Itinerary: Three Days of Romance in St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra
A relaxing, romantic couples getaway weekend is calling your name.
Is it possible to fall head over heels in love with a place? So much so that you want to come back again and again to explore more of it? A visit to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches may just lead to a lifelong love affair.
As you walk hand-in-hand down ancient streets, ride horses along the ocean’s edge, take sunset sails and moonlit strolls, you’ll discover unique experiences you’ll want to share with someone special. Here’s a suggested itinerary to spark your imagination.
Day One
Start your journey with a totally immersive experience at the AAA 5-Diamond Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach. With everything from world-class golf, beautiful beaches and elegant boutiques, to fine oceanfront dining and luxurious spas, you’ll find lots of ways to get away and get closer to the one you love.
Nearby, adventure seekers can hike, kayak and explore miles of pristine Florida habitat along nature trails that wind through the GTM Research Reserve on scenic A1A. The coastal estuary offers incredible views that look as they did centuries ago when first spotted by Ponce de Leon. Lush vegetation, nesting bald eagles, and possible encounters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and the West Indian manatee await the nature lover.
At sunset, cocktails and a romantic meal await you on the outdoor veranda overlooking the famous fairways of the Stadium Course at NINETEEN, located in the elegant TPC Sawgrass, home of the PLAYERS® Championship.
Day Two
Want to explore more? Why not take a step back in time? Like, 450 years ago? Head a little further south to St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city.
Here you’ll see the past come to life at the iconic, 17th century Castillo de San Marcos and enjoy the living history interpreters as they demonstrate life in the storied ancient city at The Colonial Quarter. Walk along the bayfront and discover Historic Bed & Breakfast Inns nestled amongst award-winning restaurants offering a wide range of fine cuisine inspired by centuries of cultural diversity. Dinner at celebrated Chef Michael’s will help you understand why St. Augustine has become a favorite destination for foodies.
An evening stroll down Aviles Street, the oldest in the U.S., is the perfect spot to enjoy a craft cocktail as you catch the vibrant sounds of live music.
Day Three
Florida’s Historic Coast boasts 42 miles of pristine beaches. Begin your day with a stroll along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean while watching the sun rise at Anastasia State Park. The stunning view from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum nearby is worth the 219 steps to see it. (It’s no wonder that it has inspired many a marriage proposal.)
Want to soak in a little more history? Head back downtown to the historic district where a tour through The Hotel Ponce de Leon and the Lightner Museum will take you back to the romance and splendor of the Gilded Age. Take in the many art galleries and boutiques as you wander along brick paved streets. Then enjoy classic Southern fare at one of St. Augustine’s finest farm to fork restaurants, The Floridian.
Finally, let the setting sun light your way to the Bridge of Lions where a leisurely stroll gives you a commanding vista of the bayfront and boats in the harbor. Top it off with a romantic sunset sail aboard a luxury yacht with St. Augustine Sailing or on the Schooner Freedom as you enjoy the golden, sunbathed city views.
Find more romantic things to do on Florida's Historic Coast here.
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