Summer Haven
A small, almost secret beach community at the southern tip of Anastasia Island , near Matanzas Inlet, far from the crowds, and one of the most genuinely remote spots on the First Coast.
Summer Haven
A small, almost secret beach community at the southern tip of Anastasia Island , near Matanzas Inlet, far from the crowds, and one of the most genuinely remote spots on the First Coast.
Summer Haven is as close to undiscovered as you get on the Atlantic coast of Florida. It sits at the southern end of Anastasia Island, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Matanzas River to the west, just north of the inlet that separates the island from the mainland. The community is tiny , a small cluster of beach houses and vacation rentals, no commercial district, no hotels. What it has is some of the best natural scenery on the First Coast, excellent surf fishing, and a sense of quiet that’s increasingly rare.
Fort Matanzas National Monument is the anchor attraction in the area , a small Spanish fort accessible by free NPS ferry from the visitor center just south of Summer Haven. The Matanzas Inlet itself draws anglers from across the region, and the beaches here see a fraction of the foot traffic that hits St. Augustine Beach or even Crescent Beach to the north.
Summer Haven isn’t for everyone. There are no restaurants within walking distance, no grocery stores, and if you need nightlife or heavy tourist infrastructure you’ll be driving 25, 30 minutes to Historic Downtown or St. Augustine Beach. But if your ideal vacation involves a beach house, excellent fishing, wildlife-watching, and genuine solitude within striking distance of one of Florida’s most historically interesting cities, this is one of the best addresses on the east coast to make that happen.
Summer Haven Beach & Matanzas Inlet
The beach at Summer Haven is narrow in places and changes seasonally, but it’s consistently uncrowded. The inlet at the southern tip creates dynamic water conditions that make it excellent for surf fishing, and the proximity to the Matanzas River means kayakers have easy access to protected water on the back side of the island.
Local tip
Fort Matanzas is free to enter , NPS ferry runs from the visitor center on A1A, just south of Crescent Beach. Arrive 15 minutes before your target ferry time and check the NPS site for current hours. It’s one of the most underrated stops in the entire St. Augustine area.
Vacation Rentals in Summer Haven
Summer Haven is a vacation rental community. Beach houses, river-view cottages, and canal-front properties make up the lodging inventory. There are no hotels, no B&Bs, no large resort chains. This is entirely a private-stay destination, which is exactly what draws the visitors who come here.
Booking tip
Summer Haven rentals have limited inventory , there are only a handful of properties. Book early. Summer weekends and holiday weeks sell out months in advance. Fall and spring offer the best availability and the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor time.
Fishing at Matanzas Inlet
The Matanzas Inlet is one of the top surf fishing and kayak fishing spots on Florida’s northeast coast. Redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and snook move through the inlet seasonally, and the tidal flow creates productive fishing conditions on both the ocean and river sides.
Fishing tip
Fish the incoming tide for the best action at Matanzas Inlet. Redfish and flounder concentrate near the inlet mouth during the first two hours of the incoming tide, particularly in fall. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Getting Around from Summer Haven
Fort Matanzas NM
2 minutes south. Free NPS ferry to the fort on Rattlesnake Island. One of the most historically significant and least-visited spots in St. Augustine.
Crescent Beach & Butler Beach
5, 15 minutes north. More beach options, a few restaurants, and the Fish Camp on A1A South. Good for a change of scenery without driving far.
St. Augustine Beach
20 minutes north. The pier, surf lessons, restaurants, and the main commercial beach area. Worth a trip for dining and people-watching.
Historic Downtown
25, 30 minutes north. Museums, restaurants, ghost tours, the Castillo. Plan to spend a full day if you’re driving in from Summer Haven.
Summer Haven FAQ
What is Summer Haven, FL?
Summer Haven is a small unincorporated community at the southern tip of Anastasia Island in St. Johns County, Florida. It sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River, just north of the Matanzas Inlet. It’s primarily a vacation rental and second-home community with no commercial retail center.
Is Summer Haven good for fishing?
Yes , it’s one of the best fishing spots in the St. Augustine area. Matanzas Inlet produces redfish, flounder, snook, and sheepshead, and the back side of the island has excellent kayak fishing in the Matanzas River. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required.
Are there restaurants in Summer Haven?
No. Summer Haven has no restaurants or grocery stores. Plan to stock your rental before arriving. The nearest restaurants are about 10, 15 minutes north in Crescent Beach or St. Augustine Beach.
How far is Summer Haven from St. Augustine?
About 25, 30 minutes by car from Historic Downtown, heading south on A1A through Anastasia Island and Crescent Beach.
Is Fort Matanzas near Summer Haven?
Yes , Fort Matanzas National Monument is directly adjacent to Summer Haven, about 2 minutes south. The NPS ferry departs from a visitor center on A1A. Admission and ferry are free. It’s one of the most underrated historical sites in Florida.
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