St. Augustine Vacation Rentals - Houses, Condos & Beach Homes Managed Since 1998
Looking for St. Augustine vacation rentals with a real local team behind them? First Choice Florida’s team has managed vacation rentals in the St. Augustine area since 1998, with a focused collection of houses, condos, and beach homes across the beaches, islands, and historic district area. We are not a national booking platform. We are a local St. Augustine vacation rental management company with an office at 1017 A1A Beach Boulevard, a real phone number, and people who know the area property by property.
Whether you are planning a beach week, a long weekend near historic downtown, a family trip, a snowbird stay, or a quiet coastal getaway, our goal is simple: help you find the right rental in the right part of St. Augustine.
Why Book a St. Augustine Vacation Rental?
A hotel room can work for a quick overnight, but a vacation rental gives you room to actually settle in. With a house, condo, or beach rental in St. Augustine, you can spread out, cook meals, do laundry, enjoy separate bedrooms, and live closer to the rhythm of the area. For families, couples, snowbirds, and groups, that extra space often makes the difference between visiting St. Augustine and feeling like you truly stayed here.
Booking direct with First Choice Florida also means you are working with a real local team. You are not routed through a national call center that has never crossed the Bridge of Lions or driven down A1A on a busy beach weekend. We know the difference between St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, Vilano Beach, Butler Beach, Summer Haven, and the historic district because we work with properties across those areas every day.
Our team has worked in St. Augustine vacation rentals since 1998 — long enough to have seen the area change, grow, rebuild, and evolve over more than two decades. We also provide 24-hour emergency support through real local phone coverage, not an anonymous after-hours system. If something comes up during your stay, you have someone local to call.
Browse our St. Augustine vacation rentals and contact us if you want help narrowing down the right area for your trip.
Browse Vacation Rentals by Area
St. Augustine is not one single vacation setting. A rental near the pier feels different from a condo near Crescent Beach, a beach house in Vilano, or a quiet place south near Matanzas Inlet. Choosing the right area is one of the most important parts of booking well.
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is one of the most popular areas for vacation rentals near St. Augustine Beach because it gives visitors a central beach location with easy access to restaurants, the pier area, beach access points, and A1A. It has more activity than the quieter southern stretches, which can be a good fit for families and travelers who like being closer to dining and beach-town conveniences.
From much of St. Augustine Beach, historic downtown is usually about 10 to 15 minutes away by car, depending on traffic and where you are staying. It is a strong choice if you want a classic beach vacation while still being close enough to visit Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, the Bridge of Lions, and the historic district without making a full-day production out of it.
If you want beach access, restaurants, and a central location, start with our St. Augustine Beach rentals.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach sits farther south and has a quieter, more residential feel. The sand often feels wider and less crowded than the busier central beach areas, and the pace is slower. This area is popular with guests who want a beach-first stay without as much activity around them.
Crescent Beach is usually about 15 to 25 minutes south of historic downtown by car, depending on the exact property and traffic. It is also closer to Matanzas Inlet and the southern end of the St. Augustine beach corridor. If your idea of a good trip is more beach time, more quiet, and less walking past crowds, Crescent Beach may be the better fit.
For a quieter beach setting, browse our Crescent Beach vacation rentals.
Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach sits north of the inlet and gives visitors a different angle on St. Augustine. It has a coastal village feel, beach access, and one major advantage: proximity to historic downtown. From many Vilano Beach rentals, you can be across the Vilano Bridge and into the downtown area in about 5 to 10 minutes by car.
Vilano can be a good fit for guests who want beach access without staying on the south island side of town. It also works well for visitors who expect to spend time downtown, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, explore the bayfront, or go back and forth between beach time and historic St. Augustine.
If you want beach atmosphere with quick access to downtown, look at our Vilano Beach rentals.
Butler Beach
Butler Beach sits between St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach, giving it a practical middle-ground feel. It is more residential than the central beach area but not as far south as the quietest stretches. For many visitors, Butler Beach offers the balance they are looking for: easy beach access, a calmer setting, and reasonable drive times in both directions.
Depending on the property, Butler Beach is generally about 15 to 20 minutes from historic downtown by car. It is a good option for families or repeat visitors who already know they want to stay along the beach corridor but do not need to be in the busiest section.
If you want a quieter beach rental without feeling too far out, Butler Beach is worth considering.
Summer Haven
Summer Haven is the most secluded of the main coastal areas we work around. It sits south near Matanzas Inlet and has a remote, tucked-away feel compared with St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach. This is not the choice for guests who want to be near nightlife or constant activity. It is better for travelers who want water, quiet, and space.
Because Summer Haven is farther south, expect a longer drive to historic downtown, often around 30 minutes or more depending on traffic and exact location. For the right guest, that distance is part of the appeal.
If seclusion matters more than convenience, ask us about Summer Haven vacation rentals.
Browse by Property Type or Feature
Every trip is different, so our vacation rentals in St. Augustine, FL can also be searched by property type and feature. Some guests start with location. Others start with the must-haves: oceanfront views, pet-friendly rules, a pool, a condo building, or a full house with more privacy.
