St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional)
18 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Ponte Vedra Beach
Located in South Ponte Vedra Beach within a short walk of Usina Beach, this vacation home is within a mile (2 km) of Castle Otttis. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - 15 min drive - 8.2 miles
Getting around
St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional) - 15 min drive
Restaurants
Beaches at Vilano - 7 min drive
Aunt Kates - 3 min drive
Schooner's Seafood House - 12 min drive
Cap's On The Water - 3 min drive
Drakes Bistro - 10 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Once Upon a Tide | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro
Summary: The perfect beach getaway! * Wake up to coffee and a stunning sunrise. * Spend all day lounging on the beach and cooling off in the ocean. * Wind down with a gourmet dinner overlooking the water. Embrace the essence of coastal living in this modern 4 br home. Directly on the beach, this home features spectacular views and plenty of space to make lasting memories.
The Space: Every great beach vacation begins with “Once Upon a Tide”! Nestled on a dune looking over the Atlantic Ocean, Once Upon a Tide is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath oceanfront home that was completely remodeled in early 2024. The house can sleep up to 12 guests (ideally only 8 adults). The main living area is on the 2nd floor, which offers beautiful views of the beach. The spacious kitchen is open to the living and dining areas, making it easy for everyone to gather. The fully stocked kitchen features stainless appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space. There is bar stool seating for four at the breakfast island. The dining table seats ten. The living room has a large leather sectional sofa which wraps around the fireplace and TV. The views of the blue horizon are amazing from the house.
There are two bedrooms on the main level of the house, one on each end of the home. The primary bedroom has a comfy king bed and views of the ocean. There is a wall-mounted TV, plenty of dressers, and a walk-in closet. The primary bathroom has a large walk-in shower. The 2nd bedroom also has a king bed, TV, and ample storage space for your clothes. This bedroom also has a private, full bathroom with a walk-in shower. Just outside the 2nd bedroom is an office with a desk for those who must do a little computer work during their stay. There is also a queen size murphy bed in the office. The third bathroom is off of the living room on the 2nd floor and has a walk-in shower. This bathroom would serve the guests staying in either of the bedrooms on the 3rd floor. Upstairs are two more bedrooms. One has a queen bed and the other has a large queen-over-queen bunk bed with a trundle underneath. Both bedrooms have dressers and TVs. Please note, there is not a bathroom on the third floor.
The 2nd floor balcony spans the width of the house and provides an amazing outdoor gathering space. There is plenty of furniture on the balcony, including a dining table with seating for eight. On the ground level is a huge deck with comfy chairs around a fire pit, several lounge chairs for tanning, and your own private hot tub! There is a grilling area on the deck with a gas grill (we provide the propane). Just before you walk down the stairs to the beach, you’ll find two built-in benches on the deck. This is a great place to enjoy the sunrise in the morning with a cup of coffee. The beach is just steps away from the deck.
Experience the beauty of sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe, surf, paddleboard, and fish. Take leisurely walks along the beach to discover treasures like shark teeth, sand dollars, and sea glass.
Explore Anastasia State Park for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking in a stunning coastal setting.
Discover the rich history of Historic St. Augustine by visiting landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian only thoroughfare in the heart of the historic district, lined with charming shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites.
Immerse yourself in the Gilded Age at the Lightner Museum, housed in a historic hotel, showcasing a diverse collection of art, antiques, and artifacts.
Experience the thrill of getting up close to alligators, crocodiles, and exotic animals at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, which also offers educational shows, zip lines, and exhibits of native Florida wildlife.
Take a scenic short ferry ride to Fort Matanzas National Monument, a historic Spanish fort located on Rattlesnake Island. Learn about its role in protecting St. Augustine during the colonial period while enjoying views of the surrounding marshlands.
Indulge in delicious cuisine at the many restaurants in St. Augustine, cafes, and eateries. From fresh seafood to international fare, there is something to satisfy every palate, including popular spots like 180 Vilano Grill and Pizza, Briskys BBQ, and Beaches at Vilano.
*Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced. Per County regulation, this house can accommodate 10 "occupants," excluding children 12 years of age or under. However, the house sleeps a total of 12.
