Vacation rentals in Vilano Beach

Located five miles north of St. Augustine, this peaceful island getaway is revered for its vast stretches of golden sand, clear blue water, and beautiful natural scenery. Vilano Beach is a prime spot for swimming and surfing, and it makes excellent grounds for beachcombing and hunting for shark’s teeth, a local pastime. The Vilano Pier, extending 600 feet into the Atlantic, is a popular spot for anglers and anyone wanting to catch a view of St. Augustine from across the water. The pier also provides one of the best vistas to watch the sunset over downtown.

Local cafes and restaurants featuring fresh ingredients and multicultural cuisine dot the landscape of this beach community where stone crab and other fresh seafood are a prominent part of local dining. Historic and vintage buildings, including the Irish-inspired Castle Otttis, the former Alcazar Hotel (now home to the Lightner Museum), and a 19th-century jail are scattered throughout town, each offering insight into the area’s history.

Spring and summer in Vilano Beach boast pleasant temperatures and optimal conditions for enjoying the city’s outdoor recreation, including swimming, surfing, boating, shell hunting, and fishing. In May, Vilano Beach hosts a major watercross competition, providing excitement for spectators along the beach. In August, you can catch a skimboarding tournament, which is open to the public. During the fall and winter months, temperatures dip slightly but remain comfortable. In the fall, you can expect more rainfall than the other seasons, but you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to explore. Some nearby attractions are open throughout the seasons, including the Oldest Store Museum and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios.

Castle Otttis

Built for aesthetic and artistic purposes between 1984 and 1988, Castle Otttis is a stone castle that emulates Irish castles from nearly 1,000 years ago. The picturesque landmark stands along the St. Augustine shoreline and is surrounded by dense, lush greenery. While you need an appointment to visit the grounds, Castle Otttis is also easily admired from a distance.

The Lightner Museum

In downtown St. Augustine, the Lightner Museum sits in the former Alcazar Hotel, which was once a Spanish Renaissance Revival hotel but now resides on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it’s home to an array of antiques, including 19th-century American and European paintings, mechanical musical instruments of the Victorian era, and special exhibits. The permanent collection, spanning four floors, is brimming with historical artifacts primarily from the gilded age and Victorian era.

Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk

The Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk stretches a quarter-mile and travels under the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge. The peaceful setting provides unique vistas and scenic views of the salt marsh. At the boardwalk entrance, vibrant mosaics depicting wildlife will welcome you.