Take a Break from the Summer Heat with Cool Things to Do at St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
St. Augustine, Fla. (June 17, 2026) – Florida’s Historic Coast has long been a favorite summer vacation destination for Southern travelers. As travelers increasingly seek ways to stay active while avoiding peak summer temperatures, this Northeast Florida vacation spot offers experiences designed for cooler parts of the day—from sunset sailing and moonlit paddles to air-conditioned museums and luxury spa retreats.
Southern Living recently ranked St. Augustine #1 in Florida’s Top 10 cities for a Getaway Any Time of Year. U.S. News & World Report named the city the No. 1 Best East Coast Vacation for 2026. Ponte Vedra Beach, named by CNN as one of the 22 Can’t-Miss Beaches, is also widely recognized for its pristine shoreline, championship golf, and award-winning luxury resorts.
“Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and family vacations, thanks to the warm ocean waters and refreshing coastal breezes along Florida’s Historic Coast,” said Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “From moonlight kayaking and sunset sailing to world-class museums, waterfront dining, and luxury spas, Florida’s Historic Coast offers plenty of ways for visitors to stay cool while making unforgettable summer memories.”
As the sun begins to set, cooler ocean breezes make it the perfect time to get on the water. The Schooner Freedom offers sunset and moonlight sails featuring historic sights and local wildlife, while Florida Water Tours hosts sunset cruises and specialty experiences including wine tastings, live jazz, and reggae cruises. Kayakers and paddleboarders can experience the area’s natural beauty during Full Moon Guided Kayak Paddles.
Early mornings are equally inviting. Visitors can paddle the calm waters of Salt Run, explore Matanzas Inlet, or join Earth Kinship for guided paddling adventures through Hastings’ ecologically diverse Deep Creek.
Nature lovers can start the day on the shaded trails of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve), then stop by the Visitor Center for a family-friendly scavenger hunt focused on Florida’s unique estuaries.
Explore the coastline by renting a beach cruiser from DRIFTERS Beach & Bike Rentals, or upgrade the experience with a fully outfitted beach setup complete with chairs, umbrellas, games, and more. If the waves are calling, grab a skimboard and find out why Vilano Beach has hosted the Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament for more than 30 years. Pilates Yoga Loft also offers early morning outdoor yoga sessions at scenic locations including Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park and Vilano Beach.
When afternoon temperatures rise, visitors can cool off indoors while exploring some of the area’s most popular museums and attractions, including:
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
- Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center
- Surf Culture Museum
- Flagler College Legacy Tours at the former Hotel Ponce de Leon
- Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine
Those looking to stay active indoors can lace up their skates at Ponce de le Rollin’ skating rink or play a match at Old Coast Pickleball, St. Augustine’s newest indoor pickleball facility.
For ultimate relaxation, visitors can unwind at one of the many spas throughout St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, offering the perfect way to recharge after a day spent exploring the coast.
Summer days on Florida’s Historic Coast end with cool drinks and delicious bites, served scenic settings. Enjoy waterfront dining at Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House in downtown St. Augustine, Asado Life on the San Sebastian River, Cap’s on the Water on Vilano Beach, or Palm Valley Fish Camp in Ponte Vedra Beach. For elevated views, head to 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop, Pesca Rooftop, and La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs.
Lock in a cool Florida’s Historic Coast trip with hot summer deals, from lodging to attractions. Explore more Must-Do Experiences at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach; and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1-800-653-2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine; and Threads @floridashistoriccoast
For More Information, contact:
Barbara Golden, Communications Manager
BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com | 904-669-8142