St. Augustine – Ponte Vedra

History

It all started with a rumor. But the truth would prove far more rewarding in the end. Legend has it, 16th-century Spanish conquistador, Juan Ponce de León was in Puerto Rico when he heard of a mystical healing spring that would restore the youth of anyone who drank from it – the Fountain of Youth. So, in 1513, he led the first known European expedition to La Florida.

Part of this story is absolutely true – he really set out to explore the area on behalf of the Spanish Crown – but that bit about the magical fountain? Less than true. Modern historians have not found an ounce of evidence to support the story. Perhaps the truest of all was that Ponce de León had happened upon a distinctive part of the world that was worth visiting again and again. And that’s what we now know and love as Florida’s Historic Coast.

More than 500 years later, St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra is still very much worth exploring, and visitors to one of the oldest cities in America continue to experience the magical ambiance of this storied slice of Florida. From highly rated restaurants and intriguing attractions to historic sites and beautiful beaches, you’ll want to take your time discovering it all.

Beaches

Speaking of beaches, you’ll find 42 miles of unspoiled Atlantic coastline free of condo high-rises. What you won’t find are shadows darkening those peach-and-cinnamon coquina sands, spoiling your tan. Whether it’s family fun in the sun, a romantic walk by the sea or a day of reflection and relaxation to the soothing sounds of the surf, the beaches of St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra have been calling to travelers since the days of Ponce de León.

St. Augustine Beach

Truly one of the best beaches in St. Augustine with everything you need for the ideal beach vacation — sunny accommodations, beachside restaurants, a beachfront park with an impressive fishing pier, pavilion, splash park, and sand volleyball. Plus, a decidedly laid back attitude.

Ponte Vedra Beach & Mickler’s Landing

Elegant resorts with challenging golf courses line the shore of Ponte Vedra’s serene beaches. Mickler’s Landing(pronounced mike-lers) is a popular access point for visitors. The beaches at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve feature a life-size statue of Ponce de Leon and interpretive panels commemorating Ponce’s 1513 journey and first landfall here.

Anastasia State Park Beach

White quartz sand beckons beachgoers at one of the areas most beautiful beaches (and one of Florida’s most popular parks). With abundant bird and wildlife populations, visitors to Anastasia State Park can enjoy the beach or explore the dunes on designated nature trails.

Crescent Beach

Located on Anastasia Island, this beach is named for the shoreline’s natural crescent moon shape. Visit Crescent Beach for miles of broad white sand and some of the most scenic and unspoiled shoreline in the area, perfect for eco-tourists and beachcombers.

Vilano Beach

A popular beach destination ever since Henry Flagler’s millionaire friends of the late 1800s enjoyed it. Tucked away in a charming little beach town, you’ll find nearby shopping, dining, and beach cottages for rent. Coquina sands and a near-shore break also make Vilano Beach popular with surfers and kiteboarders.

Butler Beach

Butler Beach played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Today it is home to a vulnerable dune ecosystem that houses the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse and the gopher tortoise. Butler County Park provides easy beach access and plenty of convenient facilities.

Things To Do

In St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, you’re never at a loss for things to do. Discover attractions like Old Town Trolley Tours, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum or the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.

Step back in time at the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos. Have a nautical escape with St. Augustine Sailing or play with the dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Relax and enjoy tasty libations at the San Sebastian Winery or St. Augustine Distillery.

Visit some beautiful beaches, or go fishing or golfing. Plus they’ve got great dining, shopping and nightlife.

Foodie Alert

Adventurous foodies will love exploring the diverse culinary scene as well. Authentic cuisine, a year-round abundance of fresh seafood, and inspiration is drawn from a rich cultural heritage combine in palate-pleasing ways. It’s possible to savor the worldly influences of Spain, France, Italy, Asia, Mexico, and the Caribbean – all within the span of a few historic blocks. Collectively, the chefs of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra routinely bring this world of flavor to northeast Florida. Try a variety of tantalizing tastes in oceanfront seafood restaurants, Old Florida hideaways, and quaint farm-to-table favorites. And, delicious food and wine tours abound if you’d like to make your visit a moveable feast.

Visitors can embark on a gastronomic journey that spans the globe without leaving the region. Renowned for fresh, locally sourced seafood, the area offers a variety of delicious options from shrimp and oysters to grouper and mahi-mahi. The diverse culinary scene includes authentic Spanish tapas, hearty Italian pastas, spicy Caribbean dishes, and savory Southern barbecue. Embracing farm-to-table practices, each meal is crafted with the freshest ingredients available.

Families will find plenty of kid-friendly dining options, while pet owners can enjoy meals at pet-friendly restaurants. With its blend of traditional and contemporary offerings, Florida’s Historic Coast provides a dining experience that caters to every palate and preference.

Here’s a look at the evolution of culinary tourism on Florida’s Historic Coast….

Golf

The most famous course, THE PLAYERS Stadium Course with its world-renowned 17th island hole at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, is where THE PLAYERS Championship takes place in March. On the Stadium Course, players find a selection of short, medium and long holes within categories of par-3s, par-4s and par5s; both right and left doglegs; and a course routing laid out so no two consecutive holes ever play the same direction. Seasoned and casual golfers can benefit from the design of Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass with wider fairways and larger greens.

If you love the feel of the ocean breeze as you play, head over to the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. The par-72, 6,811 yard Ocean Course – with its stunning seaside views – has served as the site for the U.S. Open qualifying round five times. The Lagoon Course is a 6,022 yard, par 70 masterpiece. The course places a premium on accurate drives and thoughtful approaches. Water is definitely a dominant feature with a mosaic of lakes and lagoons taunting golfers on 11 holes.

The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort was cut out of the Atlantic Coast coastline. This Jack Nicklaus design will give you a golf experience like no other. This 7,201 yard par 72 is truly a Florida oceanfront golf course with six holes which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. One of its signature holes, the 18th, is a par four that stretches 468 yards along the Atlantic coast.

Live Music

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, locally known as The Amp, offers a relaxed vibe with just under 5,000 seats and stunning views of white peaks amidst green trees. It’s consistently ranked among the top outdoor venues worldwide, attracting renowned musicians from various genres. The venue also features The Backyard and The Front Porch stages for local acts and community events.

For intimate live music, visit the Colonial Oak Music Park on St. George Street. Sit under the grand oak tree, enjoy local bands, and maybe even dance along.

Head north on A1A to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall (currently under renovation with an expected completion in early 2025) will host a range of music acts, from rock to comedy.

The Original Café Eleven on Beach Boulevard is a local favorite for its food, happy hour, and hosting of well-known bands and comedians in an intimate setting.

A historic gem, The Waterworks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, presents concerts celebrating local legend Gamble Rogers with performers and folk groups.

For an incredible lineup of free live music in town, check out Visit St. Augustine’s Live Music App. Downloadable from the Apple Store and Google Play, the app showcases 700 local artists, each with their own videos, bios, cover shots, and upcoming shows, along with 50 top-notch venues throughout St. Augustine.