New Flavors, Stays, and Adventures Come to Florida’s Historic Coast This Fall

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

St. Augustine, Fla. (September 2, 2025) – Florida’s Historic Coast always keeps it fresh and exciting. With an array of new tours, tastes, and lodging, each visit feels like a new experience.

Fresh Ways to Stay

• The AC Hotel St. Augustine by Marriott is slated to open in late 2025 on the San Sebastian River in Downtown Historic St. Augustine. This European-inspired hotel features 142 rooms, with an outdoor pool, lounging area, 24-hour fitness center, 1,500 square feet of event space, and a signature restaurant, the AC Lounge & Kitchen.
• Set on the San Sebastian River, Hotel Amalga St. Augustine, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio recently opened, offering 58 rooms blending modern luxury with timeless charm. Rooftop patios and pool overlook the Historic downtown and the marina.
• The Castillo Real St. Augustine Beach Resort has been designated as a Tapestry Collection by Hilton after receiving over $2 million in upgrades. The 60-room beachfront boutique resort offers upgraded amenities, including an updated pool, lobby, and restaurant.
• St. Francis Inn has just added The San Sebastian River Houses to their inventory of unique lodging in St. Augustine. This collection of 4 luxury homes perched along the tidal marshes of Oyster Creek and the San Sebastian River, are just steps from St. Augustine's historic district. Each house is equipped with a gourmet kitchen, an open living area with a large Smart TV (Hulu Live TV included), a handy workspace, a half bath on the first floor, a washer and dryer, and two king bedrooms on the 2nd floor, each with a full bath. The most valuable feature is the stunning view of the marsh from the custom windows and decked patios.

Making Memorable Events Even More Memorable

• The stage is set at the recently reopened Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Following a 14-month, $12.9 million renovation, the music venue is set to host up to 180 annual shows. Upcoming performances include September 29, Melissa Etheridge; October 1 and 2, Lyle Lovett; October 3, Steep Canyon Rangers; October 13, Joss Stone; October 27, Matisyahu; and many more.
• St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights returns with new dates, celebrating the Grand Illumination on November 15, 2025, with the city lighting up every night through January 11, 2026. Guests will find enjoying this annual tradition even easier with a new app coming this November, including detailed parking options. Follow www.nightsoflights.com to keep up on this year’s highlights.
• The Maria Jefferson Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is spearheading St. Augustine’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, with a full slate of socials, lectures, and commemorations starting in January 2026. View the full calendar of 250th Commemorative events taking place in 2026 fssdar.com/mariajefferson/calendar-of-events
• The Emma Concert Association has announced 13 new concerts taking place at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College between October 2025 and April 2026. Scheduled performances include the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, a cappella ensemble Voctave, the South Carolina Ballet, Chicago Tap Theatre and more.
• The world’s most prestigious pool players will come together for the 2025 International Open, which takes place November 14-23, 2025, at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort. The nine-day tournament showcases elite billiards competition across 9-Ball, 10-Ball, Straight Pool (14.1), and One-Pocket.
• St. Augustine was a historic winter artist colony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting Impressionist painters to its warm climate, scenic nature, and historic architecture. The St. Augustine Art Association continues the tradition with the launch of a new series of Plein Air events and workshops. Selected works created at these paint outs will be displayed at various 2025-26 Art in Public Places exhibits at the St. Johns County Administration Rotunda Gallery, which is open to the public Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• September 5-8: Founder’s Day Plein Air Paint Out
• September 14: Plein Air in the Park at Lakeside Park on St. Augustine Beach
• November 13-15: Painting Fall en Plein Air Workshop with instruction from award-winning artist Martha Ferguson.
  
• December 10: Plein Air Nocturne - Artists will capture the holiday spirit and historic charm of the nation’s oldest city in atmospheric nighttime scenes.
• Additional 2026 St. Augustine Art Association-sponsored Plein Air events include the March 20-22 Plein Air Weekend and the April 23-26 10th Annual Plein Air Paint Out.

New Experiences and Ways to Explore

• Florida Water Tours is celebrating the addition of a new, custom-built boat, the Great Blue Heron. Guests can view dolphins, historic landmarks, and even the upcoming Nights of Lights from the vessel’s spacious covered deck.
• Anastasia Island’s Arcade Museum is an interactive showcase for vintage arcade games. Visitors can play classic games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, pinball, Skee Ball, and many more, while enjoying bites from the snack bar.
• Visitors can experience 500 years of history in two hours with a brand-new walking tour from St. Augustine True History Tours, exploring the streets of Historic Downtown St. Augustine.
• Join the new Pink Culture Tours that celebrate femininity on its signature all-pink carts with playful storytelling - perfect for girl getaways and bachelorette parties.
• From September 26-November 22, the new Harvest Trail Farm Tour is a self-guided journey to farms, fields, and flavors that define the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Download a passport and tour the farms that cultivate everything from fruit trees, sunflowers, and luffas to datil peppers, honey, and olives.
• The Office at Ponte Vedra Beach is an upscale, state-of-the-art space intended for networking and maximizing productivity. With large offices, conference rooms, high-speed internet, 24-hour key card access, and amenities including chef-crafted meals, an in-house gym, and an on-site personal trainer, The Office is a welcoming space for travelers who need comfortable space to work.
• Things always shine a little brighter on Florida’s Historic Coast during the Annual Nights of Lights
  celebration. In addition to the many brilliant experiences offered, this year there are even more ways to enjoy, including the Art & History, a Holiday Décor Exhibition at Ximenez-Fatio House, the performance of a Miracle on 34^th Street, a Live Radio Play at The Waterworks, and some new fun tours with The Tastings Tours' new Horseless Carriage Tour, and partnership with Paladar Café where they will offer tour participants traditional holiday tastes with the authentic flavors of Cuba.
• First Coast Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra Beach has recently announced new programming, including Adult Art presentations and workshops led by Master Artist Ellen Diamond, Robert Adams, Florida Mining Gallery Master Artist Allison Watson, Jewelry design workshops by Eve Huggins, Italian cooking classes by Chef Diana Testa, and much more.

