Saint Augustine is about a 45-minute drive South from Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest colonial city, colonized by the Spanish in 1565, and has the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Lots of beaches, restaurants, some museums, and shopping.
Bird Island Park features an entrance gazebo, followed by a winding trail which leads park guests past water features and examples of native hammock. Visitors will enjoy a hedged sea turtle maze with four beautifully crafted benches in the center. The park also features a story telling area with benches and a small stage with a labyrinth center enhanced by shade trees. There is a boardwalk that surrounds the pond with Bird Island in the center, a second gazebo on the waterfront, a play area for the children and a handicapped accessible sidewalk the winds around the entire park.
A beautiful drive down A1A from Jacksonville led to this peaceful oasis just north of St. Augustine. Miles of well-marked trails take you past interesting flora and fauna, with lovely river views along the way. The reserve is well-maintained, and mostly naturalistic, and it’s refreshing to see so much open space in what would otherwise be another Florida real estate boondoggle! There is a pay-and-display lot, so bring cash for parking. It’s also a carry in-carry out facility, so if you’re planning to picnic, bring your own trash bags!
A beautiful barrier island about one hour north of Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island State Park has beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests. Amelia Island State Park is the only state park in Florida to offer horseback riding on the beach; a 45-minute riding tour through the forest and along the Atlantic Coast beach. Visitors can also stroll along the beach looking for seashells or relax and watch the numerous bird species that feed in the area. For horseback tour reservations, contact Kelly Seahorse Ranch at 904.491.5166. Tours are given four times daily. There are also kayaking tours: Amelia Island Kayak Excursions 904.557.5307 AmeliaIslandKayak.com
About 45-minutes South of Ponte Vedra, a little bit past St. Augustine, is Anastasia State Park. This park is a haven for visitors and for wildlife. Abundant wading birds hunt for food along Salt Run, including colorful roseate spoonbills. Osprey and eagles rule the skies, and painted buntings and warblers often flit about the hammock forests. Visitors can observe wildlife along the beach from a canoe or kayak, or on the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail.
Beautiful public beach
You can find almost anything you need at Sawgrass Village Shopping Center, from Publix supermarket to Metro Diner, from nail salon to a pharmacy, from pubs and taverns to cafe's and a chocolatier. Next door to the Hilton Sawgrass and across from the Marriott Sawgrass.
Discover Southern Fare Reimagined at Jacksonville's Best Lunch Destinations. Here are 10 suggestions.
You can stroll on the beach at nearby Mickler's Landing and hunt for shark teeth, learn some history and see where Ponce de Leon first landed in 1513, see baby turtles and learn about the local ecosystem at the GTM Research Reserve, play pickleball or golf at The Yards, shop or go to a spa. Explore the area!