Freedom of the open road doesn’t end when the pavement does in St. Johns County. You can drive along 12 miles of sandy shoreline, which is a total blast, but can quickly turn into a bust if you’re not prepared. Conditions change daily based on weather, sand and tides. Soft, rutted sand can easily trap vehicles—even those with four-wheel drive.
A little planning goes a long way in helping you experience one of the best ways to enjoy the beach. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Designated Access Points
Vehicles are permitted on Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and Crescent Beach within designated areas. Access points include: Porpoise Point, A Street, Ocean Trace, Dondanville Road, Matanzas Avenue, Mary Street, Crescent Beach (Cubbedge Road), and Fort Matanzas (exit only ramp).
Click here for a helpful map of beach access points and pavilions.
When to Go
It’s important to know that conditions vary daily. Be flexible with your plans and smart with your decisions. Access may be limited due to weather, sand conditions, or tides, potentially closing ramps or restricting access to four-wheel drive vehicles only. (Nothing ruins a beach day like getting stuck and paying for an expensive tow.)
St. Johns County regularly updates information about beach driving conditions here.
Rules & Regulations
You may feel free from the confines of the road, but the beach is not a lawless land. Know these rules to ensure everyone stays safe and has a good time.
- Speed limit is 10 mph.
- Beach passes are required for all vehicles March 1 – September 30:
- Daily pass: residents & non-residents – $10.00; disabled individuals & active military – $5.00; 100% disabled veterans with proper identification – free.
- Purchase your pass from toll booths at access points (open daily 9:00am – 5:00pm through the end of August, weekends only in September).
- Vehicles must remain in designated lanes and parking is allowed on a designated side.
- All vehicles are required to stop at ramps and yield to pedestrians. Please do not drive in pedestrian areas.
- Nighttime driving is allowed November – April, but is prohibited May – October during sea turtle nesting season.
Now that you know the basics, there’s nothing stopping you from hitting the sand in a whole new way––conditions permitting.
