Butler Beach, FL

Butler Beach sits along Anastasia Island, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River just a few miles south of historic St. Augustine. With around 5,000 residents, this laid-back coastal neighborhood offers a quieter, more residential alternative to the busier tourist spots up the road. The community carries a proud heritage, named after Black businessman Frank B. Butler, who developed the shoreline in the early 20th century so African Americans had a welcoming beach resort when segregation closed off most of the coast.

Today, the area blends that deep local history with an easygoing beach-town lifestyle. Frank B. Butler County Park gives residents direct access to both the ocean waves and the river for boating, fishing, and weekend picnics. Families moving here also benefit from the top-rated St. Johns County School District, along with an easy drive along A1A into town for groceries, dining, and work. It is a scenic, down-to-earth spot where everyday coastal living feels effortless.