Hi there!
You can drive the slow scenic route along the A1A and make a stop at the South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area!
This is one of the A1A public beach access spots.
It is called a “recreation area” for South Ponte Vedra Beach but it is mostly just a beach access. (It does have a bathroom, though! …and there used to be open picnic tables.)
If you’re driving through this area of the A1A, the South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area is an easy stop to make!
You might also find shells on South Ponte Vedra Beach!
South Ponte Vedra Beach erosion
One of the big things you’ll notice once you are on the South Ponte Vedra Beach public access path is the erosion.
It’s very evident.
First, there’s the South Ponte Vedra Beach picnic area.
You’ll first see that it’s blocked off.
If you take a closer look, you’ll see the erosion of the dunes that the picnic area sits atop.
If you look on the other side, you’ll also see the erosion.
You can even see cement blocks that have broken away.
This used to be a public access path from the parking lot.
If you look at this path from the parking lot side, you’ll see it’s blocked off.
Even with the erosion, there is still a beach access that will allow you to get down to the beach.
This is how it was January 2023! Your experience may vary!
The boring safety message for swimming or getting in the water at South Ponte Vedra Beach!
The ocean is powerful! The Atlantic Ocean is powerful!
Rip currents exist! Know before you go!
Take care out there!
I did not see any beach flags when I went, but maybe that is because it was out of season.
In any case, if you see beach flags, know what the colors mean!
If you do see a beach flag, take extra caution based on the color of the beach flag!
You may see a green flag, yellow flag, or red flag.
Even if the beach flag color indicates that there are “calm conditions,” it’s still the ocean, so take care!
More below about making an A1A stop at South Ponte Vedra Beach!
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A quick stop at South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area along the A1A
I stopped by South Ponte Vedra Beach on the drive from St Augustine to Amelia Island, so it was a drive to the north to get to South Ponte Vedra Beach.
I followed along on google maps to know when I was approaching South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area. (map)
And knowing that I was approaching it, the South Ponte Vedra Beach parking was easy to spot.
It’s located directly alongside the A1A.
So you’ll pull into the parking lot, and the South Ponte Vedra public beach access is right there!
And then, you can take that public access boardwalk, and you can see sweeping views of South Ponte Vedra Beach and the Atlantic Ocean!
You’ll see the picnic area that’s closed off.
And off to the sides, you will also see the South Ponte Vedra Beach erosion.
And then you can walk down to the beach!
And you can also look for shells!
The sand at South Ponte Vedra Beach can be hard enough for biking on the beach!
There is also a bathroom at the parking lot.
And that’s a bit about a quick stop at South Ponte Vedra Beach!
More Florida beaches on the east side of Florida:
- Amelia Island beaches
- South Pointe Beach Park in Miami Beach
- Smathers Beach in Key West
- Florida Keys beaches for snorkeling
- Key West beaches for snorkeling
- Bahia Honda State Park beaches
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park beaches
More Florida beaches:
HAPPY STOPPING BY SOUTH PONTE VEDRA BEACH!
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