One day in Vilano Beach, FL: What to see, do, and eat

The gateway to Vilano Beach, FL: Cross the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge (a.k.a. Vilano Causeway) and step into coastal charm, scenic views, and local favorites

Just minutes from St. Augustine, FL, Vilano Beach is a coastal town with a laid-back vibe and some of the best waterfront views in Northeast Florida. It’s a favorite for locals who want to escape the crowds and visitors looking for a more relaxed alternative to downtown St. Augustine.

Spending a day here gives you a real feel for the lifestyle – whether you’re just visiting, considering buying a home, or looking for an investment property. From sunrise walks on the beach to fresh seafood, outdoor adventures, and sunset cocktails, here are the best things to do in Vilano Beach to make your day perfect.

MORNING TO NOON: SUNRISE WALKS AND WATERFRONT BREAKFASTS

The best way to experience Vilano Beach is to start early. The morning brings quiet shorelines, great food, and plenty of ways to enjoy the water. Spend it relaxing by the beach or heading out for an adventure – there’s no shortage of things to do in Vilano Beach to ease into the day.

Watch the sunrise in Vilano’s shores

Begin your day with a sunrise walk along Vilano Beach. Known for its coquina sand (a blend of crushed shells and quartz), the beach offers a beautiful golden shoreline. Mornings are peaceful, with fewer visitors compared to nearby areas.

For those who fish, the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier on the river side of the island is a popular spot. Extending into the Tolomato River, the pier provides opportunities to catch redfish, trout, and flounder. It’s also a great place to watch dolphins in the early hours.

Alternative: If you prefer a nature walk, drive approximately 10 minutes north to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR). The reserve features trails through diverse habitats, including salt marshes and coastal hammocks, making it ideal for birdwatching and experiencing local flora and fauna.

Enjoy local morning favorites

After your morning activities, enjoy breakfast at one of these local spots:

• Vilano Coffee Shop. A small, cozy spot serving espresso drinks, cold brew, and breakfast pastries. Their Blue Bird specialty drink and coconut cake bar are customer favorites.
• The Spot Cafe. Located just across the Vilano Bridge, The Spot Cafe offers a casual breakfast experience with omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and fluffy pancakes. Popular dishes include french toast and eggs benedict.
• The Blue Hen Cafe. Just a 5-minute drive to St. Augustine, this spot is a favorite for Southern-style breakfast. The breakfast burrito and blue crab quiche are must-tries. This spot tends to fill up quickly, so expect a short wait on weekends.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing

After breakfast, head out for an adventure on the water. The Guana River is one of the best spots for kayaking and paddleboarding in Northeast Florida. The calm waters are great for beginners, and wildlife sightings are common. Manatees, dolphins, and ospreys are often seen along the shoreline. Rentals and guided tours are available at North Guana Outpost, which offers half-day and full-day options. Kayaking St. Augustine also provides paddle tours through the Tolomato and Guana Rivers, including scenic sunset tours.

For anglers, surf fishing at Vilano Beach is a popular morning activity. The inlet’s strong currents attract pompano, redfish, and black drum, with the best catches happening during high tide. Local bait shops like Avid Angler provide fishing gear, fresh bait, and licenses if needed.

If you prefer something more relaxed, book a dolphin-watching boat tour from the Vilano Beach Marina. Several local operators run small-group tours through the Intracoastal Waterway, where pods of dolphins are often seen playing near the boats.

Hit the seafood spots by the sea

For lunch, choose from one of Vilano Beach’s best waterfront restaurants:

• Beaches at Vilano. A casual, open-air restaurant right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Their fish tacos, conch fritters, and sunset shrimp are top picks. Pair your meal with one of their specialty frozen cocktails while enjoying the view.
• Aunt Kate’s. A historic seafood restaurant on the Tolomato River offering a relaxed setting under old oak trees. Try their crab cakes, gator tail, and fried shrimp platter.
• The Reef. One of the few oceanfront restaurants in the area, The Reef serves locally sourced seafood in an upscale setting. The bronzed mahi-mahi, fried shrimp, and prime rib are standouts. Brunch is available on weekends.
• 180 Vilano Grill & Pizza. Located right on Vilano Beach, this casual eatery is popular for lunch, offering pizzas, pastas, seafood dishes, and sandwiches. Local favorites include their American Pie burger, stuffed spinach pizza, and fish tacos.

