We discovered this area over a decade ago while we were living in Gainesville, FL and spent many long weekends visiting and staying at a local hotel. We loved that the beach area was quiet and pristine with gorgeous views from Porpoise Point that remind us of our trips to the Caribbean. It has an island feel to it and the beach character changes with the seasons. This area is mostly residential homes, with only a couple of condo complexes available in this immediate area. There is a wide beach available for your enjoyment and you might even see baby sea turtles hatching or be the first to see a turtle nest. There is a Publix grocery store within walking distance or a short drive away, a gas station/convenience store and a variety of restaurants from waterfront/beachfront, casual/formal.
You are still only a 10 minute drive to downtown Saint Augustine and all the landmarks, shops and restaurants. During "in-season" (May - September), there are water taxi's and trolleys that run from the Vilano beach pier area that can take you to downtown Saint Augustine, thus avoiding any worries about parking in the downtown area.