Florida’s Historic Coast is gearing up for an eventful summer and fall with new developments in accommodations, dining, activities, and travel options. The area, which includes historic St. Augustine and the golf-centric Ponte Vedra, is enhancing its appeal with several notable additions.
The AC Hotel St. Augustine by Marriott is under construction on the San Sebastian River in St. Augustine’s Historic District. Scheduled to open this fall, it will offer 142 guest rooms and a 65-slip marina among other amenities. Another option for visitors is Yalhalla at Griffin Estate, a restored rental property that combines modern comfort with historical elegance.
Dining options are expanding as well. Ragga Surf Cafe has opened on Riberia Street offering breakfast and lunch specialties alongside coffee drinks. Meanwhile, The Floridian is closing its doors to introduce two new ventures: Bea’s Fine Foods + All Day Café and Jefe’s Fish Wagon on Anastasia Blvd., set to open in summer 2025.
Several chefs have taken new positions at local establishments: Chef Donald “Don” Green at Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen; Chef Corey Brown at Meehan’s Irish Pub + Seafood House; and Chef Luis Abbey at Lynda’s at the Ocean Club Restaurant.
Michael’s has relocated to Hyatt Place Vilano Beach, continuing its culinary offerings paired with an award-winning wine list. New venues like Saint and The French Pantry have also opened in Historic Downtown St. Augustine.
In terms of exploration and leisure activities, Florida Water Tours has added a new boat named “Great Blue Heron” to its fleet for ecotours and cruises. TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra promoted Matt Borocz to General Manager overseeing facilities including two golf courses.
Fort Mose Historic State Park unveiled a reconstructed fort structure costing $3 million after years of work funded through various efforts including the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series.
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre now features The Amp Shop and Box Office along with The Kookaburra Coffee Outpost while the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall reopens August 1 after renovations.
Hastings continues to enhance its public art collection with a mural by artist Kelsey Montague celebrating local heritage through vibrant imagery secured via a grant program.
Travel access has improved with Jacksonville International Airport adding nonstop flights to several destinations while Arajet expands service from Orlando Sanford International Airport to Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic.
For group travelers or those planning meetings or events, Florida’s Historic Coast offers resources like the Group Travel Guide available online for assistance.
Visitor information centers are located throughout the region providing details about attractions across Florida’s Historic Coast which spans historic towns and pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast.
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