The Perfect "Day Off" from TPC: A Golfer's Guide to St. Augustine

Your TPC Sawgrass "bucket list" trip is booked. You're set to take on the Stadium Course, play Dye's Valley, and maybe even an "insider" round at a private club.

But here's the "local" secret that turns a great golf trip into an unforgettable one: you are only 30 minutes away from the oldest city in America.

A common mistake I see is groups flying into JAX, playing 72 holes in 48 hours, and flying out. They've completely missed the incredible culture, food, and history that makes this part of Florida so unique.

St. Augustine is the perfect addition to your itinerary. It's the ideal "Day 3" to rest your golf muscles, or, more importantly, the perfect, curated day trip for non-golfer spouses or partners.

Here's how to do St. Augustine right.

Why It's a "Must-See"

Founded in 1565, this isn't a theme park; it's a real, 450-year-old city. You're walking on narrow, brick-lined streets, stepping into buildings from the 1700s, and seeing massive Spanish colonial fortresses. The vibe is a stunning mix of historic European charm, breezy coastal energy, and a fantastic modern food scene.

A Curated "Insider's Day" in St. Augustine

You could just show up and wander, but to do it right, you need a plan. Here is a perfect "Day Off" itinerary.

**1. Morning: History & The "Wow" Factor** Start your day at the Castillo de San Marcos. This is the massive, 17th-century stone fortress right on the bay. You don't need to be a history buff to be impressed. It's an incredible piece of architecture and offers the best views of the water.

After, take a slow walk down St. George Street, the historic pedestrian-only thoroughfare. It's the heart of the old city, filled with shops, courtyards, and colonial-era buildings.

**2. Afternoon: A "Spirited" Tour** This is a "must-do" for an adult group. Head to the St. Augustine Distillery. Housed in a beautifully restored ice plant from 1907, this is a world-class craft distillery. Their free tour is one of the best in the country, and it ends with a tasting of their award-winning bourbon, gin, and rum.

Right next door is the San Sebastian Winery, where you can do another tasting on their beautiful rooftop patio.

**3. Evening: High-End Food & Drinks** St. Augustine's food scene has exploded. This is where you get a different flavor from Ponte Vedra. My top picks for a client dinner are:

**Michael's:** A refined, award-winning "new American" restaurant with a focus on steak and seafood. Perfect for a high-end group.

**Columbia Restaurant:** A Florida institution. This is a massive, gorgeous Spanish restaurant serving classic, "Old World" dishes. Order the "1905 Salad" (made tableside) and a pitcher of sangria.

**The Tini Martini Bar:** End your night with a cocktail at this famous spot overlooking the bay, right by the Bridge of Lions.

The Perfect Solution for a "Mixed" Group

This is my #1 recommendation for a corporate or "couples" trip. While the golfers are on the course, I arrange a seamless "Spouse's Day."

A private luxury shuttle picks up the non-golfing spouses from the Marriott. I arrange a private guided tour, handle the distillery tasting, and book a fantastic lunch at a spot like The Floridian. They get a full, curated day of culture and fun, and you're back from your round in time to meet them for dinner.

It's the "hero" move that makes the trip a success for everyone.

Don't Just Visit—Experience It Like a Local

A trip to St. Augustine can be overwhelming. Where do you park? Which restaurants are tourist traps?

As your local concierge, I handle all of it. I'll book the private transport, secure the dinner reservations at the best tables, and arrange the private tours. You just show up and enjoy it.