Best Beaches
With 42 miles of beaches , you can discover your perfect day on Florida ’ s Historic Coast no matter what your pleasure . Maybe that ’ s why Tripadvisor users consistently select St . Augustine Beach as a Top 10 Beach in the U . S .
Right & opposite page photos : Glenn Hastings
GTM North Beach Walkover
Vilano Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach
6 Best Beaches
PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Elegant resorts along with challenging golf courses line the shore of this serene beach . Mickler ’ s Landing ( pronounced mike-lers ) is a popular access point for visitors . The beaches at GTM Research Reserve feature a historical marker , a life-size statue of Ponce de León and a dune overlook platform that includes interpretive panels describing Ponce ’ s 1513 journey when he sighted land at this very spot . Beauty , history and unspoiled nature combined to put Ponte Vedra Beach on CNN ’ s list of 22 Can ’ t-Miss U . S . Beaches .
VILANO BEACH
A popular beach destination since Henry Flagler ’ s millionaire friends of the late 1800s enjoyed it . Tucked away in this charming little beach town , you ’ ll find shopping , fun eateries and beach cottages to rent . Coquina sands , along with a near-shore break , make it popular with skimboarders , surfers and kite boarders . It ’ s also home of the annual Florida Skimboarding Pro Am Tournament at the end of August .
ANASTASIA STATE PARK
White quartz sand beckons beachgoers at one of Florida ’ s most popular parks . The northern three miles are for beach walkers only and most signs of civilization are hidden away well beyond the dunes .
ST . AUGUSTINE BEACH
Everything is here for the ideal beach vacation — sunny accommodations , tropical seaside restaurants , a beachfront park with an impressive fishing pier , pavilion , splash park and sand volleyball , plus a decidedly laid-back attitude . TravelChannel . com listed St . Augustine Beach # 6 in its list of 30 Best Beaches in the World for Families .
BUTLER BEACH
Once one of the few designated African American beaches in Florida , the end of segregation opened it to everyone . Today , the area is a mixture of private homes and condos , but many public-access points make it easily reachable . Showers and restrooms are available .
CRESCENT BEACH
Located on Anastasia Island , this beach is so named because the shoreline has a natural crescent moon shape . Miles of broad , white sand are an irresistible appeal among beachgoers . This particular stretch of beach is one of the most scenic and unspoiled in the area , perfect for eco-tourists and beachcombers .
MATANZAS INLET
One of the many beautiful coastal areas in the destination , Matanzas Inlet abounds with pristine beaches and gentle waterways to enjoy all day long . It ’ s a fisherman ’ s favorite as well .
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