St. Augustine Beach, Florida
St. Augustine Beach at the north end of the18 mile Anastasia Island is one of Florida’s most treasured natural splendors. Just five miles east of St. Augustine, it is close to many historic landmarks and points of interest. Anastasia Island lies between the Intracoastal Waterway to the west and the Atlantic to the east.
About The Community
Visitors to St Augustine Beach can reach it by crossing the towering span bridge of State Road 312, or over the Bridge of Lions from the historic district of St Augustine. Rumor has it that the Italian artist who sculpted the lions hundreds of years ago committed suicide from the shame of having left an ear and a tongue off the beast. One can also take the Old Town Trolley to St. Augustine Beach.
St. Augustine Beach is known for its wide, sandy beaches, breathtaking sunrises and small town, homey atmosphere. Sabal palms and sea oats grow wild along the sand dunes. Sunny and breezy all year round, the beautiful beaches, the area golf courses, fishing, beachfront hotels attract 5 million tourists every year. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, kite flying, picnicking on the beach and fishing. Shell collectors can find sand dollars, moon snails, and angel wings during a sunset beach walk.
Important Links
Fishing on St Johns Pier lures bluefish, whiting and drum, while deep-sea charter will reward you with snapper, kingfish, cobia and amberjack on. Freshwater fishing in St. John’s River catches panfish, bream and bass. Fishing tournaments are held during the summer on St. John’s Pier. St. Augustine Beach is famous for its seafood restaurants and casual beachfront dining.
Anastasia State Recreation Area is host to a bird sanctuary with 170 species of birds as well as a five-mile beach. The adventurous can go hiking and camping here and sailboard and paddle cruise rentals are available too. Surrounded by the Atlantic and the Salt Run Lagoon, stroll along its scenic walkways along the shore. The St. Augustine Lighthouse near the lagoon is still an active aid-to-navigation and watches over the windsurfers who flock to the Salt Run inlet.
Vicinity of St. Augustine Beach
Additional Details
St. Augustine Alligator Farm is near Anastasia State Park and is a stop on the Florida birding trail. Egrets, wood storks and tri-colored herons have long nested here. You can see all twenty-three species of crocodiles including rare white alligators. The nearby Faver-Dykes State Park has exotic wildlife and plush forestation undisturbed since Spanish explorers’ times. Bald eagles, alligators, bobcats, and wood storks are just some of the animals here. There are over twenty-five endangered animals inhabiting the park.
Ron Parker Park is a versatile recreation area with basketball and paddle tennis courts, picnic tables a playground and a softball diamond. Beachfront Bed and Breakfast is an oceanfront B & B where you can enjoy spectacular sunrises, and stunning ocean views and watch dolphins playing. Its Great Room Soaring boasts of vaulted ceilings with massive beams, warm pine floors, and the commanding brick fireplace with a massive hand-carved mantle. Pepper Tree Resort is a vacation rental and RV resort perfect for those who want the luxury and privacy of their own fully furnished vacation home.