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Just Over the Bridge from Florida’s Oldest City, Yet Worlds Away: Vilano Beach
When we first started this website over eight years ago we’d never heard of Vilano Beach. And that made my pulse race: a place no one else is talking about! That’s what we have always wanted to be, the not-tourist blog. The not-theme park, the not-glam. Let the big media giants write about the top hot spots! While we, in our little way, busily show you how to run like a curious toddler (we have one of those in our family right now!) in the opposite direction.
And you don’t have to run far to explore Vilano Beach. Part of the mystery as to why it hasn’t blown up everyone’s news feeds – being so close to St. Augustine – is the biggest part of its appeal.
If you’ve been with us awhile you’ll know that we rarely return to a town we’ve written about. There are so many more places to explore! But return we have, to Vilano. Some things have changed, but surprisingly few. There is a brand new chain hotel, Holiday Inn Express, that looks pretty cool, though you also know our thing is to recommend the non-chain places around Florida. There is another hotel across the street still being built, my research says it’s going to be a Hyatt Place. There are some lovely shops in a contemporary row of retail space.
With several amazing waterfront restaurants, main street fare (pizza, Chinese), a Publix (and Publix Liquors), public parks, the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk, some shops, and the picturesque fishing pier, you might choose to remain on the island. Or venture back over the bridge a time or two to St. Augustine – we did; totally worth it, but also such a great feeling when returning back “home” onto the island.
THE BEACH
First thing in the morning there are few cars. You can just see the speed limit sign partially covered up by the boogie board… they were probably asked to move that later in the day!
The beach is within walking distance of almost anywhere you’ll stay in Vilano Beach. If you like the idea of driving onto the beach – not having to haul your stuff by wagon or armload – you can do that in the southernmost part of Vilano. It does get crowded, make note. And for some (us!) the vehicle traffic, as careful and slow-moving as it is, still feels less than idyllic for a peaceful beach day. We tried out both the driving beach and the non, and the day we parked ourselves (not our car; we were able to walk there) on the driving beach the town police guy was making sure drivers stuck to the rules. There are fees for beach passes, check here for more info.
As you move away from the downtown beach area there aren’t as many places to park. If you’re staying at a vacation rental property a few blocks away the best bet is to either drive your stuff and people to the beach and drop them, and walk or ride a bike back, or fill up a beach wagon and bring all your gear by foot. North Beach Park, which is mid-Vilano Beach, is across A1A from the beach and has parking, BBQ grills, a playground, pavilion, restrooms and showers, with a pedestrian walkway above the busy road. Our first photo in this article was taken at the non-driving beach.
THE BAR
A quintessential beach bar is right downtown, on the bay by the pier, with views of the bridge. Beaches at Vilano will always be our choice for Vilano Beach’s beach bar, but there are some other amazing restaurants you’ll want to visit, so we’re not choosing just one.
Beaches at Vilano. Come for the view, the live music, the signature drinks, and the Caribbean-inspired menu. You’ll find some bar food-type choices like clam strips and chicken wings, but also creative additions like Sweet Thai Chili Scallops, Sunset Shrimp Tacos with homemade pineapple mango salsa, and Caribbean Jerk Chicken. Visit their Facebook page for the live music schedule and more info. Beaches is not pet friendly.
Aunt Kate’s. Beginning with a fascinating story, over 100 years ago, of Henry Flagler asking Catherine and Frank Usina to make him a meal, through different names over the ensuing years (Usina’s Pavillion, Oscar’s Old Florida Restaurant) to the Aunt Kate’s (named after Catherine) of today, we’re so glad this restaurant survived beyond a fire in 2001 and is still serving up shrimp & grits, low country boils, and jumbo soft-shell crab sandwiches. You can bring your dog! The day we did all the 4-legged friends behaved themselves and each had their own bowl of fresh water. You’ll find Aunt Kate’s after winding through a peaceful neighborhood, mid-Island, overlooking the Tolomoto River.
Mike’s Place Bait Shop next to Aunt Kate’s
Cap’s on the Water; captivating!
Cap’s on the Water. Cap’s is magical at night; you’ll feel like you’re in the best kind of curated, spellbinding experience with the soft glow of string lights, multiple cozy bars and pathways leading you to a private-feeling seating area or their pier, or even the restrooms (yes, the path to the restrooms is beautiful too.) I’m sure it’s equally as fun during the day but try to go at night, you will thank us. The vibe and the menu have that special-occasion feel, with lunch items starting at $11.99 for a small Cap’s Caesar salad, $12.99 for Florida Gumbo, and $18.99 for the burger (delicious!) No parties larger than 6. Complimentary valet parking only.
THE BUNGALOW
With SO many bungalows to choose from, you can find that perfect stay for your trip. We’ve stayed at several that we’ll list here, but first we want to recommend this motel –
Are you tired yet of hearing us say this? When vacationing in Florida we spend most of our time outside. Having a cute and cozy motel room to come back to after a day of lazing the sun or exploring, as the sun drops into the sea, is all the bliss we need.
Magic Beach Motel’s nostalgic colors, kitschy-but-cool decor, and fun history – built in 1951, it was part of the set for a TV series in the late 90s called Safe Harbor, about a sheriff in “Magic Beach,” Florida – were enough of a draw for us to stay here when we first started our blog in 2014, and to still encourage you to try it out today. Also you can buy it if you feel so inclined! A big developer was slated to purchase the property (to the horror of many residents, as the plan to tear down and build something larger didn’t suit the small town feel) but backed out. As of publication Magic Beach Motel is listed for sale here.
Some bungalows to consider for your visit:
Superhosts Shauna and Anna are hospitality wizards! With several properties in their portfolio, and numerous 5-start reviews, they offer accommodations in and around St. Augustine. The Coral Sea Casa is beachfront and just a short walk to the downtown shops, restaurants, and grocery store. 4/2 with 7 beds, and room for 12 guests. Click on the name above for pricing and availability.
The view from the Coral Sea Casa
To be honest I first thought “Stangri-La” was a typo (so did Google when I looked it up.) I could ask the host but for now I like the mystery of it all! You can rent just the ground floor 1/1 bedroom (we did) or the entire house. Located just a half block to the beach, and right around the corner from Publix, this little place checked all our boxes for a short visit for two people. The backyard outdoor space is amazing; we spent most of our time “at home” there.
We haven’t stayed here, this may be obvious from my stalker-type photo through opening of the colorful fence! The sign on the fence reads “Bohemian Bungalow” which was enough to intrigue me and encourage this photo op. Looks like the Superhost owner has renamed the property, and the 1/1 listing is for the downstairs apartment, which is pet friendly. Click here to see more photos and complete info. There is an adorable tiny house/shed on the property which also prompted me to take its pic!
More around the town photos to give you a feel for this family-friendly, peaceful little town just across the bridge from one of Florida’s most popular destinations:
Have you been to Vilano Beach? Let us know in the comments below if we should continue to get the word out about this little slice of paradise, or keep it to ourselves…
Vilano Beach is approximately 2 miles east of downtown St. Augustine, and 8 miles north of St. Augustine Beach
Have you been to Vilano Beach? Let us know in the comments below if we should continue to get the word out about this little slice of paradise, or keep it to ourselves…
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