Great Stories to Discover on Florida’s Historic Coast

Contact: Barbara Golden
Phone: 904-669-8142
Email: BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com

Florida’s Historic Coast is one of the state’s most beloved destinations. Visitors are drawn to the unique sense of place in St. Augustine, the oldest city in North America. They indulge in luxurious resort amenities and world-class golf in Ponte Vedra Beach, enjoy 42 miles of pristine shoreline, and take part in exceptional year-round outdoor adventures. There’s always a reason to stay just one more day.

Whether the original travel plan includes exploring St. Augustine’s rich history, admiring its architecture, art, music, and attractions, relaxing on the beaches, or enjoying a golf-and-spa escape at one of Ponte Vedra Beach’s upscale resorts—visitors always discover so much more. Here are some compelling experiences and story ideas that capture what makes guests long to return again and again. There’s always more to explore on Florida’s Historic Coast.

Come for the history, stay for the music—you’ll find the perfect soundtrack here.

With over 460 years of rich history, this region is filled with stories of community, culture, and indulgence. But beyond the historical intrigue, Florida’s Historic Coast has a thriving music scene.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime local, the rhythm here never stops. From cozy acoustic sets to arena-worthy shows, the region's soundtrack is unforgettable. Music is more than entertainment—it’s an experience that ties the past and present together.
The community comes alive year-round with an impressive lineup of concerts and performances.

Highlights include:

• St. Augustine Amphitheatre: Ranked #2 in the U.S. and #3 worldwide by Pollstar Magazine.
• Ponte Vedra Concert Hall: A newly renovated venue hosting internationally acclaimed artists.

Signature Music Events

• September – Sing Out Loud Festival, a month long celebration of music
• February – Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Festival (celebrating Black History Month)
• April – Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of music and storytelling. Roscolusa Songwriters Festival, brings top Nashville songwriters for an unforgettable evening.
• Summer – Music by the Sea on Wednesdays at St. Johns Ocean Pier Park and Concerts in the Plaza on Thursdays in St. Augustine’s historic Plaza de la Constitución

Discover more about live music on Florida’s Historic Coast at www.floridashistoriccoast.com/live-music/live-music-venues.

Celebrate America’s 250th in the Nation’s Oldest City

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European established city in the continental U.S. Its rich history spans Spanish, British, and American rule—each leaving a lasting impact.

As the capital of British East Florida (1763–1784) and later part of the U.S. after Florida’s statehood in 1845, St. Augustine evolved while preserving its layered past. Visitors can explore historic landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, British-era structures, and 19th-century sites. Whether walking its brick-lined streets or touring museums and reenactments, this city offers a rare chance to engage with the origins of America across centuries and cultures.

Historic Sites of Significance:

• Fort Mose Historic State Park – site of the first Free Black settlement in North America
• Peña-Peck House- Built around 1750 by royal decree of King Ferdinand VI for Spanish Royal Treasurer Juan Estevan de Peña, and later Patrick Tonyn, Florida’s last British governor who played a pivotal role in the tumultuous period of the American Revolution. As a staunch Loyalist, he transformed St. Augustine into a critical refuge for British Loyalists fleeing the rebellious colonies.
• Colonial Quarter - The St. Augustine Colonial Experience allows visitors to understand the influences by each cultural success, Spanish, to British, to American pioneer, of the oldest permanent European Settlement in North America.
• Ximenez-Fatio House - Experience a vivid recreation of how people lived in the years after Florida became a new territory of the United States, and then a state. Their guides are experts on that colorful period in St. Augustine’s past.

Exploring the Unique History of the “First America”

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the continental U.S. Its story weaves through Spanish, British, and American rule—each era leaving a unique imprint.

As the capital of British East Florida from 1763–1784 and later a part of the United States following Florida’s statehood in 1845, the city evolved while preserving its layered history.

Visitors can explore:

• Castillo de San Marcos – A national monument and enduring symbol of colonial defense
• British-era buildings and 19th-century landmarks
• Brick-lined streets, museums, and immersive historical reenactments

Discover pivotal sites like Fort Mose, the Peña-Peck House, and the Colonial Quarter, which highlight the city’s role in the American Revolution. Notably, East and West Florida were recognized as the 14th and 15th Colonies during the period.

For more about historic sites, events, and resources to learn more, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com/event/250.

Explore the Outdoors

Florida’s Historic Coast invites exploration through two designated scenic byways,

including the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, a 72-mile route from Ponte Vedra Beach to Flagler Beach. This byway traces centuries of natural beauty, archaeological significance, and American history.

Highlights Along the Route:

• Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas
• GTM Research Reserve
• Anastasia State Park

Adventure awaits beyond the roads too. Hunt for seashells and fossilized shark teeth along the beach, or paddle through salt marshes and estuaries with Ripple Effect EcoTours or GeoTrippin Adventure Company.

Fishing is a year-round attraction with access to inshore backwaters and deep-sea experiences. Whether from a pier, boat, or beach, anglers can catch flounder, trout, redfish, tarpon, kingfish, and sailfish.

Cycling Adventure

Ride the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail, a scenic paved path connecting the St. Johns River town of Palatka to St. Augustine. Pedal through agricultural landscapes, the charming town of Hastings, and untouched stretches of Northeast Florida’s countryside.

Fun Facts about Florida’s Historic Coast

1. Ponce de Leon landed just south of Ponte Vedra Beach in 1513, claiming “La Florida” for Spain.
2. Ponte Vedra was once a mining town called Mineral City after valuable minerals were discovered in 1912.
3. Treasury Street in St. Augustine is the narrowest street in the U.S.—just seven feet wide!
4. Thomas Edison installed electric lights at the Ponce de Leon Hotel before the White House had electricity.
5. Fort Mose was the first legally sanctioned African settlement in the U.S.
6. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the continental U.S.
7. Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.
8. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is the oldest Catholic parish in the U.S.
9. The Oldest Wooden School House still stands in St. Augustine, dating back to the early 1700s.
10. Ponte Vedra Beach hosts THE PLAYERS Championship, often dubbed the “fifth major” in golf.
11. TPC Sawgrass, home of the iconic island green on hole 17, is one of the most recognized courses in the world.
12. Shark teeth fossils, millions of years old, can still be found on Ponte Vedra’s beaches.
13. Hastings, the “Potato Capital of Florida,” was founded by Thomas Hastings, cousin of Henry Flagler, to supply produce to luxury hotels.
14. St. Augustine Amphitheatre is one of the top-ranked amphitheaters in the world.

For more story ideas, press releases and access to images library, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com/media