Best place to park to take a nice beach stroll?

Question

We are staying maybe 5-10 min drive from the ocean, and wondering where would could find an easy place to park in the morning before breakfast to take a stroll on the beach? Anastasia St. Park looks to be the closest area but wondered if there is better beaches to walk along in St. Augustine Beach. We are only in St. Augustine for 1 full day so wanted to at least see the beach for a short while before spending the day sightseeing and doing touristy stuff in the Historic Disctrict.

Answer

For a quick morning beach stroll near St. Augustine, you’re correct that Anastasia State Park is the most convenient option. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the main historic area, and it offers wide, clean beaches with easy access for walking. The park has parking lots right near the beach, so you can easily start your walk without a long trek from your car.

Other options for a morning beach walk:

St. Augustine Beach Pier area: The public parking lots near the pier make it easy to park and take a stroll along the sandy beach. This area also gives you nice views of the pier and is less crowded early in the morning.
Coquina Beach: About a 5–10 minute drive south of the city center, Coquina Beach has parking lots close to the sand and a quieter beach atmosphere. It’s good for a peaceful stroll and often less busy than the main beaches.
Vilano Beach: Across the Matanzas Bay to the north, Vilano Beach has several public parking areas along A1A. This beach offers a long stretch for walking, and you’ll get a slightly different perspective of the coastline.

Tips for your morning walk:

Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially if visiting in summer or fall.
Bring water and sunscreen, as morning sun can still be strong on the open beach.
If you want to combine beach time with breakfast, St. Augustine Beach has several local cafés within a short walk or drive from the main beach parking areas.

Overall, Anastasia State Park or the St. Augustine Beach Pier area are your best bets for a short, scenic beach stroll before starting your day of sightseeing in the historic district.