The New Year Brings New Ways to Explore Florida’s Historic Coast

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

St. Augustine, Fla. (February 1, 2024) – Florida’s Historic Coast is known for its storied history and enchanting attractions, but there are always new ways to explore St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches.

There’s lots of history to celebrate in 2024. The St. Augustine Art Association recognizes its 100th anniversary with an array of artistic celebrations. The Beaux Arts Ball, first held in 1949, is a grand masquerade event and the Association’s largest fundraiser. It will be held at the Lightner Museum on February 23, almost 75 years later. They are also hosting two special exhibits, Reflections, May 3 through June 2, and History through the Lens of Architecture, July 18 through August 25.

In 2024 the City of St. Augustine will recognize the 60th Anniversary of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Demonstrations with multiple events throughout the month of June, including a Juneteenth Concert at Lewis Auditorium featuring the Marcus Roberts Jazz Trio and the Lincolnville Juneteenth Festival. Additionally, the Excelsior School, St. Augustine’s first Black public high school, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in June.

As part of the 2024 celebration of the relationship between St. Augustine and Avilés, Spain, the Nao Trinidad ship sails into the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. The Trinidad is a 150-ton, 93-foot replica of the flagship of the Magellan-Elcano Expedition that led to the first circumnavigation of the Earth, confirming for the first time that the Earth is round. While in port, January 31 through March 2024, this floating museum will be open for guided and self-guided tours daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Florida’s Historic Coast is home to world-class music, and 2024 is no exception. The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series returns for two weekends from February 8 to February 17 and features world-renowned artists, including Common, Keb’ Mo’, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) with Wynton Marsalis. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, aka The AMP, has a star-studded roster for the first half of the year: Willie Nelson & Family, The Beach Boys, Foreigner, Tom Segura, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Widespread Panic, REO Speed Wagon, Bad Religion, Billie Strings and many more.

Hastings, in the heart of Florida’s Historic Coast’s agricultural corridor, was recently designated a Florida Main Street Community. Hastings originated as an agricultural railroad town in the 1890’s. The area has always served as the agricultural supplier sitting quietly on the outskirts of Historic St. Augustine. Undergoing a refreshing revival, this friendly community has several new experiences to share, including the St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve and kayak adventure tours on Deep Creek with Earth Kinship Tours. The new Hastings Cabbage Potato and Bacon Festival will take place April 27 & 28 and will feature culinary demonstrations led by several popular Florida chefs, as well as a Sustainable Cooking Competition that showcases the region’s agriculture. New businesses like Main Street Pizza and Hastings Coffee Co. are bringing new flavors to the small town too.

Four-time American Country Music Award-winning superstar and longtime PGA TOUR fan Cole Swindell will headline THE PLAYERS Military Appreciation Day concert. The multi-platinum singer-songwriter will rock the Island Green for an evening of excitement in honor of local service members on Tuesday, March 12.

THE PLAYERS Championship returns to the TPC Sawgrass from March 12 through March 17 for one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. The superstars of golf will battle it out on Ponte Vedra’s rolling greens, including the infamous 17th hole, Island Green. The competition is so intense that no one has ever won in back-to-back years.

There is no end to the magnificent selection of food and libations on Florida’s Historic Coast. A host of new eateries are planned for 2024 and should immediately go to the top of the must-try list. Famed local chef Michael Lugo recently brought Pesca Vilano, which features globally inspired coastal cuisine with bold Latin flavors to the Hyatt Place on Vilano. Guests can dine in an elegant setting or enjoy casual small plates and refreshing beverages roof top. Chef Lugo is now bringing French bistro fare to the historic 102 Bridge Street house with his newest restaurant concept, La Nouvelle. The long-anticipated Wharf, formerly the Santa Maria Restaurant, resplendent with its total refurbishment, is slated to open later in 2024 and will offer fresh burgers, salads, sandwiches, and seafood dishes.

For unique events and activities, look no further. St. Augustine is now home to a dedicated improvisational space. The recently opened Third Space Improv offers improv and theater experiences. The theater offers an ADA-accessible stage, allowing everyone to experience the magic of improv.

A new event debuts on February 24, and it truly is one-of-a-kind. The Florida Man Games consist of the craziest roster of games and participants ever gathered. Teams compete in events like Florida Sumo Wrestling and a Mullet Contest. It promises to be an event like no other.

No matter your taste, Florida’s Historic Coast has something going on sure to whet your appetite. Plan your trip today using our helpful trip planner.

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, andFacebook.com/ViajaStAugustine and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast