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The best family beaches around St. Augustine are St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park, Vilano Beach and Butler Beach, and St. Augustine Beach is the simplest with kids. It is wide and flat, has restrooms, showers and pavilions, and county lifeguards work its towers from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anastasia is the state park with undeveloped dunes and guarded swimming areas in summer, Vilano has coquina sand and a fishing pier, and Butler is the quiet residential stretch. We choose beaches for a short walk from the car and a bathroom close by.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine Beach | Restrooms/Showers | View Details → |
| Anastasia State Park | Picnic Areas | View Details → |
| Vilano Beach | Fishing Pier | View Details → |
| Butler Beach | Restrooms | View Details → |
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is the easy, classic choice, simple to reach and set up on.
- The Beach: Wide and flat, with county Marine Rescue lifeguards along several miles of coastline from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (St. Johns County). Swim in front of a staffed tower.
- Key Amenities: Restrooms, showers and pavilions.
- Tip: Use the public lots early and your gear only travels a few steps.
Good to know: It is popular, so the spaces near the boardwalk go first.
Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park is the natural option, quieter than the town beaches.
- The Beach: Undeveloped dunes, and its designated swimming areas are monitored by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day (St. Augustine visitors bureau). It is open Atlantic surf, so check the flag.
- Key Amenities: Picnic areas, lifeguards in season and restrooms.
- Tip: A portable sunshade turns a picnic table into a shaded lunch spot.
Good to know: There is a small vehicle entry fee at the gate.
Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach has coquina sand and suits older kids who like beachcombing.
- The Beach: Firmer sand and livelier currents than the other beaches.
- Key Amenities: A fishing pier, restrooms and public showers.
- Tip: Stay near the pier for parking and snacks.
Good to know: The currents are stronger here. Stay close to younger kids at the water.
Butler Beach
Butler Beach is the quiet, residential choice, good for a low-key picnic.
- The Beach: Fewer people and plenty of sand for building.
- Key Amenities: Basic restrooms and showers at the public accesses.
- Tip: Pack a full cooler so you do not have to give up your spot.
Good to know: Parking is limited. Arrive by mid-morning, before the locals.
FAQs About Family Beaches in St. Augustine
Are these beaches stroller-friendly?
Mostly. Many accesses have boardwalks or paved paths, but bring a stroller with big wheels for the soft sand.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings. The weekend crowds are gone and parking near the entrances is easy.
Do I need to pay for beach access?
Most public beaches here are free. Anastasia State Park charges a small vehicle fee, and some lots charge for parking, so check the signs.
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