Please note, that all guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement and provide a valid form of ID. The primary reservation holder must provide a Government-Issued ID that matches the name on the rental agreement. This is a requirement from St. Johns County. All guest's names (first and last) must be provided. The ages of any minors are required to be listed. This is for emergency and insurance purposes.
Guest Access: We offer convenient keyless door codes for self-check-in. Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro uses smart locks with check-in details provided 48 hours prior to arrival by email and text message.
• Early check-ins or late check-outs: If the property happens to be ready earlier than the standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, in most cases an early arrival option may be available when confirmed with the main office. Late check-outs must be confirmed with main office staff prior to the date of departure.
Getting Around: Immerse yourself in the blend of adventure and activity by renting a bicycle. Lose yourself in enchanting streets, uncover hidden treasures, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Take in a leisurely pace with beachfront strolls, explore shops, and savor local cuisine on foot.
Enhance your experience with a sunset cruise, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot playful dolphins. For the adventurous, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft to explore our beautiful estuaries and waterways.
Local favorites include Brewer Beach Rentals, St. Augustine City Tours, and Adventure Boat Tours.
Please note that beach driving is not permitted. Beach access points can be found on Coastal Hwy at even-numbered properties and on the 3000 block on S. Ponte Vedra, specifically odd-numbered properties.
Other Things to Note: Please pay close attention to following the house rules. Non compliance could result in sizable fines. - All guests staying at one of our Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro homes are required to sign (esignature) a rental agreement and complete identity registration. - Age restrictions apply. Reservation holder must be 25 years of age. - All guests must be included on the guest list and not exceed the maximum number stated on the listing. - Upon arrival, we aim to ensure your safety, proper access to the home, and guest features. ALL guests are required to read the house manual upon arrival. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro. - Known damages incurred during your stay must be reported to the property manager immediately. - Before check in, we will send you detailed directions to ensure a seamless arrival. - Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. - We cannot guarantee early check ins or late checkouts. When it is possible to check in early or check out late, there will be a fee for anything outside of a one hour window within our standard times. If your need for an early check in or late check out is great, your best option is to book an additional night. - Some homes offer pools/hot tubs. There is no guard around the water features when available. Use at your own risk. - Some homes have cameras for external monitoring only. - Stays over 29 days – please inquire separately for terms and conditions. - HOTEL TAX COLLECTION: Both St. Johns County and the State of Florida require all hotel and vacation rental hosts to collect hotel tax. We collect these two taxes within the booking transaction. The state requires 6.5% and the county requires 5%. - LONG-TERM STAYS: (Snowbird, long-term rental). Contact Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro to discuss if a long-term stay discount applies to this listing. Stays over six months are waived from paying the State and Local Hotel Tax. However, there are additional fees we need to collect for damage coverage and housekeeping. In compliance with our policies for long-term stays, we need to collect an additional cleaning fee for guests staying longer than 3 weeks. Your Guest Ambassador will coordinate the cleaning schedule for a minimum of once every 2 weeks. You can request cleanings more frequently if desired. Additional cleaning charges will be sent using a payment request or resolution request, immediately following the cleaning. Your guest ambassador will reply shortly and be available to assist you where needed. - This is a No Smoking property. Penalty fees for violations will apply and you may be asked to vacate the premises with no refund at the discretion of the Host.
Interaction with Guests: Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro communicates via email and phone. After a booking is confirmed, rental agreement will be emailed to the guest for e-signature. Check-in instructions are sent by email and text message 48 hours prior to arrival date (keyless entry). We offer convenient keyless entry for self-check with no need to stop in at a local office. We do typically check in with guests by email/text 1-2 times during their stays to ensure a 5-star experience and remain available for any questions/inquiries. We are available to guests 24/7.
We follow the CDC and Airbnb Recommended Cleaning Guidelines. You can rest assured this property has been completely sanitized prior to check-in.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Charge may apply
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
65c29482492ee3000e5e65d3
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is situated in South Ponte Vedra Beach within a short 11-minute walk of Usina Beach. You'll also find Vilano Beach and Castle Otttis within a short drive.
Is there parking available at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Once Upon a Tide | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this beachfront vacation home include a fireplace and a kitchen in each accommodation with some featuring beach views.
