Consider A Summer Visit to Florida’s Historic Coast

We are approaching prime vacation time and if you have never been to St. Augustine, Fla., I would highly recommend you consider a trip to what is known as Florida’s Historic Coast.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes not only historic St. Augustine, but also Ponte Vedra, Hastings, Elkton, and St. Johns. More importantly, it also includes 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches that are all great.

And even what is considered “crowded” on the beaches in the area is nothing crowd-wise compared to Myrtle Beach and other really popular beaches. We spend two weeks in late September and early October in St. Augustine every year but two years ago we also went with family members during July 4th and it was still great.

The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau does a great job highlighting all there is to do in the area which seems to have something for everyone. That’s why I thought I would share some of the things going on in the next few months based on information sent to me just in case you might be considering a trip to that area.

Running, Triathlons & Fitness Challenges

Bridge of Lions 5K
On July 11, one of the area’s most popular summer races welcomes runners and walkers alike. The scenic course begins at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, crosses the iconic Bridge of Lions, and finishes in the Davis Shores neighborhood.

Game On! St. Augustine Triathlon

Taking place on July 26 at Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park, athletes of all skill levels can compete in a variety of endurance events, including: Olympic-distance triathlon, Sprint triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike competitions.

Water Sports & Coastal Adventures

Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament
Now in its 32nd year, this internationally recognized competition attracts amateur and professional skimboarders from around the world to compete August 14-16 at Vilano Beach. The event also includes a popular kids’ division and plenty of beachside excitement for spectators.

Lighthouse Guided Paddle
This unique guided experience at Anastasia State Park combines outdoor recreation with local history. Guests paddle through Salt Run before heading to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, where they can climb the lighthouse’s 219 steps for panoramic coastal views.

Summer Fishing Tournaments
Fishing remains one of the signature outdoor experiences on Florida’s Historic Coast, and this summer’s tournament lineup offers opportunities for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to compete. Featured Tournaments Include:

Old City Elite Kingfish Tournament — June 4–6
Daily’s Old School Kingfish Shootout — June 12–14
Fired Up Kingfish Tournament — June 19–21
27th Annual Wildwood Fishing Tournament — June 27
Mason’s Voice North Florida King of the Beach — July 31–Aug. 2

Several tournaments also support charitable causes, including youth services and Spina Bifida awareness initiatives.

Yoga & Wellness Experiences

Yoga in the Radzinski Garden
Every third Saturday of the month Lightner Museum hosts a yoga session on the Trefry Family Green, surrounded by historic architecture and lush gardens in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.

Yoga on the Lawn
Every Sunday and Wednesday morning Pilates Yoga Loft hosts Yoga on the Lawn at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. Participants can enjoy a one-hour vinyasa yoga session while taking in one of the city’s most charming historic settings.

Equestrian & Rodeo Action

Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing

This monthly fast-paced rodeo event at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds showcases skilled riders and horses competing for the fastest barrel racing times in a thrilling cloverleaf course competition.

Golf for a Cause

14th Annual Fort Mose Golf Tournament

On June 15, Marsh Creek Country Club will welcome golfers of all experience levels to participate in this annual fundraiser benefiting the Fort Mose Historical Society. Founded in 1738, Fort Mose is recognized as the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States.

Nature & Eco-Adventure Opportunities

Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve

Nature lovers can immerse themselves in one of Northeast Florida’s most ecologically diverse environments at the GTM Research Reserve. Visitors can hike or bike the scenic trails, paddle through the estuaries and Guana Lake, or participate in one of the guided educational programs. Throughout the summer the Reserves offers scheduled activities include: Nature journaling, Guided exploration hikes, Family seining and Beach explorations

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To take advantage of summer fun family deals, visit www.floridashistoriccoast.com