On the outskirts of Saint Augustine and its 450-plus-year-history on Florida’s Historic Coast sits Ponte Vedra, where laid-back luxury and natural beauty meet. It’s here that Ponce de Leon landed more than 500 years ago in his search for the Foutain of Youth. Though the fountain has yet to yield agelessness, there is something for everyone in Ponte Vedra, from golf courses to seemingly never-ending beaches, history to luxurious accommodations and fine dining.  

Why Ponte Vedra 

• Temperate weather year-round, with averages lows of 57°F in January to a high of 88°F in August. 

• Named “One of the Top 10 Friendliest Towns in the South” by Southern Living magazine. 

• On Florida’s Historic Coast — the oldest city in the U.S., Saint Augustine, has more than 550 years of history. 

• About 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), with direct flights from more than 30 cities across the U.S. 

What’s New in Ponte Vedra 

• Florida’s Historic Coast was recognized by Convention South magazine with the 2023 Readers’ Choice Award for “exhibiting excellence, creativity and professionalism in the meetings and conventions industry.” 

• The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, home to the Players Championship since 1982, was named the No.2 golf course in Florida by Golf.com. 

• A new replica fort at Fort Mose Historic State Park, established in 1738 as the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in North America, further tells the story of the soldiers’ brave military action against invading British forces. 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Ponte Vedra and the surrounding area, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here are a few spots to help ensure your clients will enjoy their time in Florida’s Historic Coast. 

SEE 

Castillo de San Marcos 

Constructed between 1672 and 1695, Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend what would become Florida and the Atlantic trade route. Now Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, it is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. where more than 450 years of history is shared. Take a tour with park rangers and volunteers to learn about the fort, the battles it’s seen and the colonists who lived there. 

Lightner Museum 

Housed in what was once Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort hotel dating back to 1888, the Lightner Museum offers an immersive experience in art, architecture, history and design, all under one roof. In addition to the museum’s compelling permanent collection, including photography exhibits, traveling exhibitions grace its galleries, making each visit unique. Guided group tours are available, as is the museum for exclusive events.   

Hit the Beach 

With more than 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches, take some time to enjoy fun in the Florida sun on the coastline that stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. Watch the sunrise during a meditative beach walk to start the day, or make a splash when the work is done. Your clients are sure to get some sand between their toes, whatever time of day. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2 Destination & Event Management, a Hosts Global Member. 

DO 

TPC Sawgrass 

Tee off on one of two PGA TOUR championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye at TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS Championship for more than 40 years. Those who know how to play can set off on either THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, where the pros play, or Dye’s Valley Course, both of which are challenging. Or, set up a group lesson during which everyone can learn at their pace. 

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall 

More than 140 concerts and events are held each year at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, from rock & roll legends to your favorite stand-up comedians. Treat your guests to a performance listed on the hall’s robust calendar, or ask about transforming the space to put them center stage of their own event. 

Old Town Trolley Tour 

Board a classic green and orange carriage for an Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine, learning about the region’s centuries-old history along the way. Your guests can hop on and hop off as they like to explore on their own, or stay aboard the entire time to get a thorough lay of the land. Group charters are available, whether you’d like a one-hour private narrated trolley tour or create a custom-designed tour to suit your interests.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2 Destination & Event Management, a Hosts Global Member. 

EAT 

Aqua Grill 

Open for lunch and dinner, Aqua Grill offers eclectic fare with coastal flare. For lunch, try the Crab Cake Crusted Flounder, or opt for one of the entrée salads, like the Farmer + Fisherman with blackened cod and shrimp. Handhelds like burgers and sandwiches are available, too. When it’s dinner time, opt for the Baked Rainbow Trout Rizzo with shrimp and lump crab over whipped potatoes, or Steak Frites or a Fried Pork Dinner for the landlubbers in your group. Vegetarian dishes are available, as is private dining, from 10 at the Chef’s Pass Table to 250 with an entire restaurant buy-out.   

Restaurant Medure 

Global cuisine with a local influence, like Duck Ham Prosciutto cured and made in-house, French-style Foie Gras Torchon and handmade pastas, are what make all of the dishes at the AAA Four-Diamond Restaurant Medure memorable. Open for dinner Monday through Saturday, in addition to a caviar selection, the menu includes dishes like a Boneless Rack of Lamb with a pistachio Dijon crust; the Grilled Fish of the Evening served over rice noodles with a red curry sauce; and Mafaldine Pasta with Italian sausage and grilled shrimp. Private dining is available for up to 10 guests in The Round Room, or up to 30 guests in The Alcove.  

Valley Smoke 

Go casual for lunch or dinner at Valley Smoke, a popular barbeque restaurant with an impressive bourbon library in Ponte Vedra Beach. Start with Fried Green Tomatoes served with pimento cheese, corn salsa and chipotle cream, and a plate of Valley Smoke Brisket Poutine featuring smokey brisket gravy, fresh cheese curds and Alabama White Sauce before diving into the main attraction. Barbeque from the pit includes turkey breast, hot links, Valley Smoke Beef Brisket, Carolina Styled Pulled Pork and Good Breed Chicken, all served with delicious sides. Private parties from 8 to 300 can be accommodated in the restaurant’s private dining spaces. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2 Destination & Event Management, a Hosts Global Member. 

STAY 

ALHI Members Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach are ready to welcome you and your guests for some fun in the sun on Florida’s Historic Coast. 

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club 

The AAA Five-Diamond Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has welcomed guests through its doors for nearly 100 years, since its opening in 1928, and has hosted some of the country’s most influential meetings and conferences. When it’s time to work, the property’s more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space can easily accommodate groups ranging in size from 10 to 350 guests. At the end of the day, retreat to one of the 262 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites with ocean views and direct beach access. Or, get active with a round of golf, play a game of tennis or go for a bike ride or paddle. Of course, you can always retreat to the luxury spa and indulge in one of its more than 100 treatments and services. 

The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach 

For an intimate stay, opt for The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach, a AAA Four-Diamond award winner. With just 66 designer guest rooms and suites, all with inspiring beach and Atlantic Ocean views, the lodge sits on 10 oceanfront acres with the vibe of a seaside European village. Whether hosting a group of 10 or 150, more than 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space across seven rooms and the outdoors can be transformed to meet your needs. Your dedicated team can help tailor activities, too, from golf outings to deep sea fishing excursions. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2 Destination & Event Management, a Hosts Global Member.