Last Updated on August 23, 2026 by Marybeth
St. Augustine tops many “Best Of” lists. So much so that we, who usually stay away from towns that are so highly lauded they’ll probably be full of annoying tourists, might consider just staying home. The fact that we rarely revisit a town, and we’ve stayed near St. Augustine four times, speaks large.
Recently named by Southern Living as The South’s Best Small Town, St. Augustine deserves its small-town celebrity status. And while there are many historic hotels and B&Bs in St. A., just six minutes across the bridge is a little beach town with a retro feel where you can unwind in peace.
Vilano Beach
We visited and wrote about Vilano Beach for one of our very first blog posts, 12 years ago. What intrigued me most was I had never heard of Vilano Beach. Giving myself some prideful “celebrity status,” thinking I had heard of every cool small under-the-tourist-radar town in Florida. (What is that saying about pride going beforeth a fall?)
Here is what I wrote during one of our earlier visits to Vilano Beach:
When we first started this website we’d never heard of Vilano Beach. And that made my pulse race: a place no one else is talking about! Our goal has always been to be the not-tourist blog. The not-theme park, not-glam. Let the media giants write about the top hot spots! While we, in our little way, busily show you how to run like a curious toddler in the opposite direction. The mystery as to why it hasn’t blown up in everyone’s news feeds – being so close to St. Augustine – is the biggest part of Vilano Beach’s appeal.
Vilano Beach has grown a bit since then. We’re happy to report there is a gorgeous upscale rooftop bar – Pesca Vilano Rooftop Kitchen & Bar – owned by culinary artist Chef Michael Lugo. Pesca Vilano is located atop Hyatt Place, which is the second newish large chain* to grace this tiny town.
*We pride ourselves in being a not-chain travel blog, but we concede that well-designed chain hotels have their place, especially one with rooftop views and globally inspired coastal cuisine with bold Latin flavors and fresh from Florida ingredients!
You’ll find Vilano Beach is still a charming, cozy surf town with a throwback aesthetic. The main street, Vilano Road, stretches from the beach to the Intracoastal Waterway, an easy 10-minute walk from end to end. Palm trees line wide sidewalks with colorful swaths of checkered tiles. As you walk, you’ll pass restaurants, a few shops, and some intriguing mid-century structures that look like they might have been homes back in the day. A classic old motel has recently been renovated into a pretty, contemporary boutique hotel. An Irish pub is next, and a beach bar at the river end, overlooking the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier.
We’ll get to the “Play” category in a minute (food and drinks!) but first on our list, always, is where to stay. Because where you settle in illuminates the path forward for your whole vacation. Check that all-important box, check in, then sit back and plan your explorations.
STAY
The number one draw of this gorgeous home is how many of your crew you can bring. Imagine the possibilities! Family reunion, girlfriends’ weekend, couples’ retreat, bridal party…
Accommodating twelve guests, Another Day in Paradise offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 8 beds including a fun bunk room with two doubles and two twins.
You’ve probably heard of the St. Augustine Nights of Lights. An award-winning annual display of millions of white lights decorating downtown, Nights of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic. From November 21, 2026, to January 18, 2027 the town is spectacularly lit up and you can tour by trolley, train, water, carriage ride, guided walking tours, golf cart or pedicab. We’re telling you this because lodging for this event is challenging to come by. Book your stay now at Another Day in Paradise! You’ll be just far enough away from all the festivities, yet close by.
We visited as a multi-generational group: two grandparents, three grown kids, my youngest daughter’s husband, and two granddaughters, ages six and two. This was the first vacation where we’ve been able to include everyone, and my grandmother heart (yes, I’m in the older generation category) brimmed with happiness. Added to that was an opportunity to celebrate my birthday and my son Max’s: after Max was born I was able to take him home from the hospital on my birthday (BEST PRESENT EVER) and we’ve celebrated our birthdays together ever since.
A friend recently asked “Don’t you mind sharing your birthday? How does Max feel about sharing?” and here is the cool answer: neither of us have ever had a moment’s thought about ‘having’ to share. We’re just that kind of laid-back. (Thankfully! What if for 37 years Max was secretly cranky about it and I was just oblivious?)
Amazing location
The number two draw of this spacious place is the location. The northern part of Vilano Beach is almost completely residential, with an “up north” feel to the shaded streets that lead either to the beach (a five minute walk from the house) or to the Intracoastal Waterway. A few notable restaurants are sprinkled here and there, and the most iconic one – Caps on the Water – is a four minute walk from the house. Ranked in the top 15 Most Beautiful Restaurants in the U.S., you’ll want to put this place on your must-visit list while you’re here.
