St. Johns County Beaches

Sea Turtle Season begins May 1st – Seasonal beach driving and lighting rules go into effect. To protect our sea turtles and other species, beach driving and lighting restrictions are in effect. More information.

Reminder to Remove Beach Gear – You can help protect sea turtles and maintain public safety by removing all items from the beach at the end of the day. If County staff find chairs, tents, umbrellas, etc., they will be confiscated.

Washback Season is Here – From August through October periodic seaweed may wash ashore, and sometimes baby sea turtles and other marine life are in the seaweed. Volunteer “washback watchers” will be on the beach to survey and rescue juvenile sea turtles. If you see any sea turtles, please call (904) 209-0333.

Beach Passes – Day rate: $6 for St. Johns County residents, $7 for non-residents. Season rate: $40 for St. Johns County residents, $50 for non-residents. Passes available at beach toll booths.

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 information on St. Johns County protected species and their habitat please go to the Habitat Conservation website.

For more information about our beautiful beaches, please contact St. Johns County Beach Services at (904) 209-3740.