The Other Side of St. Augustine

The little historic city of St. Augustine Florida is many things. Folks visit to explore its fascinating history as the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States. Stunning Flagler College sits in the middle of town and contributes a cool college vibe. And the pedestrian-only St. George Street area attracts tourists from around the world to its restaurants, shops, and historic beauty. It truly is a destination worthy of a visit.

But the locals know that this growing town is more than just a stop for history buffs and tourists. There’s another side of St. Augustine – one that embraces outdoor adventure, warm quiet beaches, conservation initiatives, and farm-to-table goodness. Throw in unique outdoor events designed to entertain and enlighten, and you’ll see why discovering the other side of St. Augustine should be in your plans.  

As home base for your trip, check out Crescent Beach, a sleepy little seaside community located just south of busy St. Augustine Beach. Close to the action but tucked away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find Beacher’s Lodge, an affordable all-suites condo hotel property with rooms that can be rented out nightly, weekly, or even monthly. Each room is maintained and decorated by an individual owner, making for unique multi-room units that each have a character of their own. From cozy Studio Suites to spacious Group Suites with discounted rates for large parties, each unit has either a private porch or patio that faces directly onto their secluded beach for unmatched ocean views and stunning sunrises. 

Each suite also features its own fully outfitted kitchenette area, complete with a full-sized refrigerator, stove, and dishes. And for those who like the freshwater lifestyle, there is a convenient oceanside temperature-regulated pool at the edge of the property to take a dip in. You will be amazed at how quiet Beacher’s shoreline is, with a gently curved ribbon of soft sand nestled between majestic dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect spot to simply get away from it all in a serene outdoor atmosphere. 

To immerse yourself in the splendor of St. Augustine’s natural surroundings while learning what you can do to help preserve them, hook up with GeoTrippin’ Adventure Company. Owner Ben Luis Brandao’s mission is to help people form a stronger connection to nature while inspiring them to get active in preserving the planet's living systems. He actively does this by personally hosting kayak trips through the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (or GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 76,000-acre estuary south of St. Augustine generally bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. 

Ben immerses his guests in the area with several different kayak trips that discover dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and over 350 other animal species. GeoTrippin's main launch, at Genung's Fish Camp in Crescent Beach, offers a dynamic paddling experience where dolphins chasing schools of fish across the tidal lagoon are often sighted up close. There’s also the Low Tide Oyster Maze trip, an easy paddle where you can learn how the dozens of exposed oyster beds in the area help keep our marine ecology healthy and strong, as each tiny oyster filters and purifies 50 gallons of water every day. Ben even introduced sunset and night bioluminescence tours to the area – mind-blowing trips through the Guana Reserve that highlight glowing sea life such as jellyfish, dinoflagellates, and more. He also offers private kayaking lessons for those who want to learn for life. Ben knows that there is no better way to connect with the spirit of wild Florida than to be immersed in it on the water. 

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