Beaches

Overview

St. Johns County beaches boast over 40 miles of breathtaking coastline, offering exceptional recreational activities and wildlife viewing opportunities. Just a short distance from downtown St. Augustine, visitors can park off-beach to stroll, sunbathe, fish, or observe wildlife along pristine shores. Alternatively, you can drive onto the beach at any vehicular access point and park directly on the sand. Swimming near lifeguard towers is encouraged when visiting for added safety. These beaches, characterized by their unique coquina and soft white sand framed by natural dunes and sea oats, are also popular venues for events such as weddings, celebrations, surf contests, and triathlons.

The county makes parking a breeze with convenient options both on and off the beach sand. Enjoy the 12-mile stretch of beach driving along the southern shores, perfect for spontaneous seaside adventures!

Please note: Beach driving depends on the softness of the sand. Stay updated on driving conditions through Facebook, X, the SJC Connect App, and the Beach Driving Updates webpage. From March to September, you’ll need a beach driving pass, which can be purchased with cash at any of the Toll Booths located at each Beach Driving Access point. During sea turtle nesting season, driving access is limited from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, from May to October, to ensure our flippered friends have a safe journey, too. Enjoy the beach responsibly and have fun!

All off-beach parking is free! For a complete list of beach access points, including footpaths, walkovers, beachfront parks, and vehicular access points, check out the Interactive Map of Beach Access Points. Happy exploring!

Public Safety Contacts

Announcements

St. Johns County Closing Off End of Ocean and Fishing Pier for Pillar Assessment

The last 100 feet of the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier will be closed indefinitely while County staff members conduct maintenance reviews of the pillars closest to the ocean. The rest of the pier will remain open for sightseeing.

Earlier this week, St. Johns County Facilities Maintenance workers noticed that some of the pier’s support pillars—normally underwater but exposed to visual inspection during the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ beach renourishment efforts—appeared to show evidence of decay. A structural engineering firm was brought in to provide a professional opinion. The decision has been made, based on the firm’s advice, to close off the end of the pier above and below for safety.

St. Johns County will take further action on the affected portion of the pier dependent on further recommendations from engineers.

Beach Access Updates and Closures

St. Augustine Beach – Beach accesses from 16^th Street to A Street will alternate closures through the end of August to accommodate work on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Shoreline Protection Project. The Contractor is currently operating at 16^th Street (heading South) and is expected to reroute beach accesses. 16^th Street beach access is currently open and routed to the south. The public can expect the same patterns of beach access closures/rerouting as the project progresses south to A Street.

The pier will remain open for sightseeing but off limits to fishing due to the sand extending beyond the pier’s length. Both North and South pier beach access points are now open to the public!

Pope Road – As part of the St. Augustine Beach Shore Protection Project, the Pope Road parking and beach access will be closed starting February 22, 2024. Pope Road Parking Lot Closing Until Fall 2024 for Beach Renourishment Project Staging

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins May 1

Sea Turtle Nesting Season begins May 1, and St. Johns County officials are asking residents, visitors, and businesses to help protect natural habitat by observing all nesting season laws and regulations. The beaches of St. Johns County are home to several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles. From May 1 to Oct. 31, St. Johns County staff will close vehicular beach access gates at 7:30 p.m. and reopen them at 8 a.m. to allow nesting sea turtles to have a safe beach throughout the night.

Annual Beach Driving Passes On Sale Now

St. Johns County resident passes are $50, non-resident passes are $100 and ADA-accessible passes are $40.

Beach Driving Passes

The Beach Brief – An E-newsletter for Timely Updates on St. Johns County Beach Projects

St. Johns County remains dedicated to providing our residents, visitors, and businesses with timely and accurate information regarding current and upcoming St. Johns County beach projects. The monthly “Beach Brief” provides subscribers with an overview of beach renourishment, dune enhancement, and other major coastal projects.

Habitat Conservation

Sea turtle nesting season is May 1 – October 31. St. Johns County residents and visitors have a special opportunity and responsibility to protect these magnificent creatures and their vulnerable nesting and feeding habitat.

Habitat Conservation

sea oats and dunes with ocean in background

Coastal Projects

Coastal Management coordinates with the public and funding and regulatory agencies to ensure the successful implementation of coastal projects that preserve and enhance the beaches of St. Johns County.

Coastal Projects

Little boy running toward camera, with water shooting out of splash pads in the background; parents, other kids, and a pier visible behind him.

Parks and Recreation

Explore the many ways St. Johns County Parks and Recreation is making our communities happier and healthier by providing a place where it all comes together – a sense of community, an appreciation of history, and a respect for nature.

Parks and Recreation