Can you drive on the beaches in St. Johns County?
Yes, you can drive on designated sections of St. Johns County beaches, including parts of St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, and Crescent Beach. A beach driving pass is required from March 1 through September 30. Access may be limited based on weather, sand, or tide conditions, sometimes restricting access to 4-wheel drive vehicles only. Always check current conditions and follow the 10 mph speed limit.
Are dogs allowed on St. Johns County beaches?
Yes, dogs are permitted on most St. Johns County beaches, including St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Vilano Beach, provided they are kept on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Some specific areas like Anastasia State Park have their own pet policies, so it's always good to check posted signs.
What are the rules about alcohol on St. Johns County beaches?
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on St. Johns County beaches. Glass containers are also not allowed. These rules are in place for safety and to help preserve the natural environment.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean at St. Augustine Beach?
Yes, you can swim at St. Augustine Beach. Lifeguards are typically stationed along the shore from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. However, swimming is not permitted within 400 feet of the St. Johns County Ocean Fishing Pier.
When is the best time of year to visit St. Johns County beaches for a holiday?
The best time to visit St. Johns County beaches depends on your preferences. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant weather, warm water, and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is popular for classic beach weather but can be hot, humid, and more crowded. Winter (December-February) is cooler, ideal for walks and shelling, but ocean swimming might be chilly for some.
Are St. Johns County beaches good for families?
Yes, St. Johns County offers many family-friendly beaches. St. Augustine Beach is particularly popular with families due to its gentle waves, amenities like the St. Johns County Ocean Pier with its splash park and playground, and nearby restaurants. Crescent Beach is also known for its calmer, family-friendly atmosphere.
What's the difference between St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach?
St. Augustine Beach is generally more active, with more amenities like the pier, volleyball courts, and proximity to shops and restaurants. It allows beach driving in designated areas. Crescent Beach, located further south, is known for being quieter, more residential, and having a more natural, unspoiled setting. It also allows beach driving in certain areas and is praised for its wide, scenic shoreline.
Are there any beaches in St. Johns County where you can't drive your car?
Yes, Anastasia State Park prohibits vehicles on its beaches, offering a more natural and pedestrian-focused beach experience. Also, South Ponte Vedra Beach generally does not permit vehicles on the sand, with access limited to specific points like Mickler's Landing for off-beach parking.
What are the beach driving hours and fees in St. Johns County?
Beach driving is permitted in designated areas. From March 1 through September 30, a fee is required to drive on the beaches, and tollbooths are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Daily and annual passes are available. During sea turtle nesting season (May 1 - October 31), county-managed beach gates close at 7:30 p.m. and reopen at 8:00 a.m. The A Street vehicular access gate, managed by the City of St. Augustine Beach, closes daily at 5 p.m. year-round.
Can I have a bonfire on St. Johns County beaches?
No, open fires are not permitted on St. Johns County beaches. Any fires must be self-contained, such as in a grill with a lid, and all debris, including coals, must be removed from the beach when you leave. Coals should not be placed in beach garbage cans.
Where can I find shark teeth on St. Johns County beaches?
Ponte Vedra Beach is particularly well-known as a good spot for finding shark teeth. Searching along the strand line, which is the highest line of debris left by waves at high tide, is often the most productive method. Vilano Beach is another location where beachcombers report finding shark teeth.
Are there lifeguards on duty at St. Johns County beaches?
Lifeguards are staffed seasonally at several St. Johns County beaches, typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Locations with seasonal lifeguards often include St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach Park, and Butler Beach. It's always best to check current conditions and swim in designated areas when lifeguards are present.
What kind of activities can you do at St. Johns County beaches besides swimming and sunbathing?
Besides swimming and sunbathing, St. Johns County beaches offer a variety of activities. Popular options include fishing (from the shore or the St. Johns County Ocean Pier), surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, beachcombing for shells and shark teeth, kiteboarding, and beach volleyball. Some beaches also have nearby nature trails for hiking and birdwatching.
Are there any quiet or less crowded beaches in St. Johns County?
Yes, if you're looking for quieter, less crowded beaches, consider Crescent Beach for its serene, natural setting, or the beaches within Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) which offer undeveloped coquina sand beaches. Butler Beach can also be more relaxed. Generally, beaches further south from the main St. Augustine Beach area or those with more limited access tend to be less congested.
What are the parking options for St. Johns County beaches?
Parking options vary by beach. Many access points have dedicated off-beach parking lots, some free and some with fees (like Anastasia State Park). St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park offers free parking. For beaches that allow driving, you can park on the sand in designated areas after paying the seasonal access fee. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking can fill up.