A great place for our kids, and their kids
When we asked Ellis (granddaughter aged six) what was her favorite part of the house, she said “The pool, the stairs, the big hallway where I did my cartwheels, the bunk beds, and the pool.”
The spacious living room that is open to the kitchen and dining area provided plenty of room for everyone to spread out and unwind. Lazy mornings were spent by some of us lounging on the couches reading or watching TV. Others sat outside on the covered porch overlooking the pool talking over coffee, watching Ellis swim like a fish. Some chose to just sleep in, recharging from demanding jobs and demanding kids. (With grandparents in residence, parents can have that luxury!)
My favorite part of the house
My favorite part of the house was the kitchen, and how it allowed almost every adult to make food for everyone. I like to quote one of my favorite food writers, John T. Edge, when he says “We travel to eat. Want to get to know a city? Belly up to a great restaurant.” And we did that (more on that in our PLAY section) but we also just wanted to stay “home” and share meals and conversations.
In the space of our weekend at our lovely vacation home Maggie made “her” famous pickle dip (it’s not hers, it went viral on TikTok, here it is, Grillo’s pickle dip, not sponsored), Max made pizza for our birthday dinner, Mae made our birthday cake (vegan: her family is vegan. And you couldn’t tell it was anything but just outstandingly delicious!) My husband Robert made sourdough bread. Mae’s husband Josh made extra runs to Publix for more beer, and I did nothing to feed anyone but I took hundreds of photos and basked in the joy of being surrounded by my family.
Sweet spot for family photos
You might be surprised that as a hobbyist photographer I’m really bad at gathering everyone together for group photos. I snap away at rooms, cottages, cool and weird art, streetscapes, beaches, cute restaurants, vintage vendor vehicles, and dive bars. But I’m not a ringleader type who is good at human wrangling. I figure everyone just wants to be comfortable sitting around in old clothes with no makeup. No need to stand stiffly and smile for the camera in the bright sunshine. But for once I stepped beyond my default setting and made it happen, and I’m glad. The beautiful pool area provided just the right place for group photos.
I know I’m showing you way more of us than I normally do. In the past I wanted you to be able to picture yourself in these cool places: it wasn’t about us, it was about you. It’s still about you. I want you to see what a phenomenal vacation home this is for your group. I also wanted to show you the spirit of the abode. How its energy is chill, welcoming, and cozy while at the same time has a subtle vibrance, and encourages connection.
And I wanted you to see my joy.
PLAY: Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach was developed in the 1920s as an oceanfront playground for Henry Flagler’s visitors from up north. Guests were ferried over by boat, or driven in horse-drawn carriages that clattered over the rustic palm log bridge. The renowned oceanfront Grand Vilano Casino, which was built in 1926, offered big-band music, fine dining, a colossal saltwater swimming pool, and oddly did NOT offer gambling! This impressive structure lost its glitter and gaiety when it was pounded by several storms that washed it away into the ocean in 1939.
At the opposite end from the beach is the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, which boasts a floating dock from which local boat tour companies launch. Book a St. Augustine Nights of Lights boat tour with Red Boat Tours. Pro tip: secure your place, book early!
Our hosts kindly gave us a list of almost 50 favorite places to eat and drink located throughout Vilano Beach and St. Augustine! While there wasn’t time to visit each one, we handpicked our favorites.
180 Vilano Grill
180 Vilano Grill not only serves sensational pizza, but also inventive sandwiches like the American Pie Burger, along with multiple entrees, and pasta dishes like Scallop Carbonara and Lobster Mac & Cheese. Worth mentioning for us architecture fans, the structure was built in 1951 and is of the mid-century Streamline Moderne style.
Aunt Kate’s
Family dining with an eclectic menu, Aunt Kate’s is mostly seafood-forward but you’ll find something for everyone, from She Crab Soup to Catfish Fingers, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken tenders basket, and a kid’s menu. Known for their bread basket, the day we were there the basket included Datil Pepper Corn Bread, Pumpkin Bread, and Johnnycakes. The history of this place is captivating, too, and includes Henry Flagler once again. Read how this waterfront site had its beginnings when Henry asked a favor of a local couple, here.
