Frequently asked questions
Planning a trip to Ponte Vedra? Here are answers to the questions visitors ask most often. Each answer links to a page with more details.
About Ponte Vedra
Where is Ponte Vedra?
Ponte Vedra is located approximately 25 miles north of St. Augustine and a few miles east of Jacksonville. Widely recognized for its high-quality golf options and luxury resorts, Ponte Vedra is home to so much more.
What is the difference between Ponte Vedra and Ponte Vedra Beach?
The main difference between the two locations comes down to which side of the Intracoastal Waterway they sit on:
- Ponte Vedra Beach (ZIP Code 32082): Located east of the Intracoastal Waterway directly along the Atlantic Ocean. This is the historic, upscale coastal resort area home to luxury oceanfront properties, TPC Sawgrass, and the PGA Tour headquarters.
- Ponte Vedra (ZIP Code 32081): Located west of the Intracoastal Waterway (about 10–15 minutes inland from the beach). This area consists of newer, inland master-planned mega-communities like Nocatee.
Both ZIP codes are located in St. Johns County and share the same top-rated public school system.
When was Ponte Vedra founded?
Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon is believed to have landed on what would later become Ponte Vedra Beach on April 2, 1513. In 1914, minerals were discovered here, and a community known as Mineral City grew up around the mining operations. After World War I, the National Lead Company turned its focus to building a resort community and changed the name to Ponte Vedra. Read more about Ponte Vedra Beach history.
Beaches
Where can I go to the beach?
Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park is the county’s beach park in Ponte Vedra Beach. It has parking, restrooms, showers and an accessible walkway over the dunes.
Farther south, the GTM Research Reserve has three beach access points along Coastal Highway (A1A), managed by Guana State Park. Each one requires crossing A1A from the parking area.
- Northern access: 70 parking spaces and a boardwalk of more than 300 feet with stairs over the dunes.
- Middle access: 80 parking spaces and a boardwalk of about 180 feet with several stairs.
- Southern access: 94 parking spaces, including five ADA spaces, and an ADA boardwalk of about 180 feet with a viewing platform. The ramp ends in soft sand about 30 feet from the hard-packed beach. A dirt lot near the gas station has about 60 more spaces and a footpath to the beach.
What are the hours at Mickler’s Landing?
Mickler’s Landing is open from dawn to dusk. The park is at 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Along with parking next to the beach, you’ll find outdoor showers, footbaths and a pavilion with changing rooms and picnic tables. Questions about the beach go to the St. Johns County Beaches Department at 904-209-0331.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on St. Johns County beaches on a leash, including in the water. Owners must pick up after their dogs, and bags are available at most walkovers.
Is there accessible beach access?
Mickler’s Landing has an ADA-accessible walkway over the dunes, and a beach wheelchair is available for rent or loan. In the GTM Research Reserve, the southern beach access has five ADA parking spaces and an ADA boardwalk with a viewing platform.
Outdoor activities
Where can I go hiking?
The Guana Trails in the GTM Research Reserve offer five hikes, from 2-mile trails to a 5.8-mile loop. The trails are open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and parking is $3. The reserve is at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. In the middle of town, Bird Island Park has a boardwalk around a pond next to the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library. See more ideas on our hiking page.
Where can I kayak or paddleboard?
The Nocatee Paddle Launch offers easy access for kayaks and paddleboards on the Tolomato River, with parking and restrooms on site. You can bring your own kayak or paddleboard, or have one delivered by local outfitters. The Guana River near A1A and Mickler Road is another easy place to start. See all of our kayaking spots.
Where can I go fishing?
Visitors fish in the surf, at Mickler’s Landing, on Guana Lake and on Lake Ponte Vedra. You can also book an inshore charter with a local captain. A fishing license is required on Lake Ponte Vedra, and you can get one online before your trip. If you book a charter, ask about licenses when you book. Find details on our fishing page.
Where can I ride a bike?
You can ride right on the beach. Go at low tide for firm sand and a smooth ride. Other options include a road ride on historic A1A, mountain biking on the Guana Peninsula and the trails of the Nocatee Preserve. Our biking page also lists organized group rides.
Where is the best birding?
Birds of many species appear along the shore, in the marshes and along the area’s waterways. Popular spots include Bird Island Park, the North Beach Overlook, Guana Lake and Lake Tower. You can also visit the GTM eagle nest. Learn more on our birding page.
Golf
Can I play golf at TPC Sawgrass?
Yes. TPC Sawgrass is home to the PGA Tour headquarters and The Players Championship. Its Stadium Course and Dye’s Valley Course are open to the public. You can book a tee time up to 14 days ahead by contacting TPC Sawgrass, or up to 12 months ahead through TPC Vacations as a stay-and-play guest.
How long has golf been played in Ponte Vedra?
Golf has been part of Ponte Vedra since 1928, when the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club opened its first course. TPC Sawgrass arrived in 1980. Read more about golf in Ponte Vedra.
Food, lodging and wellness
Where can I find local food?
Our Specialized Cuisine page features Palm Valley Fish Camp and Barbara Jean’s on the Water.
Are there farmers markets?
Yes. Local farmers markets run on this schedule:
- Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Palm Valley Community Center.
- Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Peace of Heart Community Farm.
- The third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Nocatee Station Field.
Where can I stay?
Ponte Vedra is known for its luxury resorts. Our resorts and lodging page features the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa.
Where can I book a spa day?
Spa options include The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa and Spavia Ponte Vedra. Find more locations and phone numbers on our spa experiences page.
Arts and culture
Are there museums nearby?
The Bilotta Collection, at A1A and Sawgrass Drive, houses vintage toys, rare tin robots, arcade machines and movie posters. The GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center is another stop for learning about the area’s natural environment. In nearby Jacksonville Beach, the Beaches Museum preserves coastal heritage. See our museums page.
Where can I hear live music?
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall completed a $12 million renovation in 2025 and hosts live performances. The annual Roscolusa Songwriters Festival brings hit Nashville songwriters to the coast for an evening of performances and storytelling. Learn more on our music page.
Where can I see art?
Visit the First Coast Cultural Center, or stop by the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library to see local artists in its two gallery settings. The area also has several private galleries. Find them on our art galleries page.
Still have questions?
Use the chat button at the bottom of any page, or reach our team through the contact page.