Visitor Information

Find everything you need to plan your visit to St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach.

FAQs

View our helpful trip tips and Planning pages below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra located?

Florida’s Historic Coast is located on the northeast coast of Florida and encompasses the entirety of St. Johns County including St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches.

When is the best time to visit St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra?

Visit us anytime! Our beaches, local history, shopping, dining, and nightlife offer plenty to do year-round. The peak season for visitation is winter through late spring. The Nights of Light festival during the holiday season is also a must-see in St. Augustine. For fewer crowds and fantastic deals on lodging and activities, plan your trip during the summer, aka Easy Season on Florida’s Historic Coast.

What are the closest airports to fly to?

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is 50 minutes north of St. Augustine and 30 minutes from Ponte Vedra Beach. Daytona International Airport (DAB) is 60 miles south of St. Augustine.

The Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine (UST) is available for private and chartered planes and is a 5-minute drive to the downtown area of St. Augustine or 20-minutes to Ponte Vedra Beach.

There is no public transportation to and from the airports. Private charters include Candies Coachworks, East Coast Limousine and Transportation, Jax Black Car Transportation. For more information, visit our transportation page.

How do I get to St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra by car?

By car, Florida’s Historic Coast is easily accessible from the north and south by I-95 and from the west by I-10.

How can I get a map and Visitor’s Guide?

Florida’s Historic Coast’s Travel Planner includes plenty of travel planning resources and maps of the area. View the guide online, download a copy, or request a printed copy by mail. When you are here, be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Centers where friendly staff answer your questions, and provide maps and recommendations along with bundled attraction tickets.

How can I get around St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra?

St. Augustine is a very walkable city, and the best thing about staying here is parking your vehicle at your hotel and touring the town on foot. In St. Augustine, Old Town Trolleys and Ripley’s Red Express Tours offer free parking and take you throughout the city with dozens of hop-on, hop-off stops.

Should I book my hotel in advance?

Yes, we do recommend advanced hotel reservations. Florida’s Historic Coast has a variety of resorts, hotels, condominium rentals, vacation homes, and Bed & Breakfast Inns offering a wide range of lodging choices at varying price points.

Where can I park?

View our complete guide to parking here.

How do I get to the beach?

St. Augustine is just a quick car ride from 42 miles of pristine shoreline. Travel over the Bridge of Lions to the scenic A1A, to access all of our famous beaches including Ponte Vedra, Vilano, St. Augustine, Crescent Beach, Butler Beach, and Matanzas Inlet.

You may also take the Old Town Trolley’s Beach Bus, which offers complimentary shuttle service between the historic district and the beaches with stops at most beachside hotels as well.

What are the most popular things to do?

Click here to start exploring things to do on Florida’s Historic Coast. Our most popular must-see attractions include:

Of course the beaches are a must do with 42 miles of pristine shoreline from which to choose. There are also more than a dozen championship golf courses, especially in the Ponte Vedra area, for players of all skill levels. Enjoy the outdoors by boating, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking or biking.

What can you do for free?

Check out this page for a whole list of free things to do.

How can I get a list of events happening in the area?

You can find a list of events and search for events by date on our events page. Find out about all the top annual festivals and holiday events here.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, Florida’s Historic Coast is a very pet-friendly destination with plenty of hotels that will accommodate pets. Some popular museums and attractions also allow pets. Most restaurants with outdoor seating allow you to dine with your pet outside. In some areas, leashed pets are allowed on the beach.

Where can I find a list of restaurants?

Enjoy fine dining, eclectic bistros, outdoor dining, fast casual, popular restaurants and cafes, and wine bars. Click here for a full listing of restaurants and bars.