Story Ideas

Hop in the car and explore one of Florida’s two scenic byways: A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway. Stretching from Ponte Vedra Beach south to Flagler Beach. This 72-mile coastal roadway allows visitors to navigate nature’s beauty, history, and true serenity. The land and waters on either side have been part of the sweep of American history, nature, archaeology, and recreation for nearly 500 years. Stops along the way include to historic Spanish Forts, the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas, magnificently preserved natural areas like the GTM Research Reserve and Anastasia State Park, and of course the most historic city in the United States: St. Augustine!

The outdoor adventure continues out over the ocean too. Whether it is fishing for the big catch of your life with one of the many professional fishing guides, participating on one of the area’s famous fishing tournaments, or just a spending a fun day at the beach surf fishing, you can get your catch on here.

Surfing on Florida’s Historic Coast is big too. The St. Augustine Surf Culture & History Museum tells the story and, from beginner to refresher instructions, the pros at Pit Surf Shop will have students of all ages curling out on the waves in no time.

Imaging the experience of paddling on the Intracoastal waterway alongside a pod of dolphin while learning about their natural habitat and behaviors from one of the expert guides at Ripple Effect Ecotours. After a paddle in the natural waterways, guests are invited to visit Marinleland Dolphin Adventure to learn about dolphin behavior and take the behind the seas tour to learn more about animal habitats and other marine life in the area.

The next greatest outdoor experience coming to Florida’s Historic Coast is the St. Johns Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve. This beautiful 16-acre park will feature more than 400 species of palm trees, and programming that focuses on education, conservation, and more about the native vegetation of Northeast Florida.

The culinary scene in St. Augustine is as storied as its history. Over the past 500 years, lots of people came from lots of different places to the New World, bringing with them their aromatic spices, their seasoned pots and age-old recipes from their homelands. Here, they mixed, mingled and culminated in what is truly a melting pot of cultures. From African to Minorcan, Spanish to Greek, you can still experience the rich, vibrant flavors of St. Augustine through its distinct culinary scene. And the cooking can be learned. At the Ancient City Brunch Bar’s Ancient City Cooking Experiences, the staff and guest chefs teach the preparation and use of local ingredients in some of the region’s popular fish, chicken, and local grown vegetable dishes.

The food scene here is bursting at the seams. Samples of small-batch spirits distilled can be found throughout the city. At local staples like The Floridian, southern classics mingle with fresh salads made from local produce and hearty portions served in cast iron skillets. Fine dining and sweet flavors are on every corner. And there are great dining experiences like AsadoLife, where everyone gathers around the pit for an evening of friendship, great food and lively conversation over a fabulous fire-grilled meal. This Argentine-inspired, live-fire asado dining experience takes place on the waterfront overlooking the scenic San Sebastian River.

Restaurant recommendations from locals will help you plan your foodie adventure while you’re here. One of the best ways to discover great restaurants that are local favorites, and sometimes off the beaten path, is with one of the great food tours.

The Tasting Tours, St. Augustine City Walks Food & Wine Tours, and St. Augustine Experiences each offers a unique tour that reflect the history, culture and flavors that makes St. Augustine a top culinary destination.