Easy Season on Florida’s Historic Coast

On Florida’s Historic Coast, late August and early September is considered Easy Season for visitors and the best time to visit St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra beaches. Crowds begin to get smaller, the temperatures cool down and planning a trip should be as smooth as your golf swing.

For golfers, late summer/early fall in Florida is the optimal time to get on the course and get out and explore the area. The weather is perfect and breezy, footfall is light, accommodation rates and golf packages are less expensive and seasonal events are happening throughout the area.

1. Crowds get smaller

Booking a tee time won’t be impossible. With less tourists in the area, finding the perfect time to get on the green will be a breeze. If you’re a morning person and want to start the day swinging a few rounds or you want to relax in the afternoon after a busy day of exploring, less people means more available tee times just for you.

2. Unbeatable weather

With the end of summer, the stifling heat begins to cool and temperatures fall. The breeze of the Atlantic will accompany temps in the 70s and 80s during the day and high 60s and low 70s during the evening. You can pack light and make room for all your golf equipment in your luggage. Still warm enough to escape the autumn chill but just cool enough to enjoy that last little bit of summer air.

3. There’s always something to do

With a plethora of courses to choose from in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, you can always fill your itinerary with time on the green. St. Augustine is home to six world-class courses including Cimarrone Golf Club, Royal St. Augustine Golf Club, the Golf Club at South Hampton, St. Johns Golf & Country Club, St. Johns Golf Club, and the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire at the World Golf Village Resort.

Freshly renovated and re-opened in November 2022, the St. Johns Golf Club offers a singular golf experience. Architect Eric Larsen reimagined the course in the early 1900s classic design form of CB MacDonald and Seth Raynor. The course routing flows with long fairway lines, offering great visuals from the tee. Fairway bunkers are rectangular with flat bottoms and low, angular lips. The majority of the greens are rectangular, while others form alongside water. Green side bunkers are also rectangular with steeper faces, commonly referred to as “coffin bunkers”.

Nearby, you can also visit the PGA TOUR Golf Academy if you need to enhance your game a bit.

Ponte Vedra is home to Northeast Florida’s signature golf course, the TPC Sawgrass' Dye’s Valley Course and The PLAYERS Stadium Course. This par 72 course, with 7,215 yards, has proven to be a challenge for even the world’s best golfers.

When you’re not on the fairway, discovering Florida’s Historic Coast is easier than ever. Many of the area’s attractions, tours and museums offer free admission. Enjoy free Concerts in the Plaza every Thursday in St. Augustine’s historic Plaza de la Constitucion or each September, celebrate Founder’s Day with a historical reenactment of the Spanish landing and founding of the nation’s oldest city.

4. Deals on accommodations

Crowds get smaller and hotel rates get lower - yet in late summer St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches remain livelier than ever. Take advantage of “Easy Season” with lower rates and off-season packages. From five-star hotels to oceanside resorts, it’s the perfect time to book your golf-getaway. Save on accommodations so you can spend more on your golf outings.

5. It’s the end of summer sweetspot

Summer cook-outs, weekend weddings, family reunions… the chaos of summer events is wrapping up and you’ve hit the lull before the busy holiday season begins. Take some time for yourself and relax on the golf course.