But now I know it is. When the Spanish constructed it in the 1600s, the fort housed a small garrison tasked with defending the coastline. The Colonial Quarter is a great example of preserved Spanish architecture, and its recently been completely renovated as well, in order to preserve this wonderful piece of local history. The dolphin we got to meet was named Sunny. They also do feedings throughout the day where you can see the alligators eat huge white rats! Again I wasnt sure about visiting with the kids and if it would be worth it. And they have some really cool flavors like Sweet Potato Pie, Resiling, Vanilla bean, Peanut Butter, and then your typical fruit flavors. They did not want to leave and kept playing the British Are Coming! Then you walk through a maze of all different kinds of alligators and crocodiles. Old Town Trolley Tours in St. Augustine offers all types of trolley tours, from nighttime ghost tours to daily package tours that include all the most popular sites. I love learning new things, snuggling a dog, historic architecture, hiking, bold red wine, and doing things that scare me a little. The park also has 139 campsites if you have your own camping gear and want to spend a few nights among the birds and tortoises. These days, its a recreational area where you can enjoy the coastline, the beaches, and the great outdoors. Hike along the small trail ending at the beach or spend the day viewing wildlife and fishing. Be sure to take a look while youre there. Yes, there is a bathroom on board for ye o weak bladders! Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine FL, 32080. After the tour we were lucky enough to do a touch and feed experience with one of the dolphins. Once in the tasting room the kids sat against the wall and watched movies on our phone while we sampled wine. We also got to go to a Planetarium show, see a big globe turning, visit a Native American settlement and hang out in one of their houses, dig and sift for treasure, see a cannon being fired, walk to the top of a lookout tour, walk out on a pier over 500 feet into the water, have a pigeon land on our hands, feed peacocks, and just enjoy the grounds! We were able to eat on the second floor balcony and loved the ocean breeze blowing on us as we ate our dinner. Found on the northeast coast of the peninsula, not far from the modern metropolis of Jacksonville, St. Augustine may no longer be the Floridian capital, but you can find more history here than anywhere else in the state. For those whod prefer to spend a night or two, there are more than 130 campsites, and its possible to rent kayaks and bicycles for one or more days. Another great state park to visit when you are in St Augustine is Anastasia State Park. There are so many great activities in St. Augustine for kids. Here are some great hotels in Saint Augustine: Sebastian Hotel offering extra large guest rooms or two room suites, perfect for a family trip. The Cathedral Basilica is the 8th stop in the Old Town Trolley Tour and the first one that I, and half of the trolley, decided to hop-off at. Nightly cannon and musket firings will make you feel like youre right in the action with the settlers in the 1740s. You can see tons of reptiles, including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, and other Florida native reptiles. Stop in and enjoy a wildlife show to see how these animals eat, live, and enjoy their lives at this amazing attraction! Located along the northern portion of Floridas Atlantic coast between Jacksonville to the north and Daytona Beach to the south, St. Augustine is a city of about 7,000 residents thats known for its beautiful beaches and largely undeveloped natural areas. Immerse yourself in St. Augustine's rich past with a historic tour through the Colonial Quarter. It shows what the village would have looked like hundreds of years ago. It takes around 2.5 hours for a complete tour of the fort. They have one of those little feeding dispensers where you can put in a quarter to get a handful of pellet food. You can also see the United States oldest wooden school house on St. George Street! But the tour guide (Dylan) was really nice and he was ok with us walking away from the group if we needed to. After taking a self-guided tour of the fort, there are some amazing nature activities you can do. I know they pride themselves on being a dog friendly city so you may want to reach out to verify that nothing has changed. We have been excited to visit St. Augustine, FL since we started traveling. We fed them a few leaves from a tree in their enclosureshhhhI dont think we were supposed to do that, but the tortoises didnt seem to mind . They are dressed in period clothing and love to take photos with visitors! Searching for the best things to do in St. Augustine? We took quite a few videos during our time in St. Augustine and are in the process of getting them up on our Youtube channel. All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. The only problem with it was trying to decide where we were going to spend our money and having to tell the kids, No we cant go in the 3rd ice cream shop you have seen we already got popsicles :)! They have a waffle and milkshake restaurant, a french fry store (yup, just all different kinds of fries! A big draw in St. Augustine attractions is their guided tours of 19th century ghosts! St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine FL, 32080. The Castillo de San Marcos is one of the oldest masonry forts in North America and the oldest in the US. To learn more about everything this new home community in St. Augustine, Florida has to offer, join our Interest List. Ghosts & Gravestones Tour 27 San Marco Ave St Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 826-3663 Ghosts & Gravestones Tour walks people through a frightening adventure in St