Take the Scenic Route Along Florida’s Historic Coast

A road trip along A1A Scenic & Historic Byway reveals why it’s been designated as an All-American Road.

Wherever you are on A1A, you will see firsthand what makes this stretch of road so appealing to travelers. Catch the morning mist over the rolling golf courses in Ponte Vedra Beach, the early morning fisherman on the pier at St. Augustine Beach, and the sun rising over the waves at Crescent Beach.

All along the way, A1A offers plenty of reasons to simply park the car and experience the best of Florida, and maybe take a selfie or two. The overlook from the GTM Research Reserve offers a glimpse of what Florida might have looked like when it was first spotted by Ponce de Leon in 1513. On a walk along the beach, you may come upon a native gopher tortoise making its way to its burrow in the sand. In the distance, friendly dolphins come up for air as pelicans glide over the waves.

Be sure to stop for a bite at any one of the popular restaurants on the water, from The Reef on the Atlantic, to Aunt Kate's on the Waterfront on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Follow your instincts and A1A will lead the way to the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, where history greets you with a commanding view of the bayfront from the Castillo de San Marcos. Take a stroll along the pedestrian-only St. George Street and the brick-lined Aviles Street, known for its quaint cafes and shops.

Over the Bridge of Lions, A1A will point you in the direction of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. The 219-step climb to the top is worth the trip as you can see forever. This is a good place to map out the rest of your road trip as you head south along A1A, down the coast to Crescent Beach and its “old Florida” vibe.

From coastal estuaries to downtown eateries and everything in between, there is nothing more rewarding and memorable than a road trip along A1A on Florida’s Historic Coast.

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