Come See the Iconic Bluebird of Happiness!

The Bluebird of Happiness on the Vilano Pier

A visit to the Vilano Town Center is not complete without a photo with the iconic and always cheerful Bluebird of Happiness at the Vilano Pier. But have you ever wondered how this sculpture came to be such an integral part of the Vilano Beach area?

The Bluebird began as an orange bird advertising orange juice in the 1950s along U.S. 1 and was a popular spot for a photo op. Later, local hoteliers, Newt and Wilda Haley purchased the bird, painted it blue, and stood it in front of their hotel where it remained for many years. After its time there, it left Vilano Beach and ended up at a home on the marsh. When the home and the bird were purchased by the Porters, they agreed to donate the bird to the Vilano Beach Main Street group. With the acquisition, the hope was for visitors to take pictures in front of the bird and remember their visit to Vilano Beach. A "Bring Back The Bird" campaign was started in 2009 with a goal of $4,500 to raise to complete restoration. It only took four years to accomplish the feat. Today, the sign at the base of the bird identifies all community volunteers supporting the "come back" and of course, the website so all can remember to come back. So now that you know the history of the Bluebird of Happiness, make sure to get your photo taken with this iconic sculpture as a wonderful memory of your visit to Vilano Beach and St. Augustine! 

Just a short drive from the Bluebird is the waterfront and intimate Inn at Camachee Harbor, St. Augustine's most popular marina hotel. Most of the 19 suites in this waterfront hotel open directly onto the marina, where you can watch the boats and yachts come and go in the harbor as well as see some beautiful sunsets. The ever-changing scenes of the marina make for beautiful picture memories. There are excellent restaurants right on the property and others just a short drive away as is the beautiful historic district. If your dog or cat is also a traveling companion, many of the rooms are pet-friendly, and small, well-behaved pets are welcome for a nominal fee. So join us for a truly memorable vacation!