Dog-friendly beach
Fort Matanzas area beach (St. Johns County)
Beach near the Fort Matanzas Ramp, St. Johns County, FL
Rules change, especially around nesting season. This page was last checked against the official source on 2026-11-14. Read the live official page and the signs at the access before you go.
- Off-leash
- On-leash
- Fenced
- Not fenced
- Hours
- The official page does not list separate dog hours. The Fort Matanzas Ramp is listed as EXIT ONLY (no entry). County-managed gates: 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. from 1 May–31 October; open overnight 1 November–30 April unless closed for weather or emergency.
- Last checked
- 2026-11-14
Rules, as cited
Leash rule: On a leash at all times, including in the water, under the St. Johns County official beach-rules page. The page does not state a maximum leash length.
- The official St. Johns County beach-rules page says dogs are welcome on the county's beaches but must remain on a leash at all times, including in the water.
- Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Waste bags are available at most walkovers and vehicular beach access ramps.
- Stay out of the Conservation Zone, marked by brown signs. Use designated dune walkovers. Do not harass wildlife. Flashlights and lanterns are not permitted during sea turtle nesting season (1 May–31 October).
- The page does not list dog hours separate from general beach access. County-managed beach gates close at 7:30 p.m. and reopen at 8:00 a.m. daily from 1 May–31 October; from 1 November–30 April they remain open overnight unless closed for weather or emergency. The A Street ramp is managed by the City of St. Augustine Beach and closes at 5:00 p.m. year-round — city rules may differ there.
- The official county page names the Fort Matanzas Ramp in its traffic directions and says it is exit only. This listing is the county beach in that area under the county-wide leash rule, not a claim about the separate National Park Service Fort Matanzas monument, which has its own rules.
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Approximate, from the official address or named access, for map display only.