Beaches at Vilano
One of our favorite beach bars, just not on the beach. Riverfront is often better, really – no unpredictable ocean wind to blow you around as you enjoy your food and the view. The vast menu goes beyond “beach bar,” and we enjoyed the Marley Burger and Mediterranean Pasta. Live music Thursday thru Sunday.
Cap’s on the Water
Above-mentioned Cap’s on the Water, just a few minutes walk from Another Day in Paradise (I know I keep talking about that, but within walking distance is huge for us) is truly magical. Especially as the sun is beginning to set. You’ll feel like you’re in the best kind of curated, spellbinding experience with the soft glow of string lights, several cozy bars, and pathways leading you to seating areas sprinkled all around, or the pier, or even the restrooms (yes, the path to the restrooms is beautiful too.)
I’m sure it’s equally as fun during the day but try to go at night, you will thank us. The vibe and the menu have that special-occasion feel, with appetizers like Kizami Tuna, and entrees like Honey Rosemary Salmon. We enjoyed our Crab Cake Dinner (high praise from me, a Maryland girl) and a huge portion of Fish & Chips. Make note, parking is complimentary valet only. There is often a wait for a table, but you can sit on the pier, enjoy the breeze, and a waiter will bring you your drink!
Cap’s has humble beginnings as a fish camp, begun in 1947. Prepaul’s Fish Camp sold bait, rented boats, and specialized in Mrs. Prepaul’s deviled crab cakes.
Other fun restaurants / bars to check out in Vilano Beach: Anchor 28, Durty Neli’s Irish Pub, Michael’s St. Augustine, Surfside Kitchen, The Reef, and Zenshi Handcrafted Sushi.
PLAY: St. Augustine
It goes without saying that Florida’s top cultural destination brims with historic architecture, historic forts, museums, a Colonial Quarter, walking tours, trolley tours, ghost tours and more. Looking for all the details on immersing yourself in St. Augustine’s history? Check out Florida’s Historic Coast.
And while we love a good museum or a ghost tour (especially haunted bars!), first comes the need to eat and drink. Fuel up, then go on that historic walking tour!
Columbia Restaurant
The original Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest continuously operated restaurant, opened in Tampa in 1903. Columbia now has seven restaurants all over Florida. St. Augustine’s location has over 14,000 Google reviews, and most are 5-stars. With good reason. The food is outstanding. Order their famous 1905 salad (I later found a copycat recipe and made it at home!), and their famous Cuban sandwich, and their famous Ybor City Deviled Crab Croquettes, and their famous sangria. You’re probably getting it now: so much fame.
Conch House
Located just across the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island, Conch House Restaurant is part of the Conch House Marina Resort. If you can score a grass hut (overwater dining!), do it. A longtime friend from high school and I were fortunate enough to experience this fun way to enjoy views of the Salt Run a couple of years ago. (Holly! Let’s go back!) The Banana Pepper Calamari, and the Cracked Conch, along with a couple (maybe a few) Painkillers rounded our girlfriend’s getaway.
Luli’s Cupcakes & Bakery
Stop here for some of the sweetest treats! Luli’s also offers breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Their legendary cupcakes will call to you – Chocoholic and Carrot Cake cupcakes went home with me. The sunny building most likely first served as a home in 1910, but surprisingly was later in life a midcentury GMC truck dealership. Hard to picture! Not much about it says “trucks.” Fun to know a building’s past.
Ragga Surf Café
We could happily spend all day talking about Ragga Surf Café: Grab a scratch-made breakfast sandwich and pull up that chair. Their original location was oceanfront in Marineland. Talk about epic! Those views, the ocean breeze. Combined with unparalleled customer service and delicious food, there was no other place like it.
From 2021 to early 2025 Ragga Surf built a following of loyal oceanfront diners, until state environment officials decided the café’s permit violated state grant rules for a public park. (Confusing. They did have a permit…) Relocating to the above spot at the San Sebastian Marina, overlooking the river, Ragga Surf continued serving the community Dawn Patrol Breakfast Sandwiches, Artisan Pop Tarts, Steep Drop Veggie Tacos and more. (Just so you know, we don’t have to sit in those chairs. There is a spacious dining area under cover overlooking the water.)
Great news: Ragga Surf Café has returned to Marineland! The Ragga Surf team converted a Thomas Bus, named her Betty, and she is basking in the ocean breezes at 9600 N. Oceanshore Blvd. at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Visit Ragga Surf Café’s Instagram for fun reels of how they converted the bus, and for scenic views and hero food shots.
