Best Beaches for Families Visiting St. Augustine, Florida

Planning a family vacation to St. Augustine and trying to figure out which beach is best for your family?

One of the things visitors are often surprised by is how many different beach areas there are near St. Augustine and how different each one feels.

Some beaches are quieter and more natural. Some spots are easier for little kids. Some are better for walking to restaurants and ice cream afterward. Others are perfect if you want a less crowded experience.

If you’re visiting with children, here are some of the best family-friendly beaches in the St. Augustine area and what makes each one unique.

St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach is usually the first beach vacationing families think of when visiting St. Augustine, and for good reason. St. Augustine Beach has wide sandy beaches, easy public access, plenty of restaurants nearby, public restrooms and parking and is generally considered a family-friendly atmosphere

The pier area is especially popular, and nearby restaurants make it easy to spend an entire beach day here. This beach can get busy during spring break and summer, especially in the afternoons. You could easily stop at the beach in the morning and then venture out to the area to see some nearby attractions such as the St Augustine Alligator Farm or the St Augustine Light House. Some great restaurants in the area to stop at after the beach are Salt Life Food Shack, Sunset Grille, or the Beach Comber.

Vilano Beach

Vilano Beach is so quaint and charming. It reminds me of old school Florida. Vilano Beach has a quieter, more local feel compared to St. Augustine Beach. You’ll still find restaurants and beach access nearby, but it tends to feel calmer and less crowded. Vilano is especially beautiful in the mornings and around sunrise. After the beach, be sure to stop by Aunt Kate’s, Caps on the Water, or Beaches for a family friendly meal.

Crescent Beach

In my opinion, Crescent Beach is a hidden gem. If your family prefers a quieter beach with more open space, Crescent Beach is one of the best options near St. Augustine. The beach itself feels more peaceful and less tourist-heavy, especially compared to the main St. Augustine Beach area.

Families staying in vacation rentals often love this area because it feels slower and more residential. The beaches are wide, beautiful, and great for long walks. If you do not live in the area and are not renting there, need public beach access, then Crescent Beach Park will be your best bet for visiting this beach.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is located north of St. Augustine. Ponte Vedra Beach feels a little more upscale and peaceful.

The beaches here are beautiful and less crowded than many tourist-heavy areas. Many of the beach entrances only offer residential only parking, but if you are staying at a rental in the area, you have easy access to the beaches. Families often love Ponte Vedra for quieter mornings, beautiful natural dunes, luxury vacation rentals and a calmer overall atmosphere.

If you are not staying in a vacation rental in the area, you can access these beautiful beaches by visiting Guana North Beach Access.

Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park

Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park. Mickler’s is a favorite for many local families.

It’s known for beautiful dunes, natural beach scenery, good shell hunting and it has a more local feel

The beach itself is gorgeous, especially at sunrise. Families who want beautiful scenery often love this spot. It is best to get there early in the morning or later on in the evening. It gets very crowded mid day, especially on the weekends.

What Families Should Know About Florida Beaches

A few things vacationing families don’t always realize before visiting Northeast Florida:

Summer Afternoons Often Bring Storms

Especially from June through September, quick afternoon thunderstorms are very common.

Morning beach time is usually calmer and more comfortable.

The Sand Gets Hot

By midday in summer, the sand can become extremely hot for little feet. Heading out to the beach in the early morning or early evening are much more comfortable for young children.

Sea Turtle Season Matters

Sea turtle nesting season runs from May through October along Florida beaches. You may notice marked nesting areas during your visit, which is always exciting for kids to see.

Which Beach Is Best for Family Photos?

For family photography sessions, I typically recommend quieter beaches with softer light and fewer crowds, especially around sunrise. You really can’t go wrong with any of the beautiful beaches in the area. It all depends on the vibe you are going for and the personality of your family.

Thinking About Family Photos During Your Vacation?

Many families visiting St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra choose to schedule family photos during their trip as a way to document this season together.

I specialize in relaxed, connection-focused beach sessions for vacationing families visiting Northeast Florida.

You can learn more about my St. Augustine family photography sessions here.