St. Johns County Beaches Offer Many Opportunities for Recreation

Pre-Season Beach Passes on Sale through March 1st
This is the first in a four-part mini-series to provide public information about the beaches leading up to beach season beginning March 1, 2010.

Beach Season Fast Approaching
As March 1st and the beginning of beach season near, St. Johns County wishes to remind the public of the many opportunities available for beach recreation along 41 miles of beautiful coastline. St. Johns County has eight beachfront parks, including the St. Augustine Pier, that offer year-round free parking and beach access. These sites also host a variety of programs and events, with facilities that may be reserved for public or private events through the Recreation and Parks Office.

Beach Driving
St. Johns County is unique in permitting beach driving on more than 14 miles of beaches. Residents and visitors enjoy nine vehicular access points and beach driving ramps along the St. Johns County coast. Beach driving is free of charge October 1st through February 28th of each year, with paid access permitted March 1st through September 30th. Paid parking and access to the beach are also available at Anastasia State Park and the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve. Multiple pedestrian access points are also located throughout the County.

Something for Everyone
Whether it is a family picnic on the beach or driving to a favorite surfing spot with friends, the beaches offer something for everyone. For instance, visitors may wish to camp overnight at Anastasia State Park, walk on miles of undeveloped beach at Guana Reserve or fish off the end of the St. Johns County Fishing Pier.

Discount Beach Passes
Beach driving passes are available now at pre-season prices of $30 for St. Johns County residents and $40 for non-residents. The passes may be purchased at the St. Johns County Pier, Tax Collector’s Offices and Recreation and Parks Office. The price increases by $10 beginning March 2nd.

Need More Information?
For more information about St. Johns County beaches, visit www.sjcfl.us/beaches or call the Recreation and Parks Office at (904) 209-0333.

Photos courtesy of Dave Macri. Higher resolution available upon request.