Things To Do in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida
Ponte Vedra Beach Florida
Nestling along the Atlantic Ocean, Ponte Vedra Beach in Northeast Florida is the perfect destination for breathtaking and thrilling vacation spots. It doesn’t only have luxurious places to stay but also delightful dining experiences, unparalleled relaxation, and a fascinating history.
Its weather is another big plus because it’s excellent year-round. In the winter, temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer can reach 89 degrees. For the ideal visit, aim for late March to late May or early October to mid-November in this charming St. Johns County locale. That means this time is still an excellent time to visit there!
They say good things often come in small sizes, and that’s true for this captivating city, too! As home to idyllic beaches, world-class golf courses, delectable dishes at top-notch restaurants, and exciting adventures, Ponte Vedra Beach has many fun activities to enjoy. Check some of them here.
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Hang Out at Ponte Vedra Beach
Of course, the beach should top this list! Located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach extends to the GTM Research Reserve. Unlike many roads leading out of Jacksonville Beach, it remains a peaceful coastal haven with marshlands along the Intracoastal Waterway. This area is backed by summer homes, quaint cottages, and the occasional beach club, creating a charming atmosphere.
The white sand beach is a picturesque retreat, accessible through boardwalks that traverse the sand dunes. Stretching for miles in both directions, the beach offers a vast canvas for your perfect beach day. Enjoy the rhythmic ocean waves, with surfers catching early morning sessions on good days. For those inclined towards boogie-boarding, the surf provides thrills for both young and old.
Ponte Vedra Beach is ideal for leisurely walks, and dogs are allowed as long as they’re leashed. As you stroll, appreciate the rising dunes and the beautiful waterfront homes lining the shore. It’s a serene escape with a touch of coastal charm.
Visit Bird Island Park
Bird Island Park is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of this fantastic tourist destination. It has a tranquil ambiance and stunning natural surroundings that appeal to everyone, offering ample space for small group gatherings, theater performances, children's activities, picnics, bird watching, strolling, and relaxing.
Designed by Bobby Weed, the park captures the essence of northeastern Florida landscapes, featuring natural plants and wildlife. The scenery includes dune and wetland areas, informative signs, and interactive art installations.
A gazebo welcomes you as you enter, and a meandering path guides you through water features and native hammock displays. The park even has a storytelling area with seating and a small stage at its center, surrounded by trees.
Stop At GTM Research Reserve
Another place to visit with kids is the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, also known as GTM Research Reserve. They have an Environmental Education Center offering interactive displays and aquariums.
On top of all, you’ll certainly get real excitement from getting up close with baby alligators, snakes, and turtles. Remember to always wash your hands and use hand sanitizer before and after interacting with the animals.
The reserve is also an excellent spot for kayaking to observe local birds, mammals, and plant species. It spans around 73,000 protected acres, encompassing tidal lagoons, coastal dunes, and forests. Alternatively, with around 10 miles of hiking trails, this reserve offers a chance to explore dynamic, interconnected habitats of forests and oceans.
Luxuriate at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Historically, Ponte Vedra was still a wild, untouched expanse in the early 1900s. However, in 1912, the discovery of valuable minerals led to a transformation, giving birth to a frontier mining town known as “Mineral City.”
Over time, mining activities evolved, making way for the development of a resort lifestyle. In 1928, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club emerged, attracting the affluent to its stylish oceanfront haven.
Today, it proudly holds the status of one of Florida’s rare AAA Five Diamond Properties. Guests can indulge in spa treatments or enjoy a round of golf, immersing themselves in the resort’s “quiet opulence,” a rare quality that sets it apart and creates a truly serene retreat.
You can also see a diverse array of high-end shops at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. From women’s fashion to gourmet foods, they offer a wide range of upscale products and experiences to explore.
Golf At TPC Sawgrass
For golf enthusiasts, visiting the Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass is a must. Home to the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) Tour headquarters, the course is renowned as one of the most challenging golf courses globally.
What made them more well-known is how the PGA Tour acquired the course. They struck a deal with Paul and Jerome Fletcher, acquiring all 415 acres to create TPC Sawgrass for just one dollar! Now, the TPC Sawgrass hosts The Players Championship, one of the PGA Tour’s premier events, in March. It offers the largest purse on the entire PGA Tour.
There are two championship golf courses at TPC Sawgrass, both designed by the master architect Pete Dye. First is the Stadium Course. It’s specifically built to host The Players Championship and features the famous “Island Green,” a par three, 137-yard signature hole. The other is the less celebrated Dye’s Valley Course.
Both are open for the public to enjoy, making them among the very best public courses in the United States. Even if you’re not an avid golfer, a tour of the club and lunch at the Nineteen at TPC Sawgrass is a delightful experience.
Final Thoughts
Ponte Vedra surely boasts stunning beaches with first-rate amenities and a variety of family-friendly activities. However, this list doesn’t cover them all. There’s always more to uncover in the area, so keep exploring and discovering additional local gems. Enjoy!
Map of Ponte Vedra Beach Florida
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