Matanzas Beach

One of the standout eateries near Matanzas Beach is Beaches at Vilano, offering a laid-back atmosphere with a seafood-heavy menu and cocktails overlooking the Tolomoto River. Another popular spot is Cap's On the Water, known for its sunset views and local seafood, including a lively oyster bar.

For those looking for a beachy vibe, Sunset Grille provides a local haunt with ocean views, serving up seafood and comfort fare. Salt Life Food Shack is another favorite, with an eclectic seafood menu and live music. Lastly, Crabby's Beachside offers casual dining with a focus on seafood, burgers, and more.

For accommodations near Matanzas Beach, the Embassy Suites by Hilton St Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort is an upscale beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Another option is the Hilton Garden Inn St. Augustine Beach, offering contemporary accommodations with a pool. The Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach is a mid-range option with a restaurant and bar. Lastly, Hampton Inn St. Augustine Beach provides a more casual beachfront experience with free breakfast.

Near Matanzas Beach, amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, and rental shops for kayaks and jet skis. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails and explore the nearby Salt Air Farmer’s Market, which offers fresh produce and handcrafted goods.

The Fort Matanzas National Monument, nearby, features swimming beaches with restrooms and parking, catering to both ocean and river activities. Parking for the monument's beaches is limited, adding to their secluded charm.

In the surrounding St. Augustine area, visitors can find numerous parks and recreational facilities, such as Anastasia State Park, offering an entrance fee for parking and access to the beach.

Matanzas Beach offers a variety of activities, including surfing, boating, fishing, and shelling. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails and rent kayaks or jet skis to navigate the waterways. The nearby Marineland provides opportunities to interact with dolphins through various programs.

For those interested in more leisurely activities, strolling along the beach to hunt for shells or simply relax under the sun is also a popular option. The dynamic landscape created by changing tides and storms makes each visit unique.

Accessibility options near Matanzas Beach include wheelchair-accessible boardwalks at the Fort Matanzas National Monument, allowing easy access to both the ocean and river beaches. Many of the nearby restaurants and hotels also offer wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities.

However, specific wheelchair rentals may not be readily available on-site, so planning ahead is advisable. The overall area strives to be inclusive, with a focus on making natural attractions accessible to visitors of all abilities.

Parking near Matanzas Beach is available but limited. The Fort Matanzas National Monument offers small parking lots for beach access, but there is no roadside parking allowed. Visitors often park at nearby public beach access points or use designated parking areas in St. Augustine and Vilano Beach.

In the neighboring beach towns, parking is generally available on the street or in designated lots, though some areas require permits or have restricted access.

Matanzas Beach is named after the Spanish word for “massacres” due to its history as the site of the Spanish defeat of the French in 1565. This event marked a significant moment in securing Spanish control over Florida for nearly two and a half centuries.

The area is also notable for its dynamic landscape, with sandbars and inlets constantly reshaping due to natural erosion and storm activity. This process creates unique and ever-changing environments for both wildlife and human exploration.

One of the main attractions near Matanzas Beach is the Fort Matanzas National Monument, featuring two swimming beaches and historic significance. Another popular spot is the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, offering interactive dolphin experiences.

The nearby St. Augustine Beach Pier is a hub for live music, farmers markets, and fishing activities. Visitors can also explore the historic downtown area of St. Augustine, filled with landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos.

Additionally, the Marineland Ocean Boardwalk provides scenic ocean views and convenient beach access.