Some places flirt with you. St. Augustine Beach doesn’t bother with subtlety — it sweeps you off your feet. With its windswept dunes, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and cobblestone streets echoing with centuries of stories, this little stretch of Florida’s Atlantic coast is made for romance. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a surprise getaway, or just need time to reconnect, St. Augustine Beach offers the perfect blend of barefoot charm and historic allure.
What It Is
St. Augustine Beach lies just across the Bridge of Lions from the historic downtown of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S. It’s the laid-back coastal sister to the colonial core — surfside restaurants instead of brick-lined taverns, beach cruiser bikes instead of horse-drawn carriages. But together, they make magic.
Imagine sipping sangria on a rooftop terrace, wandering hand-in-hand through ancient stone gates, and waking to the sound of waves outside your door. That’s the tempo here. Slow. Sweet. Soulful.
Where to Stay
For maximum romance, stay oceanside or somewhere with historic charm. Here are three options to match the mood:
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa – A Moorish Revival gem in the heart of the historic district, with lavish suites and an indulgent spa. Booking link
- Beachfront Bed & Breakfast – Adults-only inn right on the sand, with private balconies and homemade breakfast in the garden. Booking link
- The Local – St. Augustine – A retro-chic motel updated with artistic flair and modern comforts. Booking link
What to Do
Sunrise Beach Walks
Start each morning with a walk along St. Augustine Beach, when the sky turns cotton candy pink and pelicans glide just above the waves. Pack a thermos of coffee. Leave your shoes behind.
Spa Day at Salt Spa St. Augustine
Book a couples massage, float tank session, or Himalayan salt room experience. This boutique wellness space is tucked into downtown like a secret garden of calm. Salt Spa
Castillo de San Marcos at Golden Hour
This 17th-century fortress, built of coquina stone, glows in the late afternoon light. Walk the ramparts together, sit on the lawn below, and watch boats glide across the Matanzas River.
Sunset Sail on the Schooner Freedom
Set sail on a historic schooner as the sun sinks behind the skyline. The crew provides the champagne. The view does the rest. Schooner Freedom
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Climb the 219 steps hand-in-hand for sweeping views of the coast. It’s a workout, yes, but the view — and the shared triumph — is worth it.
Explore Anastasia State Park
Rent a tandem kayak, paddle through the salt marsh, and find a secluded stretch of beach just for the two of you. Anastasia Park
Where to Eat
For Breakfast:
- Kookaburra Coffee – Aussie-inspired espresso drinks and flaky hand pies.
- The Blue Hen Cafe – Local favorite for biscuits, fried green tomato benedicts, and hot coffee with a side of Southern hospitality.
For Lunch:
- O’Steen’s Restaurant – No-frills, ultra-fresh fried shrimp and hush puppies.
- Catch 27 – Seafood with Southern flair, nestled into a courtyard in the historic district.
For Dinner:
- Preserved – Elevated Southern dining in a restored Lincolnville home. The chef-trained staff and intimate patio make this a date-night dream. Preserved Restaurant
- Collage – Globally inspired, locally beloved, and one of the most romantic spots in town. Reservations essential. Collage
- Llama Restaurant – Award-winning Peruvian cuisine just off the beaten path, with candlelit tables and exquisite ceviche.
Romantic Extras
- Love Tree Kiss – Legend says that couples who kiss beneath the famous “Love Tree” (a palm growing through an oak) will be together forever. Find it near Cordova Street.
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride – Classic, yes. Touristy, sure. But still romantic under the stars.
- Whetstone Chocolate Tour – Because love and chocolate go together.
Why It Matters
In a world of fast-paced everything, St. Augustine Beach is an invitation to linger. It’s an ideal mix of past and present, water and stone, barefoot days and candlelit nights. Romance isn’t manufactured here. It rises like the tide — slowly, predictably, and irresistibly.
Whether you’re kayaking through marshes or wandering under 400-year-old oaks, the weekend will leave you closer than when you arrived.
Here’s What I’d Do:
Arrive Friday afternoon. Check in. Walk the beach before dinner. Spend Saturday morning in town, browsing galleries and sipping mimosas in a courtyard café. Nap in a hammock. Then dress up and do dinner right — slow food, slow dancing, maybe a shared slice of Key lime pie.
Sunday? Sleep in. One more walk on the beach. One more coffee. One more kiss beneath the Spanish moss.
I once saw a couple renewing their vows on the beach with no guests, no fanfare, just them and a minister. When he asked the man why they chose St. Augustine, the groom said, “Because we fell in love here. Again.”
