[Objective] Through the research on space optimization method and control strategy of coastal beach development, the paper aimed to provide some bases for exploring an efficient path of beach resources protection and development.[Methods] Taking Dafeng District of Yancheng City of Jiangsu Province as an example, the spatial optimization pattern of coastal beach resources development was revealed by means of integrated development suitability assessment and departmental planning coordination method. The space control concept was introduced in order to discuss the development path of spatial control of tidal flat resource in Dafeng District.[Results] The empirical analysis showed that the appropriate coastal areas of ecological protection, agricultural production and port-industry-city development were 401, 323 and 444 square kilometers, respectively, accounting for 34.3%, 27.7% and 38% of the total area.[Conclusion] It is proposed that basic protection of environmental quality, highly efficient and intensive use of the urban space are all the key criteria for the spatial regulation of the tidal flat area. Meanwhile, it is still necessary to trace and analyze deeply for the development scale and intensity control of the tidal flat area.