Discover St. Johns County: Your Gateway to Florida's History and Beaches - Exploring the Fountain of Youth

Welcome to St. Johns County, Florida! Located in the northeastern part of the state, this county is known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and family-friendly attractions. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly residents, St. Johns County is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

The county seat is the city of St. Augustine, known for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich history. But St. Johns County is much more than just St. Augustine. The county encompasses a variety of unique communities, including Ponte Vedra Beach, Hastings, and St. Johns, each with its own distinct personality and attractions.

Our Top Ten Local Destinations:

St. Augustine Historic District: The St. Augustine Historic District is a National Historic Landmark that features over 500 years of history and culture. Visitors can explore the historic streets and buildings, including the Castillo de San Marcos and the Lightner Museum. https://www.visitstaugustine.com/region/st-augustine-historic-district

St. Augustine Beach: St. Augustine Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand located just minutes from the historic district. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a variety of water sports, including surfing and paddleboarding. https://www.visitstaugustine.com/region/st-augustine-beach

World Golf Hall of Fame: The World Golf Hall of Fame is a museum located in St. Augustine that honors the greatest golfers of all time. Visitors can see exhibits on the history of golf, try their hand at a variety of interactive exhibits, and play on a championship course. https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/

St. Johns County Ocean Pier: The St. Johns County Ocean Pier is a popular destination for fishing, dining, and people-watching. The pier features a restaurant, gift shop, and observation deck with panoramic views of the ocean. https://www.sjcfl.us/recreation/facilities/oceanpier.aspx

Fort Matanzas National Monument: Fort Matanzas National Monument is a historic fort located on the Matanzas River. Visitors can take a ferry to the fort and explore its many exhibits and living history demonstrations. https://www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve: The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected area that encompasses over 74,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and beaches. Visitors can hike, kayak, or bike through the reserve and see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. https://www.gtmnerr.org/

Castillo de San Marcos: The Castillo de San Marcos is a historic fort located in St. Augustine. Visitors can explore the fort's many exhibits, watch reenactments of historical events, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and bay. https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum: The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is a museum located on Anastasia Island. Visitors can climb the lighthouse and see stunning views of the ocean and city, learn about the history of maritime exploration, and see exhibits on local marine life. https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/

Anastasia State Park: Anastasia State Park is a beautiful park located on Anastasia Island. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and gopher tortoises. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/anastasia-state-park

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a unique attraction that features a historic spring and museum. Visitors can taste the legendary waters of the fountain, see exhibits on Spanish colonial history, and watch reenactments of Native American and European interactions. https://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/

We hope this list of our top ten local destinations inspires you to explore all that St. Johns County has to offer. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a fun day out, there's something for everyone here.

In addition to the attractions listed above, St. Johns County is also home to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the St. Augustine Celtic Festival, the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, and the St. Augustine Film Festival.

If you're looking for a taste of local flavor, be sure to check out St. Johns County's thriving culinary scene. The county is known for its seafood, farm-to-table restaurants, and craft breweries serving up locally-made beer.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, St. Johns County is a wonderful place to call home. We invite you to explore this vibrant and welcoming community and discover all that makes it such a special place to be.