Father’s Day

A father casts a fishing line along with his young son, his daughter, and his wife behind him on a wooden pier.

Make this year the one he’ll always remember.

For all he’s done and everything he’s yet to do on the honey-do list, doesn’t Dad deserve some fun in the sun? We think so too. So here are few ways to show Dad you think he’s special.

Out and About

Does Dad love the links? If so, you’re in the capitol of golfing here at Ponte Vedra Beach. World-class golf courses await him including TPC Sawgrass, where THE PLAYERS® Championship is held each year. Imagine Dad teeing off where the pros play. And taking his best shot at the iconic island green 17th hole. It’s the thrill of a lifetime, even if there aren’t huge crowds to watch him birdie. Click here for more golf options.

Perhaps Dad is more of a fishing guy. Perfect because we happen to be surrounded by pristine waters teeming with fish of all stripes. Local charters such as Fishardy Charters and Brian Walker Fishing Charters are happy to take anglers out for a day of thrilling fishing for grouper, snapper and wahoo out in the deep blue Atlantic. For those who prefer inshore fishing, Drum Man Charters will expertly guide anglers to the honey hole for red drum, sheepshead and tarpon.

Even if Dad doesn’t enjoy fishing, he’d probably enjoy swimming with dolphins because, who wouldn’t? And at Marineland he can just watch them flip through the air and play with their handlers as they perform thrilling acrobatics and entertain their adoring fans.

Food, Glorious Food

All this talk about fish will have Dad thinking he could go for some seafood. At Pesca Rooftop at the new Hyatt Place Vilano Beach, Dad can enjoy delicious oysters, salt cod fritters and octopus salad as he enjoys a craft cocktail on the Rooftop Bar. The views are as stunning as the fresh, local ingredients.

For something completely different, how about a seafood boil from Outer Banks Boil Company. Dad doesn’t have to slave over a hot stove because they’ll do it all for you. Their famous one-pot seafood steamed delight features red bliss potatoes, corn, andouille sausage, Vidalia onion and jumbo shrimp. Add extras like lobster and crab legs for a truly memorable Father’s Day.

If Dad’s more of a turf guy, we’ve got just the place for him. Valley Smoke BBQ offers slow smoked barbecue, wood-fired prime steaks and a beautiful Intracoastal view from their waterside decks. We know Dad would enjoy sitting in a comfy leather chair beside the Bourbon Library where he can sip something warm and wonderful from their impressive wall of Bourbons and Scotches. That’ll surely get his appetite going.

Dad’s Night Out

Who wouldn’t love to enjoy an evening in the Ancient City while listening to some live music? Just off the beaten path on St. George Street, follow the sound of music to this hidden gem called Colonial Oak Music Park. The stage is literally under a lantern laden majestic oak tree. And on most weekends and many weekdays in between there’s all kinds of live music featuring folk, rock, bluegrass, R&B and everything in between.

Sunsets in St. Augustine are something special and what better way to enjoy the picturesque cityscape than from the water? Hop aboard the Schooner Freedom for the sunset cruise of a lifetime. Dad will enjoy a glass of wine as the 76-foot schooner makes its way past the iconic Bridge of Lions and along the Matanzas Bay passing historic sites such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. With any luck, some curious dolphin will appear, just to say hello.

Finally, after a sunset cruise, Dad can unwind under the stars at La Cocina at The Cellar Upstairs. Overlooking St. Augustine and the San Sebastian River, this rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views, live music, and the perfect setting to relax with a handcrafted cocktail or delicious meal. It’s a memorable way to end a wonderful Father’s Day celebration.