If you’ve seen the bumper stickers that say “A1A: Florida’s Ocean Highway,” this is the stretch they’re talking about. The section of Florida State Road A1A running from St. Augustine south through Ponte Vedra Beach, Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, Marineland, and Palm Coast all the way down to Flagler Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastal driving in the entire Southeast United States.
Unlike the congested, development-heavy stretches of A1A farther south, this portion runs through preserved maritime hammock, past oceanfront state parks, and through small beach communities that feel entirely removed from the Florida clichés. Here’s how to drive it and make the most of every mile.
Starting Point: St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the natural starting point. Spend at least a few hours — or better, a full day — in the historic district before hitting the road. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Castillo de San Marcos, cross the Bridge of Lions to the St. Augustine Beach area, and grab breakfast at one of the cafes on Aviles Street. The city’s 450+ years of history are layered everywhere you look.
Vilano Beach and the Coastal Loop
From downtown St. Augustine, cross the Vilano Beach Bridge and head south on A1A through Vilano Beach, a small, low-key beach community with a pier, a fishing jetty, and a few good seafood restaurants. The drive here hugs the Intracoastal on one side and gives occasional ocean glimpses on the other.
Crescent Beach and Fort Matanzas
Continuing south past St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island, you’ll reach Fort Matanzas National Monument — a small but fascinating Spanish fort on a tidal island accessible by a free ferry (run by the National Park Service, departure from the visitor center on A1A). The fort dates to 1742 and the site is free. The ferry ride alone, with its views of Rattlesnake Island and the salt marsh, is worth stopping for.
Marineland
A few miles south of Fort Matanzas sits Marineland, the original marine attraction in the US (opened 1938), now operating as the Marineland Dolphin Adventure — an interactive dolphin encounter experience that’s genuinely special. The surrounding area has an almost haunted, beautiful feel to it: old Florida preserved in amber by the lack of development. This is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Matanzas River in a wide estuary, and the views are exceptional.
The Hammock: Palm Coast’s Scenic Side
Between Marineland and Flagler Beach lies the Hammock — a roughly 8-mile stretch of A1A that winds through ancient live oak and palmetto hammock directly alongside the ocean. This section of the drive is arguably the most beautiful of all: the road is narrow, the canopy is thick in places, and the glimpses of the ocean through the trees have an almost cinematic quality.
Stops along the Hammock stretch include:
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park — Pull over here. The coquina rock formations on the ocean side and the formal gardens on the river side are both extraordinary.
- Malacompra Park — A low-key public park with a boat launch, kayak access to the Intracoastal, and picnic facilities tucked into the hammock.
- Hammock Wine & Cheese — A small bottle shop and provisions store right on A1A that’s perfect for picking up supplies for an impromptu beach picnic.
Ocean Hammock and Cinnamon Beach
Look for the gates to Ocean Hammock on your right — this is where Cinnamon Beach sits, the exclusive gated oceanfront community that hosts some of the most sought-after vacation rentals in the area. The stretch of A1A just past the gate gives you a sense of how close the ocean is to the road here.
End Point: Flagler Beach
The drive ends (or begins, if you’re heading north) at Flagler Beach — the quintessential small Florida beach town. Park near the pier, walk out over the water, grab a cold drink at the Golden Lion or a grouper sandwich at High Tides, and sit with the Atlantic in front of you while you decide if you ever want to leave.
Tips for the Drive
- Total distance: St. Augustine to Flagler Beach is about 40 miles on A1A — allow 2–3 hours with stops, a full day if you want to linger
- Best time: Early morning weekdays are ideal — the light is beautiful and traffic is minimal
- Weather: In summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common. Plan the drive for the morning and be off the beach by 2pm
- Gas: Limited gas stations along the hammock stretch — fill up in St. Augustine or Flagler Beach before starting
Where to Stay Along the Way
The best base for doing this drive is a vacation rental in the Palm Coast or Hammock area — you’re right in the middle of it and can drive either direction at will. Browse our available homes along the A1A corridor.