St. Johns County Beaches
News & Announcements
Sea Turtle Season begins May 1. To comply with regulations that protect the turtles and the Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, beach driving and lighting rules are in effect May 1st to October 31st. Vehicular traffic on the beach is only allowed from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. Additionally, all beachfront properties are required to reduce the impact of interior and exterior lights which may impact nesting sea turtles. Turtle season rules.
St. Johns County Beach Survey – Residents, visitors, and businesses who enjoy our local beaches are invited to participate in a brief survey that will help us enhance beach services and facilities. Please visit our survey by April 15 to share your feedback regarding SJC beaches.
North Beach Walkover closed for replacement beginning March 18. The park will remain open and beach access is available at other points including Vilano Beach Town Center, Surfside Park, and South Ponte Vedra Park which have restrooms, showers, and free parking. Beach parking is available for a minimal fee in the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The walkover is scheduled to reopen in June. For more information, call (904) 209-0331.
Current Beach Conditions – Automated information line which is updated as conditions change 209-0331.
Recreational Opportunities
With over 40 miles of scenic coastline, St. Johns County beaches offer some of the best recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities in the beautiful State of Florida. Just minutes from the historic district of downtown St. Augustine residents and visitors can park off-beach and walk, sunbathe, fish or enjoy wildlife viewing along endless miles of pristine coastline or park directly on the sand and enjoy a dip in the surf near one of the several staffed lifeguard towers.
Our beaches have several miles of coquina and white soft sand beaches set against a backdrop of natural dunes topped with sea oats. All which are popular for holding special events such as weddings, parties, marathons, and other events similar in nature. St. Johns County offers many beach front parks and has easy access to most of its beaches.
Habitat Conservation
St. Johns County is home to a variety of wildlife including several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles, the native Anastasia Island beach mice, gopher tortoises, and shorebirds. Each spring our beaches our buzzing with activity as sea turtles, beach mice, gopher tortoises, and shorebirds use our beaches and dunes for nesting and foraging that continues throughout the summer months. Sea turtle nesting season is from May 1 – October 31. Those who live and visit St. Johns County have a special opportunity and responsibility to protect these magnificent creatures and their vulnerable nesting and feeding habitat.
To find out more about St. Johns County protected species and their habitat please go to the Habitat Conservation web pages.
More Information
For more information about our beautiful beaches, contact Beach Services at (904) 209-0331.
