A woman watches the sunrise, March 21, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
St. Augustine is crawling with tourists in the summertime, but here are 10 photos that will make you crave the absolute, perfect peace the nation’s oldest city can offer.
Although there are tons of things to do in the old, historic section of town, I never seem to be able to pry myself away from the beach. Once you go, you’ll know. From the beautiful aqua water to the pristine sand and crashing surf, it’s a beach lover’s paradise.
Sunrise is the best time to visit St. Johns County Pier. You’ll rarely find a big crowd — mostly you’ll see a handful of photographers, joggers, and bird watchers. And because you’re facing east, the sun rises right in front of you, offering a postcard-worthy view of the Atlantic Ocean.
The pier, situated on four acres along Highway A1A, offers excellent fishing opportunities with places to clean your catch, and covered benches give sightseers a bit of shelter from the sun or sudden downpour. Children can enjoy a splash park and playground, while families can take advantage of the covered pavilion, lighted volleyball courts, and picnic tables.
Parking is free, and restrooms and outdoor shower facilities are available.
The pier has a gift shop packed with everything from sunscreen and boogie boards to fishing tackle and hot dogs. Guests can also rent beach chairs and beach umbrellas.
1.
A tourist walks along the beach at sunrise as seagulls gather for a handout, March 21, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
2.
Waves break at sunrise, March 21, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
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The sun rises at the St. Johns County Pier, March 21, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
4.
A surfer waits for the right wave at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, March 20, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
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People gather to swim and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, March 19, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/Cloudybright)
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The sun sets behind the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, March 20, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
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People gather to swim and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, March 20, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
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Lovers and anglers alike enjoy the Atlantic Ocean at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, March 20, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
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People gather to swim and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, March 20, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
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People gather to swim and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean as the sun sets at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, March 20, 2016, in St. Augustine, Florida. (Photo by Carmen K. Sisson/TumbleweedSOUTH)
Info
St. Johns County Ocean Pier
350 A1A Beach Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-209-0326
Mon. – Tues. – 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wed. – 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Thurs. – 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri. – Sat. – 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sightseeing – $1.00
Fishing (St. Johns County residents) – $2.00
Fishing (non-residents) – $3.00
Fishing (childen six and younger) – free
Fishing (St. Johns County residents 60+ years old) – free
This is gorgeous! I am not a swimmer or a sunbather either. However, my husband and I are big into bird watching.
I love birds, but I can’t photograph them at all. I have a handful of bird photos, but not many.