When we first planned our trip, our original plan was to spend a couple days in Miami. But instead, us realizing we’re not really city people, decided to try a bit further north. We spent a night in Cocoa Beach (another post and photos coming later) and then continued the trek upwards (that is if you identify “North” as “Up”). Anyway, this was actually one campground that I booked the night before… I actually planned this one! It was a KOA right off St. Augustine Beach… or so we thought.
Monday afternoon, we rolled up to the KOA. I was pretty excited because we had decided to spend two days here. The KOA boasted just a 3/4 mile walk to the beach, not far from downtown, and nearby shops and restaurants.
Well everything is relative, I guess. The shops were a strip mall that boarded the east side of camp. I mean the dumpsters were literally at the edge of camp… and the 3/4 mile? Well they were probably right about the distance, but you would have to cross a very large, populated highway to start your stroll.
We pulled up and my little gut friend said, “Ummm, no thanks.” Fortunately, the KOA staff was very friendly and allowed us a 100% refund. A quick google search and we found North Beach Camp Resort. Let me just say this, if you are EVER in St. Augustine and looking for a place to set up tent, THIS IS IT.
There are some days that just fall into place and this was one of them. One side of this resort is bordered by the Tolomato River. An average body of water with an above average sunset (see below). Talk about serenity. This little beauty was just a minute walk from our camp site. Up river just slightly is a little restaurant, Aunt Kate’s. Aunt Kate’s is home to a southern wrap around porch, a pier complete with resting pelicans, a back deck that was built after a large tree had already claimed the spot, and an appetizer of corn bread, pumpkin bread, and deep-fried-something-good.
And that’s just the west side of camp! On the east side is the Atlantic Ocean with a practically private beach. Most of the beach is home to the backyards of local residents which keeps the area nice and quiet. Tyler and I are old, we like quiet beaches and our idea of “nightlife” is watching the sunset.
We arrived at North Beach early Monday afternoon, set up camp, had lunch at Aunt Kate’s and then headed to historic St. Augustine. After a wonderful evening in town, back to the campsite we went and watched the sun set on the western horizon. I wasn’t kidding when I said above average. I mean… look at it.
The next day was another historic downtown filled day with WAY too much to fit into this post (more coming later!) Late afternoon we headed back to the campground but this time spent a few hours on the ocean side beach. Yesterday was once of those days… I don’t think I checked the time once all day. Ever done that before? I even fell asleep on the beach and I couldn’t even tell you for how long. The only clock was the shifting shade under our beach umbrella.
When you tell people you’re headed to Florida and they ask, “Where?” and you say, “We’re not sure yet.” You get some looks, some laughs, and some eye rolls. This is why. This is why we don’t plan our destinations too far in advance, if at all. When you open yourself to what the world decides to send your way, you open yourself up to something incredible. Something you couldn’t have planned if you had tried.
More about downtown St. Augustine and recommendations coming soon!