St. Augustine Beach Getaway: The Perfect Mini-Vacation from The Villages, FL

Looking for the perfect beach escape just a couple hours from The Villages? We traded our golf cart for the open road and headed to St. Augustine Beach for sun, surf, and a bucket-list Ringo Starr concert. From scenic backroad drives and beachfront dining to exploring the historic district by trolley, this trip had it all—without ever stepping on a plane.

Whether you're newly retired, dreaming of your next Florida day trip, or planning a longer "station" getaway, our St. Augustine adventure is packed with tips for saving, splurging, and making the most of your travel from Central Florida.

👉 Read the full story to see where we stayed, what we loved (and what we’d skip), and why this might be our new favorite beach close to home.