Condos are a practical choice for many guests because they often provide shared amenities, easier maintenance, and convenient beach access. They can be especially useful for couples, small families, and snowbirds looking for a comfortable place to stay for more than a few nights.
Houses are often better for guests who want more separation, more bedrooms, outdoor space, or a neighborhood feel. For families and groups, a house can make the trip feel more relaxed.
Pet-friendly rentals are available for guests traveling with dogs, but each property has its own rules, fees, and restrictions. Pet fees are non-refundable, and pets must be approved in writing before arrival. If bringing a pet is important, confirm the details before booking.
Pool rentals are popular with families, especially during warmer months when guests want another way to relax after beach time. Oceanfront and beachside rentals are also in demand, especially for visitors who want the water to be the center of the trip.
Browse by feature or contact First Choice Florida if you want help matching your trip to the right property type.
What to Know Before Booking St. Augustine
A little local knowledge makes booking easier. St. Augustine is a beach town, a historic city, and a coastal community in St. Johns County, so some rules and seasonal details matter.
Beach driving is allowed in designated areas of St. Johns County during daytime hours only. It requires a paid vehicle pass and always depends on beach conditions, tides, and weather. The beach is closed to vehicles at night year-round — gates close in the evening (around 7:30 p.m. during turtle nesting season) and reopen in the morning. Follow all posted signs at access points, and do not assume every access allows vehicles. If driving on the beach is important to your trip, check current St. Johns County guidance before you arrive.
Turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through October 31, and the lighting rules are enforced county ordinances — violations can carry fines. During the season, oceanfront guests should close curtains and blinds at night, keep outdoor lights off unless they are turtle-safe yellow lighting, and minimize flashlight use on the beach after dark. These steps keep nesting females and hatchlings from being disoriented by artificial light and are part of staying responsibly on the coast.
Hurricane season runs from June through November. That does not mean every trip during those months is risky, but it does mean guests should understand cancellation policies, travel insurance options, and weather monitoring during peak storm season.
Check-in is typically 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 10:00 a.m., though exact times can vary by property. Most properties also have minimum stay requirements, often around three nights, though this can vary by property, season, and booking window. Some condo buildings and communities require parking passes or limit the number of vehicles allowed.
Occupancy limits are firm. Each property has a maximum number of guests, and exceeding it can result in being asked to vacate without a refund. Smoking is also prohibited inside all of our rental properties.
Before you book, review the property details carefully or call First Choice Florida at 904-429-7373 with questions.
How First Choice Florida Is Different
First Choice Florida is a boutique St. Augustine vacation rental management company, not a national booking engine. We manage a focused collection of roughly 70 properties, and our team has worked in this market since 1998. Our office is on A1A Beach Boulevard, close to the properties, beaches, and guests we serve.
The difference is practical. When you book direct, you avoid OTA commission layers and work with the local team responsible for the property. If there is an after-hours emergency, there is a real emergency line with local support.
First Choice Florida is owned by Marty Kirkley and Mitch Keady. Marty’s background is in home decor — he owned Eden Home Decor and was a local sponsor of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build in nearby Hastings. Real estate services are handled by licensed broker Susan Binninger of Ocean Breeze Realty. In a market where vacation rentals are both homes and guest accommodations, that mix of design, local ownership, and licensed real estate experience matters.
For direct booking help, call First Choice Florida at 904-429-7373.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best area to stay in St. Augustine?
It depends on the trip. St. Augustine Beach is central and convenient, Crescent Beach is quieter, Vilano Beach is close to downtown, Butler Beach is a good middle stretch, and Summer Haven is more secluded. If you are unsure, start with the kind of trip you want: beach time, downtown access, quiet, restaurants, or space.
What’s the minimum stay for St. Augustine vacation rentals?
Many St. Augustine vacation rentals have a three-night minimum, but this can vary by property, season, and availability. Longer minimums may apply during holidays, peak travel periods, or special events.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is typically 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 10:00 a.m. Exact times can vary by property, so confirm the details for your specific rental before you arrive.
Are pets allowed in St. Augustine vacation rentals?
Some properties are pet-friendly, but not all of them are. Pet fees are non-refundable, and pets must be approved in writing before arrival. Pet rules, size limits, and other restrictions vary by property, so it is important to confirm before booking.
When is the best time to visit St. Augustine?
St. Augustine is active year-round. Spring and fall often bring comfortable weather, summer is popular for beach trips, and winter brings cooler temperatures and seasonal events. The right time depends on whether you care most about beach weather, smaller crowds, holidays, or monthly-stay availability.
How early should I book?
For peak beach weeks, holidays, and popular winter months, earlier is better. If you need a specific area, oceanfront setting, pet-friendly property, or larger rental, booking ahead gives you more choices.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation terms vary by property and booking details. Review the policy before booking and consider travel insurance, especially during hurricane season or if your travel plans are uncertain. For questions, contact First Choice Florida directly before reserving.
