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FLORIDA
Discover the Charm of Florida’s Historic Coast
By Craig Silva
Salt air drifts through brick-lined streets, mingling with the crash of waves and echoes of centuries past. On Florida’s Historic Coast, 450+ years of history and modern pleasures intertwine, anchored by St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. Here, you can tee off on world-famous fairways, sip locally distilled spirits, climb a lighthouse for a sweeping Atlantic view, and yes, enjoy uncrowded beaches.
Tee Off with the Pros
Start in Ponte Vedra Beach at TPC Sawgrass, a course golf fans recognize instantly for its famous island green on the 17th hole. Standing on that tee box, you feel the same anticipation as the pros. Even if your swing isn’t perfect, the setting makes every round unforgettable. For something more casual, head to The Yards, a social hub that features tennis and pickleball courts, and Northeast Florida’s only 12-hole golf course. It’s an easygoing alternative that makes the game approachable and fun.
Walk Through Centuries
A climb up the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum connects you to the coast in the most dramatic way. The 219 steps are a workout, but the reward of panoramic views is worth it. Inside, exhibits recall shipwrecks and daring rescues that shaped this coast. For a playful change of pace, pop into Potter’s Wax Museum, America’s first wax museum, featuring over 160 lifelike figures. From politicians to celebrities, it’s part funhouse, part history lesson and always photo-worthy.
Sip and Soak Up the Shoreline
Inside a converted ice plant, the St. Augustine Distillery crafts small-batch bourbon, gin, vodka and rum. Guided tours walk you through the process, but the highlight is the tasting. Sample cocktails made with fresh ingredients and spirits that carry the personality of the city in every sip. In Ponte Vedra Beach, 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop offers dining with a view. Elevated above the beach, it pairs seafood and small plates with cocktails as the sun melts into the horizon. Before dinner, a walk along Ponte Vedra’s wide, dune-backed beach reveals the coastline at its calmest.
Creativity with Coastal Flair
At the First Coast Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra Beach, rotating exhibitions, performances, and classes showcase local talent in an approachable setting. It is the kind of place where art feels personal and inspiring. For live music under the stars, Colonial Oak Music Park in downtown St. Augustine delivers a laid-back atmosphere. Tucked beneath the sprawling canopy of a centuries-old oak, this open-air venue hosts local bands and travelling acts in a setting that captures the spirit of the city.
A Coast Unlike Any Other
Florida’s Historic Coast feels distinct from the rest of the state. It is slower, richer, layered with stories and flavours. From championship golf and centuries-old architecture to rooftop sunsets and fragrant spice shops, this stretch of Northeast Florida leaves an impression that stays with you long after you have gone.
Travel Planner
For more travel inspiration on St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com
