Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2016 | Page 15
6 Best Beaches
Ponte Vedra Beach
Elegant resorts along with challenging golf courses line the shore
of this serene beach. Mickler’s Landing (pronounced mike-lers) is a
popular access point for visitors. The beaches at GTM Reserve feature
a historical marker, a life-size statue of Ponce de León and a dune
overlook platform that includes interpretive panels describing Ponce’s
1513 journey when he sighted land at this very spot.
Watching the sunrise
Vilano Beach
A popular beach destination since Henry Flagler’s millionaire friends
of the late 1800s enjoyed it. Tucked away in this charming little beach
town, you’ll find shopping, fun eateries and beach cottages to rent.
Coquina sands along with a near-shore break make it popular with
surfers and kite boarders.
Anastasia State Park
Ponte Vedra Beach
White quartz sand beckons beachgoers at one of Florida’s most
popular parks. The northern three miles are for beach walkers only
and most signs of civilization are hidden away well beyond the
dunes.
St. Augustine Beach
Everything is here for the ideal beach vacation—sunny
accommodations, tropical seaside restaurants, a beachfront park with
an impressive fishing pier, pavilion, splash park and sand volleyball,
plus a decidedly laid-back attitude.
Butler Beach
Once one of the few designated African-American beaches in Florida,
the end of segregation opened it to everyone. Today, the area is a
mixture of private homes and condos, but many public-access points
make it easily reachable. Showers and restrooms are available.
GTM Reserve
PHOTO: ©GLENN HASTINGS
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach
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Located on Anastasia Island, this beach is so named because the
shoreline has a natural crescent moon shape. Miles of broad, white
sand are an irresistible appeal among beachgoers. This particular
stretch of beach is one of the most scenic and unspoiled in the area,
perfect for eco-tourists and beachcombers.
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