Outdoor Activities in St. Augustine

Road cycling on Scenic A1A

State Road A1A runs south from Vilano Beach through Butler Beach and beyond, with a paved shoulder wide enough for road bikes along most stretches. The 15-mile section from Vilano to Crescent Beach is flat with occasional gentle grades over bridge crossings. You'll pass Anastasia State Park, the St. Augustine Lighthouse area, and long stretches of dune line. Traffic tends to pick up on weekends between the Beach Boulevard intersection and A Street, so early morning starts work best. The pavement is generally smooth, though sand drift can narrow the shoulder after storms.

Difficulty

Moderate (flat terrain, but road traffic requires experience)

Duration

2-3 hours for a 30-mile round trip

Best season

October through April, when humidity drops and tourist traffic thins

Birdwatching at GTM Research Reserve

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches north of St. Augustine along the Tolomato River. The reserve's 73,000 acres hold salt marsh, mangrove, and coastal scrub habitat. The South Ponte Vedra entrance off A1A has a visitor center and a 0.5-mile boardwalk loop through marsh. Roseate spoonbills show up in the shallows during warmer months, and in winter you might spot northern harriers working the grass flats. Painted buntings appear from late April through August. The mudflats at low tide draw hundreds of shorebirds. Bring a scope if you have one.

Difficulty

Easy (flat boardwalk and sandy trails)

Duration

1-3 hours depending on how many species you chase

Best season

November through March for migratory shorebirds, April through August for painted buntings

Fishing the Matanzas Inlet

Matanzas Inlet sits about 15 miles south of downtown St. Augustine where the Matanzas River meets the Atlantic. The current rips through on tidal changes, which makes it productive for redfish, flounder, and sheepshead depending on the season. You can wade-fish the sandbar on the south side at low tide, though the footing shifts. The inlet jetty on the Anastasia Island side sees regular action from shore anglers casting into the channel. A Florida saltwater fishing license runs about $17 for residents, $47 for non-residents for a 7-day permit. Bait and tackle are available at Fisherman's Landing off A1A.

Difficulty

Easy to moderate (wading requires awareness of tidal currents)

Duration

Half day to full day

Best season

September through November for redfish run, year-round for sheepshead

Surfing at St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach picks up northeast swells well, and the sandbars shift enough to produce decent breaks when conditions line up. The pier at St. Johns County Ocean Pier tends to concentrate waves on either side. Typical wave height runs 2-4 feet on good days, though nor'easters in fall and winter can push it higher. The water temperature drops to around 58°F in January, warm enough for a 3/2 wetsuit. Summer brings smaller, mushier surf and bathtub-warm water around 82°F. Pit Surf Shop on A1A Beach Boulevard rents boards starting around $25-35 per day. Worth noting, the beach drives section south of the pier allows vehicle access, so watch for cars if you're walking with a board.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly on small days, intermediate on overhead swells

Duration

2-4 hours per session

Best season

September through March for consistent swell

Trail running at Faver-Dykes State Park

Faver-Dykes State Park is about 15 miles south of St. Augustine off US-1, and it feels a world apart from the tourist strip. The park's trail network runs through pine flatwoods and along Pellicer Creek, a tannin-dark waterway that winds through the interior. The main loop trail covers roughly 5 miles on packed sand and pine needle surface. The footing is mostly flat with some root exposure. Deer flies can be vicious from May through August. You'll likely see gopher tortoises along the trail edges and possibly a bald eagle near the creek. Park entry is $5 per vehicle.

Difficulty

Easy to moderate (flat, but soft sand sections slow your pace)

Duration

1-2 hours for the main loop at running pace

Best season

October through March for tolerable bug pressure and cooler temperatures

Stand-up paddleboarding on the Matanzas River

The Matanzas River behind downtown St. Augustine offers sheltered flatwater paddling with views of the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions. On calm mornings the water barely ripples, and dolphins frequently surface within a few paddle strokes of the seawall. St. Augustine Eco Tours and other outfitters near the bayfront rent SUP boards starting around $30-40 for 2 hours. The stretch between the Bridge of Lions and the Lighthouse is about 1.5 miles one way. Mind the boat channel traffic, especially on weekends. Tidal current can be surprisingly strong near the bridge pilings.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly in calm conditions

Duration

1.5-3 hours

Best season

March through May and October through November for mild weather and manageable winds

Anastasia State Park Ancient Trail

This loop trail runs through maritime hammock forest on Anastasia Island. The canopy of live oaks, sabal palms, and red cedar keeps most of the trail shaded. The surface is packed sand with some shell fragments. The loop is roughly 1 mile, and you can extend it by connecting to the beach access trails that lead east to the Atlantic. The hammock interior stays cooler than open beach, and you'll hear Carolina wrens and cardinals in the understory. A few interpretive signs mark plant species. It's flat the whole way.