Does Once Upon a Tide | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro have a hot tub?
Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home though service animals are welcome.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
How close is the airport from this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional), which is 10 mi away (15 minutes by car). Another top airport is Jacksonville, FL (CRG-Jacksonville Executive at Craig), which is around 27.9 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Once Upon a Tide | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro?
Yes, every accommodation at Once Upon a Tide | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro comes with a balcony with some featuring beach views.
Once Upon a Tide | Wren Beach Rentals by Portoro Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 21 reviews
10 - Excellent
20
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 21 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Cindy P.
Jul 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place to Stay!
We had a wonderful time! We did encounter a few issues, but the Porter Team was very responsive and made sure all our needs were met. We saw dolphins nearly every day and a turtle nest hatched! The kitchen has EVERTHING! I have never seen such an abundance of pots, pans, and small appliances! Best yet, the extras for the kids were incredible..ping pong, pool table, outdoor connect four, and so many beach toys. The house offers beautiful views and easy steps to the beach! We will be back!
Cindy P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Helga D.
Jun 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
House was great - BIG living/dining/kitchen area. Very well equipped kitchen. Lots of each towels and fun stuff to use on the beach. Wren Rentals was very responsive when we had a problem with the A/C - got it fixed the same day. For our group, we had to put 2 adults and 2 kids in the bunk room (Two queen beds) and that was a bit tight. Only thing from preventing us from going back.
Helga D.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Debbie A., Rock Hill, SC
Jun 15, 2025
Debbie A.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kelly P.
May 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay
Kelly P.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Chris B.
May 5, 2025
Chris B.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Holly P.
Mar 31, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
70th Birthday Party
This house has everything you need. We really did not want to leave it was excellent!
Holly P.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jim B., Springfield, IL
Mar 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Beach & location
Truly enjoyed the beach right outside our door. The layout of the house was perfect for our family. The house was loaded with supplies, beach items, towels, and kitchen items. The property manager was very responsive to a few minor needs we inquired about. The location is great. Essential stores within 5 minutes.
Jim B.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christine T.
Dec 1, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great family Thanksgiving vacation
The home is beautiful, comfortable and well stocked. The ocean and sunrise views are outstanding from inside and out on the decks and seating. The kids had a great time playing outdoor ping pong, chess/checkers, pool and on the beach.
We received quick responses to our outreach to the host.
I highly recommend this property.
Christine T.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Garrick L.
Nov 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Ultimate Beachfront and Kitchen
Beachfront house is right on the water, had an excellent two-level deck with hot tub, beach chairs, outdoor games & water craft/toys. This rental had the best equipped kitchen we’ve ever had with every kitchen tool and appliance you need and more. The cleanliness was superb. We also really appreciated the plentiful dedicated beach towels.
Garrick L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brenda B., Port Orange, Florida, USA
Oct 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Sensational 70th Shindig
Four high school (and earlier) friends vacation to celebrate our 70th birthdays in 2024. We had lots of fun and laughter and thoroughly enjoyed staying at Once Upon a Tide. Views were wonderful to enjoy over coffee and cocktails. The kitchen was really well stocked with everything to meet our needs. Lots of games and other amenities. Plenty of room and clean. Linens and beds were great.
Brenda B.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lana G., Atlanta, GA
Sep 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Home on the Beach!
We had a great time and rarely left the house! There were so many games and toys even our teenagers were kept occupied and happy! The kitchen is well stocked, the beds were super comfortable and the outside deck was wonderful. We will definitely book this home again, it was perfect!
Lana G.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dan B.
Aug 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Our Stay
Great place and well stocked. Little things that were missing aren’t worth mentioning. Amazing beach.
Dan B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Danielle R.
Aug 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Beach House
This house is well done, has everything you need and more, and you cannot beat the location! My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at once upon a tide. The open floor plan was beautiful, the large tables for eating dinner inside and on the upstairs deck are really nice. The sunrise views from the living room, as well as the upper and lower decks are spectacular.
The office off the main floor bedroom was perfect for me to be able to work with great beach views. The amount of games they had for the kids and family are great! And the details (from toiletries to towels and cooking appliances) that they thought of to make your stay more enjoyable was a huge plus!!!
