Palmetto Road Public Boat Ramp

Located at 395 Palmetto Road in St. Augustine (south of St. Augustine Beach via A1A), Palmetto Road Public Boat Ramp provides convenient public access to the Matanzas River. The facility features a single boat ramp and a small fishing dock, making it suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. Parking is available but limited, so plan accordingly during peak times. The ramp operates sunrise to sundown, seven days a week.

The Matanzas River is a scenic estuary characterized by salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, offering a rich ecosystem for paddlers and wildlife observers. This location is ideal for exploring the protected waters of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, which encompasses approximately 55,000 acres. Paddlers should be aware of tidal conditions typical of Florida's Atlantic coast and come prepared for brackish water conditions. The proximity to historic sites like Castillo de San Marcos National Monument adds cultural interest to outings in the area.