Enjoy a variety of mouth-watering sandwiches, meat & cheese platters, and salads, St. Augustines very best. Canoeing and kayaking are popular park activities, and fishing, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing are perennial favorites as well. The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum was a neat place to see. Its the perfect way to explore this nations oldest city and visit all the hot spots in the shortest time. We have been excited to visit St. Augustine, FL since we started traveling. St. Augustine is pretty small and safe, so walking everywhere is easy. Then you walk through a maze of all different kinds of alligators and crocodiles. Hi! 1. Craig was really into Spanish explorers when he was in school and says that Ponce De Leon was his favorite. There was so much to see and the park itself was just cool to walk around in. It is claimed to be the landing site for Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the park covers less than one acre, with one building and one structure. 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. The St. Augustine Ponte Vedra website lists all of the best ways to tour. The Fountain of Youth was not like that! 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. 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. The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Are Waiting for You! Fort Mose was built by the Spanish in the 18th century and was initially intended to be a settlement for freed slaves. It boasts an abundance of waterfalls, caves, and gazebos that make it both challenging and scenic. Here are the top picks for the most interesting things to do in St. Augustine. When the Spanish constructed it in the 1600s, the fort housed a small garrison tasked with defending the coastline. 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. Many hotels and inns also offer bike rentals to help you get places faster. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a fun and rewarding way to experience this historic city. 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. Fort Matanzas is one of the most visited monuments in Florida, and its located right along the beautiful Matanzas River. We recommend the Secrets of St. Augustine Ghost Tour, whose master storyteller has great reviews for creating and awesome experience all around. Whether it's the fresh smell of sea mist or the beautiful sound of waves crashing, it's never a . Actually no, Bryanna calls all the shots, I just wear a Captains hat sometimes. Learn about the Native American history from the Timucua Indian Exhibit and a visit to the Native Timucua Village of Seloy, all within the park. Its also right off Interstate 75, so it made navigating the rig easy. 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. Awww! The winery is located just outside of the city center. Experience the different wildlife shows hosted at the park that feature different species of the animal kingdom. I noticed you brought your four legged friends with you, were they able to ride the orange trolley as well? 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. Marineland was originally made as a movie studio back in the 1940s. The perfect setting for live performances and local bands perform there nightly. Craig sampled a couple of fall flavors and said it was very good as well! It was also cool to see how much they love the animals at Marineland and how happy and healthy the dolphins were! St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum on Lighthouse Avenue aims to preserve St. Augustine's maritime history and educate visitors about its significance. During the tour, you can even view original school books and materials used during Spanish Colonial times. Canoe and kayak rentals are available so you can enjoy the canals and waterways. Its really great! Weve got you covered. It was named St. Augustine because it was established on August 28th, the feast day of St. Augustine. You can also experience living history with rangers in period-dress around the fort. Make sure to make reservations for all the tours ahead of time as they fill up! The wine tours and tasting are complimentary, so feel free to learn about the wine-making process and sample different kinds before buying. You can drink from the well at the park, claimed to provide a youthful glow to those who drink from it. 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. This is where the Spanish mined the stone that would build the first forts and buildings in St Augustine. Magic Kingdom In One Day 11 Tips On How To Do It! Located just a few minutes away from St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park is comprised of marshes, mangroves, and idyllic beaches that tend to make outdoor-loving visitors feel like theyre farther away from civilization than they really are. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. They are educational and entertaining. Now, its a national monument situated on about 20 scenic acres overlooking the waterway. With the European influences apparent throughout the city, youll feel like youre strolling down the cobblestone streets of Spain or Italy. 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 Tour the Holiday Regatta of Lights This quarter captures the essence of St. Augustines rich heritage. 2018-2022 My Flying Leap. 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. Im headed there with hubby, 19 and 13 yr old right before Christmas.so excited to see the lights! The Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum was built in 1691, and it presents three themes that are equally worthy of seeing. There are a LOT of things to do in St. Augustine with kids from history to attractions to surfing! 