Vilano Beach
St. Augustine, FL
Vilano Beach sits just across the Usina Bridge from historic downtown St. Augustine, a real advantage for anyone wanting beach time and old city sightseeing in the same trip. A pavilion and beachfront park anchor the main access point, with beach driving allowed on parts of the sand for permit holders.
The easy crossing to downtown St. Augustine gives it a real edge for combining a beach day with sightseeing, though weekend parking fills fast enough to require an early start.
How we score beachesA beach driving pass is required from March through September if planning to drive on the sand, get one ahead of time rather than assuming it's available on arrival. Doggy waste bags are stocked at most walkovers and vehicle ramps, handy since leashes are required.
Parking areas near the main access fill quickly on weekends and holidays; arrive early.
The beachfront park and pavilion have short, flat paths to the sand.
Leashed dogs are welcome, including in the water; owners must clean up after them.
Winter and spring bring mild, dry weather and the year's biggest crowds tied to St. Augustine's tourist season. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, bring the warmest water.
More Atlantic Coast beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Eastham, MA · Atlantic Coast
A National Seashore beach backed by grassy dunes and a tidal marsh, with clean Atlantic surf and one of the Cape's most scenic approaches on foot from the parking area.
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, MA · Atlantic Coast
Open Atlantic swell and a wide sandy shoreline about three miles from Nantucket town, popular with locals for its bodysurfing waves and quieter, less commercial feel.
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY · Atlantic Coast
A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.