Discover the Charms of Butler Beach
Butler Beach stands out as a true delight waiting to be explored. Located between the bustling city of St. Augustine and the peaceful shores of Crescent Beach, Butler Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and a touch of local charm. Butler Beach should be at the top of your travel list.
The soft, white, sandy shores of Butler Beach stretch for miles, inviting visitors to sink their toes into the fine grains and enjoy the gentle caress of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach offers ample space for beachgoers to spread out and find their private piece of coastline, making it an excellent destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. You might even see some horses with their riders cantering through the waves!
Water enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at Butler Beach. Whether you're a seasoned surfer looking to catch a wave, a kayaker eager to explore the coastline, or someone who enjoys swimming in the ocean waves, the beach's waves and inviting waters provide the perfect playground for various aquatic activities.
Butler Beach maintains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a touch of local charm that sets it apart. The nearby community emanates a laid-back vibe, with local shops, restaurants, and cafes where you can savor fresh seafood, sample local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the coastal culture. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the area like a true local.
Just a short drive away, you can immerse yourself in centuries of history, explore the quaint streets and shops, visit historic landmarks, and indulge in cultural experiences. This makes Butler Beach an ideal base for combining a relaxing beach getaway with rich history and culture, especially since it has a rich history of its own.
In the past, Florida’s beaches were for the use of whites only. In 1927, a young man, Frank B. Butler, who had settled in Lincolnville, became so annoyed by this injustice that he began purchasing oceanfront property on Anastasia Island. He eventually acquired a tract stretching across the island from the Atlantic to the Matanzas River. He named it Butler Beach and opened it to African Americans. It became the only stretch of beach between Daytona Beach and American Beach, north of Jacksonville, where African Americans were allowed to enjoy the sand and the sea.
Under its namesake’s direction, Butler Beach continued to develop. Despite local opposition, Butler eventually convinced local government leaders to provide an access road from A1A to his beach. He built bathhouses and a motel and installed a merry-go-round and picnic facilities. Homes began to appear, including one for his family. In 1937, he opened the Sea Breeze Kaseno and later the Butler Inn. Eventually, 11 black-owned businesses were at the beach, and the area became a popular stopping place for visitors traveling along A1A. Butler Beach is part of the legacy he built as one of Florida's first successful businessmen.
Butler Beach offers an appealing blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and local charm. Butler Beach has it all, whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, exciting water activities, or a chance to explore history and culture. So, add Butler Beach and Creston House to your travel itinerary, and your senses will thank you for this wonderful experience.