Difficulty

Easy (flat, well-marked, sandy surface)

Duration

30-45 minutes for the loop, 1.5-2 hours if you add the beach extension

Best season

October through April for comfortable temperatures and fewer mosquitoes

Guana River State Park trails

The Guana River section of the GTM Reserve, north of St. Augustine off A1A, has several interconnected trails running through scrub, pine flatwoods, and along the Guana River dam. The main trail from the dam parking area follows the river south on a wide sandy path. It's flat and exposed in stretches, so the sun can be relentless in summer. A side trail loops through scrub habitat where Florida scrub-jays have been spotted. The combined out-and-back from the dam to the southern marsh overlook covers about 4-5 miles. Park entry is $3 per person at the honor box.

Difficulty

Easy to moderate (flat, but sandy stretches and sun exposure add effort)

Duration

2-3 hours for the full out-and-back with stops

Best season

November through March, when the scrub-jays are active and the heat relents

Faver-Dykes State Park Pellicer Creek Trail

This trail follows the edge of Pellicer Creek through pine flatwoods and hardwood hammock. The creek water runs the color of strong tea from tannins. You'll hear woodpeckers working the pines. The trail surface alternates between packed sand and pine needles. Some low-lying sections can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions if there's been a recent storm. The canopy opens and closes as you pass between flatwoods and hammock sections. The full out-and-back is roughly 5-6 miles from the trailhead parking area. Park entry is $5 per vehicle.

Difficulty

Moderate (length and occasional soft sand, plus potential wet sections)

Duration

2.5-3.5 hours at a steady hiking pace

Best season

October through February for low water and fewer biting flies

Fort Matanzas National Monument Trail

Fort Matanzas sits on Rattlesnake Island in the Matanzas River, about 14 miles south of downtown St. Augustine. The visitor center side on A1A has a short boardwalk nature trail, roughly half a mile, that loops through coastal hammock and along the riverbank. The trail is flat and well-maintained. A free ferry crosses to the fort itself, which is a small 1742 Spanish watchtower made of coquina. The whole visit including the ferry ride and fort exploration takes about 2 hours. No entry fee, no reservations needed for the ferry.

Difficulty

Easy (flat boardwalk, half-mile loop)

Duration

1.5-2 hours including the free ferry and fort visit

Best season

Year-round, though summer afternoons bring thunderstorms by 3 PM

Moses Creek Conservation Area

Moses Creek Conservation Area lies about 12 miles south of St. Augustine off US-1, managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The trail network covers roughly 5 miles of interconnected loops through pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and marsh edge. The terrain is flat but the sand can be deep in dry months. Few people come out here, so you might have the trail to yourself on a weekday. The birdlife along the marsh edges is solid, with wading birds visible in the shallows. No facilities at the trailhead beyond a small parking area.

Difficulty

Moderate (deep sand, limited shade, no facilities or water)

Duration

2-3 hours for the full loop system

Best season

November through March for cooler temperatures and firmer trail surface

Kayaking Salt Run at Anastasia State Park

Salt Run is a tidal lagoon on the western side of Anastasia State Park. The water is shallow and usually calm, rarely more than 3-4 feet deep. Manatees move through in the cooler months, roughly November through March. Dolphins show up year-round. The park has a kayak and canoe launch near the campground area. You can rent kayaks inside the park from the concessionaire for about $20-30 per hour. Paddling the length of Salt Run and back covers about 3 miles. The muddy bottom can ground you at extreme low tide, so check the tide chart before heading out.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly (sheltered, shallow water)

Duration

1.5-2.5 hours for a leisurely round trip

Best season

October through May for manatee sightings and comfortable paddling weather

Kayaking the Matanzas River from downtown

Several outfitters along the bayfront in downtown St. Augustine rent kayaks for trips on the Matanzas River. The river is part of the Intracoastal Waterway here, so expect some boat wake traffic, especially on weekends. Paddling south from the bayfront toward the lighthouse, you pass the old seawall and see the backside of the colonial district. The water smells of salt and mud at low tide. Great blue herons stand motionless along the oyster bars. A round trip to the lighthouse area and back is about 3 miles. Tidal currents can work for or against you, so time your launch with the tide if you can.

Difficulty

Beginner to intermediate (tidal current and boat traffic require attention)

Duration

2-3 hours

Best season

March through May and October through November for mild conditions

Swimming at St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach runs for several miles south from the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. The sand is wide and relatively firm near the waterline. Lifeguards are on duty at the pier area from roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rip currents can develop, especially after storms, so check the posted flag conditions. The water warms to around 80-82°F by July and drops to about 58°F in January. The beach is free and open to the public. Parking near the pier can fill by mid-morning on summer weekends, but spots open up south of A Street.

