Yes, You Can Drive on the Beach in St. Johns County. Here's How.
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
If you're new to Northeast Florida — or thinking about moving here — there's something that surprises almost everyone: you can actually drive your car onto the beach.
Not a back road to the beach. Not a parking lot near the beach. On the beach. With your car. Parked in the sand, windows down, waves in front of you.
It's one of those things that locals take for granted and newcomers absolutely love once they discover it. Here's everything you need to know.
Access availability can vary based on beach conditions, so it's worth checking with St. Johns County Beach Services before you head out. You can follow them on Facebook, X, or Instagram at @sjcbeaches for real-time updates.
Yes — during beach driving season, a pass is required.
Beach driving passes are required from March 1 through September 30. Outside of those dates (October through February), you can access the beach without a pass.
Since summer is peak season, if you're planning a beach driving day between now and the end of September, you'll need one.
Here are the current rates:
St. Johns County Resident: $50 annual / $10 daily
Non-Resident: $100 annual / $20 daily
ADA-Accessible: $40 annual
Disabled Veterans: Free annual pass with qualifying documentation
Passes can be purchased with cash or credit card. If you lose your pass, a new one must be purchased — all sales are final.
Note: Rates are subject to change. Always verify current pricing with St. Johns County Beach Services before purchasing.
Annual and daily passes are available at toll booths at the beach access points during beach driving season. You can also purchase at:
St. Johns County Beach Services Office — 901 Pope Road, St. Augustine
St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier Gift Shop — 350 A1A Blvd, St. Augustine
This is important: not every vehicle qualifies.
You must have a 4x4 or all-wheel drive vehicle. No ATVs, motorcycles, or standard two-wheel drive vehicles are permitted on the beach. Your current annual pass must be affixed to the passenger side of your windshield before entering.
Toll attendants scan pass barcodes at entry, so make sure it's visible and properly displayed.
Check conditions first. Vehicular beach access depends on beach conditions and can be restricted without much notice. Follow @sjcbeaches for updates before you load up the car.
Go early. Morning is the sweet spot — cooler temperatures, less traffic on the sand, and you'll have your pick of spots.
Bring more than you think you need. Chairs, an umbrella, a cooler, sunscreen. Once you're parked on the sand with the ocean in front of you, you won't want to leave.
Know the rules. Speed limits on the beach are strictly enforced, and there are designated areas for driving versus swimming. Pay attention to posted signs and flag conditions.
I've worked with a lot of people relocating to Northeast Florida, and beach driving is consistently one of the things that seals the deal. There's something about being able to pull your car right up to the water — tailgate open, music on, kids running into the waves — that feels completely unique to this part of Florida.
It's not just a beach trip. It's a lifestyle.
If you're curious about what everyday life looks like on the First Coast — the hidden gems, the community quirks, the things the relocation guides don't tell you — that's exactly what I'm here for.
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