About 2 miles south of Old St. Augustine lies one of the states best parks. Great campsites in a shady hammock, 4 miles of pristine beach, and just a short bike ride to historic old St. Augustine. A lot to do here if you want to be active, or just enjoy the quiet park and beach. Always good to visit here.
Getting a campsite here is a little difficult so we don't always get the same site. There are seven loops, all shaded and level packed sand. Two loops are dedicated to tenting and the rest are open to tents and/or RVs. Most have pretty good privacy on the sides and are not too close together. The bathhouses are clean as is the whole park. No drive-thru sites, but all have water and electric.
We try to get into Coquina Loop as it is closest to the beach, store, activities and park entrance to bike into town. It is separated from the other loops.
The other loops have more interesting names. They are just as nice as Coquina Loop, but as you drive down the "feeder" road you get further away from the beach, stores, main gate, etc. And, for some, that's OK.
At high tide the beach is diminished somewhat, but still there is room to walk, bike ride or soak up the sun. Or, you can climb the dune and sit. At low tide you can bike or hike up the beach to the north end to see the rocks and old St. Augustine.
Or, you can surf.
The only shade on the beach is down at the county pier. Get there early to get a spot. Come late morning it gets pretty popular.
In the mood for smoother water? A concession in the park rents kayaks, paddle boards, and hobies. There is a still water run, Salt Run, for calm water sports. The run leads north to the ocean and river.
There is also a picnic area there with pavilions, grills, restrooms, etc.
If you are in a hiking mood there are two easy trails in the park. One is the nature trail which is actually a loop. But, you can get off the trail at the Sea Bean Loop entrance,
or you can continue on the trail loop.
The trail is entirely in the shade, but does have elevation changes. Some moderate, some requiring stairs.
The other trail starts at the old coquina quarry. Pick up brochure about the quarry at the trail head just outside the park gate.
It is mostly shaded and an easy trail.
The quarry is now flooded. In the warm, hot summer algae tints the pond green. It is a little prettier in the winter months.
A couple of denizens of the pond. Soft shell and smaller yellow belly turtles. When we walked out on the observation deck scores of them suddenly appeared. Obviously fed by hikers over the years. Saw no gators or snakes on the trail around the quarry. But, I'm sure they are there. It is Florida.
There are elevation changes, some with stairs.
Part of the trail is paved with firm imprints (man made) along the way.
Quite impressive place,
We try to get into Coquina Loop as it is closest to the beach, store, activities and park entrance to bike into town. It is separated from the other loops.
The other loops have more interesting names. They are just as nice as Coquina Loop, but as you drive down the "feeder" road you get further away from the beach, stores, main gate, etc. And, for some, that's OK.
At high tide the beach is diminished somewhat, but still there is room to walk, bike ride or soak up the sun. Or, you can climb the dune and sit. At low tide you can bike or hike up the beach to the north end to see the rocks and old St. Augustine.
Or, you can surf.
Or, bring your fishing gear.
There is a boardwalk entrance over the dunes, or a level entry near the store and cafe. Wi-fi is available at the store/cafe area.
The only shade on the beach is down at the county pier. Get there early to get a spot. Come late morning it gets pretty popular.
In the mood for smoother water? A concession in the park rents kayaks, paddle boards, and hobies. There is a still water run, Salt Run, for calm water sports. The run leads north to the ocean and river.
There is also a picnic area there with pavilions, grills, restrooms, etc.
If you are in a hiking mood there are two easy trails in the park. One is the nature trail which is actually a loop. But, you can get off the trail at the Sea Bean Loop entrance,
or you can continue on the trail loop.
The trail is entirely in the shade, but does have elevation changes. Some moderate, some requiring stairs.
The other trail starts at the old coquina quarry. Pick up brochure about the quarry at the trail head just outside the park gate.
It is mostly shaded and an easy trail.
The quarry is now flooded. In the warm, hot summer algae tints the pond green. It is a little prettier in the winter months.
A couple of denizens of the pond. Soft shell and smaller yellow belly turtles. When we walked out on the observation deck scores of them suddenly appeared. Obviously fed by hikers over the years. Saw no gators or snakes on the trail around the quarry. But, I'm sure they are there. It is Florida.
There are elevation changes, some with stairs.
Part of the trail is paved with firm imprints (man made) along the way.
Remnants of the quarry sluices.
More of the sluices.
Oh my, another boardwalk. This has been rebuilt since our last visit. It leads to the amphitheater at the end of the trail.
Quite impressive place,
with quite an impressive line-up of shows. Check it out while you are at this park.
Some other things we saw.
Tracks on the dunes.
Tracks on the beach.
Holes in the beach.
Shells and seaweed.
And foraging shore birds.
Wave transportation.
No shoes on the beach? At the kayak rental.
American Beauty Berry.
Yellow banded bumble bee on a wild Hibiscus.
Being observed.
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