Yes, you can drive on St. Augustine Beach — and on several other beaches in St. Johns County. Roughly 12 miles of coastline between Vilano Beach in the north and Crescent Beach in the south allow vehicles on the sand, with designated access ramps, a seasonal pass system, and a strict 10 mph speed limit. Here’s everything you need to know before you load up the car and head for the shore.
Where Exactly Can You Drive?
Beach driving in St. Johns County is permitted year-round on designated sections of Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach (south of A Street), and Crescent Beach. Vehicles access the sand through specific ramps managed by St. Johns County:
Vilano Beach Ramp — Vilano Road, St. Augustine. Porpoise Point Ramp — currently closed for resiliency improvements and expected to reopen in May 2026. During the closure, drivers should use the Vilano Beach ramp instead. A Street Ramp — note that this is managed by the City of St. Augustine Beach and the gate closes daily at 5:00 p.m. Ocean Trace, Dondanville Road, Matanzas Avenue, and Mary Street ramps provide access along St. Augustine Beach. Crescent Beach Ramp — Cubbedge Road, St. Augustine.
Not every beach in the area allows vehicles. Anastasia State Park, just minutes from St. Augustine Beach, prohibits all vehicles on its four miles of shoreline — making it the best nearby option if you prefer a car-free beach experience.
Beach Driving Passes and Fees
From March 1 through September 30, all vehicles driving onto the beach must display a valid beach pass. Outside of this window (October through February), no pass is required, though access still depends on conditions.
For the 2026 season, pass rates are:
Annual passes: St. Johns County residents pay $50, non-residents pay $100, and ADA-accessible passes cost $40. Daily passes are available at toll booth locations and can be purchased with cash or credit card. Disabled military veterans are eligible for one free annual pass by presenting their military ID or a letter from Veterans Affairs confirming disabled status.
To purchase a resident pass, you’ll need a valid photo ID with a St. Johns County address or proof of property tax payment in the county. Passes are non-refundable and cannot be replaced if lost — you’ll need to buy a new one. Always verify current rates with St. Johns County Beach Services at (904) 209-0331 before your visit, as prices may change.
Driving Conditions and Restrictions
Even during months when passes aren’t required, vehicular access depends entirely on beach conditions. Weather, sand levels, and tides may cause ramps to close temporarily or restrict access to four-wheel-drive vehicles only. If conditions are posted as “4WD Only,” you risk a ticket for accessing the beach in anything other than a true 4WD vehicle.
The speed limit on the beach is 10 mph and it’s strictly enforced. Traffic is controlled, and the driving area is clearly marked. Getting stuck in the sand is a real possibility — especially for two-wheel-drive vehicles on softer sections — and recovery is your responsibility.
Beach gates on St. Johns County-managed beaches close at 7:30 p.m. and open at 8:00 a.m. from May 1 through October 31. From November through April, gates generally remain open unless there’s a significant weather or tidal event. The A Street gate, managed by the City of St. Augustine Beach, closes daily at 5:00 p.m. regardless of season.
Beach Rules to Know Before You Go
A few rules apply to everyone on St. Johns County beaches, whether you’re driving or not:
Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited on the beach. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times, and you’re expected to clean up after them. Open fires are not permitted — any grills must be self-contained with a lid, and all coals must be removed when you leave. Personal watercraft must be launched from designated boat ramps, not from the beach.
If you’re heading to the beach with young children, the combination of vehicle traffic and sand can require extra vigilance. Stick to areas away from the marked driving lanes, and keep a close eye on kids near moving vehicles.
Staying Updated: The SJC Connect App
St. Johns County retired the old “Reach the Beach” app in December 2024. Beach driving conditions, access information, and emergency contacts are now available through the SJC Connect app, which you can download for free on iOS and Android. You can also follow St. Johns County Beach Services on Facebook, X, and Instagram for real-time updates on ramp closures and driving conditions.
For direct questions, call Beach Services at (904) 209-0331.
Wheelchair Access on the Beach
St. Johns County offers beach-accessible wheelchairs at no charge. These specially designed chairs have large balloon tires that roll across sand. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance through the county website, and chairs can be reserved for up to seven consecutive days. A county employee will deliver the wheelchair to your chosen public beach access point and secure it with a bicycle lock until you arrive.
Demand is high during spring and summer, so book early. Contact St. Johns County Beach Services at (904) 209-0331 for availability. Pickup is also available at 901 Pope Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080.
What Else Is Worth Doing Near the Beach
If you’re making a day of it, the area around St. Augustine Beach offers more than sand and surf.
Anastasia State Park covers 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes, and maritime hammock forest. No vehicles are allowed on its shoreline, which makes it feel far more remote than its location — just minutes from downtown St. Augustine — would suggest. The park has 139 campsites and rents kayaks and bicycles on-site. Admission is $8 per vehicle.
The St. Augustine Beach Pier, near the north end of St. Augustine Beach, is a solid spot for fishing or watching the sunset. It has bathrooms, showers, covered seating, and affordable city parking nearby. The area hosts a popular farmer’s market on Wednesday mornings.
Castillo de San Marcos, on South Castillo Drive along Matanzas Bay, is one of the most significant historic sites in northeast Florida. Built by the Spanish beginning in 1672, this national monument sits on roughly 20 acres overlooking the waterway. Actors in period costumes regularly demonstrate life as it was inside the fort centuries ago. If you enjoy historic sites, Florida has several that are well worth a family visit.
Fort Matanzas National Monument, built in 1742 to guard the southern river approach to St. Augustine, is another Spanish-era fortification worth a stop. Note that the Fort Matanzas beach ramp is currently closed for construction through May 2026, though the monument itself remains accessible.
Faver-Dykes State Park, about 20 minutes south of St. Augustine Beach near the intersection of I-95 and US Route 1, sits along one of the state’s popular canoe trails. It draws far fewer visitors than Anastasia, which is part of its appeal for anyone who prefers quiet paddling, fishing, and hiking.
For dining after a beach day, head to A1A Beach Boulevard for a range of local restaurants. Mango Mango’s Caribbean Grill is a longstanding favorite for Caribbean-inspired dishes, and the stretch of A1A near the pier has plenty of casual seafood spots. If you’re planning a longer Florida beach vacation, the St. Augustine area makes a strong base.
Is It Worth Driving on the Beach?
Driving on St. Augustine Beach is convenient — it puts your cooler, chairs, and gear right next to your spot without a long walk over dunes. The beaches are wide, the driving area is well-marked, and enforcement keeps things orderly. It’s a distinctly Florida experience that many visitors enjoy, though if you prefer a quieter, vehicle-free shoreline, Anastasia State Park is the better pick.
If you’re visiting from out of state, factor in the $100 non-resident annual pass or the daily fee during the March-through-September season. Outside those months, beach driving is free. Either way, check conditions before you go — a quick look at the SJC Connect app can save you from arriving at a closed ramp or getting stuck in soft sand with the wrong vehicle.
For more Florida beach planning, check out the beaches of Amelia Island just an hour north, or browse beachfront hotels along Florida’s Gulf Coast if you’re considering a broader coastal trip.
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