St. Augustine for shopping and dining at spots like The Kookaburra.
Housed in the former Ponce de León Hotel, Flagler College is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Guided tours in 2025 dive into Henry Flagler’s legacy, who formed cutting-edge Florida. The campus’s Tiffany stained-glass windows are a highlight.
Local Tip: Combine your go to with a stroll down St. George Street in Historic Downtown St. Augustine for shopping and dining at spots like The Kookaburra.
Activities for Every Traveler
A St. Augustine beach vacation isn’t just much beaches and history. Here are the top activities to make your 2025 journey unforgettable.
Surfing
St. Augustine’s waves attract surfers to Anastasia State Park and St. Augustine Beach. Rent boards at Pit Surf Shop or join training for novices.
Local Tip: Check tide charts for most appropriate browsing situations, mainly in spring.
Kayaking
Explore salt marshes and tidal creeks at Anastasia State Park or Guana River. New eco-kayak tours in 2025 will focus on local flora and fauna, like dolphins and manatees.
Local Tip: Book via St. Augustine Eco Tours for a guided revel in with local insights.
Ghost Tours
St. Augustine haunted history comes alive with ghost tours at the Old Jail or Spanish Military Hospital Museum. These spooky walks are perfect for thrill-seekers.
Local Tip: Book night excursions for a chilling vibe, specially for the duration of October.
2025 Events
- Nights of Lights (Nov 2025–Jan 2026): St. Augustine glows with millions of holiday lights, perfect for family outings or romantic strolls.
- Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series (Feb 2025): Celebrate African American heritage with stay music at Fort Mose Historic State Park.
- Pirate & Treasure Festival (Spring 2025): Enjoy pirate reenactments, food stalls, and family-friendly fun.
Dining, Accommodations, and Travel Tips
Make your St. Augustine beach vacation seamless with these sensible guidelines for dining, staying, and getting around.
Dining
Savor local flavors at these St. Augustine spots:
- O’Steen’s Restaurant: Famous for fried shrimp and Southern sides, a must for locals and visitors.
- The Floridian: Offers farm to table Southern dishes with vegetarian options.
- Nalu’s Tropical Takeout: Grab poke bowls or tacos near Vilano Beach for a quick beachside meal. In 2025, new beachfront dining options at Vilano Beach will add fresh seafood and craft cocktails.
Local Tip: Reserve a table at O’Steen, as it fills up fast, especially during Nights of Lights.
Accommodations
Choose from a range of options for your 2025 stay:
- Budget: Casa Monica Resort offers affordable luxury with historic charm.
- Boutique: New hotels at Vilano Beach provide cozy, modern vibes.
- Vacation Rentals: Airbnb options near St. Augustine Beach are great for families.
- Local Tip: Book early for November–January to secure spots during Nights of Lights.
Travel Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Spring (March–May) for mild weather; avoid summer crowds for a quieter trip.
- Getting There: Drive from Jacksonville (45 min), Orlando (2 hr), or fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).
- Parking: Free at Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park; paid lots near downtown and St. Augustine Beach.
- Local Tip: Use the free ParkStAug shuttle in downtown during peak seasons to avoid parking hassles.
Accommodation Type | Price Range | Best For | Example |
Budget Hotel | $100–$150/night | Solo travelers, couples | Casa Monica Resort |
Boutique Hotel | $150–$250/night | Romantic getaways | Vilano Beach hotels |
Vacation Rental | $200–$400/night | Families, groups | Airbnb near St. Augustine Beach |
Conclusion
St. Augustine in 2025 is the ultimate destination for a St. Augustine beach vacation, blending global-elegance beaches with a rich tapestry of records. From browsing at Anastasia State Park to exploring the historic Castillo de San Marcos, there’s something for every tourist.
Whether you’re a Florida nearby from Jacksonville or a tourist in search of a unique getaway, this guide has you covered. Plan your trip today, share this guide with friends, and subscribe for more Florida beach vacation guides. Make 2025 your year to find out St. Augustine’s attraction.
FAQs
1. Is St. Augustine good for families?
Yes, St. Augustine is ideal for families, with kid-friendly beaches like St. Augustine Beach Florida, interactive tours at Castillo de San Marcos, and events like Nights of Lights. The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum offers fun for kids.
2. What’s the best beach in St. Augustine?
It depends on your vibe: Anastasia State Park for nature lovers, St. Augustine Beach for families, and Vilano Beach for a quiet retreat. Each offers unique perks for a St. Augustine beach vacation.
3. Are there free activities in St. Augustine?
Absolutely! Enjoy free beach access, explore Vilano Beach farmers’ markets, or take self-guided walks in Historic Downtown St. Augustine. Fort Mose Historic State Park offers free entry for history buffs.
4. What’s new in St. Augustine for 2025?
Look out for new eco-tours at Anastasia State Park, augmented reality experiences at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and expanded events like the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series.