Best of The Beaches of St. Johns

A Quick Guide to our favorite Beaches

Guana Reserve 
(with 3 access points)
If you want to get away from the crowds drive a little further down A1A past Mickler and you’ll find a slice of north Florida paradise with $3 parking (was waived during quarantine) and a walkover/across.  Once you have settled in, feast your eyes on fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and birds of all sizes. We even thought we saw a manatee once.The beach is a bit narrow but if privacy is what you crave this one’s for you.

Crescent 
Wide open magnificent beaches here close to downtown but still far far away. Bring the kids and set up your place in the sun. Showers. Pavilion. Picnic tables. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

A-Street 
Down this sunny little street past lots of great food spots, bike rentals and human activity is this stunning beach with views of the pier in the distance. Great for people watching but still not too crowded. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

Matanzas
On one side is the ocean, craggy rocks & tide pools, spectacular views! A wild no-man’s land where it's fun to watch surfers ride the waves and explore the natural beauty. On the other side are the peaceful waters of the inlet, usually a bit crowded with paddle boarders, boaters, & picnickers. Matanzas never ever disappoints.

​Mickler
A good old standby beach, usually crowded but an easy twenty-minute drive from northern St. Johns. Bathrooms and water to rinse your feet give this beach a bonus, and if you walk down far enough you can still find peace and privacy. Although all our beaches are a shark tooth hunters paradise, Mickler might be the king. Showers. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

Vilano
A couple of access points plus the ability to drive on the beach in some places make this a fun way to spend the day, catch some rays and swim with the porpoises. When your done, head to one of the many awesome restaurants along A1A or in the town of Vilano. Showers. Pavilion. Picnic tables. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

Butler
Rarely crowded, yet another wide open beach for dropping your beach chairs and umbrella or bringing a surfboard.  Spend the day soaking in those good vibes and moving back from the tide as it rolls in.