Ponte Vedra Beach

There’s a reason Ponte Vedra Beach made CNN’s list of 22 Can’t Miss U.S. Beaches.

Located on the scenic A1A, Ponte Vedra offers a blend of laid-back luxury and natural beauty. Spend the day on Ponte Vedra’s stunning white sand beaches and take advantage of nearby cultural and recreational opportunities.

Ponte Vedra’s seaside resorts feature world-renowned golf courses, beautiful private beaches, and relaxing spas. You can even take a horseback ride on the beach! Golf enthusiasts will want to visit TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS Championship.

One Of The Top 22 Can’t Miss Beaches in The U.S. CNN

Wildlife & Outdoors

Plan to visit the nearby Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Walk the extensive nature trails and learn about the local habitat at the environmental education center.

Local Tip: Scour the shoreline for sharks teeth. You’ll need a keen eye to find these little souvenirs. Colors range from grey and black to red and brown tones. You can find modern-day shark teeth and the occasional fossilized tooth too!

Ponte Vedra Beach’s History

Look for the 15-foot statue of Ponce de Leon at the North Beach Access parking lot at Guana Tolomato. The statue commemorates the explorer’s landfall in Florida more than 500 years ago. The only surviving navigational data from Ponce de Leon’s famous Journey of Discovery was recorded at a position of 30 degrees 8 minutes north latitude, just off the coast of Ponte Vedra Beach.

42 miles of beautiful shoreline.

What does Ponte Vedra mean?

The name Ponte Vedra first appeared on maps of the area developed by early European settlers. The words Ponte Vedra may derive from Latin or Galic for “old bridge.”

Can you drive on the beach at Ponte Vedra?

No, vehicles are not permitted on the beaches in Ponte Vedra. For all the regulations around driving on the beach near Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, please visit the St. Johns County website.

Where can you eat nearby?

Bring a picnic to the beach or use the picnic tables and grills available at South Ponte Vedra Beach recreation area. There are also many outdoor dining options, just a short drive away from the beach.

Where can you stay near Ponte Vedra Beach?

Ponte Vedra is known for its beautiful beachfront accommodations. Find the best place to stay near the beach.

Where can you park near Ponte Vedra Beach?

The GTM Research Reserve manages the beach adjacent to the North Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach access parking lots along A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach.

You’ll find beach access parking lots located north of the GTM Visitor Center. Each parking lot is on the west side of A1A, between 4 and 7 miles north of Guana River Road. There are highway walkovers to the beach.

There is also parking at Mickler’s Beach on the South end of Ponte Vedra Beach on A1A as well as a parking lot next to the Mobil station near the GTM Education Center.

Are Dogs Allowed on the beach?

Yes, you may bring your dog to the beach in Ponte Vedra as long as you keep your furry friend on a leash at all times. Please pick up after your pet and observe all posted rules and regulations regarding pets.