New Places to Dine and Sip

Dining on Florida’s Historic Coast is a year-round epicurean delight. With the Fall season coming soon, local eateries will be keeping it fresh with menu changes. These creative additions will highlight the region’s seasonal ingredients. Watch for menu changes at Lotus Noodle Bar, Catch 27, Asado Life, Bueno Onda St. Augustine, Michael’s, La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs, Cap’s on the Water, Ice Plant Bar & Restaurant, and 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop. Here are some new dining and drinking experiences.

• Purple Olive is on the move as they refurbish and relocate to the iconic Gypsy Cab Company building on Anastasia Island, eyeing an early fall reopening.
• Farm-to-fork stalwarts at The Floridian restaurant have opened two new concepts while they construct a new location on St. Augustine Beach. Bea’s Fine Foods and All Day Café and Jefe’s Fish Wagon are now open on Anastasia Island, serving fresh takes on Southern classics and fish shack specialties.
• Chef Freddy and Jenn Underhill are back at popular Italian hotspot Amici’s Restaurant, with new menu items, vegetarian options, and events in their banquet hall, The Milano Room.
• Asado Life, recently recognized by Food & Wine Magazine for its hallmark open-fire cooking style, is offering extended Sunday lunch hours, has released a fresh new waterfront menu, and has updated Asado Life Market offerings, including new spices and prepared items.
• The Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, located just south on A1A, welcomes new Chef de Cuisine Bryan “Scott” Downs to head up their Atlantic Grille, providing an upscale seafood dining experience.
• Opened in the summer of 2025, Lynda’s at the Ocean Club in South Ponte Vedra Beach offers an exceptional oceanfront dining experience featuring coastal cuisine that celebrates the region’s culinary richness.
• The new Cornerstone Café is a quaint, family-owned eatery and coffee house located in the Lincolnville neighborhood of Historic Downtown St. Augustine.
• La Petite Kitchen is a new culinary destination in St. Augustine where guests can learn how to cook signature dishes from Chef Janice Hudgins, owner of Little Miss Ha, and Executive Chef Waylon Rivers of 36 Granada. Classes range from Vietnamese Classics to French-inspired cuisine, with options for custom private chef dining experiences.
• The Kava and Canvas Lounge opens September 1 at the Unify Tattoo Co. in the West King District of St. Augustine. It offers an elevated sober social experience, centered around community, creativity, and presence. Its botanical bar serves thoughtfully crafted drinks featuring kava, kanna, and adaptogenic mushrooms.
• Seavin, Inc. has kicked off Florida grape harvest season for its two Florida wine outlets—Lakeridge Winery in Clermont and San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine—featuring native Muscadine grape varieties like Noble, Welder, and Carlos. These grapes are crafted into award-winning wines that reflect the state’s unique viticulture. Visitors to San Sebastian Winery can enjoy daily tours, a wine-centric gift shop, and rooftop dining at the new La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs, offering both casual and fine dining in an open-air setting.
• For cocktails crafted with passion, Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen has opened its Charlotte 33 Speakeasy, tucked behind a bookcase and offering a soft and moody atmosphere.
• Hornski’s Brewing Co. has reopened its popular craft brewery/bar on Anastasia Boulevard. In addition to brewing its own beers, Hornski’s carries other popular craft brews, has vintage arcade games, and creates a unique soundtrack from its extensive vinyl collection.
• Flamingo Coffee Bar has created a bold, pink paradise for coffee lovers on Anastasia Island. They offer signature roasted drip coffee, teas, baked goods, fun merch, and more.
• Concert-goers can add coffee to their musical experiences on Florida’s Historic Coast. The St. Johns County Cultural Events Division, which operates The St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, has added the popular coffee shop, The Kookaburra, to both venues, serving up coffee, espresso, signature drinks, teas, Aussie pies, and baked goods.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

• Savannah Bee Company is all the buzz on St. George Street with artisanal honey and mead tastings, honey and honey products, including soaps, skincare, and accessories.
• Order up at The Spice & Tea Exchange® of St. Augustine with new fall flavors of tea and candles based on diner classics like Cherry Pie, Pumpkin Cake, and Old Fashioned.
• Looking for a quiet moment with a good book? Hit up King Street’s newest shop, Midnight Moon Books and Boutique, stocked with an array of reads plus accessories, clothes, candles, and everything else for a comfy book nook.
• The West King District has a new shop for classic and current tunes with Rocking Chair Records. It features a curated mix of new and used vinyls, CDs, cassette tapes, vintage clothing, stickers, pins, turntables, and rare finds.

Getting to Florida’s Historic Coast

Breeze Airways is expanding its service to Florida with two new nonstop flights. Beginning Oct. 3, travelers can fly from Norfolk International Airport to Orlando International Airport and West Virginia International Yeager Airport to Tampa International Airport. Additional routes are planned for launch in September as well.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; @ViajaStAugustine, Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine, and Facebook.com/ViajaStAugustine and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast