Two notable bridges in St. Augustine cross over the Matanzas River: the historic Bridge of Lions, which accesses Anastasia Island, and the longer Vilano Causeway/Usina Bridge, which accesses Vilano Beach. They’re 1.2 miles apart. It’s a minimum 7.5 mile run — and particularly nice at sunrise.
Vilano Bridge. Wikimedia Commons
Start on King St./Flagler College, to access the Bridge of Lions. It’s a short crossing on this 1927-era drawbridge, with a fairly narrow sidewalk. Option: head right back over, or add 2 prettymiles on Anastasia using N. St. Augustine Blvd./Inlet Dr. Then, head north toward the Vilano Causeway, using the waterfront path, Fort Castillo, and Water St. LEFT on Pine St. to run briefly on San Marcos Ave., and then use the lovely Magnolia Ave. to access the Vilano Causeway. It’s 1.5 miles across the Causeway and Bridge, with great water views and a wide shoulder (but no sidewalk). For the return, retrace your steps or use some of the other streets in the St. Augustine Historic District.
Add-Ons: Can enjoy some of the nice streets on Anastasia Island.
Two notable bridges in St. Augustine cross over the Matanzas River: the historic Bridge of Lions, which accesses Anastasia Island, and the longer Vilano Causeway/Usina Bridge, which accesses Vilano Beach. They’re 1.2 miles apart. It’s a minimum 7.5 mile run — and particularly nice at sunrise.
Vilano Bridge. Wikimedia Commons
Start on King St./Flagler College, to access the Bridge of Lions. It’s a short crossing on this 1927-era drawbridge, with a fairly narrow sidewalk. Option: head right back over, or add 2 prettymiles on Anastasia using N. St. Augustine Blvd./Inlet Dr. Then, head north toward the Vilano Causeway, using the waterfront path, Fort Castillo, and Water St. LEFT on Pine St. to run briefly on San Marcos Ave., and then use the lovely Magnolia Ave. to access the Vilano Causeway. It’s 1.5 miles across the Causeway and Bridge, with great water views and a wide shoulder (but no sidewalk). For the return, retrace your steps or use some of the other streets in the St. Augustine Historic District.
Add-Ons: Can enjoy some of the nice streets on Anastasia Island.
The most scenic run in St. Augustine, featuring nearly 2 miles along the water. Includes the Castillo Fort and bayfront path. It's a 4 mile out and back. For a longer run, incorporate the Mission and the beautifully canopied Magnolia Ave.
A 'runseeing' tour of St. Augustin's Historic district, the area between the Vilano Bridge and Bridge of Lions. Take a jaunt around the grounds of West Lawn, historic streets, Castillo Fort, The Mission, and the waterfront. Good add-on opportunities.
Miles and miles of great beach running on either St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach. Each of these beaches is long and flat, with fairly reliable compact sand good for running.
A guide to some of the nicer neighborhoods for running in the St. Augustine area. Historic District, Lincolnville, Davis Shores/Anastasia, Camachee Cove/Lands End Dr. These areas feature mainly quiet roads, with some lovely homes and a pretty canopy.
Great opportunity for a long, off-road run about 9 miles from St. Augustine. The paved, multi-use path stretches for 19 miles southwest to East Palatka on the St. John's River. Much of the terrain is wooded. There are five distinct trailheads.
A master planned community, between St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Great running on the 10+ miles of 'fitness trails' around the 5,000 acres of village-like neighborhoods. Or run on the lovely 3.5-mile Nature Trail of the nearby Nocatee Nature Preserve.
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