Fly in, settle in, and hit Florida's drivable beaches in your own Jeep adventure. The Heart of Palms puts you within 35 minutes of Daytona Beach — one of the last places in America where you can legally drive your vehicle right onto the sand.
Why Drive-On Beach Access Is Special
Most beaches in America don't allow vehicles on the sand. Daytona Beach is a rare exception — and it's been that way for over a century. The hard-packed sand near the waterline is firm enough to drive on, and the experience of parking your Jeep at the water's edge with the ocean in front of you is something you simply can't replicate anywhere else.
The Rubicon Makes It Effortless
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the ideal vehicle for drive-on beach access. It comes with a Daytona Beach drive-on pass stored in the glove box, so there's no waiting in line or buying a permit on arrival. The 4WD capability handles any soft sand you encounter, and the removable soft top means you can have the full open-air experience in under 60 seconds.
The Fly-In Experience
Many guests fly into Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), 32 miles from the house. After booking the home on Airbnb, you can arrange to rent the Rubicon through Turo for airport pickup. You land, step outside, and within 35 minutes you're pulling into the driveway. The next morning, you're on the beach.
The Best Drive-On Beaches Near Palm Coast
Daytona Beach is the most famous and the closest at 35 minutes south. New Smyrna Beach has drive-on access at Smyrna Dunes Park, about 50 minutes south. Crescent Beach, just south of St. Augustine, has limited vehicle access and a quieter atmosphere. Each has its own character — Daytona for the classic Florida beach experience, New Smyrna for a more laid-back vibe, Crescent Beach for solitude.
Drive-On Beach Tips
- The Daytona Beach drive-on pass is in the Rubicon's glove box — no need to buy one.
- Arrive early (before 9am) for the best spots and cooler sand.
- Stay on the hard-packed sand near the waterline.
- Speed limit on the beach is 10 mph — enforced.
- No beach driving after dark; access closes at sunset.
Drive-on beach access is one of those Florida experiences that sounds simple but feels extraordinary. The Rubicon, the open sky, the ocean right in front of you — it's the kind of morning that makes the whole trip worth it.