Ponte Vedra Beach: Ultimate Beach Getaway

UPDATED July 2023. You know what? I’ve lived in Florida for almost 30 years now. When I first visited Ponte Vedra Beach, I had no idea this gem was on the Atlantic Coast.

Huge mistake. HUGE as Julia Roberts says in Pretty Woman. This beach is absolutely something you have to see with your own eyes.

Daytona Beach? Check? Jacksonville Beach? Check. St. Augustine Beach? Check. Fernadina Beach? Check. Amelia Island? Check.

So how could I possibly miss Ponte Vedra Beach? Well since that time, I have visited over and over. It’s absolutely spectacular.

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Ponte Vedra Beach is a very short drive from Jacksonville.

Maybe I overlooked it because this area is also very well known for golf which is not something I am currently interested in. See how tactful I was there?

As we were heading over to Guana River Wildlife Management Area, which if you are a nature lover, you MUST visit, we were driving right next to the ocean all the way to the preserve.

That day, we kayaked first on the riverside of the preserve which was plentiful with water birds including spoonbills, pelicans, herons and several other birds.

It was choppy, but we did make it to the river channel. Oyster bed heaven. I actually thought that I was looking at little islands until we kayaked closer, and I got a better look.

First time I’ve seen oyster beds and I have to wonder, what made someone break those apart to eat the oyster inside?

There are also several beautiful hiking trails located inside the park. Be sure to look for the resident Gopher Turtle right at the beginning of the observation trail.

After we finished hiking and kayaking, over to the beach we went. My jaw dropped when I got my first look at it. Magnificent is the word that comes to mind.

Guana River Wildlife Management Area is directly across the street from the beach, our parking tag allowed us to park in their lots, walk across the street and access the beach. Side note, there are hiking trails also located in the parking areas.

But back to the beach. Did I mention magnificent? Beyond anything I was expecting for this area based on Jacksonville and Daytona beaches.

Ponte Vedra Beach has made CNN’s top beaches. I can see why.

There were warning flags flying the day we were there not only for the rough surf conditions but also warning of stinging sea life – jellyfish.

They were all over the beach. I literally could have sat on that beach watching the water for hours which is why I’m so glad I’ll be back there in less than a month.

What else is there to do beside golf and beach? Here are my top things to do when visiting Ponte Vedra:

• Explore nature. I already mentioned Guana River Wildlife Management Area, but that’s the beginning. You can kayak in the marshes. Hunt for seashells and keep your eyes peeled for sharks teeth.
• Ponce DeLeon made landfall in Ponte Vedra Beach and you will find his statue in one of the Guana River parking areas.
• Rainy afternoon? No worries. Head over to Sawgrass Village for a little shopping.
• Food! There are some fantastic restaurants and diners to choose from. We love to visit local diners for breakfast before heading out for the day. Something about a good breakfast.

There are a few hotels in the area, but I have to say it was refreshing not to have hotels lining the coastline. I’d recommend you stay at:

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Beautiful historic inn. Check rates & availability here: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Ponte Vedra Sawgrass. Top pick if you are traveling for golf. Check rates & availability here: Hilton Garden Inn

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Another great pic for those that like to golf and are traveling with someone who prefers to relax. Check rates & availability here: Sawgrass Marriott

The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach is absolutely STUNNING. Beautiful ocean views from many suites. Check rates & availability here: The Lodge & Club

And of course, my top pick is always a vacation rental home. Check availability here: Ponte Vedra Beachfront Vacation Rentals

Additional Information For Planning A Ponte Vedra Beach Vacation: