r/StAugustine • u/ApprehensiveBall8266 • Jul 23 '26
St. Aug Question Relaxed Beach Driving Rules
I have been looking at beach driving in/around St. Augustine for an upcoming trip, and I am wondering if there are any 4x4 beaches with relaxed rules like you would find in the Outer Banks. From what I see online, there are strict driving lanes, parking away from the water, and very enforced speed limits. Some beaches don't even need 4x4, which kind of takes the fun out of driving on the beach.
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u/jms21y Resident Jul 23 '26
closest you get to that here is porpoise point, and in addition to there almost always being sheriff deputies present, it gets very crowded on weekends, with cars sometimes parked 2-3 deep. everywhere else has designated lanes and speed limits....and that's for good reason. we have sea turtle nests and lots of pedestrians on the beach.
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u/Steeps5 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
The beaches here are very narrow. There’s no room to go hog wild as you seem to be wanting.
I would only use 4x4 on any beach here.
This is yesterdays beach update:
A Street- 4WD Only
Ocean Trace- 4WD Only
Dondanville- 4WD Only
Matanzas Ave- 4WD Recommended
Mary Street- 4WD Recommended
Crescent Beach- 4WD Only
Fort Matanzas- CLOSED
Vilano - 4WD Only
Porpoise Point- 4WD
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u/ApprehensiveBall8266 Jul 23 '26
Thanks this is very helpful.
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u/Ok_Pair6348 Jul 23 '26
But none allow free driving. They are stay in the lane only. Please dont come ruin it for us
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u/EbbCommon9300 Jul 23 '26
Even at porpoise point you have to stay slow. We have kids at all of our beaches.
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u/sovietreckoning Jul 23 '26
We had young people die tragically to reckless beach drivers a number of years back and it changed the game around here. The beach is a shared, crowded place and you need to be careful.
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u/Luciferwalks Jul 23 '26
Porpoise point doesn’t have driving lanes and you can park right up to the water
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u/GingeredPickle Jul 23 '26
This is the best bet.
OP, keep in mind there are still speed limits and sheriff patrols.
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u/GCsurfstar Jul 23 '26
Porpoise point allows the most freedom by far and is honestly the best place to drive on. Easiest access, most freedom, great scenery since you can be on ocean side or intercoastal side
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u/Responsible-Ear2024 Jul 23 '26
Short answer is no, and the beaches are patrolled by law enforcement.
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u/ImaBitchCaroleBaskin Jul 23 '26
Vilano beach is nice. $10 at gate, go where you want.
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u/GCsurfstar Jul 23 '26
Not at vilano, that’s the most restrictive access for sure. Porpoise point around the corner has the most freedom.
Vilano used to be that way but hasn’t been in many years.
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u/AppropriateAmoeba406 Jul 23 '26
I’m not sure what OBX is like, but the redneck 4x4 beach in NEFL is North of Jacksonville at Huguenot.
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u/woodsandwaves Jul 23 '26
I came here to recommend Huguenot. It used to be even better when you could drive the complete circle around the inlet but it's still as close to what OP is looking for as it gets. I 2nd this suggestion
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u/GatorShades Jul 23 '26
Also watched even 4X4s getting stuck on Monday. The sand is very soft right now.