Looking for beach access this Fourth of July weekend? North Beach Park at 3721 Coastal Highway in Vilano Beach, is opening its doors—or rather, its parking lot and beach walkover—to the public. If you're planning to celebrate Independence Day with some sun and sand, this could be your spot.
Announced as a part of St. Johns County's push for improved coastal amenities, the park currently sports ongoing enhancements that include a new playground, restrooms, and other upgrades expected to roll out by the end of 2025. Despite being a work in progress, the parking lot will be available from 7 a.m. today, through 8 p.m. on Sunday, offering a temporary respite from the usual beach bustle, reported the St. Johns County's website.
Post weekend, that is after the sun sets on Sunday, North Beach Park's gates will close once more, retreating back into its construction cocoon until the project is completed. For those who manage to grab a spot during this brief window, the county urges caution: North Beach Park is still an active construction site. Visitors should keenly observe signage and steer clear of restricted areas, as the St. Johns County's website pointedly reminds beachgoers.
Parking comes on a first-come, first-served basis, so early birds might just snag the worm—or in this case, the prime seaside parking spot. While ongoing construction puts a damper on accessing full park amenities, practical needs are covered with portable toilets and trash cans in place for the holiday crowd. So, if you're down for a bit of a beach day adventure amidst the cranes and caution tape, North Beach Park could serve up just the right amount of sun, surf, and a hint of the construction site ambiance, according to St. Johns County officials.
