CRESCENT BEACH
Where
A1A, just south of St. Augustine Beach. 6930 A1A South, Crescent Beach, FL 32080
Vibe
Old Florida, mostly residential, and family-friendly. Don’t blink when you drive though Crescent Beach, or you might miss it. This is the place to be if you want to escape the tourist attractions, high rises and crowds. The sights are idyllic and centered around nature. Dogs trot along the shoreline, tails wagging as they enjoy a grand escapade with their favorite human; while surfers ride the waves, fishermen try their luck casting in the waves; and toddlers construct sand castles.
See, feel
Named for the sweeping coastline that curves into a ‘C’ where it borders the Atlantic, Crescent Beach is framed by rolling dunes speckled with sea oats.
Near the water, the latte-hued sand is smooth and hard-packed, promising an ideal surface for a jog or a paddle on a beach cruiser. It’s the Atlantic, so expect some waves, which will vary depending on tides, the wind, and offshore systems.
On or near the beach
Biking, surf fishing and kicking back on the shore are popular, as are swimming, surfing, skimboarding, and playing in the waves.
Accessibility
You can drive on the beach, so it’s easy to get your gear out to the shore. To reserve a free beach wheelchair from St. John’s County to use for up to seven days, call (904) 209-0331 several days in advance and they’ll deliver a chair for you. The wheelchairs are popular, so plan ahead.
Facilities
Picnic gazebos, dune crossovers, restrooms. Horseback riding with a special permit is allowed. Drifters offers E-bike, bicycle, surf board and paddle board rentals.
Lifeguards
Seasonal
Parking
145 off-beach parking spots are available. Beach access is offered at the Crescent Beach Ramp on Cubbedge Road.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRESCENT BEACH
Q. Where is Crescent Beach?
A. Crescent Beach is a quiet, residential stretch of Atlantic shoreline on Anastasia Island in St. Johns County, just south of St. Augustine Beach along A1A. The county's Crescent Beachfront Park is at 6930 A1A South.
It has an easygoing, Old Florida feel, with wide hard-packed sand and fewer crowds than the beaches closer to downtown St. Augustine.
Q. How do I get there, and can I drive on the beach?
A. There is off-beach parking at the park, and vehicle access onto the sand is available at the Cubbedge Road ramp, which is for four-wheel-drive vehicles only. See St. Johns County beach access for ramp locations and parking details.
Drive slowly, stay in the designated area, and follow the posted rules on the county beach rules page.
Q. Do I need a pass to drive or park on the beach?
A. From Oct. 1 through the end of February, there is no fee to drive on the beach. Parking in the off-beach lot at Crescent Beachfront Park is free.
Passes are sold at the beach access ramps.
Because rates change, see the current details on the St. Johns County beach pass page.
Q. What are the hours?
A. Crescent Beachfront Park is open dawn to dusk.
During sea turtle nesting season (May 1 through Oct. 31), the beach-driving gates close in the evening and reopen in the morning; they stay open overnight the rest of the year. Check the beach access page for current gate times.
Q. Are there lifeguards?
A. Lifeguards are seasonal only, staffed by St. Johns County Beach Services from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. There is no year-round coverage.
This is an Atlantic beach where surf and rip currents vary, so check conditions, make sure to look at the beach warning flags, and swim near a lifeguard when one is on duty. See St. Johns County Beaches for more.
Q. What amenities are there?
A. Crescent Beachfront Park has ADA-accessible restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, two rentable pavilions with electric hookups, and dune crossovers to the sand.
There are no concessions at the park, so bring water and snacks.
Q. What can I do at Crescent Beach?
A. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, skimboarding, surf fishing, biking on the hard-packed sand, and shelling and beachcombing.
A Florida saltwater fishing license is generally required to fish; check current rules before you cast.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. Yes. St. Johns County beaches are dog-friendly, but dogs must be leashed at all times, including in the water, and owners must pick up after them.
See the county's dog leash rule and beach rules for details.
Q. Are the beaches accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
A. Crescent Beachfront Park has an ADA-accessible beach walkover and added accessible parking.
St. Johns County also offers free beach wheelchairs on loan; reserve one in advance by calling Beach Services at 904-209-0331.
Q. When is the best time to visit?
A. Spring and fall bring mild, comfortable weather, while summer is warm and humid with the warmest water and lifeguard coverage.
Parking and the beach ramp fill up on weekends and holidays, so arrive early, and always check the forecast and current conditions before you go.
Q. What's nearby?
A. Just south of Crescent Beach is Fort Matanzas National Monument, a 1740s coquina watchtower reached by a free ferry (a free boarding pass is required, available at the visitor center). It has a boardwalk to the beach and is open sunrise to sundown; see its directions and visit pages.
Downtown St. Augustine, with its historic sites, shops and restaurants, is a short drive north.
