Ponte Vedra Beach Secrets and Things to Do
![Yellow boats from Sawgrass Cabana Beach Club Rentals sitting on beach sand in Ponte Vedra FL](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e3db6d382661f8b34dfcfb8afc03844e 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=28d7b1943934dce19962eda0023d405d 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1d251f5a3495c6fefc8d325f7e556a31 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ca3251e4ab2af2656c62aa3176115dc2 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=db2003c2e7360986df93ab6f5c38965d 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=d75206c556913544c2b502861f993523 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=a1960bf0d3d41251bd9c87d643c6a08f 1920w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=9914462b23e39d8087469ae49e1d0653 2560w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/CABANA_BEACH_CLUB_RENTALS-v1555354919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=3888c5bd9f67bb4cdbd72698ccac41b3 3840w)
Most visitors only skim the surface of this high-end coastal resort town. Learn some fun facts about Ponte Vedra Beach and get great vacation ideas along the way.
A sophisticated city on Florida’s northeast coast, Ponte Vedra is synonymous with luxury. You can indulge at upscale resorts, perfect your tan on picturesque beaches or hit the links at world-class golf courses. But look closer and you’ll discover that this seaside community holds even more allure – including a rich, little-known history and diverse activities that will take you beyond its coastline. On your next vacation, discover these five secrets of Ponte Vedra.
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Ponte Vedra BeachGet Directions (904) 285-1111
Welcome to the crown jewel of Florida's northeast shore. A regional landmark since its celebrated opening in 1928, this AAA…
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Ponte Vedra BeachGet Directions (904) 380-8600
Take a virtual tour of the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM…
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Ponte Vedra BeachGet Directions (904) 273-3235
The Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass offers 13,000-square feet of banquet and meeting space, complemented by more than 3,250-square feet of…
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This smaller performing arts facility is located in the heart of Ponte Vedra Beach. The concert hall features national and…
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There’s a reason Ponte Vedra Beach made CNN’s list of 22 Can’t Miss U.S. Beaches.
#1: Hidden Gems (Literally)
Now a prominent resort town, Ponte Vedra was little more than pristine wilderness in the early 1900s. But valuable minerals were discovered in 1912, transforming the site into a frontier mining town called “Mineral City.”
Mining eventually gave way to resort life, and the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club sprung up in 1928. The wealthy elite flocked to this stylish oceanfront playground, which today is one of Florida’s rare AAA Five Diamond Properties. At the resort, pamper yourself at the spa or play a round of golf. To this day, the resort maintains a “quiet opulence” that is difficult to find at many resorts, making it a true retreat for guests.
![Front Exterior of Ponte Vedra Inn Club in Florida](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4-Ponte-Vedra-Inn-Club-Front-750x500-v1609352389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=838d28e2102f63a868de2d1d09296a98 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4-Ponte-Vedra-Inn-Club-Front-750x500-v1609352389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2444d93929eb9b1ab0db4e3d24894576 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4-Ponte-Vedra-Inn-Club-Front-750x500-v1609352389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3a29775d93f8aaeeaa0ce000923a1356 750w)
#2: Natural Wonders
Discover Florida at its natural best while exploring 73,000 protected acres of forests, tidal lagoons and coastal dunes at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve).
You can kayak through saltwater marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands to witness the abundance of wildlife – 44 mammal, 358 bird and 580 plant species – at what Folio Weekly called the “Best Place to Kayak.” At low tide, hunt for seashells along the shore and keep an eye out for sharks teeth – the area is well-known for this. Explore 10 miles of hiking trails before visiting the Environmental Education Center, which features interactive displays and aquariums.
![](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Partner-Profile-Images/GTM-Research-Reserve-inside.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a7999e1096712e25b424c7ca0ef58d11 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Partner-Profile-Images/GTM-Research-Reserve-inside.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=24c77fdd03c093fe5d3c784adc31727a 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Partner-Profile-Images/GTM-Research-Reserve-inside.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=91e83f48511e42257113c9b9944b1f87 750w)
#3: A Hole in $1
If golf is your forte, tee off at TPC Sawgrass, one of the world’s most famous golf courses. This is where Tiger Woods’ “Better Than Most” putt was heard ‘round the world in 2001.
Opened in 1980, the mega-golf resort is the headquarters for the PGA Tour. Interestingly, the 415 acres that became TPC was sold to the Tour for just $1.
In March, watch the biggest names in golf compete in THE PLAYERS Championship, which boasts the largest purse on the tour. Then it’s your turn with the clubs. Take a swing at one of two championship courses designed by master architect Pete Dye.
![Aerial view of 17th hole greenway at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach FL](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=4be51319b18804b08be09dbb85e2fed8 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=698849c08e48cb0014e6128b2f08e269 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=4ba7304b776044f4c9806df161b730c3 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=8b990de58023f291cdcc4b8729ff1641 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=6c1fbd2077542a6baf77b7df8762b27f 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=ce1feee455985a5944fe47bd36b72585 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=f66b42d47c3ea16508c4b15483c0f519 1920w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/deals/17th-Green-Arial-TPC.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=f05e01cdb73118dd1c7418a74fe50d6c 2100w)
#4: A Historic Landing
Did you know that Ponce de Leon first set foot on Florida just south of Ponte Vedra Beach? According to navigational records, the famous explorer came ashore at 30 degrees, 8 minutes north latitude and claimed “La Florida” for Spain on April 3, 1513. View the spot where he reportedly arrived from the GTM Reserve parking area and snap a pic with the bronze statue marking the location.
Afterward, visit Ponte Vedra Beach, where towering sand dunes lead to immaculate beaches. CNN named it one of “22 Can’t-Miss Beaches.”
![Woman standing on wooden deck with ocean and sunset in background in Ponte Vedra beach in Florida](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=16c90259bf5cd98ebaed13ce55930890 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=bfd9b1f775b150ca5b73a2d27feada7e 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3247b334047e40637e38acb3ca4e435d 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=4f9df5fcb090aa706ffee62d1e95c70c 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2fe767bbdd7e2428ac4f2bfd9419d10d 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=defec8197c99d019e094fe2b60799b52 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7aef7c7b98e8af5b529d4c956bb6ba6c 1920w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/hero-images/Ponte-Vedra-Beach-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=99d513ed8b68271fc9afc028fb303c8f 2000w)
#5: Big-Name Concerts
For an unforgettable evening, listen to celebrated artists from across the world perform at the intimate new Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. This modern performing arts facility, housed in a former church building in Ponte Vedra Beach, features top-notch acoustics. Past performers include Lucinda Williams, Matisyahu, Art Garfunkel, the Goo Goo Dolls, Shawn Colvin, Roger McGuinn, Gillian Welch, Ani DiFranco and Shovels & Rope.
At the hall, you also can catch an array of other events, from film series like the WJCT 3X5 Classic Film Festival to classical music performances by the Florida Chamber Music Project.
To learn more about the best beaches on Florida's Historic Coast, click here!
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