Travel Guide to Florida

St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra: Rediscover Florida’s Historic Coast

- BY VANESSA CACERES

Look no further than Northeast Florida’s Historic Coast for adventure, family fun and a historical bonanza. After all, the St. Augustine and the Ponte Vedra Beach area has been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. There’s something for everyone, including 42 miles of Atlantic beaches, historic charm and renowned golf courses.

SEE AND DO

Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine’s Historic District should be at the top of your to-do list. Explore the Castillo, meet 18thcentur­y re-enactors and hear a cannon fire. Keep exploring at the Colonial Quarter, Fountain of Youth Archeologi­cal Park and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.

The Guilded Age is also reflected in St. Augustine’s history. The Flagler College Legacy Tour takes you through railroad magnate Henry Flagler’s former luxury resort (now Flagler College). Built in the 1880s, Villa Zorayda is a replica of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.

No trip to Florida’s Historic Coast is complete without a visit to its pristine beaches. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers breathtaki­ng views from the top, which you can experience day or night on moonlight tours.

At the World Golf Hall of Fame, a new interactiv­e exhibition, “Major Moments: Celebratin­g Golf’s Greatest Championsh­ips,” follows the story of four men’s major championsh­ips—the Masters, US Open, Open Championsh­ip and PGA Championsh­ip.

DINE AND PLAY

Arrive hungry to savor diverse cuisine. Restaurant­s include influences from Spain, France, Italy and Greece, reflecting the area’s history. Add spice to your life with the locally grown datil pepper, found in many local restaurant­s’ prepared dishes. It’s hot stuff!

Step aboard the carriage-drawn Tasting Tours to experience the area’s savory options. Then visit the San Sebastian Winery, Whetstone Chocolate Factory and the St. Augustine Distillery.

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 ??  ?? TOP: The St. Augustine skyline from the Bridge of Lions. CENTER: A surfer on St. Augustine Beach.
TOP: The St. Augustine skyline from the Bridge of Lions. CENTER: A surfer on St. Augustine Beach.

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