Vilano Point takes its name from Vilano Beach, platted during the 1920s Florida Land Boom with the historic Vilano Beach Plat dating from 1927, located just north of downtown St. Augustine's historic district on the north side of Matanzas Inlet in St. Johns County. The area's tourism connection traces to 1888 when Hotel Ponce de Leon guests—staying at Standard Oil magnate Henry Flagler's exclusive luxury resort in St. Augustine—would spend days at Vilano Beach. The Grand Vilano Casino, a Mediterranean Revival building constructed by Florida developer August Heckscher in 1926, hosted big New York bands, vaudeville acts, theme parties, and dances until 50-mile-per-hour winds and high tides destroyed it on August 28, 1937. Coastal Highway (A1A) construction in 1928 improved beach access, though the majority of land remained vacant until after World War II when small motels and motor courts emerged along Vilano Road in the late 1940s and 1950s. Porpoise Point at Vilano Beach's southern end near St. Augustine Inlet serves as a favorite spot for fishing and launching jet skis, representing the area's continued recreational appeal along Florida's Historic Coast.
Swimming in gentle Atlantic waves provides recreation with lifeguard supervision during seasonal coverage, though visitors should check current conditions before entering the water at this casual, quiet beach. Surfing attracts wave riders especially during fall and winter when excellent conditions prevail, with WSMS Surf Shop offering lessons for all ages. Fishing opportunities abound through surf casting, pier fishing from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, and boat launching at the nearby ramp accessing Matanzas Inlet, Tolomato River, and St. Augustine Inlet for redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum. Kayaking and paddleboarding explore the inshore waters and river systems. Sunbathing, beachcombing, and wildlife watching appeal to nature enthusiasts. Additional activities include horse-riding, canoeing, skim-boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boating, jet-skiing, surf-skiing, water-skiing, and parasailing along the natural Atlantic shoreline characterized by casual atmosphere and quiet ambiance near historic St. Augustine.
Pesca Rooftop Kitchen and Bar offers casual Florida coastal cuisine with Latin and Caribbean flavors inspired by Chef Michael Lugo's Puerto Rican heritage, providing spectacular views of Vilano, St. Augustine, and beyond from the rooftop setting. Beaches at Vilano sits on the Tolomato River delivering award-winning Caribbean island atmosphere with great food, signature drinks, friendly staff, and the best sunsets in St. Augustine. Aunt Kate's Restaurant continues over 100 years of serving the finest local seafood from its grove of live oaks on the Tolomato River bank, with dining on outside decks under trees or inside in the main dining room and Victory bar. Cap's on the Water presents new coastal cuisine and freshest seafood with Southern and Mediterranean flavors combined with beautiful waterfront views. The Kingfish Grill provides casual waterfront dining, representing Vilano Beach's collection of fantastic seafood restaurants with lively atmosphere, stunning views, and excellent service just a short drive from St. Augustine's historic heart.
