Beach Driving: Why You Can Drive on Some Parts of the Beach, But Not Others

Volusia County’s famous, pristine beaches are a source of joy for our beach-goers and home to hundreds of plant and animal species. To protect both, as well as our privilege to drive on the beach, we just need to adhere to some parking and driving-on-the-beach rules which make everything better for everyone.

There are three zones you need to know about: the Natural zones, the Transitional zones and the Urban zones; and they break down like this…

Natural zones are the places where there is the least development in and around the area, with the highest concentration of our beloved sea turtles and their nests, and where the dune habitat is essential for the survival of certain plant and wildlife. Public driving and parking on the beach is not allowed in Natural zone beach areas. These Natural beach zones run from the North Peninsula State Recreation Area to Granada Boulevard in Ormond-by-the-Sea, from Emilia Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores to Beach Street in Ponce Inlet and from 27th Avenue in New Smyrna Beach to Canaveral Seashore in Bethune Beach.

Transitional zones offer a mix of natural dunes and seawalls, with moderate concentrations of people and turtle nesting. Public driving and parking is allowed here, but it must be at least 30 feet seaward from the dunes or seawall.

Urban zones have the most intense concentration of people and development, including hotels and high-rise condos. Beach driving and parking is permitted 15 feet seaward from the dunes or seawall. 

Additionally, we all need to keep an eye out for signage that may also indicate where we can and can’t drive and park on the beach.

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