St Johns FL Vacation Guide | Lodging, Dining, Biking, RV,

The Ultimate Vacation Guide to St. Johns, Florida: Lodging, Beaches, Outdoor Adventures, and More

St. Johns, Florida, is a hidden gem, offering a rich blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and top-notch dining and nightlife. Whether you’re a beach bum, nature lover, or foodie, this guide will help you plan the perfect getaway.

Where to Stay in St. Johns, Florida

Hotels & Resorts

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Located on the beachfront, this luxury resort offers world-class amenities like a golf course, spa, and dining. Perfect for travelers seeking luxury and relaxation. $$$$$
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Ideal for golf enthusiasts, this resort offers an upscale experience with views of the iconic TPC Sawgrass course. $$$$
Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach
A budget-friendly option near Vilano Beach, this hotel offers a comfortable stay with easy access to both the beach and downtown St. Augustine. $$$

Vacation Rentals

Airbnb Beachfront Properties in Ponte Vedra
From charming beach houses to luxury oceanfront villas, Airbnb offers a range of options for those seeking a home-away-from-home experience. There are not a ton of Airbnb opportunities but there are some hotels just outside of St Johns like Margaritaville. St Augustine which is in St Johns County also has quite a few Airbnb rentals. The condos near Butler Beach are a favorite.

RV Parks & Camping

North Beach Camp Resort
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Tolomato River, this RV park offers direct beach access and scenic views.
Stagecoach RV Park
Located near St. Augustine, this park is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet yet accessible spot for their RV. With all the necessary hookups and clean facilities, it’s a great choice for RV camping.
Anastasia State Park
For camping enthusiasts, this park offers tent camping, RV sites, and cabins. It’s located near pristine beaches and has miles of nature trails, making it a perfect spot for both campers and hikers.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Just outside St. Johns, Hanna Park offers oceanfront camping, RV sites, and tent camping. With over 20 miles of trails and a freshwater lake for fishing and kayaking, it’s perfect for nature lovers.

Beaches in St. Johns, Florida

Ponte Vedra Beach
Famous for its wide sandy shores and iconic pink sands, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, shell hunting, and long, leisurely walks. There are no facilities at Ponte Vedra Beach – access is by small trail in between the large mansions along the beach with limited parking. Be aware: you will get towed on private roads or illegally parked.
Vilano Beach
A quieter alternative to other local beaches, Vilano Beach offers a relaxing atmosphere with fewer crowds, ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park
A local favorite, this beach features pink-tinted sand and is a prime spot for shark tooth hunting. This beach is crowded by 11AM and people usually have to resort to parking on the street so if you have little kids prepare for this. In the parking lot itself, you can end up sitting for 15+ minutes waiting for families to “load up” especially if you park right in front. In 2024, comfort showers were added.

Outdoor Adventures

Need to rent sporting equipment, bikes, beach gear or kayaks during your St Johns Vacation? Beach Life Rentals will deliver and pick up to your door.

Biking

Julington-Durbin Preserve
Offering more than six miles of scenic trails, this preserve is perfect for nature lovers and biking enthusiasts alike.
Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail
A paved trail for an easy ride, offering scenic views of nature and wildlife along the way.
There are. many road bike options in St Johns – a family favorite is a bike ride around Plantation Park to the Wendy’s for a Frosty or Publix for a famous sub.

Bike Rentals

St. Augustine Bike Rentals
Located in downtown St. Augustine, this shop offers a variety of bikes, including electric bikes, for both day and week rentals.

Hiking

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
A must-visit for nature enthusiasts, this reserve offers hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas of marshlands and estuaries.
Julington-Durbin Preserve
With over six miles of trails, this preserve provides a peaceful escape into nature, offering hiking through oak hammocks, marshes, and pine flatwoods.

Kayaking

Ripple Effect EcoTours
Based in the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, Ripple Effect offers guided eco-kayak tours with rentals included.
Kayak St. Augustine
Offering rentals and guided tours, Kayak St. Augustine lets you explore the region’s waterways and wildlife.

Boating

St. Johns River
Boating enthusiasts can cruise along the scenic St. Johns River, exploring the numerous waterways while spotting dolphins and manatees.

Boat Rentals

Boat Florida Rentals
Offering pontoon and deck boat rentals, Boat Florida Rentals is perfect for exploring the St. Johns River at your own pace.

RV Rentals

Cruise America RV Rentals
For travelers who want to explore St. Johns at their leisure, renting an RV offers flexibility and comfort while staying close to nature.

Unique Dining Experiences

Fine Dining

Restaurant Medure
Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Restaurant Medure offers an upscale dining experience, specializing in locally sourced seafood and creative, seasonal dishes.
Collage Restaurant
Situated in nearby St. Augustine, Collage Restaurant is an intimate, fine-dining spot serving gourmet New American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Casual Dining

Caps on the Water
Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, this restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and spectacular sunset views. This is a local favorite so expect it to be busy during prime times
Beaches at Vilano
A beachside favorite with outdoor seating, serving seafood, burgers, and island-inspired drinks, perfect for a laid-back meal by the shore.

Food Trucks

The Hungry Traveler
Specializing in gourmet sandwiches and creative takes on comfort food, this food truck offers a unique local dining experience.

Nightlife in St. Johns, Florida

Nightclubs

The Ice Plant Bar
Located in St. Augustine, this historic venue serves craft cocktails in a chic, vintage space. It’s a top spot for nightlife lovers looking for something different from the typical club scene.
Dos Gatos
A downtown St. Augustine gem, known for its craft cocktails and relaxed vibe, making it a great place to unwind.

Beachside Bars

The Reef Restaurant & Bar
With a perfect view of the Atlantic Ocean, The Reef is a great place to sip cocktails and enjoy fresh seafood while the sun sets.
The Conch House Marina Resort
This waterfront tiki bar offers a relaxed atmosphere, tropical drinks, and live music, all with a view of the marina.
Salt Life Food Shack
A popular spot among locals and visitors alike, this laid-back beachside bar offers great drinks, delicious seafood, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the ocean.

Boating In St Johns FL

Florida Water Tours
Offering everything from dolphin tours to sunset cruises, Florida Water Tours is a must for visitors looking to explore St. Johns by water.
St. Augustine Sailing
If you prefer to sail, St. Augustine Sailing offers rentals and guided sailing tours, providing a luxurious and serene experience on the water.

St. Johns, Florida, offers an unforgettable vacation experience, blending natural beauty with a wide range of outdoor adventures, great dining, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re camping under the stars, paddling through serene waters, or enjoying fresh seafood by the beach, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque part of Florida.