St Augustine To Ponte Vedra Beach

As you leave St Augustine, continue to follow signs northwards along A1A. To see some of the most scenic parts of northern Florida you will need to follow the coast to Ponte vedra and Sawgrass.

It isn't far from St Augustine to the Mayport Ferry, which is just past Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach. There is an inexpensive Days Inn on Neptune Beach, or you might want one closer to Mayport. But please do not expect anything of luxury. It will be strictly basic accommodations.

About 10 miles past St Augustine you will follow the Atlantic Ocean. On your right will be sand hills and to your left will be rolling sand hills as well. Every few miles you will notice a wooden walkway bridge that carries you over the sand mounds directly to the ocean. It's a great place to stop and enjoy. If you continue on up to Jacksonville beach you might prefer to stay overnight there and then drive back, or simply go to Jacksonville Beach to enjoy it...but it may be slightly crowded, depending on the weather.

As you continue north on A1A, there will be a road that goes off to the right that says Ponte Vedra. Continue there. Ponte Vedra is a posh snob community and it's worth a drive through to see the homes. Also, you will see the condominiums and homes in the Sawgrass community, which is a notch down from Ponte Vedra. The Ponte Vedra Inn and Country Club is one of the resorts of America that was 'restricted' meaning it refused entry to blacks and Jews. You had to be a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) plus several million in your handbag to belong.

Just for entertainment purposes, don't be afraid to park in the car park of the Ponte Vedra Inn, on the left, and go inside to use the toilet. It IS beautiful inside and you can always say you were there and left something behind!

Jacksonville Beach was a popular seaside resort up until the 50's when it was destroyed by a hurricane. There was a large amusement park Ferris Wheel, roller coaster, etc. I know the city has worked hard to restore it.

There are literally dozens of small independent hotels along the ocean front at Jacksonville Beach. You might want to 'wing it' in finding a room there. One thing is certain, with as big a place as Jacksonville is, you will always be able to find a room. (but I'm not sending you into Jacksonville...it's a 30 minute ride to the city!)

OK, Directions:

Leaving Ponte Vedra...you will know you have left because the manicured golf course and the multi-million dollar homes will be gone.

The Ponte Vedra Road leads to 3rd street on Jacksonville Beach. Turn Right there. I think it will also be marked as A1A as well, as all you've done is taken a slight deviation. (there's an Episcopal Church at the corner of A1A (3rd Street) and the Ponte Vedra Road.

Continue north. You will see a 'Publix' Supermarket on the left and you might begin to see a few motels along the way on either side of the road. Each avenue you cross will begin to decrease...14th South, 13th South, etc. When you run out of Avenues, you will be at a large intersection (Beach Blvd.). Turn right there, go to 1st Street, turn left and continue North. There are more hotels along , just after you pass the town centre.

The Avenue numbers will begin to increase again...but read as 1st Ave North, 2nd Ave north, etc.

If you dont' see anything you like, go back up to 3rd street and turn right...(North) and continue North until you run out of road (Atlantic Blvd.)

Turn Left on Atlantic Blvd.

Immediately to your right is a restaurant called: FAMOUS AMOS.

It's a come as you are Family Restaurant serving country breakfasts, fried catfish, ( a southern favourite), fresh eggs, grits, sausages, and fantastic lunches. It's true country dining at it's beast and it's dirt cheap!

OK, away from food again...continue along Atlantic Blvd. About 2 miles down on the right is another motel, which as I recall is a Days Inn...it should be cheap as chips there AND it's almost precisely where you need to turn off to go to the Mayport Ferry.

Along Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, there is free and open access to the beachfront. You will not be able to access the beachfront at Ponte Vedra. (Noblesse oblige!) The photo to the right is indicative of a typical beach access for the public.

Have a look at this Days Inn!