Augustine. We have been to quite a few forts but every time we go they are always so cool! You can walk along the old ramparts, gaze out across the Atlantic Ocean, and immerse yourself in the citys colonial history. A visit here will take you back 300 years, offering you the opportunity to engage in different activities and view interesting historic buildings. Walking down George Street in downtown St. Augustine is an experience in itself. This site uses cookies. Seriously, plan ahead with your travel plans and put some money aside so you can do an experience like this with your kids. Then, follow the signs for US1 South. Its also right off Interstate 75, so it made navigating the rig easy. You could also stay at the St. Augustine KOA which has tent camping and cabins as well as RV sites. Due to its rich history, its also a popular spot for student field trips, history fairs, and ghost tours. The trolley tour has 22 stops spanning from the Old Jail, through the Lightner Museum, to the Mission of Nombre de Dios, where visitors can get on and off to dine or sightsee, and shop to their hearts fill. ), and tons of other restaurants! Formerly known as the Colonial Spanish Quarter, this site opened in March 2013 as the Colonial Quarter after a 3-month renovation and rebranding. Now, its a national monument situated on about 20 scenic acres overlooking the waterway. The property also includes a kitchen used to make lunch for the students and a 250-year-old pecan tree. Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler, it is known for its opulence and attracted over 25,000 guests in the late 1800s and 1900s. Did you know St. Augustine, Florida is the U.S. nations oldest city? Guided Tours of St. Augustine Explore St. Augustine, Florida Museums And Collections 4 History 4 Architectural Oddities 3 Monuments 2 Forts 2 Martin Luther King 2 Civil Rights 2 St.. Just keep in mind the last trolley leaves the main station at 4:30pm. This will never cost you extra, and I appreciate your support! Explore the saga of Juan Ponce de Leon and his quest for new lands and magical waters. Its like a train wreck its hard to watch, but you cant look away! Because of your blog we are heading to St. Augustine instead of Orlando in December! Back 40 Urban Cafe and Pizzaley's Chianti Room are also great choices. The park is comprised of more than ten acres and includes historic markers describing the landing, as well as a partially reconstructed village of the Timucuan Native Americans, who lived in the area for generations before it was officially discovered and settled. Well, over 20,000 people showed up. The house is known for its quaint and historic stone architecture and gives visitors a unique glimpse into the manner of living more than two centuries ago when the area was unexplored and dangerous. You can snorkel and touch starfish, urchins, horseshoe crabs; learn everything there is to learn about marine conservation; and, if you're brave enough, go diving with sharks! A visit to the city of St. Augustine is not complete without an all-round tour. If your kids dont like to sit still that long I recommend coordinating some of your site seeing on the tour so everyone can get off and explore for a little while. Its evolved into a rather unusual tourist attraction within the city, and while theres little factual basis behind the park and its supposed archaeological finds, its still a unique place to visit. St. Augustine has been home to natives and foreigners, colonials and pilgrims, soldiers and prisoners, slaves and free blacks, merchants and industrialists. She discovered her love for travel writing a few years ago and hopes to encourage other people to begin solo traveling through her writing. ], 12 Best Things To Do In Houston With Kids. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab1a076ca5badb89a7ce9cbe14604333" );document.getElementById("d5809b89a0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. You can take a tour of the inside of the schoolhouse, as well as the beautiful property around it. Take the opportunity to embark on this scary tour to see the city differently. I think because there were so many our chance of seeing one move was a lot higher. Another of the best things to do in St Augustine is to explore Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. The Great Outdoors: Beaches On Vilano Beach in St. Augustine. You can take selfies with any of the 160 wax figures including Harry Potter, Captain Jack Sparrow, Yoda and more. Why We Recommend This Night Activity Do you want to take your weeknights to a whole new level? This is a fun activity with kids. For fun. St. Johns County Ocean Pier. The rooms are simple but fully equipped with a coffee maker, minifridge, TV, and microwave. There is a wide variety of things to do for all ages in the nation's oldest city. A1A Ale Works was a great restaurant on the south side of town right across from the Bridge of Lions. Package tours can start at about $35 per person. 