St. Augustine makes it easy to spend a vacation outdoors. The area combines Atlantic beaches, tidal waterways, protected nature preserves, and parks within a short drive of the historic district.
Some of the best outdoor activities in St. Augustine include kayaking, biking, fishing, wildlife watching, and relaxing at the beach. Here are several ways to make the most of the Northeast Florida coast.
Kayak the Matanzas River
Kayaking the Matanzas River gives you a close look at the salt marshes and waterways around St. Augustine. Paddlers may see dolphins, wading birds, sea turtles, and other coastal wildlife along the way.
Guided trips are a good option for visitors who are new to the area. St. Augustine Eco Tours, for example, offers guided salt marsh kayak adventures focused on local wildlife and ecology. A morning on the water also pairs well with other things to do in St. Augustine, since many kayaking trips depart close to downtown.
Bike Through Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park is one of the area’s top places for an active day outside. Cyclists can ride along more than four miles of beach and several miles of park roads, including sections with bike lanes. Bicycle rentals are also available inside the park.
Bring water and allow time to explore beyond your bike ride. The park covers more than 1,600 acres and includes beaches, tidal marshes, dunes, and maritime hammock habitat.
Go Fishing
St. Augustine offers plenty of opportunities to cast a line from the shore, Intracoastal Waterway, or a charter boat. Vilano Fishing Pier provides public fishing access along the Intracoastal Waterway and is open from dawn to dusk.
Visitors should check Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission licensing requirements before fishing. Many nonresident anglers age 16 and older need a Florida fishing license, though exemptions apply in some cases, including certain licensed charter trips.
As of August 2026, the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier at St. Augustine Beach is temporarily closed for repairs, with completion expected by the end of November 2026.
Explore Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
For hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing, plan a trip to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, often called GTM Reserve.
Visitors can explore scenic trails, kayak local waterways, and stop at the Exhibit Hall to learn about the area’s coastal ecosystems. It is an easy addition to your itinerary when staying in a St. Augustine condo rental near the coast.
Take a Dolphin-Watching Cruise
A dolphin cruise lets you see St. Augustine from a completely different angle. Several local companies offer trips that combine wildlife watching with information about the area’s waterways.
St. Augustine Eco Tours runs a Dolphin, Birding & Nature Eco Boat Excursion, with morning, afternoon, and sunset options. Its tours focus on Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, and other marine life.
Another option is Florida Water Tours’ 90-minute Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure, which combines wildlife viewing, coastal scenery, and local history. Native Sun Tours also offers private Matanzas River trips for groups of two to six, with a focus on dolphins and other wildlife. Keep in mind that dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed.
Spend the Day at St. Augustine Beach
No outdoor vacation here is complete without time on the sand. St. Johns County has 42 miles of coastline, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, wildlife watching, and long walks along the shore.
At St. Augustine Beach, families can also use the splash park, playground, showers, and restrooms at Ocean Pier Park. Pack sunscreen, water, and beach gear, then give yourself a full day to enjoy the coast.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience the best of St. Augustine outdoor activities for yourself? Choose from our full selection of condo rentals in St. Augustine to get started!
Final Thoughts
The best outdoor experiences in St. Augustine highlight what makes the area special: beaches, rivers, wildlife, and protected natural spaces. Kayak the Matanzas River, bike through Anastasia State Park, explore GTM Reserve, go fishing, watch for dolphins, or simply enjoy a day by the Atlantic.
Choosing St. Augustine rentals close to the beach makes it even easier to build these activities into your vacation.
Book Your St. Augustine Vacation Rental with St. Augustine Ocean & Racquet
Make the beach your home base for your next St. Augustine getaway. St. Augustine Ocean & Racquet offers vacation condos with convenient access to the ocean and many of the area’s top outdoor attractions. Book your St. Augustine vacation rental and start planning days filled with sunshine, coastal scenery, and outdoor adventure.
Sources
- Florida State Parks – Anastasia State Park
- GTM Research Reserve – Visitor Information
- St. Augustine Eco Tours
- Florida Water Tours
- Native Sun Tours – St. Augustine Boat Tours
- St. Johns County – Beaches
- St. Johns County – Fishing Piers
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Visitor Licenses