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. 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. 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. You can bring your own food and drinks or buy things from their snack stand on board. This local distillery produces gin, rum, vodka, and of course, whiskey; they concoct some of the best cocktails in the city too. Its full of local art shops, small museums, and great cafes. Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in 1742 to protect the river that leads to St. Augustine. It stands 165 feet high with an impressive 219 steps. And would recommend you add it to your list of spots when in St. Augustine on your family trip! The beach area is huge and there is plenty of room to spread out to build sand castles, have a picnic, and then go for a swim. It was built in the mid-60s to commemorate its 400th anniversary. Just a few miles outside of the city, you can find one of Floridas most important historical sites. 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. Check it out and subscribe to our channel! The dogs could go everywhere gift shop, all attractions, they even had the Fountain of Pooch. They have one of those little feeding dispensers where you can put in a quarter to get a handful of pellet food. Castillo de San Marcos is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay and is one of the most popular St. Augustine attractions. They offer not only wines, but cheese and chocolates to compliment them too. 06 of 14 Explore the Oldest Wooden School House 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! You can relax at The Cellar Upstairs Wine Bar & Restaurant which is open with modified hours from Thursday to Sunday. The schoolhouse was built in 1716 and is the only original wooden structure left in St. Augustine. Or if you are able to, swim with dolphins! ], 12 Best Things To Do In Houston With Kids. I love learning new things, snuggling a dog, historic architecture, hiking, bold red wine, and doing things that scare me a little. There is a splash pad that is right by the St. Augustine beach. The local park rangers are always near the fort. With such a rich heritage, theres a lot to see in St. Augustine. So they are constantly jumping out of the water and are swimming all around the habitatswhere you can watch from the underwater glass window. 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. In the proceeding century, it would withstand two attacks by the British as they looked to expand south into Florida. They were climbing on top of each other to get to them. We hope to do that some day. After the tour we were lucky enough to do a touch and feed experience with one of the dolphins. 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. They also have a trolley system that stops at all major tourist attractions and the nearby beaches. 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! Join me in creating a life we dream about! In many ways, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is the modern yin to the historic towns centuries-old yang. 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. Columbia Restaurant is one of the most famous places to eat in Florida. Conveniently located near the junction of Interstate 95 and US Route 1, Faver-Dykes State Park is about a 20-minute drive from St. Augustine Beach and lies along one of the premier sections of the states popular canoe trail. If you want to take a more organized approach to explore the area, take a historic walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. Subscribe now and learn how to plan the trip of your dreams with an exclusive step-by-step guide. If you are driving from Orlando or another part of Florida, you can drive on the Florida Turnpike and I-95 North to get to St. Augustine. Its open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can take a tour of the inside of the schoolhouse, as well as the beautiful property around it. Located on the Western shore of Matanzas Bay, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the US. For wine lovers, visiting the San Sebastian Winery is a must. Flagler College. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is located at 14 St. George Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084. Hop on and off the quaint Tolley car as you please, and enjoy over 20 well-loved stops such as: The Fountain of Youth. She discovered her love for travel writing a few years ago and hopes to encourage other people to begin solo traveling through her writing. At the end our kids were about to break out in a wrestling match so again I think the timing is just right for young kids. The fort is on a barrier island, so you get to experience a beautiful ferry ride as you journey to the fort. They do have fantastic Christmas festivals and a lighting ceremony, though, if youre interested. Natalie has been traveling mostly solo for the past 6 years internationally and across the United States. The jail dates to 1891, and you can join guided tours through the cells that are actually led by actors dressed as inmates, in full historical outfits. Im sure youve heard of all the amazing sites, and youre probably overwhelmed with multiple choices. It shows what the village would have looked like hundreds of years ago. I have always wanted to do this but with 4 kids, it is expensive. Castillo de San Marcos. 