15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Beach (FL), Source: Nicole Glass Photography / shutterstock, Source: PauloAlmeidaPhotography / shutterstock, Best Hotels in St Augustine Beach, Florida (FL), 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA), Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Whether it's the fresh smell of sea mist or the beautiful sound of waves crashing, it's never a . The beaches are more than 1,600 acres long, giving you plenty of opportunities to sunbathe and view wildlife among the sand dunes. While they have every kind of white and red wine you can think of, they specialize in Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Playing at night under the lights is a fun way to end a long day, and the course is close enough to the ocean to get round-the-clock sea breezes. The winery grows a huge range of different grapes and produces a vast array of different wines. The Lightener Museum houses an impressive collection of 18th-century art, along with a few more . They built the famous fort, Castillo de San Marco, to help fight off regular attacks from the French and English. Your trip to St. Augustine is sure to be a lively one! The highlight of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is the 165-foot tall lighthouse which is the oldest surviving brick structure in the city. One of the best things to do in St Augustine is to visit the quirky Pirate and Treasure Museum. So they are constantly jumping out of the water and are swimming all around the habitatswhere you can watch from the underwater glass window. St. George Street is the main street that runs through downtown. They also have a trolley system that stops at all major tourist attractions and the nearby beaches. San Sebastian stands as one of Floridas premium wineries and remains a pioneer in the development of complimentary wine, table, sparkling, and dessert wines from hybrid and muscadine grapes. Mid-range: Hampton Inn St. Augustine has free breakfast and is only 2 miles from Anastasia Beach and 1 mile from Ripleys Believe it or Not. It was quite a sight. Explore the rich history of the fort and the exhibits by taking a guided tour with the parks rangers. Usually we walk by these things because they are pretty expensive but this one had a sign where if you paid you could hold an animal and take your own picture. If you are staying outside of downtown or closer to the beaches, you might want to consider keeping your rental car to get to all the places you need to go. They do a great job including all of the history of St. Augustine along with all of the cool attractions and things they have built up. Hi! If you are driving into Florida from the north, you can take I-95 South until you reach exit 318. Unique Things to Do in St. Augustine -Walk Down the Oldest Street in the U.S. Take a Tour of the Oldest Masonry Fort in the United States Unique Things to Do in St. Augustine - Stay at the Oldest Inn in America Unique Things to Do in St. Augustine - Taste Test an Ice Cream Sandwich with a Cool History Take a Three-Hour Drinking Tour of Downtown Best 7 Things to Do in St. AugustineAmericas Oldest City. It is best known as the citys premier live music venue with its open picnic table seating and outdoor stage, lit by lanterns and covered with trees. Please read my disclosure for more info. This is a privately owned park located along Hospital Creek in St. Augustine. There are a lot of great restaurants in Saint Augustine! You can rent one from Aqua East (a surf shop a few miles from the beach) or you could rent a surf board and give surfing a try! Theres music, drinks, food, singing and dancing, and the crew and entertainers are all dressed up in period costumes from the pirating days. Carpenters, candle-makers, blacksmiths, and other tradesmen demonstrate how the settlers lived during the 1740s. Table of Contents Things To Do In St Augustine With Kids Alligator Farm Marineland Dolphin Adventure The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park Colonial Quarter Fort Castillo De San Marcos Splash Pad St. Augustine Beach Boat tour Trolley tour Pirate Museum Ghost Tour Potter's Wax Museum History and Architecture Where To Eat Hyppo popsicles St. Augustines exceptionally rich history makes for the perfect destination for those who love being immersed in centuries-old Spanish culture. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum Ever wonder what it would be like to live as a pirate for the day? They have TONS of different kinds of alligators and right when you walk in you can see the Albino alligator along with a bunch of baby albino alligators. All of us (even our 3 year old) was able to take a fish and toss it in Sunnys mouth. There are a LOT of things to do in St. Augustine with kids from history to attractions to surfing! During the cool fall and winter months, the facility hosts a variety of live entertainment and concerts, but during non-event days, its a popular destination for walkers and tourists. Marineland Dolphin Adventure is about 20 miles south of St. Augustine on A1A (beach front avenue!). The area's best restaurants will offer . Budget: The Cozy Inn is family-owned and operated. Luxury: 44 Spanish Street Inn is right in the historic district and just a 5-minute walk to the Castillo de San Marcos. If you are interested in the RV lifestyle, but dont have an RV just yet, you can test out an RV rental for your trip to St. Augustine. Compass RV Park and Ocean Grove RV Resort are also campgrounds located in St. Augustine. If your kids are reading, they had computers set up that acted as magic books that you could read through to learn pirate history. If you dare, you can even sign up for a nighttime tour. Golfers from all over the country flock to Florida during the fall, winter, and spring months to enjoy its abundant courses and perfect weather. For many, a trip to the World Golf Hall of Fame is a must. It was originally built in 1742 and was part of a huge Spanish military settlement. The location is great because you can walk to all of the cities attractions that are located by the water from here. Now, the fort is a national monument thats set on more than 100 acres and includes officer and soldiers barracks, magazines, ramparts, and even original canons. Amenities include bathrooms, showers, and covered seating areas, and theres ample city parking nearby thats relatively inexpensive. Here, you can find a weird and wonderful array of exhibits and attractions, from shrunken heads to mind-boggling illusions. There are no fees to take the ferry or visit the fort. Tour the Holiday Regatta of Lights And would recommend you add it to your list of spots when in St. Augustine on your family trip! St. George Street is a pedestrian-only street, rich with history and lined with beautiful shops, restaurants, attractions such as Old City Gate, the Oldest Wooden SchoolHouse among others. