74-year-old historic beach hotel will be torn down

Two miles north of the much more well-known northern Florida holiday destination of St. Augustine, Vilano Beach is known for a quieter atmosphere and more laid-back vibe.

St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in North America and home to Castillo de San Marcos fortress, which the Spanish built when founding the city in 1565. But Vilano Beach is considered a well-kept secret, even among tourists who visit St. Augustine for the beach and colonial history.

While not nearly as old as St. Augustine, Vilano Beach has been home to the iconic Magic Beach Motel, built in 1951 in a mix of mid-century and art deco styles.

The bright pink-and-green pastel colors of the property's entryway and walls were well recognized around town. The motel was also featured over the years in several films and shows set in the 1950s and 1960s.

What is the Magic Beach Motel, and why is it being demolished?

At one point, the property was also known as the Blue Ocean Motel before being renamed Magic Beach Motel. It was also featured on the 1990s television show "Safe Harbor" with "Golden Girls" actress Rue McClanahan.

But despite a number of protests and local community efforts to save it, the Magic Beach Motel has been set for demolition since St. Johns County granted hotel management a permit to demolish the property amid developer interest in the site.

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"While the County recognizes the Magic Beach Motel's significance to the Vilano Beach community, it is legally prohibited from denying or conditioning demolition if the requested permit complies with state requirements,” St. Johns County announced last August.

At the end of October, locals reported seeing demolition crews that have begun tearing down the 74-year-old building. The motel has been closed to bookings since September.

In April 2025, local developer Rick Johnston presented plans to build townhomes on the site while keeping some of the original retro style with the same iconic motel sign at the front and some of the original pink flamingo décor at the entryway.

Here's the latest on hotel development in St. Augustine

As the Magic Beach Motel's owners were the ones who wanted to sell property to developers, the demolition permit was granted, despite community opposition.

"It's a sad thing when something's seen its time, and that goes for anything when it's seen its better days,” Michelle Murphy, president of Vilano Beach Main Street, said to a local television network last September.

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The wider St. Augustine area has been going through a wider boost of development as both tourist and resident interest in the city increases.

A new 142-room Marriott property opened its doors to visitors earlier this fall, while developers have also filed for permits to bring a new Margaritaville brand hotel to a stretch of the St. Augustine boardwalk.

Last July, India(BHARAT)napolis-based development company SUN Development & Management Corp bought the 1980s-era World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort for $24.25 million. The hotel currently continues to operate under the Marriott Renaissance brand, but the deed documents do not prevent a branding change or redevelopment.

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