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. Walking down George Street in downtown St. Augustine is an experience in itself. The museum houses a vast array of pirate exhibits, with many unique finds that include the likes of a gun that was supposedly owned by notorious privateer Blackbeard, as well as gold stolen by buccaneers and much, much more. There are only eight rooms, so the atmosphere is quaint and quiet. The park includes more than 1,500 acres. Since 1967, The Whetstone Chocolate Factory has been producing St. Augustines most sought after sweets. The list is in order from top to bottom of what we recommend you do when visiting. We havent seen these animals in action too often because it seems like they normally just lay around. These things were huge and were really awesome to watch walk around. Check out all of the stops here. The area is one of the regions most scenic, and the pier is a great place to relax while taking in the remarkable ocean vistas, or with a good book and a cold drink. Craig was really into Spanish explorers when he was in school and says that Ponce De Leon was his favorite. Tours start at around $24 per person, depending on your time of day and tour length. Located on King Street in St. Augustine, The Lightner Museum is housed in a historic hotel that was originally built in the 1880s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area's best restaurants will offer . Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Budget: The Cozy Inn is family-owned and operated. The historic downtown area is also a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat, do some boutique shopping, or buy locally-made items. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine FL, 32080. We were excited to visit St. Augustine but we really were not expecting to enjoy it as much as we did! A Locals Guide to the Top 11 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Disney, 10 Best Day Trips from Orlando You Wont Want to Miss, Where to Stay in Orlando: Best Areas & Accommodations, The Best Southeast USA Road Trip: Orlando, Savannah, and Charleston, The National Parks of Florida & Why You Should Visit, Fun Things to Do In Miami You Wont Want to Miss. They also have an amazing variety of desserts and sparkling wines. There are so many great activities in St. Augustine for kids. It offers free beach access. It ended up that the kids would have stayed all afternoon! 1. Explore the saga of Juan Ponce de Leon and his quest for new lands and magical waters. 4. Some of our favorite eateries include: Old City House. The farm also has many mammals, such as lemurs and sloths. Well, IT WAS AWESOME!! St. Augustine is also a great town to visit for Christmas! Another of the best things to do in St Augustine is to explore Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. They did not want to leave and kept playing the British Are Coming! 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. I actually moved my family here we absolutely love the St Augustine area. Located on Anastasia Island, this is a wonderful place to explore the local nature in an area thats both historic and beautiful. 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 fort changed hands many times, but still today it stands proud in St Augustine. I wasnt sure how much they would care about these little food pellets but they did! The last thing was to feed him. St. Johns Pier is the most popular spot on St. Augustine beach, located south of Anastasia State Park. 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! Sunset Grille is located across the street from the St. Augustine beach. Amenities include bathrooms, showers, and covered seating areas, and theres ample city parking nearby thats relatively inexpensive. From the top of the 165-foot tall lighthouse, you'll also enjoy exceptional views of Matanzas Bay and the Florida coast. Its open every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For guests unfamiliar with the way chocolate and confections are made, its a unique experience thats usually a big hit with the old and young alike. 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 experience features live demonstrations of blacksmithing and musket drills, as well as a Spanish watchtower replica. The park surrounding the facility is comprised of nearly 20 scenic acres, and during events, the amphitheater can seat thousands of spectators. Their goal is that all their species can have a healthy and self-sustaining population that is also demographically stable. It was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers before Jamestown and the Plymouth colony. St. Augustine has still kept much of its historical charm, one of the main reasons its such a popular destination for travelers. Join My Flying Leap to get new blog posts, travel inspiration, and travel tips. Wine connoisseurs will want to visit the excellent San Sebastian Winery, which is found in St Augustine. Mango Mangos are particularly known for their corn cakes and jerk chicken, and there are a variety of vegan and gluten-free options available for those with dietary restrictions as well. Legend has it that centuries ago, Ponce de Leon was looking for the ever-elusive Fountain of Youth when he landed on the Florida coast. If you dare, you can even sign up for a nighttime tour. Learn more. St. Johns Pier is the most popular spot on St. Augustine beach, located south of Anastasia State Park. Copying, reproduction and distribution of materials without prior written consent of Freehold Communities is strictly prohibited. San Sebastian Winery was founded in 1996. Though many visitors choose to veg-out and soak-up the Florida sun, many opt for hitting the road. Youll be led through the darkened prison after the sun sets, and youll learn all the worst stories and exploits in the dead of the night. It was a little much for the other 5 year old and 3 year old. On the way you walk by some humongous tortoises. Located on Aviles Street in St. Augustine, the Ximenez-Fatio House was built in the last few years of the 18th century. The tall lighthouse dates back to 1874 and rises to 50 meters. All products and company names marked as trademarked () or registered () are trademarks of their respective holders. Its a fascinating look at Floridas, the wider Caribbeans, and Americas history of piracy. 