Florida’s Historic Coast: 500 Years of Magnificent Beaches
St. Augustine, Fla. — It has been over 500 years since Ponce de Leon first saw the magnificent beaches of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, but even after nearly five centuries they remain a major attraction on Florida’s Historic Coast. Beauty, history and unspoiled nature combined have put Ponte Vedra Beach on CNN’s list of 22 Can’t Miss U.S. Beaches and St. Augustine Beach named a Top 10 Beach in the US by TripAdvisor users.
Whether it’s family fun in the sun, a romantic walk by the sea or a day of reflection and relaxation to the accompaniment of the gentle surf, this is the place for the best of the beach. Plus, a mandatory height restriction of 35 feet for buildings on Florida’s Historic Coast ensures the beaches are never darkened by shadows cast by massive, high-rise buildings. Here’s a quick guide to our beaches:
Ponte Vedra Beach Elegant resorts and spas and world-class golf courses line the peach and cinnamon coquina sands of this wonderfully uncrowded beach. A great place to find ancient sharks’ teeth, Mickler’s Landing is a popular access point for visitors.
Vilano Beach Once a popular beach destination for Henry Flagler’s millionaire friends of the late 1800s, its coquina sands along with a near-shore break make it popular with surfers.
Anastasia State Park One of Florida’s most popular parks with its white quartz sands are perfect for a day at the beach with the family. Ample parking, permanent restroom facilities and food, kayak and SUP rentals and tours and a beverage stands make for an easy family day at the beach. In 2015, Travel + Leisure magazine included Anastasia State Park on its list of America’s prettiest beach campsites, with full service and primitive camping available.
St. Augustine Beach Everything is here for the ideal beach vacation - sunny accommodations, tropical seaside restaurants, and a beachfront park with an impressive fishing pier, pavilion, splash park and all the sand volleyball you and your party could want.
Butler Beach Once one of the few designated African-American beaches in Florida, the end of segregation opened it to everyone. Today, the area is a mixture of private homes and condos, but numerous public access points make it easily accessible to visitors. Butler Park offers showers and restrooms.
Crescent Beach Miles of broad, white sand along a crescent shape shoreline have irresistible appeal for anyone seeking the picture-perfect beach vacation. South Beach Grill is a favorite beachfront restaurant with a great ocean view and a fresh menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaways, accommodations and to plan your vacation in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Facebook or call 1.800.653.2489.
# # #