Welcome to Florida’s Historic Coast, home to the seaside resorts of Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States.
The destination was settled by Spanish explorers in 1565, but it is also home to many cultures — Native American, Greek, Minorcan, French and British. You’ll find this diversity influences everything from food to architecture, shopping to entertainment and, of course, the many festivals and special events enjoyed year-round by visitors and locals alike.
History and Charm
The architecture and charm of St. Augustine demonstrates influences of the many people that defined the city since its 16th century founding. Spanish fortresses, Spanish Colonial-style buildings, opulent Moorish Renaissance-style hotels, Venetian Revival churches and gracious Victorian style homes add to the impressive skyline. The town is filled with walled-in gardens and overhanging balconies and exudes a feeling of authentic history and inspired romance. Closer to the city’s central Plaza, examples of the Gilded Age are abundant.
While St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra boasts centuries of history, culture, and tradition, there’s also a thriving modern arts and entertainment scene, delectable contemporary cuisine cooked up by top chefs and a wide variety of outdoor activities for your military reunion.
Pay tribute to fallen heroes by visiting the St. Augustine National Cemetery or explore St. Francis Barracks and the Post of St. Augustine at the Florida National Guard Headquarters. Reunion members can visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, take a tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in America, and learn how explorers navigated in the 1500s at the Navigators’ Planetarium.
Fresh Seafood Year-Round
Foodies will find themselves in paradise here. Fresh seafood, year-round farm-fresh produce, and the very best in new-world cuisine are just a few of the culinary delights your reunion group will enjoy. The area’s distillery, winery, micro-breweries and local chocolatiers will tempt your taste buds and satisfy your thirst. Whether it is a side-walk café or an eclectic bistro or a waterfront eatery located on the Intracoastal, the dining theme here is fresh, fresh, fresh. A robust agricultural region and fresh local caught fish and shrimp contribute to the burgeoning food scene throughout Florida’s Historic Coast.
Top Golf Destination
Florida’s Historic Coast is also known as a top destination for golf. Ponte Vedra is home to the PGA Tour and THE PLAYERS® Championship along with luxury resorts, award-winning spas, an abundance of shopping and pristine natural beaches. There’re more than a dozen championship golf courses from which to choose as well as the renowned World Golf Hall of Fame. Play a round of golf at the world-famous Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, enjoy a relaxing day at Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, or explore 42 miles of beautiful coastline with plenty of opportunities for shelling, surfing and sandcastle building. Military reunions will never be dull on Florida’s Historic Coast.
Whether your military reunion is small or large, Florida’s Historic Coast has you covered with beautiful accommodations ranging from luxury resort and spas on a golf course, to quaint, romantic bed and breakfast inns and family-friendly hotels and motels. All are with easy access to beaches, restaurants, attractions, parks and outdoor recreation both on land and on the water.
Legendary history, seaside elegance, and 42 miles of beaches combined with world-class golf, dining, recreation, shopping, family attractions, historic churches and much more make Florida’s Historic Coast a remarkable destination for military reunions.