Your Guide to a Perfect Beach Day on Florida’s Historic Coast

Woman on beach

Pack these must-haves in your beach bag to make the most of your time in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach.

With 42 miles of Atlantic coastline stretching from Ponte Vedra Beach to Marineland, Florida's Historic Coast offers endless opportunities for swimming, surfing, shelling, wildlife viewing, and simply relaxing by the ocean. Before heading to the beach, pack a few essentials and familiarize yourself with local beach conditions to make the most of your day.

Pack the Essentials

Sun Protection

Florida sunshine can be intense year-round. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming.

Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water and drink it throughout the day. Spending hours in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration, even on cooler days.

Beach Gear

A beach chair, umbrella, and towel can make your day more comfortable. Many oceanfront accommodations offer beach equipment for guests, and local providers such as Barney's Beach Service can deliver and set up chairs and umbrellas at many St. Johns County beaches.

Water Sports Equipment

Looking to catch a wave or explore the coastline? Surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, boogie boards, and other equipment can be rented from local outfitters, including PIT Surf Shop and Barney's Beach Service.

Shelling Supplies

Bring a small bucket or reusable container for collecting shells and other beach treasures. The beaches bordering the GTM Research Reserve are particularly popular for shelling, while Mickler's Landing Beach is known for occasional shark tooth discoveries.

Know Before You Go: Beach Safety

Before entering the water, check current beach conditions and pay attention to posted warning flags.

🟢 Green Flag – Low hazard; calm conditions.

🟡 Yellow Flag – Medium hazard; moderate surf and currents.

🔴 Red Flag – High hazard; strong currents and surf.

🔴🔴 Double Red Flag – Water closed to the public; swimming prohibited.

🟣 Purple Flag – Dangerous marine life may be present.

Rip currents can occur at any time, even on calm-looking days. If caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to shore until you are free of the current, then return to shore. If you cannot escape, float and signal for assistance.

Whenever possible, swim near lifeguards and follow instructions from St. Johns County Ocean Rescue personnel.

Leave Only Footprints

Help protect Florida's Historic Coast's beaches and wildlife by properly disposing of trash, recycling when possible, and filling in holes before leaving. Sea turtles nest on local beaches from May through October, and filling holes, removing beach equipment, and keeping beaches clean helps protect nesting turtles and hatchlings.

Accessibility

Beach wheelchairs are available through St. Johns County at no charge with advance reservation. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and should be made at least three days in advance by calling 904-209-0752. Additional rentals are available through local providers including Barney's Beach Service and Solano Cycle.

Helpful Resources

For current beach conditions, driving access information, and beach updates, download the St. Johns County "Reach the Beach" app or visit the St. Johns County Beaches Department website before your visit.

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