Matanzas Inlet — Attraction in Palm Coast

Matanzas Inlet found along A1A heading south from St. Augustine has been my favorite location for years. I love to go "chase the sunset." There are two parking lots, one on either side of A1A. We arrived about 7:45pm. High tide was set to be at 8:02pm.

We parked at the east lot to access the beachside of Matanzas Inlet. We hurried down the beach access boardwalk. Our intention was to walk the beach heading south to where the water funnels into the inlet from the ocean.

We crossed under the Claude Varn Bridge to the inlet side, walking along toward the north again to see the birds and fast-moving water as the sun set. The gradient of color in the sky is unmatched to anywhere else in this area as the light bends over this vast piece of Mother Earth. Awe-inspiring as always. The sun all but disappears leaving just traces of its light bending toward the inlet. As twilight begins to envelope the Inlet fish are jumping and swirling in this bowl of seawater teeming with life.

We met some very nice gentlemen standing outside of their houseboat who informed us of the musicians and bands who come play there on Saturday nights. They informed us of their instagram handle @hurricane.watersports to follow them and learn more about their offerings.

We finished our evening stroll fighting off mosquitos a bit, but that comes with the territory (and the setting sun in particular) to enjoy such a beautiful time. Being it was a Wednesday night, there weren't many other people out there at all and for quite some time we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We traversed the dune again at the north end of the inlet by way of the boardwalk to reach the west parking lot, carefully crossing A1A to reach our parked car again. Ah!!

If you visit, please do not walk over or through the dunes, themselves. This area is protected, conserved, and many animals find their homes in the dunes.

Go out and love the Earth. We are part of it. Observe it. Respect it. Be with it. Breathe the fresh air. We are blessed to be here and to have these gifts of the Universe at...

I have never given a 5 star review. The Matanzas Inlet is truly a special place. Mostly locals, not crowded, great surf fishing. Plenty of free parking (paved) and Plenty of street side parking (legal parking). Walking from the St. Johns river side of the inlet go under the bridge to the Atlantic Ocean is my favorite thing to do, its just a beautiful place. (20 min. walk) You can see in season baby sea turtles hatching, wild rabbits and turtles in the dunes. Find great shells as you walk. During low tide the river is great to wade in and never get your shorts wet. Very laid back, no one cares what your swim suite looks like, if your packing a few pounds or have bed head. Bring a drink and snack because there is not a store in sight. Just a short drive from downtown St. Augustine. A great place to take photos! And YES absolutely...

I give this place FIVE stars! I nearly drowned here! I was rescued because a undertow and rip swept me away in waist high water which rose rapidly and I clung under the bridge while copters and rescue came! There were no signs no warnings and I will come here and try to drown again! It was SO MUCH FUN. I adored the fight or flight and PTSD I experienced for three months after the incident and the extreme fear I had developed for water! The ride on the rescue float with the little bobbing red things and rope was extraordinarily fun! When I miss screaming HELP HELP I will certainly return here! GREAT EXPERIENCE! Thank you for the warnings and...