EXPLORE
Today, this thriving community has come to be
considered one of the most luxurious and prestigious
recreational and residential destinations in Florida, if
not the entire country. It was voted Money magazine’s
14 ST. JOHNS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“Best Place to Live in Florida” and among the top 50
places to live in the United States. With above-average
income, low crime rate and top-performing schools,
This is a great place to live and work!
Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach is synonymous with sand and water, as it is located on the northeastern
coast of Florida and surrounded by water on nearly every side. Bordered by the Atlantic
Ocean on the east, the Intracoastal Waterway on the west, and the St. Augustine Inlet
on the south, Vilano Beach is the perfect picture of a sunny Florida town.
Driving into Vilano Beach is a highly recommended
experience itself. From St. Augustine, simply follow
A1A north, over the Usina Bridge (also known as the
“Vilano Bridge”). The vista that emerges as you reach
the crest of the bridge is one of stunning, almost
surreal beauty.
Rest, Relaxation and Lots of Fun
A boardwalk with environmental signage passes over
the saltwater marsh and beneath the Usina Bridge,
joining the residential area and Town Center. Vilano
Beach offers two pavilions with public access to the
ocean and river, one of which features a children’s
splash fountain.
The area is one of the most popular spots in the
county for swimming, surfing and skim boarding.
But if more adventurous activities are to your liking,
you won’t miss out on any of the action here; rent
a deep-sea or fresh-water charter and enjoy a day
of fishing. Parasailing, windsurfing and jet-skiing
equipment is also available for rental.
There are a handful of hotels and motels
situated within walking distance to the beach, as well as
several eclectic restaurants with oceanside seating
and Intracoastal views sprinkled along Coastal
Highway A1A.
Vilano Area Beaches
North Beach – Over the Vilano Bridge on A1A North at
second highway walkover. Facilities include restrooms,
showers, highway walkover, off beach parking, grills,
playground, and picnic pavilion. Pavilion use is on a
first come, first serve basis. Sunbathing and fishing are
popular activities on this coquina-type beach.
Surfside – One-half mile north of the Vilano vehicle
access ramp on Highway A1A. Offers newly-renovated
restrooms, dune walkover, showers and picnic tables.
Pavilion is available on a first come, first serve basis.
This beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, fishing,
horseback riding and 4x4 driving. Horseback riding is
allowed north of the Surfside access ramp year-round
with a special beach-use permit. Beach driving/parking
is permissible with a special beach-use permit. To
obtain a permit go to www.sjcfl.us/HCP/Permits.aspx.
Usina Beach – Four miles north of Vilano Beach on
Highway A1A. Beach offers endless recreational uses
including fishing, sunbathing, beachcombing, surfing,
and vehicle access ramp. Beach driving/parking is
permissible with a special beach-use permit only. To
obtain a permit go to www.sjcfl.us/HCP/Permits.aspx.
Anastasia Island
Just across the Intracoastal Waterway from St. Augustine you will find Anastasia Island,
a barrier island lined with wide, sandy beaches. It offers sun-seekers a number of
options in addition to the well-known St. Augustine Beach, home of the St. Johns
County Ocean Pier and Pavilion, which features a splash fountain and playground
for children to enjoy.
St. Augustine Beach is an area boasting a variety
of motel, hotel, condominium and camping resort
accommodations, and is located four miles south
of downtown St. Augustine on Highway A1A Beach
Boulevard in the City of St. Augustine Beach.
Area Beaches
Anastasia State Park – At the St. Augustine Inlet,
one mile east of downtown St. Augustine and directly
north of St. Augustine Beach on Highway A1A. A little
farther north, Lighthouse Pier invites fishermen to the
tranquil Salt Run, a tributary of Matanzas Bay that
separates the popular Anastasia State Park from the
city limits of St. Augustine.
Frank B. Butler County Park – Two miles south of
St. Augustine Beach on Highway A1A. Butler Beach
was developed as a recreation area for blacks during
/Permits.aspx
/Permits.aspx