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Beach (FL). Raintree Restaurant. The St. Augustine Ponte Vedra website lists all of the best ways to tour. Your email address will not be published. There is also the World Golf Hall Of Fame and multiple Art Galleries throughout the city. You walk out on the boardwalk over Alligator Swamp and on both sides the swamp is FILLED with alligators. Its located right in the center of historic downtown. Keep that in mind when making your holiday travel plans. 15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine (FL), Source: Nicole Glass Photography / shutterstock, St. Johns River Water Management District / Facebook, Best Hotels in St Augustine, Florida (FL), 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA), St Augustine Light House and Maritime Museum, Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Its an incredible city full of history, art, and music. They offer not only wines, but cheese and chocolates to compliment them too. Due to its abundant amenities and convenient location, its where many vacationers in the area spend much of their time. All the rooms are equipped with minifridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. The night tours are usually pub crawls or ghost tours so they may be more appropriate for adults only. Unfortunately, that wasnt fed from a magical spring, it was just from a garden hose. All opinionshere are my own. The lighthouse is the oldest brick structure in St. Augustine and one of its most iconic landmarks. St. Augustine is pretty small and safe, so walking everywhere is easy. As youre walking down the street, every shop display has beautiful, unique hand-made items ranging from: Enjoy a variety of delicacies at the restaurants along this street. Learn more. Its a 4-minute walk from Castillo de San Marcos. The Trolleys come by each stop every 15 to 20 minutes. There are a LOT of things to do in St. Augustine with kids from history to attractions to surfing! The Jacksonville airport is only about an hour away from St. Augustine, but its pretty small and the airlines that fly into it are limited. You can drink from the well at the park, claimed to provide a youthful glow to those who drink from it. Its open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the restaurant is open until 9 p.m. They have coloring sheets for the kids and a great selection of kids meals! Here are the top picks for the most interesting things to do in St. Augustine. The restaurant is just a short walk from the beach and features Caribbean and Latin American influenced cuisines sporting fresh local ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a chill, island atmosphere. Your email address will not be published. Plus the kids had chocolate covered pretzels from the wine store so they were good to go :)! Learn more about the history with a tour through the Government House Museum where Spanish governors administered the colony of La Florida and current exhibits feature the citys amazing past. Images do not reflect racial preference. This conservation area is found just outside of the city center. When you travel with your kids 24/7 you dont get much if any of a chance to get out on your own. Whether its the fresh smell of sea mist or the beautiful sound of waves crashing, its never a dull moment at the beach. As his name suggests, he is the largest alligator that they have clocking in at over 15 feet long! They are willing to pose for pictures, share stories on the experiences of colonialists who dwelt at the fort and answer any questions you may have. Also, be sure to check out our Florida Road Trip as this is a stop on the route and keep going south with our Florida Keys Road Trip post! When shes not working, you can find her with a glass of red wine planning her next trip. Miniature golf, on the other hand, is a blast for all ages, and theres no need to worry about proper attire or course etiquette. They also do presentations, Junior Ranger programs, and had a cannon firing as well. Castillo de San Marcos is located at 1 S Castillo Dr, St Augustine, FL, 32084. The historic downtown area is also a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat, do some boutique shopping, or buy locally-made items. Subscribe now and learn how to plan the trip of your dreams with an exclusive step-by-step guide. I am not sure if they always offer this or if it is more of a pop up thing. Seriously, it was really cool and we would highly recommend visiting it even if you are just driving through the area. It might seem like a niche subject, but this museum offers an intriguing insight into medicinal practices throughout the colonial period. As such, this ancient city has a rich history and many legends and stories of ghosts abound. Its open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.95. Day-trips are popular to the cities mentioned above, and a variety of state and national parks and historic sites are close-at-hand as well. Join My Flying Leap to get new blog posts, travel inspiration, and travel tips. Located on South Castillo Drive along the western side of Matanzas Bay, Castillo de San Marcos is one of the St. Augustine Beach areas most popular and significant historic attractions and dates back more than three centuries. Whether youre visiting alone, with friends, or as a couple, St. Augustine has something for everyone. The ride is about an hour and a half, so if you bring snacks for your kids and talk about all of the things you are sailing past (the lighthouse, the bridge, other boats) I think they should be well occupied. Gypsy Cab Company. The building was constructed in the Spanish Revival Style and includes a tranquil, palm-lined courtyard featuring ponds and a bridge. