At the quiet end of Old A1A, where the road stops and the Atlantic begins, Summer Haven feels like a different era of Florida. Tucked between the ocean and the Matanzas River, this small historic community has remained one of the most secluded stretches of coastline in northeast Florida. Originally established in the 1800s as a seaside retreat, Summer Haven still retains its Old Florida character, with a mix of historic homes and elevated coastal cottages along a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River. The location offers the rare ability to enjoy both sunrise over the ocean and sunset across the river.  In 2025, St. Johns County completed the Summer Haven Revetment Project, significantly strengthening this section of shoreline.