Butler Beach State Park

Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Florida Local Park

Butler Beach State Park

Saint Augustine Beach, Florida
Available Activities
  • Boating
  • Pic­nicking
  • Beach Access

🌤 Weather at Butler Beach State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
55–85 °F72–91 °F58–87 °F48–70 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at St Augustine Lighthouse, 4 mi away, elevation 12 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

✓Compiled by the America’s State Parks Editorial Team from official sources. Fees, seasons and hours change — verify with the operator before you go.

Butler Beach is a county beach park south of St. Augustine Beach, run by St. Johns County as Frank Butler Park. It is not part of Florida’s state park system.

Quick Facts

StateFlorida
Nearest CitySaint Augustine Beach
CountySaint Johns County

Location & Getting There

Butler Beach State Park is located near Saint Augustine Beach, Florida. The park’s coordinates are 29.8222, -81.2769.

Things to Do

Florida’s 175 state parks protect some of the most unique ecosystems in North America — from crystalline freshwater springs and cypress swamps to barrier island beaches, mangrove estuaries, and subtropical hammocks. Activities vary by region: snorkeling and swimming in spring-fed rivers with crystal-clear 72°F water year-round, kayaking through mangrove tunnels and tidal creeks, hiking through palm hammocks and pine flatwoods, fishing for tarpon and snook in coastal parks, camping on undeveloped barrier islands, biking paved trails through shady canopies, birding among over 500 resident and migratory species, and exploring historic Spanish-era forts and Seminole War sites. Florida’s springs — including Ichetucknee, Rainbow, and Wakulla — offer world-class underwater visibility.

Best Time to Visit

Florida’s parks are a year-round destination, but the experience varies significantly by season. Winter (December–February) brings ideal weather — comfortable 60s–70s°F temperatures, low humidity, minimal mosquitoes, and the best manatee viewing at warm-water springs. Spring is excellent for wildflowers and birding migration. Summer (June–September) means heat (90s°F), humidity, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and aggressive mosquitoes in marsh and forest parks — but springs offer welcome cooling and sea turtle nesting peaks on Atlantic beaches. Fall is a underrated sweet spot with dropping temperatures, thinning crowds, and warm ocean water. Hurricane season runs June through November — always check forecasts before coastal park visits.

Visitor Tips

Frank Butler Park is a St. Johns County park, open from dawn to dusk, so Florida state park fees and passes do not apply. See the county’s park page for amenities and pavilion rentals.

Explore More Florida State Parks

Looking for state parks in Florida? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Butler Beach SP — has a significant civil rights history — it was one of the few beaches open to African Americans during segregation. The park’s Atlantic beach, dunes, and maritime hammock support loggerhead sea turtles (nesting May-October), shorebirds, and ghost crabs. Bottlenose dolphins surf offshore.

Nearby Attractions

St. Augustine — 5 miles north — America’s oldest city (founded 1565). Anastasia SP — 5 miles north. Fort Matanzas NM — 5 miles south. Marineland — 15 miles south.

Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Anastasia State Park is a short drive away, and Faver-Dykes State Park is a short drive away.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

Last updated: October 7, 2026

Park Map

Saint Augustine Beach, Florida

Plan your gear for Butler Beach State Park

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