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Natalie has been traveling mostly solo for the past 6 years internationally and across the United States. [CDATA[ (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); // ]]> If you like this post, you may also like: The Ultimate Florida Road Trip: 31 Places Not To Miss, 25 Epic Things To Do In Destin, Florida [Including Where To Stay], 4 Favorite Florida Beaches From a near native Floridian, 26 Epic Things To Do In Key West [Including Where To Stay], 29 Best Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama. Feel free to ask them any questions about the fort or stop and listen to one of the quick 15 minute presentations. Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in 1742 to protect the river that leads to St. Augustine. There are even a few unconventional activities nearby, such as ghost tours of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and cannon and musket firing demonstrations at the Colonial Quarter.. Theyre open every day from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fees are $8 per vehicle or $2 per person. You pay in 15 minute increments and. Tours start at around $24 per person, depending on your time of day and tour length. The house is inexpensive to visit and located just a few blocks inland from the St. Augustine Inlet within easy walking distance from the Lightner Museum. They will also explain the history of all the architecture and historic buildings. We were excited to visit St. Augustine but we really were not expecting to enjoy it as much as we did! The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is one of the best places to learn about this interesting and disturbing slice of local history. If you want to take a more organized approach to explore the area, take a historic walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. Located within the lavish walls of the former Hotel Alcazar, a building which dates to 1887, a visit to the Lightner Museum is a chance to learn more about St Augustines extensive history. All products and company names marked as trademarked () or registered () are trademarks of their respective holders. St. Johns Pier is the most popular spot on St. Augustine beach, located south of Anastasia State Park. The wine tours and tasting are complimentary, so feel free to learn about the wine-making process and sample different kinds before buying. With all there is to see along this portion of the Florida coast, this 10-hour cruise is a great way to see some of the state's most important east-coast sites like Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum and Fort Matanzas. On our travels we have come across quite a few of them and they are really good! Join me in creating a life we dream about! After the tour we were lucky enough to do a touch and feed experience with one of the dolphins. This is what St Augustine would have looked like centuries ago before the Spanish ever arrived in Florida. There are a lot of fun things to do in St. Augustine for a day trip or a weekend. You can tour on a train with Santa, have a pirate tour on a boat, take a helicopter ride with Old City Helicopters, or even tour in a comfortable, luxury gold cart. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is located at 14 St. George Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084. Its a fascinating look at Floridas, the wider Caribbeans, and Americas history of piracy. They also have an amazing variety of desserts and sparkling wines. Or if you are able to, swim with dolphins! A regular delight for families and youngsters, the outdoor, open-air St. Augustine Aquarium is the area's premier destination to interact with interesting sea creatures. Even our kids (who arent huge seafood fans) loved them! The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Are Waiting for You! The walking tour includes several opportunities to stop and shop in local boutiques. Its not too well known outside the area, but the coast around St. Augustine is some of the oldest continually inhabited land in the country. Dogs are welcome on the Red Train Tour but I dont believe they are on the orange trolley. If youre looking for a place to take advantage of Floridas beaches and see some great wildlife, Anastasia State Park is a great place to visit. The seafood was very fresh and one of their specialty appetizers chowder fries (french fries with clam chowder on them) was very good! Such as Black Beards floating, talking head. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Shearwater. Sunset Grille is located across the street from the St. Augustine beach. It was originally used by the Spanish to protect them against attacks from the French and British. You pay in 15 minute increments and you can only do up to 4 hours at a time, I believe. This street is best known as a shopping destination for souvenirs with its unique boutiques and shops. Looking into his eyes we were able to feel how gentle and caring he was. Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf features an 18-hole course thats adjacent to a hotel popular with out-of-state visitors. Just kidding. The Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum. San Sebastian Winery is located at 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL, 32084. St. Augustine is home to Flagler College, so May and August can get very crowded in the city with graduation ceremonies and visiting parents. Prices are pretty reasonable on the rentals. The Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum was built in 1691, and it presents three themes that are equally worthy of seeing. We havent seen these animals in action too often because it seems like they normally just lay around. You can even find an Egyptian Mummy and a somewhat chilling shrunken head. Im so glad we got to do this! The property also includes a kitchen used to make lunch for the students and a 250-year-old pecan tree. Magic Kingdom In One Day 11 Tips On How To Do It! Though many visitors choose to veg-out and soak-up the Florida sun, many opt for hitting the road. The Hall of Fames exhibits include historic memorabilia pertaining to golfs most memorable moments and the evolution of the game over the years, as well as the contributions made by women players. It is a Passport America site. I wasnt sure how much they would care about these little food pellets but they did! So you can take your time exploring the city and spread it out over 3 days. If youre a sweet tooth, theres a variety of options from cafes, bakeries, casual eateries, candy shops, and ice cream parlors. Better known as The Colonial Experience, the tour will take you on a journey through history. Located on Aviles Street in St. Augustine, the Ximenez-Fatio House was built in the last few years of the 18th century. Theres lots to do and best to reserve a day to fully explore this lively street. Things to Do in St Augustine Castillo de San Marcos. There were sooooo many. You can bring your own food and drinks or buy things from their snack stand on board. If grizzly history is your thing though, then St Augustine has plenty to offer you. We were able to sit outside on the balcony where we could see the water and look down the streets of St. Augustine. The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum was a neat place to see. Fort Matanzas is one of the most visited monuments in Florida, and its located right along the beautiful Matanzas River. It's open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.95. The farm also has many mammals, such as lemurs and sloths. Its the perfect way to explore this nations oldest city and visit all the hot spots in the shortest time. Im headed there with hubby, 19 and 13 yr old right before Christmas.so excited to see the lights! While its a top tourist city in Florida, St. Augustine also has many lesser-known attractions youll surely enjoy. You can also experience living history with rangers in period-dress around the fort. If you dont park by the trolley and use that for transportation there is a large parking lot located right by Fort Castillo De San Marcos where you can park. All rights reserved. There are 50 different courses you can go through, including soaring right over the crocodiles. The monuments grounds are connected by easily walkable paths and plenty of historic plaques describing the things youre seeing; its common to see a range of wildlife as well. In addition to their assortment of chocolates, fudges, and candies, many visitors choose to join one of their regularly scheduled factory tours. In many ways, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is the modern yin to the historic towns centuries-old yang. They do a brief video which we did not watch but instead waited outside the room for it to finish so we could go to the tasting room. It was the first type of settlement of its kind in Florida, as the Spanish welcomed in slaves who had escaped from what was at the time the British colonies to the north. Here are the different packages of trolley tours. The facility is right on the ocean, so you get the ocean breeze and hear the waves as you are watching these extraordinary creatures! There is a splash pad that is right by the St. Augustine beach. They even have wine and beer score! We did the behind the scenes tour and it was really interesting to learn all about the history of Marineland and to learn more about the dolphins and other sea creatures they have on display inside (you can only see these ones with the tour). The facility is located at the World Golf Village just northwest of downtown St. Augustine and includes tens of thousands of square feet of permanent exhibits dedicated to the history of golf both worldwide and in the Sunshine State. This place looks amazing and what a better way to learn US History than to visit the oldest city in the US! The zip line will also bring you into very close contact with the birds and lemurs. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. If you are looking for an educational and fun vacation with beach time and extra activities in the mix then St. Augustine is the perfect family vacation location for you and your family! It allowed for as many people as you wanted in the picture. And he'll bring along special guests Michael . St. Augustine doesnt have an airport, so you will need to fly into Jacksonville (JAX) or Orlando (MCO). It ended up that the kids would have stayed all afternoon! They also serve beer, which in no way swayed my opinion of this absolutely fantastic place. It offers free beach access. During the tour, you can even view original school books and materials used during Spanish Colonial times. The museum is located on South Castillo Drive in St. Augustine and gives guests a unique and often hair-raising insight into the lives and legends of some of the areas most memorable pirates and treasure seekers. The sites exhibits include weapons and historic signs describing the harsh conditions of life in the castle in ages past. St. Augustine Beach Pier is conveniently located adjacent to the northern section of St. Augustine Beach, making it the perfect place to visit in the late afternoon when the Florida sun is beginning to set over the horizon. The whole experience was amazing and something we would highly recommend doing when you are in the St. Augustine, FL area. If beaches are your think you will also want to check out Anastasia State Park. Also once you have your trolley ticket it is good for 3 days. The Spanish, who saw the need to fortify what was then a tiny garrison town, built the Castillo between 1672 and 1695. For much of its existence, it operated as a boarding house primarily used by merchants and government officials visiting the area. The fort was originally built by Spaniards to protect Florida when it was still their colony and to defend the Atlantic trade route. I have always wanted to do this but with 4 kids, it is expensive. On the rooftop, you can get an incredible view of the city, listen to live music and enjoy food at the Cellars Upstairs Bar & Restaurant. