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 SJVCB_151200_BEST_BEACHES.indd 13 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. FloridasHistoricCoast.com 13 11/3/15 4:18:34 PM