Beaches Near Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine

Mickler's Landing is the main public access point along Ponte Vedra Beach's mostly-private oceanfront, with dune walkovers, off-beach parking, and leashed dogs allowed.

This recreation area offers picnic tables, grills, and limited off-beach parking, making it one of the easier spots to post up for a full day along Ponte Vedra's quiet coastline.

Vilano Beach, just across the bridge from St. Augustine, has the amenities Ponte Vedra Beach often lacks showers, restrooms, and a dedicated parking area; making it a go-to recommendation for visitors and new residents alike.

Vilano Beach has two drive-on access points off Vilano Road and Genoa Road, letting you park right on the sand with a St. Johns County beach driving pass.

St. Augustine Beach allows vehicles on designated areas of the sand depending on tide and season, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day and plenty of regular and accessible parking.

Frank B. Butler County Park gives direct beach access with parking, restrooms, and two shaded pavilions, a solid pick for a low-key beach day near downtown St. Augustine.

Crescent Beach sits about three miles south of St. Augustine Beach and offers a quieter alternative with plenty of sand, parking, and restrooms for a slower-paced beach day.

Anastasia State Park protects some of Florida's most pristine beach and dune habitat near St. Augustine, though it's a bird sanctuary where dogs aren't permitted on the sand.

Spyglass Access near St. Augustine Beach offers swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and parking for about 20 cars, with a wooden walkover to the sand and no restroom facilities.

Several beaches between Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine allow cars on the sand with a seasonal driving pass, and dogs are permitted leashed on most beaches — useful basics before a first visit.