AFTERNOON TO SUNSET: SHOPPING, PARKS, AND ROOFTOP VIEWS

After a full morning, the afternoon in Vilano Beach offers time to explore local shops, enjoy scenic parks, and wind down with sunset drinks by the water. Here’s how to spend the next part of your day exploring the best things to do in Vilano Beach, Florida.

Browse shops along Vilano Road

Head to Vilano Beach Town Center in the early afternoon, located along Vilano Road. Although small, the town center has several local establishments worth visiting. Stop by Metalartz Gallery, which features local art, handmade jewelry, pottery, and coastal-themed decor. Nearby, Rainbow Shades is known for sunglasses, beachwear, and other beach essentials.

If you’re visiting on the third Saturday of the month, don’t miss the Vilano Beach Artisan Market Walk held at Vilano Beach Main Street. Local vendors sell fresh produce, homemade jams, local honey, handmade crafts, and artwork, all of which make for great pantry stuffers, home decor, and souvenirs

Explore the best beachfront parks

After shopping, visit Surfside Park at 3070 Coastal Highway. This quiet park offers beach access, picnic areas, and showers. It’s an ideal spot for families or anyone looking for a laid-back afternoon by the sea. Parking is available but limited, so arriving early is recommended.

Alternatively, you can take a short drive north to the South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area. Just a few minutes away, this park provides peaceful, uncrowded beaches, restrooms, and picnic tables. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk or simply enjoying ocean views without the crowds.

Enjoy rooftop cocktails at Pesca Vilano

As sunset approaches, head to Pesca Vilano on top of the Hyatt Place Vilano Beach hotel. Its rooftop bar offers some of the best sunset views in town, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and historic downtown St. Augustine. The atmosphere is upscale yet casual, making it perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

The rooftop bar serves classic cocktails like margaritas and martinis, as well as signature drinks such as the Vilano Vixen, a refreshing mix of St. Augustine vodka, passionfruit, lemon, soda, and orgeat (a sweet almond syrup). Pair your drink with small plates like roasted oysters, spicy tuna tacos, or firecracker shrimp. Seats fill quickly around sunset, so arriving early is a good idea, especially on weekends.

EVENING: DINE AND STARGAZE

As the day winds down, Villano Beach offers excellent dinner options, followed by serene stargazing. Here’s how to end your evening on a high note.

Choose from the most popular dinner spots

Consider these local favorites for dinner:

• Kingfish Grill. Known for fresh seafood and sushi, Kingfish Grill offers scenic marina views. Popular dishes include fried shrimp, fish tacos, and the tuna poke bowl. It’s casual, friendly, and often features live music.
• Casa Benedetto’s Ristorante. This family-run Italian restaurant is a hidden gem near Vilano Beach. Casa Benedetto’s serves authentic Italian dishes like chicken marsala, homemade lasagna, and shrimp fra diavolo. It’s cozy and perfect for a relaxed, home-cooked-style meal.
• Raintree Restaurant. A 5-minute drive to St. Augustine brings you to an upscale yet intimate dining experience. Housed in a restored Victorian home, Raintree Restaurant offers beef Wellington, prime rib, and fresh seafood specialties like lobster bisque.
• Schooner’s Seafood House. Just over the Vilano Bridge, Schooner’s is a favorite for casual seafood dining. Specialties include fresh seafood platters, scallops, and Minorcan clam chowder. The atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly.

Gaze at the stars in Vilano Beach

After dinner, return to Vilano Beach for peaceful stargazing. With minimal pollution, the beach offers clear views of the night sky. Find a quiet spot, bring a blanket, and relax under the stars, listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN VILANO BEACH

Beyond the main itinerary, you’ll discover even more things to do in Vilano Beach and its surrounding areas. Here are additional activities and attractions to consider during your visit.

Outdoor and nature activities

• Horseback riding on the beach. Local companies like Equestrian Adventures of Florida offer guided horseback rides along nearby beaches. Rides usually last around an hour, providing scenic views and a unique coastal experience.
• Anastasia State Park. Just across the inlet, this state park offers four miles of unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. It’s great for kayaking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature away from the crowds.
• Deep-sea fishing charters. Several companies operate from nearby marinas, offering half-day or full-day deep-sea fishing trips into the Atlantic. Catch kingfish, mahi-mahi, sailfish, or snapper, depending on the season.

Family-friendly attractions

• St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. A short drive into downtown St. Augustine, this interactive museum is perfect for families. Kids can explore pirate artifacts, interactive exhibits, and even fire replica cannons.
• St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Visit the historic lighthouse, climb to the top for panoramic views, and explore exhibits focused on maritime history and shipwrecks. The museum grounds also include nature trails.
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. Located near St. Augustine, Ripley’s features oddities, unusual exhibits, and interactive displays that intrigue visitors of all ages.

