(Main Photo by Edwin Compton on Unsplash)
From Tee Time To Tea Time
In St. Augustine, life moves to a rhythm of its own—a quiet blend of coastal calm, rich history, and a lifestyle that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the simple contrast—and surprising connection—between a morning tee time and afternoon tea. Whether you’re swinging your way through one of Northeast Florida’s lush golf courses or sipping a honey lavender latte beneath an old oak tree, St. Augustine offers something special for every pace of life.
In St. Augustine, tee times and tea time aren’t just activities—they’re pillars of a lifestyle that attracts both residents and visitors who crave balance, beauty, and a sense of belonging. From championship golf courses to charming tea rooms and cafés, here’s how these simple pleasures shape daily life in Florida’s oldest city.
Tee Time: Life’s a fairway in STA.
For many who move to or visit St. Augustine, golf isn’t just a weekend activity—it is life. With year-round sunshine, sea breezes, and impeccably maintained courses, it’s easy to see why this coastal city draws in golf lovers from across the country.
At the top of the list is the iconic King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village. Co-designed by legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, it’s the only course in the world with both their names on it. Playing a round here feels like stepping onto hallowed ground, especially as Spanish moss sways from ancient oaks lining the fairways. They say it’s challenging without being punishing—a course you could play every week and still discover something new.
Just down the road is the Slammer & Squire, another gem at World Golf Village. This one pays homage to Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. With generous fairways and scenic views of the surrounding wetlands, it’s perfect for both seasoned players and those new to the game. It’s not uncommon to finish your round and enjoy a quiet lunch at Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant, tucked just beside the clubhouse—yes, the one founded by actor and golf lover Bill Murray.
Closer to the heart of St. Augustine, St. Johns Golf & Country Club offers a different kind of golf experience—equally beautiful but more community-centered. Nestled in a vibrant residential area near CR-210, the course is a favorite among locals. Here, it’s not unusual to see friends catching up on the green, then heading over to the clubhouse patio for cocktails as the sun dips low.
Together, these courses aren’t just about playing a sport. They’re about connecting with community, soaking up the outdoors, and living an active, fulfilling lifestyle in one of Florida’s most charming cities.
Golf here is more than a game—it’s part of the pulse of St. Augustine. It’s morning tee times with your neighbors, Friday afternoon rounds with family in town, or even weekday networking between business deals. But what makes this town truly unique is that after your golf shoes are off, you can switch gears entirely—into a world of peace, flavor, and conversation.
Tea Time: Sips, Scones and Sandwiches
(Photo by Rodolfo Marques on Unsplash)
In the same town where you can hit the green at 8 a.m., you can be sitting under flowering bougainvillea with a cup of chai by 2 p.m. St. Augustine’s tea and coffee scene is thriving, full of cozy corners and thoughtfully brewed moments.
Right on Martin Luther King Street, a little off the beaten path, in the heart of Lincolnville, you’ll find yourself at the stoop of Cornerstone Cafe, a coffee shop and one of our newest locales. Their iced chai is my personal favorite and is perfect for hot Florida afternoons, but they also serve boba, smoothies, and seasonal drinks that rotate with local flavors. Locals pop in post-yoga, post-round of golf or post class—dressed in everything from tennis skirts to board shorts—and linger on the sidewalk steps watching the world go by in slow motion.
(Photo by Rodolfo Marques on Unsplash)
If you’re after something more refined, pinky’s up at The Chatsworth Pub & Tea Room, a traditional British tea service in a setting that feels straight out of Jane Austen. Located in a charming historic home on King Street, Chatsworth’s tables are draped in lace and set with fine china. Afternoon tea here includes scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and of course, a steaming pot of Earl Grey or English Breakfast. It’s a favorite for bridal showers, quiet birthdays, or simply a sophisticated afternoon with friends. It’s the kind of place where life slows down and each sip feels like a small ceremony.
Tucked off of Spanish Street, Relámpago Coffee Lab caters to the modern purist—known for its pour-over brews and minimalist space. It’s the kind of hidden gem that digital nomads, creatives, and craft coffee lovers flock to. But alongside their coffee game, they offer a rotating tea selection and a quiet energy that invites reflection. It’s not uncommon to see someone sitting solo, journaling, or reading a book while a playlist of lo-fi jazz plays softly in the background.
Then there’s Crucial Coffee Café, a beloved stop near the Castillo de San Marcos. With its rustic charm and weathered wooden exterior, it’s more than just a place to grab a cup—it’s an experience. Their iced chai lattes are local favorites, especially during spring and fall when the breeze off the bayfront brings a chill just cool enough to make you want to linger a bit longer.
Where Lifestyles Intersect
So what do tee times and tea time have in common? In St. Augustine, they’re both reminders of what the local lifestyle is all about: balance, beauty, and presence. This is a city where you can start your day under the wide-open sky, walking the greens with friends, and end it sipping herbal tea under a canopy of old oak trees.
It’s a lifestyle where retirees meet young families, where remote workers take mid-morning breaks on the bay front, and where you don’t have to choose between outdoor adventure and peaceful reflection—you get both. It’s not just about where you live here, it’s about how you live. And St. Augustine offers a pace of life that’s intentionally unhurried.
Newcomers often say they came for the weather or the history—but they stay for the rhythm of the town. The ability to tee off in the morning and then slow down completely in the afternoon isn’t a fantasy—it’s just Tuesday.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, a dedicated tea drinker, or someone simply searching for a new kind of lifestyle, St. Augustine welcomes you with open arms and a warm cup. It’s a place where the greens are always calling, the cafes are always inviting, and the moments in between are just as meaningful as the highlights.
So, if you’re thinking about calling this charming city home, or you’re just visiting for the weekend, remember: here, life isn’t rushed—it’s brewed. Here, you don’t have to choose between leisure and connection, nature and culture, tradition and creativity. St. Augustine lets you have it all—often in the same day.
For those considering relocating to St. Augustine, the lifestyle speaks louder than any brochure. Mornings on the green, afternoons with a good book and a pot of tea, and evenings spent walking the cobblestone streets or dining on fresh seafood by the Matanzas River—it’s the kind of rhythm that’s hard to resist.
And while tourism will always be a part of the city’s DNA, the real heart of St. Augustine lies in its residents. People who have chosen this town not just for its history or its beaches, but for the way it invites them to live fully. To play, to pause, and to connect.
Final Thoughts
In St. Augustine, tee times and tea time aren’t opposites. They’re two sides of the same coastal lifestyle—one that values quality, community, and the joy of simple pleasures. So whether you’re picking the right golf club or picking out your favorite loose-leaf blend, know that you’re participating in something that’s deeply woven into the spirit of this unique Florida city.
Come for the charm. Stay for the lifestyle. Live like a local.
Welcome home. As always, shoes optional. (Except for maybe on the fairway)
St. Augustine In Focus 
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