Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 10 Dog Friendly Beaches in St. Augustine, FL You Can Visit Today

Share

Happy dog trotting on the beach in St Augustine Florida

St. Augustine is located in St. Johns County, Florida. St. Johns County is one of the most dog-friendly counties in Florida and allows leashed dogs on most of its miles of public beaches. St. Augustine is also the oldest city in North America, with plenty to do and see in town and on the beach. The fascinating history, tourist attractions, amenities, and gorgeous beaches make St. Augustine one of the best places in Florida to visit with your dog.

Here are 10 of the best dog-friendly beaches to check out in St. Augustine, whether you are visiting or living there.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in St. Augustine, FL

1. St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier Beach

️ Address: 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: 24/7 (November 1st– April 30th)  | 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM during sea turtle season (May –October 31)
Cost: The beach is free, the pier costs $2
Off-Leash: No
  • Free parking is available, but the lot is small
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach but are restricted from the pier
  • Gift shop nearby sells food, drinks, and souvenirs
  • Plenty of shade and seating for those warm summer days
  • Restrooms are available
  • Awesome views of Saint Augustine Beach from the pier

2. Ocean Hammock Park

️ Address: A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
Open Times: 7 AM–8 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Shady trails are perfect for dog walking
  • Water fountains are available to keep your pup hydrated
  • Long boardwalk winds through beautiful natural Florida wilderness
  • Beach is wide, but resist the urge to let your dog off-leash
  • Usually not as crowded as other nearby beaches

3. Vilano Beach

️ Address: 2725 Anahma Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Open Times: 6 AM–9 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • One of the most popular local Saint Augustine beaches
  • There is a large grocery store nearby to help you stock up on supplies for the day
  • Plenty of free parking is available year-round
  • Perfect beach to watch the sunrise in the early morning
  • Mind your pup during crowded times

4. Saint Augustine Beach

️ Address: 1 8th St, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Primary beach for the Saint Augustine area
  • Nearby attractions include historic downtown Saint Augustine, local beach resorts, delicious restaurants, and several bars
  • One of the best and largest dog-friendly beaches in all of Florida
  • Plenty of amenities on the beach, including lifeguards, restrooms, tables, and pavilions
  • Beautiful scenery and plenty of room to roam

5. Frank B. Butler County Park

️ Address: 5860 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: 7:30 AM–7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Known to the locals as Butler Beach
  • Free access and free parking year-round
  • There is an east and west park, but both are dog-friendly
  • Dog waste stations are conveniently posted at boardwalk entrances
  • Horses are allowed on the beach, so be aware before you bring your dog

6. Crescent Beach

️ Address: 6930 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Pristine white sands stretch for miles
  • Picnic benches are available for when you need to take a break
  • Be aware that vehicles and horses are sometimes on the beach
  • Stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere define this excellent beach
  • Can get crowded during tourist season and good weather

7. Matanzas Inlet Bridge Beach

️ Address: 8805 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Beautiful vistas showing off Matanzas Inlet and Matanzas Inlet Bridge
  • Local spot rarely has crowds
  • Great spot for fishing with your dog
  • Twenty minutes from downtown St. Augustine
  • Dogs will love the shallow waters, large mangrove roots, and soft, cool sand

8. North Beach

️ Address: 3721 Coastal Hwy, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Open Times: 6:30 AM–7 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Bring your pup to experience a breathtaking sunrise
  • Free parking and pavilions are available year-round
  • Keep an eye out for amazing natural shells, but also watch for dangerous marine life
  • Bring your own waste bags and pick up after your pet
  • Just minutes north of Vilano Beach and downtown St. Augustine

9. Matanzas Beach

️ Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: 9 AM–5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Fort Matanzas and a national monument are located nearby to explore
  • Matanzas Inlet is surprisingly beautiful
  • Smooth and shallow waters are great for swimming
  • Access to the intercoastal for boaters and fishermen
  • Few crowds compared to larger, more popular beaches

10. Anastasia State Park

️ Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Sunrise–Sunset
Cost: $8 per vehicle, state park passes available
Off-Leash: No
  • One of the most beautiful state parks in the St. Augustine area
  • Dog-friendly camping is available
  • Check and obey all leash laws inside the park, but some areas require more attention than others
  • Not all beaches in the park are pet-friendly, but some are
  • Consider getting a Florida state park pass if you plan to visit often

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

St. Augustine is home to some of the best beaches in the southeast. There are miles of pristine sands to explore with your dog. Between the numerous local parks, public beaches, fishing piers, and historical landmarks, there is more than enough to explore for a day, a week, or a lifetime, depending on whether you are just visiting or living nearby.


