New Hotels, Dining Spots, and Unmissable Experiences Coming to Florida’s Historic Coast This Summer – Travel And Tour World

Florida’s Historic Coast, encompassing the charming cities of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, is brimming with fresh and exciting additions that will enhance the visitor experience. From new hotels to vibrant dining options, and thrilling outdoor adventures, the region is gearing up for an unforgettable summer and fall season.

As one of Florida’s most iconic destinations, St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, and nearby Ponte Vedra, known for its luxurious resorts and golf courses, offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking luxury accommodations, new culinary adventures, or historic explorations, this summer and fall are the perfect time to visit Florida’s Historic Coast.

In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the most exciting new developments, including renovated hotels, delicious new dining spots, family-friendly activities, and historical landmarks that bring the region’s vibrant history to life. Let’s dive in and explore what’s new on Florida’s Historic Coast!

New Places to Stay: Luxury and Comfort Await

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or beachgoer, Florida’s Historic Coast offers a variety of accommodations to meet every need. Here are some of the latest hotel openings and updates that will elevate your stay:

• AC Hotel St. Augustine by Marriott: Located along the picturesque San Sebastian River in the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District, this new hotel brings modern luxury to the city. Slated for a fall 2025 opening, the hotel features:
  • 142 stylish guest rooms
  • A 65-slip marina for guests to enjoy the water
  • A cocktail lounge and curated menu
  • 1,500 square feet of meeting space
  • The latest in integrated technology for a seamless experience.
• Yalhalla at Griffin Estate: For those seeking a more private, luxurious experience, Yalhalla at Griffin Estate in St. Augustine offers a stunning blend of old-world elegance and modern comfort. This meticulously restored rental property features:
  • Four king suites, perfect for wedding parties or large families
  • A private pool, spa, and fire pit
  • Easy access to St. Augustine’s historic landmarks, dining, and shopping.

Fresh Bites: New Dining Destinations You’ll Want to Try

Food lovers will delight in the new culinary offerings arriving this summer and fall in Florida’s Historic Coast. Here are the hottest new spots to check out:

• Bea’s Fine Foods + All Day Café: The beloved Floridian restaurant in St. Augustine is closing its doors to make way for two exciting new dining concepts. Bea’s Fine Foods, named after co-owner/chef Genie McNally’s grandmother, will offer a fun, fresh take on her favorite dishes, set to open in summer 2025.
• Jefe’s Fish Wagon: Also opening this summer, Jefe’s Fish Wagon will offer customizable burritos and sandwiches from a food truck, focusing on fresh, local seafood.
• Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen: Located in the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown, this restaurant now hosts Executive Chef Donald “Don” Green, who brings his extensive banquet experience to elevate the venue’s dining offerings for events and meetings.
• Saint: New in Historic Downtown St. Augustine, Saint is an Italian fine-dining restaurant offering a beautiful courtyard and bayfront balcony seating for a stunning dining experience.
• The French Pantry: For those craving French-inspired baked goods and hearty fare, The French Pantry in St. Augustine offers a delightful menu. Additionally, the 36 Granda Collective features other culinary concepts like Little Miss Ha and La Petite Kitchen, providing a unique variety of food options.

Explore and Play: New Adventures for Every Traveler

Beyond dining and accommodations, Florida’s Historic Coast offers plenty of activities for adventure seekers, history lovers, and families alike. Here are a few highlights:

• Florida Water Tours: The popular boat tour company has expanded its fleet with the addition of the Great Blue Heron boat. This new vessel will help guests explore the real Florida with a variety of eco-tours, sunset cruises, wine tastings, and more. The fleet now accommodates up to 109 passengers, offering more room for families and larger groups to enjoy the water.
• TPC Sawgrass: Known for hosting the prestigious THE PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra has promoted Matt Borocz to General Manager. The property features world-class golf courses, a renowned restaurant (NINETEEN), and expansive event spaces.
• Fort Mose Historic State Park: Recently undergoing significant restoration, Fort Mose serves as a poignant historical landmark. Established in 1738 as the first free black settlement in the U.S., it has recently unveiled a $3 million reconstructed fort, offering guided tours to help visitors understand the fort’s significance. The park is open Thursday through Monday, with tours available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• St. Augustine Amphitheatre: With the addition of the Kookaburra Coffee Outpost, visitors to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre can enjoy a full-service coffee shop offering espresso, baked goods, and retail coffee products. This venue also expanded its offerings with exclusive amphitheatre-branded merchandise and a box office for ticket sales to avoid online fees.
• Ponte Vedra Concert Hall: After undergoing a major renovation, this indoor live music venue will reopen on August 1, 2025, with a lineup featuring top artists such as Dan Tyminski Band, Sister Hazel, and Melissa Etheridge.
• Treaty Park: The newly expanded Treaty Park in St. Johns County now features 12 new pickleball courts, bringing the total to 20, making it an excellent spot for friendly competition or a casual day out.

Getting to Florida’s Historic Coast: New Flight Routes Make Travel Easier

Reaching Florida’s Historic Coast has never been more convenient, thanks to new flight options at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Here’s a quick look at some of the new routes:

• Avelo Airlines: New nonstop flights from New Castle, Delaware to JAX.
• Delta Airlines: Direct service from Austin, Texas to JAX.
• Allegiant: New direct routes to JAX from Des Moines, Iowa, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Akron-Canton, Ohio.
• Breeze Airways: New nonstop service from Daytona Beach International Airport to Akron-Canton, Ohio, and Ocean City, Maryland.
• Arajet: New nonstop flights from Orlando Sanford International Airport to Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic.

Plan Your Group Travel to Florida’s Historic Coast

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a destination wedding, or a business meeting, Florida’s Historic Coast offers plenty of options for group travel. Download the new Group Travel Guide to help with planning meetings and group events that balance work and play. From luxury accommodations to historic venues and outdoor activities, Florida’s Historic Coast is perfect for hosting a wide range of events.

Conclusion: Florida’s Historic Coast Is Ready to Welcome You

With so many exciting new developments, Florida’s Historic Coast is the perfect destination for travelers looking for luxury, history, and adventure. From brand-new hotels and dining hotspots to unforgettable historical landmarks and outdoor experiences, there’s something for everyone in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Be sure to visit this vibrant region this summer and fall to discover all it has to offer.

With new flights making travel easier than ever, there’s no better time to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, exploration, or family fun, Florida’s Historic Coast has it all.