The Perfect Coastal Town
Located on the Northeast Florida coast, Vilano Beach offers a peaceful escape just minutes away from Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach. This charming neighborhood – recently voted #5 among the best beaches in the United States – is the perfect place for you and your family to call home.
Whether you’re looking for beachfront condos, new builds, or waterfront homes, Vilano Beach has something to fit your lifestyle.
1. A Small Town Beach Vibe
What makes Vilano Beach so special is its laid-back, small-town atmosphere. With locally-owned restaurants and monthly events, you’ll feel right at home in this cozy community.
Year-round events sponsored by the tourism board bring locals together and visitors to this quaint peninsula. The best part? Events like “Vilano Fest” give back by putting a portion of their proceeds into funds that help improve lighting and walkability throughout the community.
2. Amazing Dining Options
Who doesn’t love a great meal out? Vilano Beach has fantastic restaurants, perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking. Let’s rip through a few of our favorites:
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Pesca: For one of the best sunset views in town, head to the top of the Hyatt Hotel. Pesca offers unique dishes and drinks, making it the perfect spot for a night out.
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180 Vilano: This small American & Italian restaurant near the pier is known for its delicious pasta and warm, welcoming service.
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Beaches: Located right on the Intracoastal, Beaches is an ideal dinner spot with stunning sunset views and amazing food.
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The Reef: Enjoy a gorgeous dining experience with an ocean view at The Reef, – perfect for a special night out. Not a night owl? Their brunch buffet is one of the best in town.
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Aunt Kate’s: Situated on the Tomolato River, Aunt Kate’s serves up fresh local seafood paired with a beautiful riverside view.
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Cap’s On The Water: Cap’s overlooks the Intracoastal providing one of the most unique views in Florida. The culinary team serves up a variety of fresh seafood, Mediterranean cuisine, specialty cocktails, and an award-winning wine list.
3. Walking Opportunities in Vilano Beach
No matter the time of day, you’ll see locals out and about, whether they’re heading to dinner, the beach, or simply getting some fresh air.
There are plenty of scenic spots to discover. Get your steps in on the beach itself or check out the boardwalk under the impressive Vilano Bridge. You’ll see the marina and get to take in a closer view of the water while learning about the wildlife around you on field guide plaques along the trail.
4. Fishing and Boating Experiences
Want to check out Vilano Beach from a different perspective? One of the best and most accessible docks in St. Augustine is right at the Vilano Pier. The pier is open 24-hours and features on-site parking.
There are several boat tour companies that depart from the pier for trips through the waters of our historic city. Some boats, like the Fury, even offer complimentary beverages and live music to really max out the ambiance!
Vilano Beach Looking Back Towards Downtown St. Augustine
5. Outdoor Adventures at GTM Reserve
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve offers over nine miles of walking paths, kayaking, and fishing opportunities, making it the perfect hangout for nature lovers. It’s an amazing spot to safely explore Florida wetlands on marked paths through the woods and over the dunes.
Want to get involved? The reserve is always looking for more volunteers.
6. Saturday Markets and Local Events
The Vilano Artisan Market is held on the third Saturday of each month from 4-8 p.m. This market is a great way to experience the local culture and to support your local small businesses. Bring your friends, family, and pets to shop, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s a great way to catch up with neighbors!
7. Live Music and Brunch at Surfside Kitchen
There’s no better start to the morning than at Surfside Kitchen with its fresh and flavorful food! This locally-owned spot offers everything from coal-oven pizzas and tacos to burgers and fresh salads. Don’t miss out on weekend brunch, trivia nights on Tuesdays, and live music with local acts like Shayla, Bethany, and Michael Chancellor each weekend.
The brunch boards rotate each week and are crafted to perfection. Even if you don’t want to eat, brunch drinks like mimosa towers, bloody marys, and espresso martinis are the perfect way to start your weekend.
Brunch Image Courtesy of Surfside Kitchen
8. Close to Porpoise Point
You simply cannot beat the sunset view in St. Augustine from Porpoise Point. In fact, since most of St. Augustine faces east, it’s one of the view places in town to take in a sunset over the water. The iconic strip of sand marking the edge of Vilano Beach provides a stunning vantage of the inlet and downtown.
The best part? You can drive your car right onto the sand and enjoy the beach! Please be advised that access may be restricted depending on the weather and conditions of the sand.
9. A Scenic Drive on A1A
The coastal highway, A1A, offers one of the most picturesque drives around. With a deep history, the road spans 338.752 miles from Key West to Callahan. Not only does A1A span hundreds of miles, it also covers hundreds of years. Local legend says that the portion of A1A in Vilano Beach is where Ponce de Leon landed in 1513 when he discovered the new world. Along the way, there are lookout spots to park and take in the beautiful coast. This drive is perfect if you want to slow down—and avoid the traffic of the interstate.
Find Your Dream Home in Vilano Beach
Ready to make the move to Vilano Beach? All of the expert real estate agents of The Newcomer Group are here to help you discover your perfect home in St. Augustine!