Featured Image Credit: Zach Zimet, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

The Crate Setup Most Dog Owners Get Wrong (And How To Fix It!)

Most people assume that if their dog hates the crate, the crate is the problem. So they try a bigger one, a different...

1,500 Beagles Rescued from Wisconsin Lab Farm – Here’s Where They’re Going

You may remember that a few weeks ago, we reported on a tense situation at Ridglan Farms, Wisconsin, a facility infamous for housing...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Window Watchers (May 11, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Can a Relationship Work When One Person Doesn’t Like Dogs? Tips & When to Walk Away

For dog owners, a partner who doesn’t like dogs isn’t a minor quirk to overlook. Dogs aren’t a hobby you can scale back...

More related

Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (July, 10 2025)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

How to Teach Your Dog Not to Destroy Toys: 6 Vet-Approved Methods

As pet parents, we think of our dogs as little angels, no matter the size or breed of the dog. What we’re often...

What Seasonings Can Dogs Have Safely? 6 Vet-Approved Options

We all know that seasonings can be extremely dangerous to dogs if they get a hold of the wrong ones. Knowing what’s in...

Can Dogs Eat Smarties? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ

Smarties are candies enjoyed in the US, UK, and Canada. They differ in each country, with the US version being sugar-based tablet candies...

Keep reading

Coconut Oil Dog Treats: 7 Vet-Approved Homemade Recipes

Coconut oil seems to be a miracle cure and go-to for many things these days. This nutrient-dense ingredient can easily replace other less-healthy oils in meals, and we can even safely share this neutral, hypoallergenic substance with our canine counterparts....

beagle dog having treats

Can Dogs Eat Lobster? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Providing your dog with a varied diet can help them have access to more nutrients and keep them happier, as they likely enjoy trying new foods. However, it’s important to ensure that those foods are good for canines. One item...

Can Dogs Eat Lobster

10 Dog Food Trends in 2026: Pet Food Industry Facts & Statistics

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. With today’s consumers enjoying better education and more resources to improve their dogs’ quality of life, manufacturers are ramping up their efforts to...

golden retriever dog eating healthy dry food from bowl at home

Can Dogs Eat Syrup? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Our canine companions are pros at begging our food off us, and they aren’t picky either. Our pups are more than interested in eating everything we eat. But not all people foods are healthy for dogs; in fact, some foods...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Syrup

How Much Should a Dachshund Eat in a Day? Adult & Puppy Feeding Guide

Like every dog breed, the Dachshund requires proper nutrition to grow healthy and strong and to stay that way throughout their life. Poor nutrition could lead to serious health problems, lower quality of life, and even a shorter lifespan. Fortunately,...

Black Dachshund dog guarding and eating food

Can Dogs Eat Leeks? Find Out How Safe They Are!

Dogs love to nibble on human food. Most canines would clearly prefer to snack on bits of chicken and slices of cheese than stick to boring old healthy dog food. While most pet parents try to avoid giving their companions...

Can Dogs Eat_leeks

Mossy Oak Nature’s Menu Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Made in the USA and sold at Dollar General, Mossy Oak Nature’s Menu features two premium dry food recipes and three wet food formulas. Their dry food recipes are above average quality for cheaper food, but they’re not...

Dogster_Mossy Oak Nature’s Menu Dog Food Review

10 Best Dog Foods in the UK in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Gone are the days of limited dog food choices. As owners have become more attuned to canine nutritional requirements and have access to a wealth of information on ingredients, both good and bad, the range of dog food has expanded...

shih tzu dog getting wet food from owner at kitchen

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter