Taking the Scenic Routes on Florida’s Historic Coast Itinerary

A park ranger stands beside cannons on the gun deck of Fort Matanzas overlooking the Matanzas River

Embark on an unforgettable journey along Florida’s Historic Coast, where scenic routes unveil the region’s natural beauty, historical landmarks, and coastal charm.

Day One

Take a drive along A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway. From Ponte Vedra South to Vilano Beach there is so much to explore. Start at the GTM North Beach Parking area, known locally as 30 degrees, 8 Minutes, North Latitude. This is the very spot that Ponce de Leon sighted land from 9 leagues. The very next day, he and his men came ashore and claimed this land as La Florida in the name of Spain. Check out the statue of Ponce de Leon, dedicated on April 2, 2013, 5oo years after his sighting. Walk over the dunes – the highest in all of Florida to take a walk on the beach. The beaches at the GTM Reserve are loaded with fossilized shark teeth – a beachcomber’s treasure.

Visit the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Center, (GTM). Open Tuesday – Saturday, the GTM Visitor Center has educational displays about the marine life found along the GTM coast and in the waterways and estuaries. You can’t miss the lifesize dolphin, Manta Rays, and Northern Right Whale suspended from the ceiling. After touring the Center, walk over to Guana Outpost South to rent a kayak or paddleboard and get out on the water at Guana Lake., or hike the trails on the Guana Peninsula to enjoy the natural biodiversity, expansive cultural history, vital estuarine resources, and learn about current efforts to protect these resources. The GTM hosts several guided experiences throughout the month. Visitors should check the GTM calendar of events for events taking place during their visit.

End the day rooftop at Pesca Rooftop at Hyatt Place Hotel at Vilano Beach

PicturedGTM Research Reserve

Day Two

Check out the beaches and trails at Anastasia State Park. Anastasia State Park has four miles of pristine undeveloped beach where one can stroll along for a peaceful and uncrowded beach combing experience, and enjoy bird watching for Royal Terns, gulls, sanderling, willets, and more. You can even rent a bike to ride on the beach (at low tide) from Anastasia Watersports.

Drive further south Along A1A Historic and Scenic Byway to Matanzas Inlet and Fort Matanzas National Monument. Take the ferry to explore St. Augustine’s other fort was built in 1742 to protect the southern approach to St. Augustine. Ferry tours Wednesday – Monday and run are hourly from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure is just a little further south of Matanzas Inlet. Here visitors can enjoy fun interactive programs, including swimming with the Dolphins. There are lots f programs available to give visitors a deep understanding of the important marine life in the area.

At the day with a sunset Paddle with Ripple Effect Kayak Tours where participants glide along in a lighted-firefly kayak, and watch for dolphins, fish, and wading birds as the guide explains the importance and vitality of this ecosystem and all who live within it.

End your coastal experience with a delicious dinner at Harvest & Reel at Embassy Suites Resort at St. Augustine Beach

PicturedAlpine Groves Park

Day Three

Take a drive west of St. Augustine on S.R. 207 to explore the river & agricultural region of Florida’s Historic Coast. Visit farms and farmstands to get a taste of the region’s fresh produce. The town of Hastings was developed to provide fresh produce and food for the grand hotels of St. Augustine during the Gilded Age. Throughout the year there are festivals and events that take place to celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at one of the eateries located on Main St. From pizza to downhome country cooking, there is plenty to appeal to all.

On the southside of Hastings, visitors can discover the St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve where one can learn about and appreciate the conservation of rare and endangered species of plants from around the world, as well as natural resources and native plants and animals.

Traveling North on CR 13 from Hastings, the scenic drive along the William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway has stops along the way including Trout Creek Memorial Park & Marina where one can take an exciting airboat ride with Sea Serpent Tours; enjoy river views and hike through the woods at Alpine Groves Park; visit Beluthahatchee Park which is dedicated to the preservation of the legacy of noted author Stetson Kennedy and his friend Arlo Guthrie’s love and respect for human rights, the earth, and natural culture.

Enjoy a little Barbecue at one pf the most popular BBQ places in North Florida, Woodpecker’s Backyard BBQ.

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