Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2017 | Page 15

6 Best Beaches

6 Best Beaches

Watching the sunrise
Ponte Vedra Beach
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 . Beauty , history and unspoiled nature combined to put Ponte Vedra Beach on CNN ’ s list of 22 Can ’ t Miss U . S . Beaches .
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
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 . TravelChannel . com listed St . Augustine Beach # 6 in its list of 30 Best Beaches in the World for Families
GTM Reserve
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 .
PHOTO : © GLENN HASTINGS
Crescent Beach
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 .
Crescent Beach FloridasHistoricCoast . com 13