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a fun and rewarding way to experience this historic city. Then you get to the middle section that is filled with humongous alligators. But the tour guide (Dylan) was really nice and he was ok with us walking away from the group if we needed to. You can also bring your pet for a small additional fee. The best part for the kids was the hands on experience in one of the houses on the property. Old City St. Augustine is full of quaint streets, historic buildings, and trendy cafes and shops that make it popular with history-minded travelers and those who prefer self-guided tours to more organized ones. Craig was really into Spanish explorers when he was in school and says that Ponce De Leon was his favorite. Its open every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We have been to quite a few zoos and aquariums so we werent sure if it would be worth it. Here are some of the top picks! It has since grown into one of the largest Florida tourist attractions. Make sure to stop in the Whetstone Chocolate Factory for homemade fudge and other amazing chocolate treats. On the way you walk by some humongous tortoises. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. With general admission you can walk around the grounds and see the sea turtle they have on site, the sting ray, the sharks, and the dolphins. For those whod rather be shown around by a knowledgeable local, there are a variety of tour options available as well. The last thing was to feed him. We splurged and did both the alligator and the snake! Some of them surprised us since we didnt think the kids would enjoy them but we were wrong! It was definitely one of our favorite places we visited in St. Augustine. Wonderful. Plus, we got to see them walking around and also swimming. Hey, I loved your take on the St. Augustine trip. It was so fun to watch them! They also have a distillery stop on the tour at St. Augustine Distillery where you can do free sampling as well. This guide has everything you need to find top activities in this incredible historic city. Don't miss the opportunity to dig deeper into the history of St. Augustine during the first Spanish period. Its very laid back with all the burrito and taco combinations you can think of. Castillo de San Marcos. Many restaurants throughout downtown St. Augustine stay open during the holiday and will be happy to serve you a delectable Thanksgiving feast. 24 Amazing Tips for Universal Volcano Bay [Must Read! The waters off Floridas Atlantic and Gulf Coasts were once crawling with pirates and other nefarious characters involved in rum-running and pillaging coastal towns. I guess Jacksonville, FL used to be like Hollywood! For a fine dining experience, try Llama Restaurant. You can relax at The Cellar Upstairs Wine Bar & Restaurant which is open with modified hours from Thursday to Sunday. You may see ghosts or ghosts gravestones, and you will certainly hear fascinating tales and see famous locations said to be haunted. Entry is $27.99 for adults and $16.99 for kids. The Fountain of Youth was not like that! Yes, I did say our dogs drank from it. Its really great! All rights in these materials are reserved. Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille is one of the best places around if you're in the mood for Creole-style seafood, something St. Augustine is famous for, and The Floridian Restaurant serves excellent Southern dishes. The cathedral is home to the nation's first Catholic parish, it was first built in 1797, then rebuilt after a fire in 1887. They are educational and entertaining. Though the park doesnt have the amenities that other area parks do, therein lies much of its charm; it tends to draw smaller crowds, making it an excellent destination for those who prefer to enjoy nature and avoid the hordes. 4. It was built in the mid-60s to commemorate its 400th anniversary. Materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. There is a snack bar too if you are interested in eating lunch there. They had a scavenger hunt the kids could do for a prize at the end and some pirate artifacts to look at. Dont worry. St. Johns Pier is the most popular spot on St. Augustine beach, located south of Anastasia State Park. They also offer free parking, and a hot breakfast served in a beautiful brick courtyard. Originally founded by the Spanish, St Augustine served as the capital of Florida during the Spanish rule, and then during the British rule, before Florida eventually became part of the United States of America. We experienced a lot of what St. Augustine has to offer and these were our top choices for your family trip. Plus they have demonstrations and tours we didnt do any of these and a couple of pubs and restaurants on the property! Our kids were 8, 5, 5, and 3 at the time and the 8 year old and one of the 5 year olds did really well and were interested in everything. The best things to do in St. Augustine cant be numbered. Explore and learn about different types of wildlife in St. Augustine such as birds, alligators, snakes, and so much more! Bluegrass Caribbean Jazz R&B Rock ALL Things to Do Discover More about the nation's oldest city Come explore St. Augustine and see why this seaside town is frequented annually by thousands of visitors from all over the world. This imposing fort was built on the coast by the Spanish in the late 17th century. St. Augustine is a walkable city if you are staying in or near the downtown area. The museum features old shipwreck artifacts, boatworks, World War II-era structures, and heritage trails. The dolphins will play with balls and other toys just like kids do. Try the spicy shrimp tacos or the traditional Mexican tostadas. Its only a 7-minute walk from the historic downtown district and 1 mile from the Castillo de San Marcos. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine (FL). Exploring historic downtown St. Augustine is a must if you want to see the culture of the city. The museums exhibits touch on a variety of topics from local history and culture to music, science, and art from the Victorian era. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for exceptional views along the coast, while the on-site museum offers a wonderful glimpse into local maritime history, in what is one of the oldest cities in the United States of America. It is cool to see and compare all the different kinds. Its best to avoid St. Augustine during Christmas and New Year because it gets very crowded and hotel prices soar. The Saint Augustine Tour Combo Package includes the Old Town Trolley Tour, access to the Old Jail, the Oldest Store Experience, and the Saint Augustine History Museum. This archaeological site in the city claims to be the landing site of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer who came to the Americas in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth in the early 16th century. Its open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with most tour options leaving every hour. Plus you can walk up to the top and look out over the ocean. From Ponte Vedra Beach and heading south to Vilano, Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, and Washington Oaks State Park, all told there are more than 42 miles of beaches to enjoy. Sadly, the aging explorer came up empty-handed, but those visiting the area can get a fascinating insight into the regions history by visiting Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park on Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine. Make sure to make reservations for all the tours ahead of time as they fill up! The Old Town Trolley Tour is a great way to get an overview of St. Augustine and everything it has to offer. 28. Spacious patios on the front and back of the house. It originally opened over 100 years as just a small exhibit of Florida reptiles. It was a little much for the other 5 year old and 3 year old. I remember being a kid and just being bored having to visit those types of places. And even if you cant stay in. Its a little bit of a drive and may take a good half day, but it is so worth it! We had heard the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park was a must visit while in St. Augustine, but we were skeptical. Plus the kids liked pretending they were on a pirate ship! Another quirky stop on your travel itinerary when visiting St Augustine should be Ripleys Believe It or Not. If youre an adrenaline junkie, make sure you make a reservation for zip lining. Heres the playlist weve created for St. Augustine. The Peruvian menu is all locally sourced and changes throughout the seasons. It soon became the center of Spanish power in Florida. You really feel like you are walking down the streets in the 1800s. They do have fantastic Christmas festivals and a lighting ceremony, though, if youre interested. Orlando is a huge international airport about 2 hours away from St. Augustine. It was relatively close to St. Augustine (about 20 minutes) and we left every day to go to the beach or St. Augustine so it worked out well. Then we were able to give a few training commands and it was awesome! For wine lovers, visiting the San Sebastian Winery is a must. Im the Captain for this Crazy Family Adventure. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Again it may be one you would overlook, but if your kids are into history and they enjoy playing make believe then. Its a fascinating place to visit, and you can find many archaeological remnants to explore within this state park. The dogs could go everywhere gift shop, all attractions, they even had the Fountain of Pooch. Marineland was originally made as a movie studio back in the 1940s. Brochures and maps are available to guide you around the site, should you consider a self-guided tour. One of the best memories we made was holding an alligator and and a Ball python for a picture! Hop on and off the quaint Tolley car as you please, and enjoy over 20 well-loved stops such as: The Fountain of Youth. The authentic replica pirate ship offers an onboard pirate-themed show. All things the kids could play with. Most previous museum guests considered the cost of admission reasonable, though it costs a few bucks more to visit popular exhibits featuring works by famous artists like Degas. Check out all of the stops here. The park surrounding the facility is comprised of nearly 20 scenic acres, and during events, the amphitheater can seat thousands of spectators. But it is cool to visit and see all of the history especially since a lot of the history happened right around St. Augustine. The pier area offers other free amenities such as: Visitors can engage in different sporting games at the piers beach volleyball courts and bocce courts. Some of the best choices are the pork belly and the ceviche. One of the best memories we made was holding an alligator and and a Ball python for a picture! You can go ahead and pack your bags. With songs like "Love Like Crazy," "Hard to Love" and "I Don't Dance," Brice is called one of the most-often played country artists. 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