There are a few Florida beaches that you can drive on including New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and St. Augustine Beach.
These beaches offer many amenities for travelers looking to get up close and personal with the waves and sand while enjoying some beach driving fun without the dune buggy.
Each beach will offer its appeal when traveling on the beach. Some will offer all-access where travelers can drive and park, while others only allow parking. Restrictions will be in place for vehicle access regarding when and how this activity can be enjoyed. This is especially true during sea turtle nesting season.
In 1902 the Daytona Beach area was the first to host on the beach motorcycle and automotive races, and since then, it has never stopped.
From horses and buggies that once visited the beach to our modern-day hot rod and four-wheel drive vehicles, this is a pastime that is as American as the racetrack itself.
Vehicles permitted to drive on the sand are not limited to trucks and cars, and motorcycles, bicycles, and golf carts are also permitted.
For travelers to this area, whether visiting the white sand beaches via vehicle or not, there is a Volusia Beach App to access the latest information about the area. The App will highlight changing weather patterns, beach conditions, and other important information like where lifeguards are on duty.
The App allows for up-to-date information so travelers can be prepared to drive on the beach adventures while traveling to this area.
The fee for using your vehicle on the beach is twenty dollars for the day, including all-day driving and parking. The speed limit is ten mph and must be adhered to, along with having headlights on at all times and keeping the windows down. These are for everyone’s safety and protection while cruising the white sand beaches.
These beaches have rules beyond the basics of speed limit and safety. There will be two-way traffic which must be considered, and drivers must pay close attention. There can also be rules regarding passing a stopped or standing still vehicle.
These beaches will have specific access ramps for driving and boundaries where the vehicle are allowed and not. They also have rules about parking and other activities.
Since this activity is slowly dying out, it is even more important to respect the rules set so this favored pastime can continue for many years to come.
New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach Areas, Florida
These beaches are located in Volusia County, one of the few counties where you can still participate in this exciting and enjoyable activity.
The beaches here have specific rules that must be followed and may visitors and locals who have been doing this for years insist you park in the hard sand.
If you park in a spot that feels like soft sand, it is advised that you move your vehicle unless you want to spend time shoveling or pushing yourself out with the help of other visitors that always are willing to offer this service.
Once this is done, setting up tents, chairs, and beach or fishing equipment is easy and enjoyable. These beach areas have specifically marked driving and parking areas for vehicles, and they also have areas specifically marked for nature and other areas where vehicles are not allowed.
There are numerous access points for vehicles and driving times on the beach are as follows. From November to April, driving on the beach is permitted from sunrise to sunset. From May to October, vehicles are permitted from 8 AM to 7 PM.
High tide will factor into whether vehicles are allowed on the beach on any given day and have been known to close off beaches at certain times for driving and other activities.
This area also offers numerous other activities for when the beach fun has worn off for the day, including the famous Daytona International Speedway. If a beachgoer is looking for a bit of history or some lively nightlife, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy such pastimes.
The Daytona Beach Area is made up of four different towns that include, Daytona, Seabreeze, Daytona Beach and Kingston. These towns merged together to makeup Daytona Beach and were eventually labeled The World’s Most Famous Beach with good reason.
As the home of Nascar racing it is no wonder travelers want to test out their driving skills on the sand. With a boardwalk, pier and numerous water and outdoor activities, visitors will find boredom doesn’t exist.
With great dining and shopping as well as other land-loving outdoor sports like golf it is no surprise this place is so memorable and unforgettable.
St. Augustine Beach, Florida
From March through September, the beaches of this area allow visitors to drive their vehicles on the sand from 8 AM to 730PM. There is a fee for this activity, and no vehicles are permitted near the state parks of this area.
With numerous access points for drivers and a historical backdrop of a town, St. Augustine has much to offer those travelers that want to enjoy a bit of driving in the sand and enjoying the beach.
This cozy apartment that sleeps two and has one bathroom is everything travelers could hope all wrapped up in a cozy atmosphere. Guests get free admission to numerous local activities compliments of their hosts.
The beautiful studio has its own separate entrance and sitting area outdoors that can be enjoyed with a pet for a fee.
Cute décor, modern amenities and close location to all major attractions and events will put a happy vacationing couple on the right track to creating a most memorable vacation experience.
Jacksonville, Florida
Near Jacksonville, Florida, drivers, and visitors to this area can access the beach and park their cars but driving on the beach is not permitted. The lone park that offers this activity is more for beach enthusiasts who want to be near the beach and have easy access to their gear.
How can I ensure that I will enjoy my time while driving on the beach in Daytona Beach Area?
The best way to have a good time while driving on the beach in the Daytona Beach Area of Florida is to research before visiting. Rules, regulations, fees, and times can change for this or any other beach activity.
Once you have confirmed all of this information, you should plan accordingly as you would for any beach and road trip. You will want to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition.
Issues of oil leaks, loud mufflers, and other problems should be addressed before deciding to take your vehicle for a drive on the beach.
Aside from these issues being rude and disrespectful to other travelers visiting the beach, they can also be detrimental to the nature of these areas. Part of enjoying any beach, even beaches that allow vehicles to drive on the sand, means respecting those natural resources.
If you have confirmed the information and your vehicle is in good shape, you should know the rules and regulations. Beyond that, packing all the gear you need for a great day at the beach is all you will need to enjoy your time!
In Conclusion
Driving on the beach in the United States is an activity that is slowly fading out. Many people still participate in it due to the protection of natural resources or safety concerns.
In Florida, the Daytona Beach area is the largest stretch of sand that still allows this activity. While there is a fee, it can be well worth the price for a day of cruising in the sand.
Once your tires break free from blacktop, they may never want to go back, but then again, neither will the guests traveling either!