Relampágo Coffee Lab & Roasting
The fact that the first paragraph in their About Us page made me laugh out loud (and almost spit out my coffee!) would encourage me to visit this place. “Relámpago: means lightning in Spanish. We feel that flavors should come down from the clouds like lightning bolts on to your palate. Just kidding, it’s our dog’s nickname, because of his phenomenal foot speed. We just love dogs, and sometimes get carried away.” With indoor and outdoor seating – yes, your dog may join you on the outside patio – you’ll want to linger with a savory sandwich, pastry, and a specialty coffee.
Tucked away on Spanish Street, the sweet 19th-century vernacular architecture style structure was built in 1884.
Saltwater Cowboys
Take yourself off the beaten path and wind your way down A1A to just south of St. Augustine Beach for this hidden gem overlooking salt marshes that lead to the Mantanzas River. In business for over 60 years, they claim to be St. Augustine’s oldest restaurant, but the internet says different. Not important, and I’ve got to give them credit for challenging the internet. Their hearty seafood dishes – Fried Gator Tail, Frog Legs, Catfish, Shrimp & Grits – and hamburgers, steak, baby back ribs, fried chicken, fried pickles, cheesy grits, and a kid’s menu, means you’ll find something for almost everyone (except for our vegan family members: they can go to nearby Stir It Up instead!)
Stir it Up
One of those secrets the locals want to keep to themselves is the small area of St. Augustine Beach that has a classic, old-school beach town feel. The lettered streets, A thru F, just off of A1A Beach Blvd. (also known as Old A1A) has been a tight-knit surf community for many years. Strolling from Stir it Up on A Street to the ocean – a two minute walk – you pass cozy beach bungalows reminiscent of summers when you were a kid and you whiled away the day riding waves and taking breaks for Mom’s sandy PB&J sandwiches.
Stir it Up has been part of the surfing community for over 25 years. Sharing the building with Pit Surf Shop, Stir it Up is known for its relaxed seating (porch seating, picnic tables, hammocks) and their “all are welcome” atmosphere.
“Positive Food in a Positive Place.” Choose from sandwiches, burritos and quesadillas, salads, and smoothies. Vegan options include the Veggie Heaven sandwich, and Haley’s Rainbow Wrap, but almost all menu items can be made vegan.
Sunday Gathering Table
Sunday Gathering Table has earned a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction, serving high-quality food at a moderate, approachable price. Just reading the excellent reviews is fun: “an absolute hippie millennial styled restaurant,” and “I’ve had friends ask me if I work there, just because that’s how often I’m there,” and another one whose seven sentences all ended in exclamation points!
Choose from Root Vegetable Hash, Fried Bologna Sandwich, Smoked Salmon, Oyster Mushroom Toast, Avocado Toast, Eggs Benedict and more. Celebrated for their sourdough bread, get a whole loaf to take home on your way out!
The Victorian home was built in 1905 and served as a guest house for part of its life.
Tini Martini Bar
World famous martinis! The menu boasts 25 martinis, and you can also choose from their specialty cocktails, wine, and beer. The best spot to sit is out on the front porch where you’ll have views of the Mantanzas Bay. A date-night type feel you’ll want to experience when you’re in the St. Augustine Historic District.
Other places recommended by our hosts for your St. Augustine visit: Boat Drinks, Cookiebird Ice Cream Bar, Ice Plant Bar, Kookaburra Coffee, Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen, and Sarbez Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer Lounge.
If this article seems food-forward, my work here is done! And while the options for dining out (and drinking out) are many, especially in St. Augustine, the South’s Best Food Town (Southern Living), we encourage you to spend as much time “at home” with your travel companions, at Another Day in Paradise. There were some of us who didn’t want to venture out at all: the home wrapped itself around us and encouraged lounging, floating, and cooking.
Book now to experience St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights and have this peaceful place as your home base. Another event to book your home base spot here is Vilano Beach’s Whiskey, Wine, and Wildlife: A weekend of flavor, January 28-31, 2027. Beginning with Whiskey, Wine, & Dine at Michael’s St. Augustine at Hyatt Place, to Sunday Jazz Brunch, with a couple of other events at Hyatt Place in between – and a side trip to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm for a VIP tour, this fun-and food-filled weekend will fill up fast.
Or simply book your stay for a family getaway, a tranquil retreat, and to rest and recharge.
A few more photos from our stay because I just can’t seem to stop showing you:
