Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2025 | Page 24

Join Us for a Journey of Flavor , Spirits and History

Florida ’ s Historic Coast Trails

Join Us for a Journey of Flavor , Spirits and History
Florida ’ s Historic Coast has always attracted explorers , from Ponce de Leon to Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés . Visitors today continue to seek new adventures along its sandy beaches , guided by popular trails that promise to inspire new discoveries .
THE CULINARY TRAIL
St . Augustine ’ s diverse cuisine is best savored slowly . Start at Columbia Restaurant for Latin and Cuban flavors , then head to Harry ’ s Seafood for Louisiana gumbo and Cajun shrimp etouffee . La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs in the San Sebastian Winery offers a menu with international flair and a rooftop view of downtown St . Augustine . Asado Life offers an authentic Argentinian grilling experience . Cross the Bridge of Lions to Llama Restaurant for modern Peruvian dishes , then continue to Paladar Cuban Eatery for Cuban cuisine . Local favorites include The Floridian , Lotus Noodle Bar and Michael ’ s .
THE SPIRITS TRAIL
Experience Florida ’ s spirits at The St . Augustine Distillery , where handcrafted bourbon , rum , gin and vodka are made from locally sourced ingredients . Nearby , Bourbon & Boards serves small-batch bourbons and charcuterie . A short walk away , City Gate Spirits offers tastings of their unique , locally crafted liquors , including moonshine , vodka and whiskey . In Ponte Vedra Beach , The Bourbon Library at Valley Smoke BBQ provides a cozy setting for bourbon and scotch tastings . Wine lovers can tour San Sebastian Winery , while beer enthusiasts can sample brews at Ancient City Brewing , Dog Rose Brewing , Bog Brewing and Old Coast Ales Brewery and Taproom .
THE SWEET TRAIL
St . George Street is a haven for sweet treats , starting with Tedi ’ s Ice Cream and Café de Hidalgo ’ s homemade gelato . The Spanish Bakery and Café , Whetstone Chocolates and Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops offer delightful sweets . On Avilés Street , Peace Pie serves artisan ice cream sandwiches , and Claude ’ s Chocolates on Granada Street offers handcrafted bonbons and truffles . Uptown , Crème de la Cocoa provides French macarons and jewel-like desserts . At the beach , Rita ’ s Italian Ice , Cone Heads and Mayday Ice Cream are popular stops .
THE COFFEE WITH A TWIST TRAIL
St . Augustine ’ s coffee shops offer more than just coffee . Sweetwater Coffee Bar and Gallery features local artwork , and Witty Whisker Café combines coffee with cat adoption . The Crucial Coffee Café , located in a former blacksmith shop , offers a historic vibe . Juniper Market Café and DOS Coffee and Wine provide cozy atmospheres uptown , while Beachside Caffé by YAMO near the Magic
Beach Motel offers a beachside coffee experience . Other local favorites include Kookaburra Coffee and Vilano Coffee Shop .
THE LANDMARK TRAIL
St . Augustine ’ s Historic District is a treasure trove for history and architecture buffs . The Castillo de San Marcos , Hotel Ponce de León ( now Flagler College ), Hotel Alcazar ( now the Lightner Museum ) and Casa Monica Resort & Spa showcase Gilded Age splendor . The Villa Zorayda Museum evokes the Alhambra Palace , while the Gonzalez- Alvarez House ( The Oldest House Museum Complex ) and Ximenez-Fatio House offer glimpses into colonial life . The Governor ’ s House Cultural Center and Museum , Pena-Peck House and St . Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine highlight local history and art . Beyond the Historic District , the St . Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum , the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and Fort Matanzas National Monument await exploration . Happy trails !
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