Butler Beach was the only beach between Jacksonville and Daytona that Black people were allowed to enjoy. This images, circa 1950, shows a group of young girls posing happily. (Image courtesy of Florida Memory)

Butler Beach History Walk

Name: Butler Beach History Walk
Start: 2026-02-11T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-11T11:00:00-05:00
Location: Frank Butler Beachfront Park East

Explore civil rights heritage and the natural beauty of this historic beach.

Wed., Feb. 11, and Sat., Feb 26, 2026 | Times Vary

Butler Beach History Walk

(904) 209-0335

Starts at Mary Street Beach Access
5680 A1A South
St. Augustine , FL 32080

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Take a walk through history during a guided tour of Butler Beach on two days during Black History Month. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., and on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this walking tour highlights the beach's pivotal role in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

Butler Beach

Named after Frank B. Butler, a local African American businessman and early civil rights leader, Butler Beach symbolizes St. Augustine's complex history with the fight for equality. Frank Butler began buying beachfront property on Anastasia Island after his growing frustration with segregation-era whites-only beaches. This strip of land became Butler Beach, the first beach accessible to Black citizens between Daytona and Jacksonville.

The Details

Admission: Online registration is required for this free event. Go here to register.

Note: If you have not done so, you will have to set up an account to register. You do not have to be a resident, they do not ask for a payment method, and you will have to create a password.

When: There are two guided walks in February 2026