St. Augustine, Florida

SAINT AUGUSTINE | PONTE VEDRA on Florida's Historic Coast
The Nation's oldest city (est. 1565) features history on every street corner, plus fine dining, unique shopping, award-winning inns, historic hotels and authentic Old World ambiance. A part of the Spanish Empire for longer than it has been part of the United States, the city's ancient architecture, narrow streets and beautiful bayfront made it Travel+Leisure's first choice as a place where Americans can feel like they are in Europe without leavnig their homeland. The city features the nation's first National Monument along with 32 buildings and 144-square blocks on the National Register of Historic Places. A full schedule of historical and cultural events, many featuring authentic re-eanactors, provide an entertaining and informative look at the city's nearly 450 years of history. Attractions such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Spanish Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoolocial Park, Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth and the World Golf Hall of Fame are popular with the entire faimily. Plus, the city is a popular wedding destination and an ideal and memorable location for romantic getaways.

PONTE VEDRA
This coastal community north of St. Augustine is known for both world-class golf and internationally-acclaimed spas. Its luxury resorts offer stunning beaches, a host of recreational activities, fine dining and shopping. Here you can ride horseback along the beach or hike miles of nature trails. The location of the PGA Tour Headquarters, it is the home of THE PLAYERS Championship featuring golf's greatest players and biggest purse. The AAA 5-Diamond rated Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf and Spa Resort and the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club set the standard for seaside luxury and pampering.

THE BEACHEES
From Ponte Vedra in the north to Marineland in the south, Florida's Historic Coast features 42 miles of inviting Atlantic beaches perfect for year 'round getaways. Although linked by beautiful sand and surf, the communities of Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach and Crescent Beach each have unique charms that create ideal seaside vacations. Anastasia State Park with miles of remote beach make it popular for those who truly want to get away from everything but the sea. Throughout Florida's Historic Coast, a 35-foot height limitation on buildings insures beach panoramas are never marred by towering condos, hotels or office buildings.