A Local's Guide to St. Augustine Beach: Where to Eat, Surf, Shop & Spend the Day

There's a lot to love about St. Augustine Beach, but what makes it special isn't just the beach itself. It's the local coffee shops, familiar faces, surf culture, neighborhood restaurants, and the laid-back pace of life that keeps people coming back.

We've called St. Augustine home for years, and while the area continues to grow and change, St. Augustine Beach still has that small beach-town feel we love.

Whether you're visiting for the weekend, considering making the move, or have lived here for years, here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy St. Augustine Beach.

Start Your Morning with Coffee

There's no shortage of great coffee around here, but a few local spots are always worth a stop.

The Kookaburra is a favorite for a morning coffee before heading to the beach. Their Honey Badger latte and Australian-style pies have become local staples.

Stir It Up, right near A Street, is a great stop for smoothies, fresh wraps, and a quick bite after a morning surf.

Beachside Diner is another great breakfast or lunch stop, with classic diner favorites and a relaxed beach-town feel.

Spend Some Time at the Beach

Of course, one of the biggest reasons people love St. Augustine Beach is the ocean.

The St. Johns County Ocean Pier is a popular gathering spot for beach walks, fishing, and enjoying the ocean views. A Street is another well-known beach access, especially for surfers and families who spend their weekends on the sand.

One of our favorite things about living here is how easy it is to build your day around the water. Check the surf in the morning, take the kids to the beach after school, or head down for an evening walk.

For something a little quieter, Anastasia State Park offers miles of beautiful shoreline, nature trails, kayaking, and plenty of opportunities to explore.

Explore Anastasia State Park

Grab Lunch at a Local Favorite

After a morning outside, there are plenty of great places to grab lunch without going far.

A1A Burrito Works Taco Shop is a beach staple, known for its UFO tacos and easygoing atmosphere.

Beachcomber, located right at the end of A Street, is one of those places that feels like St. Augustine Beach. Grab a table, enjoy the ocean breeze, and settle in for lunch just steps from the sand.

Mango Mango's is another neighborhood favorite, serving Caribbean-inspired food in a colorful, casual setting.

Sunset Grille is a longtime St. Augustine Beach favorite for seafood, casual dining, and Caribbean-inspired dishes. It's a great place to grab lunch or dinner after a day at the beach.

Shop Local

There are some great locally owned shops around St. Augustine Beach, whether you're looking for surf gear, something new to wear, or a gift.

Surf Station has been part of the St. Augustine surf community for decades, with boards, clothing, and plenty of gear for getting in the water.

Linen + Waves is a favorite for easy, coastal-inspired clothing and pieces that fit right into the laid-back beach lifestyle.

506 Boutique is another fun stop for women's clothing, accessories, and unique finds.

Make Time for the Farmers Markets

Two of our favorite weekly traditions happen right here on Anastasia Island.

The Wednesday Pier Farmers Market brings local vendors, produce, handmade goods, and more to the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park.

On Saturdays, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market is a great way to start the weekend. Grab a coffee, browse the local vendors, listen to live music, and enjoy a morning under the oak trees.

Wednesday Pier Farmers Market

St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market

Get Outside Beyond the Beach

While the ocean is a big part of life here, there's plenty more to do outside.

Bike around Anastasia Island, take a kayak out at Anastasia State Park, go fishing, or catch a concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Café Eleven is another longtime local favorite, hosting live music, comedy shows, and touring artists in an intimate setting right on A1A Beach Boulevard. It's a great spot to catch a show without heading downtown.

For families, Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf is a fun evening outing, followed by a stop at Mayday Ice Cream for some of the best homemade ice cream in town.

End the Day Somewhere Local

Some of our favorite evenings are the simplest ones. Dinner with friends, a walk on the beach, or catching live music around town.

Tuesday taco night at The Perch is a great excuse to get out during the week, grab some tacos, and catch up with friends.

The Floridian is one of our favorite spots for dinner. Now located on Anastasia Island, it's known for its Southern-inspired dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and creative menu. We love having this longtime St. Augustine favorite on the island.

And one of the best things you can do here doesn't require a reservation at all. Watch the full moon rise over the ocean.Head down to the beach around moonrise, bring a blanket, and watch the moon come up over the horizon. It's pretty hard to beat.

Why We Love Living in St. Augustine Beach

It's hard to explain what makes a place feel like home, but for us, it's the everyday things.

Knowing the people at your favorite coffee shop, seeing familiar faces in the surf lineup, running into friends at the farmers market, and having the ocean right down the street.