We've been coming to Vilano beach for years. This area is mostly residential homes, with only a couple of condo complexes available in this immediate area. Thus, there is no congestion, minimal traffic and a wide beach available for your enjoyment. There are restaurants and a grocery store all within 1/2 a mile, and a gas station/convenience store about 100 yards down A1A.
You are still only a 10 minute drive to downtown Saint Augustine and all the landmarks, shops and restaurants. During "in-season" (May - September), there are water taxi's and trolleys that run from the Vilano beach pier area that can take you to downtown Saint Augustine, thus avoiding any worries about parking in the downtown area, which can be a challenge year-round.