Visiting Florida's First Coast

This weekend, Mike and I spent an impromptu weekend in North Florida.  This area is quickly becoming one of our favorites; it's just over three hours from Charleston, and there is so much to do.  When our friends told us they were playing in a kickball tournament in Jacksonville, we wuickly booked a hotel room to cheer them on Saturday morning.  Let me just say, it was hot this weekend.  We had a great time watching their games, but afterwards, getting to cool off in the hotel pool was much-needed.  We spent the evening in St. Augustine and the day Sunday at Jax Beach.  I thought it'd be fun to round up some of our favorite things to see and eat if you're ever down on Florida's First Coast.

St. Augustine: This was our first time to downtown St. Augustine.  I've always seen photos of the beautiful churches and Spanish-inspired buildings, so this was on our must-see list.  The Plaza de la Constitucion was our home base.  We first walked south, down some of the residential streets (Cordova, St. George, Aviles) to check out the little shops and homes.  The houses, fences, and even the bricks in the road have such attention to detail that I could have walked around and snapped photos all day.  To the North of the plaza, we walked through the city market on St. George and around the Castillo de San Marcos.  Our last stop as across the Bridge of Lions to lighthouse.  While we didn't golf while we were in St. Augustine this time, it's also home to the World Golf Village and some awesome courses - click here to check out more on those.)

Jax Beach: There are so many miles of beach in this part of Florida, that I feel like it's never overly busy.  There are tons of shops, restaurants, and parking along Jax Beach, and it's never too hard to find a parking spot and beach access point.  The beaches are flat and the waves are just right!

Daytona: Though technically just south of the First Coast, Daytona is another great beach to explore.  It's only 30-45 minutes from St. Augustine, and while you're there, you should definitely catch a race or tour the Speedway. 

Where to eat: We love the food in this area!  There are so many delicious restaurants (but I obviously just take photos of the coffee shops (come on, they're so fun!).  The photos below were taken at our favorite breakfast spots, Bold Bean and Delicomb.  Lunch or dinner, make your first stop Cantina Louie.  My obsession with Charleston's Mexican food is pretty well documented, but this place is better than any I've found in South Carolina.  They have a couple of locations in Jax Beach and St. Augustine.  Culinary Outfitters, Pizza Time, Ice Plant in St. Augustine are favorites, as well.

What were you up to this weekend?