Crescent Beach is a beachbreak located just south of St. Augustine, Florida. It's known for its average surf, shifting sandbars, and being the last point where you can catch waves before you hit the sharky waters around Matanzas Inlet. While it doesn't typically hold big surf, it can be a decent spot on the right day depending on conditions. The surf can vary with tides and swells, and it may surprise you with fun, peaky waves when the sandbars are cooperating.
This spot usually handles swell sizes from about 2 feet (0.6 meters) to 12 feet (3.7 meters) and works best with swell coming from NE to SE, along with some other directions like E and ESE. The waves typically offer that classic beach break vibe, making it accessible for beginners and intermediates alike. You can expect it to be pretty forgiving depending on the sand setup. When the tides are low to mid or even mid to high, you’re more likely to find it shreddable. For optimum results, try to paddle out when the wind is coming from the south or southwest.
Access to Crescent Beach is pretty straightforward, with limited vehicle beach access available at the Crescent Beach Ramp along with a nominal fee for beach driving from March to August. The crowd factor here isn’t too intense since many experienced surfers tend to skip this spot, leaving it more to the Average Joe. So if you’re looking for a chill session and some decent waves, this might just be the place for you.