Vilano Beach

Colonial maps identify this southern tip, Punta Quartel, as the location where the Spanish built a small watchtower. This watchtower was used to alert troops at the Castillo de San Marcos of incoming vessels. Between 1830 to 1880, the United States Army used Vilano Beach as a burial site for Native Americans who had died while imprisoned at the Castillo de San Marcos.

In the 1920s, the Nobel prize winner, author Sinclair Lewis, rented a shingled bungalow for his novels, including Main Street (1920), Babbit (1922), Arrowsmith (1925) and his best known novel Elmer Gantry (1927). Lewis returned to St. Augustine in 1939 and again in 1941.

In 1926, Florida developer August Heckscher built the Grand Vilano Casino, a Mediterranean Revival-style building on Vilano Beach. Once called a "garden spot of happiness and relaxation for all those who visit," the Grand Vilano Casino was a favorite spot for fine dining, swimming, and dancing. On August 28, 1937, 50 mile per hour winds lashed across the coast and high tides sparked the Casino’s demise. Despite Heckscher’s desperate attempts to save the casino by erecting a steel bulkhead, he could not prevent the shoreline from crumbling beneath. Finally, he ordered the casino razed. But before it was destroyed, the ornate columns were donated to the Florida Memorial College and the Usina family received some of the doors and fixtures. The rest was hauled away by the salvage company.

The 1940s saw the birth of a strip of motels on the main road, and Vilano Beach has since expanded into a vibrant residential and business community.

While there, visit the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier and Surfside Park. The Vilano Beach Fishing Pier is the main beach attraction. Surfside Park, 3070 Coastal Hwy, provides beach access, picnic shelters, restrooms, and outside showers.

Vilano Beach is a pedestrian friendly commercial village and fishing pier (recently referred to as the Vilano Beach Town Center) just three miles northeast of historic St. Augustine. It is a local "best-kept secret" with a history of its own. This quaint, charming beach community is filled with friendly folks that know how to show you southern hospitality.

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Vilano Beach feels more like an island retreat. It is a serene spot that features beautiful Atlantic coastline.

As you drive from downtown over the Vilano Bridge, be sure to catch the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean rushing to meet the beach.

Charter a deep sea fishing boat or a sailboat, rent a jet ski, kayak or parasail. Savor delicious local fare at the fine eateries and waterfront restaurants within walking distance of the beach. It is a true taste of old Florida.

Off-beach free parking lot. Vehicles are permitted on the beach within designated areas.

For more information, call: 904-209-0333