A word that seems to be synonymous with Florida: beaches. And for good reason, the Sunshine State has no shortage of shores that tempt the imagination, and no two are alike. With long stretches of sand, warm water temperatures, and consistently sunny weather, visiting the state is a no-brainer for individuals and families looking for a few days of shelling, swimming, and sandcastle-building. .

Squeezing the northeastern coast of Florida, the city of St Augustine is a great location for exploring the state’s Atlantic coast. As the oldest permanently occupied European colony in the United States, it’s known for its historic landmarks and attractions, but don’t sleep on the beach scene here. The waters are a bit more cheeky than those in the Gulf of Mexico, making it appealing to surfers and boogie surfers in the area. Wildlife viewing enthusiasts will also be delighted – crashing waves, grassy dunes and golden sands come together to create tropical habitats for the sea turtles and spoonbills that inhabit state parks and nature preserves. of the region and its surroundings.

From family-friendly beachfront parks to waterfront wildlife sanctuaries, you’re bound to find a strip of sand suited to your adventure – here are five of St Augustine’s best beaches.

Four miles of pristine shoreline nestle within the 1,600-acre reserve of Anastasia State Park. While the white-sand beach attracts sunbathers looking for a prime spot to roast, the white waters offer just enough choppy water to turn the heads of surfboard, sailboat, and stand-up paddleboarders.

Before heading out for an afternoon of swimming in salty waves, browse the park’s salt marshes and hammock reserves by taking one of the on-site nature trails. You will spot birds, turtles, and a variety of wildlife on your way. And if you pick the right time, you’ll be rewarded with one of the state’s most spectacular sunrises.

Camping is also an option here and available for $ 28 per night.

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St Augustine Beach offers a multitude of must-haves for a well-balanced beach day: you have seaside restaurants for after-sun snacks, a fishing pier, a beachside park, beach courts. -volley and a paddling pool for the little ones in the group. It has something for everyone, which is why it receives high marks when it comes to choosing the perfect location for a day at the beach.

The waves here are popular with kitesurfers and surfers alike, while the compacted sandy soil provides a solid surface for a leisurely bike ride along the coast.

If you’re looking to station yourself by the shore for the day but are daunted by the potential amount of gear you will need to purchase and lug around, there are a few beach rental cabins in St Augustine Beach that can provide all of the amenities. sun loungers and umbrellas you will need for the day.

Ponte Vedra is akin to the crown jewel of the St Augustine region’s beaches – with its turquoise waters and sugary sands, the region has attracted its fair share of posh resorts and luxury homes. Indeed, world fame TPC Sawgrass, host of The Players Championship golf course, is located nearby.

You’ll want to enter the beach through Mickler’s Landing, just two blocks east of the A1A, at the southern end of Ponte Vedra. Here you will find the area’s famous pink coquina sandy beaches (coquina is a type of sand made almost entirely of seashells) as well as beach goers looking for modern, fossilized shark teeth along the shore. There are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities as well – just take the wooden walkway near Mickler’s entrance through the 20-foot-high sand dunes for a closer view.

In St Augustine, channel your inland railroad mogul and set aside a day to soak up the sun on Vilano Beach. In the 1800s, it was the favorite beach of Florida East Coast Railway founder Henry Flagler and his wealthy friends. Today, it remains popular among locals, with its retro pier and art deco setting.

Located just north of the historic downtown St Augustine district, it’s one of the area’s best-kept secrets, offering an incredible vantage point to watch the sunset. But don’t expect a day floating calmly on a lounge chair – due to its location near Matanzas Inlet, the beach’s steep drop, more intense waves, and strong current make it better suited for surfing and surfing. skimboard.

Named after the natural shape of its coastline, Crescent Beach is a peaceful, sunny stretch of sand located on Anastasia Island, just 20 minutes from downtown St Augustine. You won’t find much development in the area – just a handful of rental homes and cottages – making this the perfect place to quietly get lost in a good book. In fact, it’s one of the most unspoiled beaches in the region, a highlight for ecotourists and beach purists alike.

For those looking for a more active experience, the hard sands of Crescent Beach also lend themselves to horseback riding, beach biking, peaceful jogging, and a round or two of Frisbee.