We loved being able to come up and use the bathroom under the house while on the beach without going in the house. The hot tub was a fun treat and we are already talking about coming back. Highly recommend’.
Danielle R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
mikepgh09 S., Pittsburgh, PA
Jul 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property and great stay!
The 10/10 reviews are spot on. Very newly remodeled property, fully stocked inside and out including beach toys, chairs, umbrellas, etc.
Nice hot tub and lower deck only steps to an essentially private beach. We had 2 neighbors on the beach to the north (nicely spaced out) and we could literally look down the beach one mile to the south with no one in sight. Paddle boards were a big hit with our teens and they even had an opportunity to be out with dolphins only a few feet away.
Great local restaurants within 20 min or less and many with exceptional takeout for those beach days where you want to stay out a bit longer and just chill at the house for dinner. There's a very long dining table with wall to wall ocean views for your dining pleasure.
All in all a great stay and would definitely come back.
mikepgh09 S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
2/10 Terrible
Robin R.
Jun 30, 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
So Happy!
This house exceeded our expectation. Everything was clean and more perfect than the pictures showed. We have rented many beach houses and we have never had one that was better equipped in the kitchen..it had everything we needed. Regarding the outside...the space was over the top amazing. Upper and lower decks were spacious and had the perfect furniture for all our family. The beach equipment room/half bath was even so so nice. So organized and so many toys and chairs for the beach. This house is a 15 out of 10, we loved our 1st stay in St Augustine at Once Upon a Tide!
Robin R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Margaret E.
Jun 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic beach house
Wonderful house and great locations! So many thoughtful touches. Would definitely stay here again!
Margaret E.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paula W.
May 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful vacation
I very rarely review the VRBO properties where I stay. I am very picky and this house, we affectionately called the big banana, was perfect! It was very clean! The inside was so nice, comfortable beds, great showers, and lovely furniture. But, the best part was the outside decks! They have supplied everything you need! Watched the sunrise with my tea, ate meals at the large outside table, played yard chess, used the hot tub several times, and lit the fire pit..:all only steps from the beach! The house is so close to St. Augustine. The rules are reasonable. I have stayed at homes where the rules were ridiculous! You might want to add muffin tins and a slow cooker to the kitchen. Bring extra toilet paper. This is a great property! Our family loved it! Thank you!
Paula W.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kathy M.
Apr 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for our family
Very comfortable stay. Very well stocked in every way (except toilet paper ;)
Kathy M.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Matthew T.
Apr 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation
I highly reccomend this property to anyone with decent sized family. It has everything you need for a great beach vacation anf you can't possibly get any closer to the beach. My family and I had a great week and we plan to visit again.
Matthew T.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Allison V.
Apr 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded our expectations and would love to go back!
I can't recommend this house more! We'd love to go back. We went with four adults and 8 kids for our spring break. It was perfect for us. We felt like the house had everything! It was clean, had easy access to what felt like our own private beach, games and activities outside including a giant chess board, hot tub, pool table, ping pong and a fire table. There was an easy-to-access room/bathroom off the deck for kids to use.
I loved the giant decks. The adults could sit on the lower level one watching the kids, or chatting with people in the hot tub while sitting on a lounge chair. We'd go out early in the morning to sit on the top deck, read a book and watch the waves.
The area/neighborhood was very quiet and calm, and only a 10-15 minute drive from downtown St. Augustine for when we wanted to be in the city. We'd go out to dinner, minigolf, to the fort in St. Augustine, but it was always nice to drive back to our quiet and private beach area.
The house itself was beautiful with brand new everything. The bed was the most comfortable bed I've slept in for a long time. The kitchen was a great size, with a big eating table which was perfect for our group. The living room was perfect for playing games or having a movie night.
The rental company was incredibly kind, responsive and helpful. They communicated often leading up to our stay and I knew exactly what I needed to pack, what would be provided, recommended activities / grocery stores / etc. Thank you!!
Allison V.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Vinod D.
Feb 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous beach views and property
We were here to celebrate my birthday and “Once Upon a Tide” did not disappoint. The property was completely renovated and beautifully done. Everything was labeled and organized. My family had the best time….best time part was the view!