Beach Driving Passes

Beach Driving Access Passes – Beginning March 1, vehicles accessing St. Johns County driving beaches will be required to have a beach driving pass from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vehicles can access the beach at the following locations: A Street, Ocean Trace, Dondanville, Matanzas Avenue, Fort Matanzas, Mary Street, Crescent Beach, and Porpoise Point. The Vilano access ramp is temporarily closed at this time.

Passes can be purchased with cash at any beach access ramp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please help maintain safe driving practices on St. Johns County beaches by complying with the following rules:

  • Vehicular traffic must remain in the designated driving lanes as identified by cones.
  • Parking is allowed on the west side of the driving lane between the cones and the dune.
  • The maximum vehicular speed allowed on the beach is 10 mph.
  • All vehicles are required to stop at all beach ramps and yield to all pedestrians.
  • Soft sand conditions may exist and only 4WD vehicles may be allowed on some beaches.

Beach Driving Citations – Beach driving conditions are expected to change throughout the day at each access ramp. Beach visitors may be issued a citation under the County beach code if they ignore the beach conditions and drive a car on a beach that is not suitable. The citation is about $50.

For the most up-to-date information on beach access and driving conditions, download the Reach the Beach mobile app, or follow St. Johns County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter (@SJCBeaches).

Beach Driving

Motor Vehicles are permitted to access several stretches of St. Johns County Beaches. From March 1 through September 30, vehicles are required to pay a vehicle access toll and obtain a beach pass. Daily and annual beach passes may be purchased at access ramps.

  • Traffic is regulated and the ten-mile per hour speed limit is strictly enforced.
  • Pedestrians are urged to stay alert and use caution.
  • Soft sand and high tides may prevent beach driving, or limit it to 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Vehicle Access Ramps

Vehicle access ramps are at: Vilano, Porpoise Point, A Street, Ocean Trace, Dondanville Rd, Matanzas Ave, Mary St., and Crescent Beach (Cubbedge Rd).

Access is dependent on beach conditions — weather, sand, or tides may cause ramps to temporarily close or limit access to 4 Wheel Drive vehicles. Daily driving conditions are posted to our Twitter and Facebook (follow SJC Beaches), and in the Reach the Beach Mobile App. For more information, call (904) 209-0331.

Passes

Residents must present a valid I.D. with a St. Johns County address or present proof of property tax payments in St. Johns County to purchase a resident pass. A handicap hangtag or proof of qualification must be presented when requesting a handicap pass. Disabled military members are eligible for a free annual pass by showing their military I.D. or a letter from Veterans Affairs verifying disabled status. Beach passes are available for purchase at tollbooth locations. For more information about annual beach driving passes, please call the St. Johns County Beach Services Office at 904-209-0331.

Annual Pass Fees

March 1 through September 30:

  • Sold at beach toll booths
  • County Resident – $50.00
  • Non-Resident – $100.00
  • Handicapped – $40.00
  • Disabled Vets – Free with identification
Daily Fees

March 1 through September 30:

  • Sold at beach toll booths
  • County Resident – $10.00
  • Non-Resident – $10.00
  • Handicapped – $5.00
  • Active Military (with ID) – $5.00

Special Use Permits

Special use permits are required for special events, horseback riding, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and commercial fishing. Find out more about Special Use Permits in the Habitat Conservation Plan section.

More Information

Contact Beach Services, (904) 209-0331. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.