Cultural and historical spots

• Mission Nombre de Dios. Located across the Vilano Bridge, this historic site marks where Spanish explorers first landed in 1565. Visitors can tour the grounds, including the towering Great Cross and peaceful gardens.
• Old Jail Museum. A glimpse into St. Augustine’s past, this historical attraction lets you tour a restored jail from the late 1800s, complete with costumed guides and intriguing stories.

Seasonal events

• St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival (March). Just minutes away, this annual event features live music, traditional Irish dancing, food, and crafts celebrating Celtic heritage.
• St. Augustine Greek Festival (October). The annual event held at Francis Field offers authentic Greek food, dancing, music, and cultural displays. It’s a lively event attracting locals and visitors.

INSIDER TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF VILANO BEACH, FL

Before you visit Vilano Beach, consider these practical tips for parking, safety, pet policies, and accessibility.

Here’s what you need to know for a smooth, enjoyable day:

• Parking. Free public parking is available at 2750 Anahma Drive, offering direct beach access. Another convenient location is Surfside Park, which has restrooms and picnic areas. Limited beach driving is allowed at Porpoise Point (a beach driving pass is required), and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended due to soft sand conditions.
• Beach safety. Lifeguards patrol seasonally, so check posted signs for lifeguard presence. Beware of rip currents, particularly near inlets; if caught, swim parallel to the shore. In emergencies, call 911. When driving on the beach, follow posted speed limits and watch for pedestrians.
• Pet-friendly areas. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Owners must clean up after pets immediately. Be mindful of restricted areas during sea turtle nesting season (May to October).
• Accessibility. The main beach entrance has restrooms and a pavilion, but beach access involves sandy terrain. Surfside Park also provides restrooms, though sand may still pose mobility challenges. St. Johns County offers a beach wheelchair program; contact Beach Services in advance to reserve.

FIND YOUR SLICE OF PARADISE IN VILANO BEACH, FL

Spending a day exploring the many things to do in Vilano Beach provides a genuine taste of its laid-back lifestyle, scenic beauty, and welcoming community. From sunrise walks to waterfront dining, outdoor adventures, and local attractions, there’s plenty to enjoy. Vilano Beach captures Florida’s coastal charm in a quiet, uncrowded setting.

If Vilano Beach feels like a place you’d love to call home or invest in, homes for sale in Vilano Beach provide a unique opportunity to experience the best of Florida’s coastal lifestyle anytime you want.

Vilano Beach real estate market overview

The real estate market in Vilano Beach is highly desirable, with properties ranging from charming beach cottages to luxurious oceanfront estates. Prices typically start in the $500,000s range for smaller homes or condos and can exceed $2 million for high-end, waterfront properties. Due to its proximity to St. Augustine and the increasing demand for coastal homes, Vilano Beach remains a competitive market with steady appreciation in property values.

Inquire about properties for sale in Vilano Beach, FL

Property types and architectural styles

Homes in Vilano Beach reflect a mix of architectural styles, from classic Key West-inspired cottages to Mediterranean-style villas and sleek, modern beachfront estates. Many properties feature elevated designs to maximize ocean views and provide protection from coastal flooding.

Common property types include:

• Single-family homes include beachfront, Intracoastal, and inland options
• Luxury waterfront estates with private docks and boat lifts
• Townhomes and condominiums offering low-maintenance living
• Vacant lots for those looking to build their dream home

Inquire about properties for sale in Vilano Beach, FL

Typical features and amenities

Vilano Beach homes are designed to embrace coastal living, with features such as:

• Expansive balconies and decks with breathtaking ocean or Intracoastal views
• Open-concept layouts with large windows for natural light
• Gourmet kitchens with high-end appliances and quartz countertops
• Private pools, spas, and tropical landscaping
• Direct beach access or proximity to local boat ramps and marinas

Inquire about homes for sale in Vilano Beach, FL

With its pristine beaches, small-town charm, and stunning real estate options, Vilano Beach offers the perfect escape for those seeking a relaxed yet luxurious coastal lifestyle. If you’re ready to explore homes for sale in Vilano Beach, now is the time to secure your slice of paradise!

Reach out to local real estate expert Rich O’Brien to explore your options. With deep local knowledge and a global network, Rich can guide you through every step of finding the perfect property in Vilano Beach. Take the first step by calling 908.814.2080 or sending him an email.