Talon & Angela’s guidebook

St. Augustine has a plethora of dining options ranging from simple beach burger joints to hip cafes to fine dining. The St. Augustine Beach/Anastasia Island area offers a generally more casual dining experience (think island time and flip flops) while downtown St. Augustine has a great selection of both casual and fancier yet down to earth dining experiences.

St. Augustine has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Florida east coast. Wide and sandy with a huge intertidal zone the beaches here provide a fantastic place for family activities and are one of only three places on the US east coast that allows beach driving in certain areas. Anastasia Island (the part of St. Augustine where the Coquina Cottage is located) has approximately 14 miles of beaches. Water temperatures in the summer are generally warm ranging from 78-84 degrees. Marine pests such as jelly fish and stingrays are rare. During the summer months ocean conditions tend to be relatively gentle with waves in the 1-2 ft range and with winds tending to be light and variable in the morning shifting onshore and increasing slightly in the afternoon providing relief from the heat. Afternoon showers are common but usually do not last long. The closest beach access to the Coquina Cottage is located at the end of C-Street. No public parking is available at this access but it is only a half mile walk or bike ride from the cottage. Ocean Safety-Although St. Augustine’s beaches are generally very safe they are subject to rip currents and occasionally larger surf. Lifeguards are on duty every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day generally from 10am-6pm. Lifeguards staff towers at various locations and conduct vehicle patrols throughout the day. We always recommend swimming near an open lifeguard tower during your stay. Lifeguards and Fire/Rescue can be reached by 911 cellphone call on all St. Johns County Beaches 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Ocean Safety Tips: If caught by a rip current pulling you out to sea do not panic! Swim parallel to shore to escape the current and then back to the beach at an angle. Many of our rip currents in St. Augustine happen in shallow water and can be circumvented simply by standing up and walking sideways out of the current. Always swim near a staffed lifeguard tower and check in with them if you have any questions. Always supervise children carefully and swim with them while in the water. Beach Driving: St. Augustine is one of only 3 places on the east coast that you can drive your car on the beach. This unique opportunity allows visitors the ability to get away from the crowds and find their own spot on the beach while bringing more toys, chairs people etc. Beach driving access is limited to certain locations and subject to closure due to beach conditions. 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended and certain areas may require it due to the current sand conditions. To drive on the beach check in with attendant at a beach access ramp and purchase a beach driving tag. They will be able to answer any questions you may have as well as explain all the rules pertaining to beach driving.