Difficulty

Easy (lifeguarded sections available in summer)

Duration

As long as you like

Best season

May through October for warm water temperatures above 75°F

Eco-tour kayaking through the GTM Reserve

Guided eco-tours run through the salt marshes of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, typically launching from points north of St. Augustine near Ponte Vedra or from the Marineland area to the south. The guided trips tend to cover 3-5 miles over 2-3 hours and focus on the salt marsh ecosystem, oyster beds, and bird colonies. St. Augustine Eco Tours is one of the more established operators, with trips starting around $55-65 per person. The marsh channels are narrow and winding, with fiddler crabs covering the mud banks at low tide. Wind can be a factor in the open sections.

Difficulty

Beginner to intermediate (guided, but wind and current add challenge)

Duration

2-3 hours for a guided trip

Best season

October through April for cooler paddling and active migratory birds

Pellicer Creek paddling from Faver-Dykes

Pellicer Creek is a state-designated paddling trail that runs through Faver-Dykes State Park. The creek is narrow and shaded by overhanging oaks and palms. The water is dark with tannins and still enough that reflections look almost solid. You'll likely see turtles stacked on logs and possibly an otter if you're quiet. The put-in at Faver-Dykes is accessible from the park's canoe launch. The creek winds for several miles before it opens into wider marsh. Current is minimal in the upper section. Bring bug spray. The horseflies near the bank can be aggressive in warmer months.

Difficulty

Easy to moderate (narrow creek, minimal current, but remote with no bailout points)

Duration

2-4 hours depending on how far you paddle

Best season

November through March for fewer insects and comfortable temperatures

Anastasia State Park covers 1,600 acres on Anastasia Island, about 10 minutes from downtown. The park has 4 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach backed by sand dunes and sea oats. A tidal lagoon called Salt Run borders the western side. The Ancient Trail loop winds through maritime hammock forest under a canopy of live oaks and red cedar. The interior smells like warm pine and salt. Raccoons are bold here, especially near the campground. The park entrance is off A1A Beach Boulevard, and the $8 per vehicle fee covers the day.

Highlights: Salt Run lagoon for kayak launching, the Ancient Trail loop through maritime hammock, 4 miles of beach, and a 139-site campground that books up months ahead in spring

Washington Oaks sits about 20 miles south of St. Augustine on A1A, straddling the road between the Matanzas River and the ocean. The formal gardens on the river side include cultivated beds of camellias, azaleas, and bird of paradise plants set under a canopy of massive live oaks. The ocean side is something different entirely. Coquina rock formations jut from the beach in dark, weathered slabs, carved by tide into shapes that look almost deliberate. Low tide exposes tide pools between the rocks. The garden paths are paved and shaded. Entry runs $5 per vehicle.

Highlights: Coquina rock beach formations, formal ornamental gardens with 1,000+ plant species, the riverside citrus grove, and the historic Owen house grounds

Treaty Park is a 52-acre county park on Wildwood Drive, about 3 miles west of the beach. It has a 2-mile paved multi-use trail that loops through pine flatwoods and around a small pond. The park sees regular use from joggers and dog walkers. There's a playground, picnic pavilions, and open athletic fields. The trail surface is smooth asphalt, flat the whole way. Shade coverage varies. The pine sections are open and sunny, but the hammock stretches along the eastern loop have decent canopy. No entry fee.

Highlights: 2-mile paved loop trail, shaded hammock sections, athletic fields, and a disc golf course along the northern edge

The St. Augustine Lighthouse sits at the north end of Anastasia Island. The grounds surrounding the 165-foot tower include native plantings, interpretive paths, and views across Salt Run toward the historic district. The lighthouse itself dates to 1874. Climbing the 219 steps to the top puts you at a vantage point where you can see down the coast and across the Intracoastal. The grounds have scattered live oaks and the keeper's house from the 1870s. The museum charges $15 for adult admission, which includes the tower climb.

Highlights: 219-step tower climb with panoramic coastal views, 1870s keeper's house, native habitat restoration areas, and maritime archaeology exhibits

Flagler College occupies the former Hotel Ponce de León, built by Henry Flagler in 1888. The courtyard and surrounding grounds are open to foot traffic and feel like a public garden, with palms, flowering shrubs, and Spanish Renaissance architecture on all sides. The central courtyard has a working fountain and clipped hedgerows. The building's terra cotta detailing and Tiffany stained glass are visible from outside during operating hours. It sits right on King Street in the heart of the historic district.

Highlights: 1888 Ponce de León courtyard with fountain, Spanish Renaissance architecture, Tiffany glass visible through the rotunda, and mature tropical plantings