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. Raintree Restaurant. 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. The boat is a decent size with tables and chairs on it. Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. 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. I recommend, or you can sit down below, which is indoors. Seriously, plan ahead with your travel plans and put some money aside so you can do an experience like this with your kids. St. Johns County Ocean Pier. 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. It was quite a sight. You really feel like you are walking down the streets in the 1800s. When it comes to straight history type of locations the kids are still kind of young and I get it. Then you get to the middle section that is filled with humongous alligators. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. The Lightener Museum houses an impressive collection of 18th-century art, along with a few more . It might seem like a niche subject, but this museum offers an intriguing insight into medicinal practices throughout the colonial period. We also used the trolley as a way for everyone to cool down and rest a bit. 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. The night tours are usually pub crawls or ghost tours so they may be more appropriate for adults only. There is a wide variety of things to do for all ages in the nation's oldest city. There were a lot of great hands-on activities for the kids. Its very laid back with all the burrito and taco combinations you can think of. It originally opened over 100 years as just a small exhibit of Florida reptiles. They work with zoos and aquariums all over the world to enact their Species Survival Plan that was started in 1981. It was originally used by the Spanish to protect them against attacks from the French and British. The museum features old shipwreck artifacts, boatworks, World War II-era structures, and heritage trails. Whether youre visiting alone, with friends, or as a couple, St. Augustine has something for everyone. If you are interested in more history and architecture of St. Augustine, consider checking out these locations: Lightner Museum Formerly the Alcazar hotel, this Victorian beauty is now a museum. There are 50 different courses you can go through, including soaring right over the crocodiles. 1. St. Augustine is sure to be a city youll never forget and will be dying to get back to! Our favorite stop was the San Sebastian Winery where they do a free wine tasting! Some of the best choices are the pork belly and the ceviche. St. Augustine is home to Flagler College, so May and August can get very crowded in the city with graduation ceremonies and visiting parents. Be sure to take a look while youre there. If grizzly history is your thing though, then St Augustine has plenty to offer you. The Old Town Trolley Tour is a great way to get an overview of St. Augustine and everything it has to offer. DoubleTree by Hilton located in the Historic District, convenient to the Fountain of Youth and Castillo De San Marcos. Located on South Castillo Drive along the western side of Matanzas Bay, Castillo de San Marcos is one of the St. Augustine Beach area's most popular and significant historic attractions and dates back more than three centuries. So you can take your time exploring the city and spread it out over 3 days. I guess Jacksonville, FL used to be like Hollywood! The authentic replica pirate ship offers an onboard pirate-themed show. Take the opportunity to embark on this scary tour to see the city differently. They have coloring sheets for the kids and a great selection of kids meals! Feel free to ask them any questions about the fort or stop and listen to one of the quick 15 minute presentations. And even if you cant stay in. 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 dolphins will play with balls and other toys just like kids do. Enjoy a tour of the park which boasts a variety of reptilian species, mammals, birds, and is the only place in the world where you can see every living crocodilian species. We were able to eat on the second floor balcony and loved the ocean breeze blowing on us as we ate our dinner. Now, it stands as a historic site where people can take self-guided tours. Just kidding. 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. The winery grows a huge range of different grapes and produces a vast array of different wines. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab1a076ca5badb89a7ce9cbe14604333" );document.getElementById("d5809b89a0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. They built the famous fort, Castillo de San Marco, to help fight off regular attacks from the French and English. It was built from 1672 and opened in 1695 by the Spanish Admiral, when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire, as a military base to protect commerce activities. Another quirky stop on your travel itinerary when visiting St Augustine should be Ripleys Believe It or Not. To be honest this is one of the locations I wasnt too sure about. This post was contributed by Natalie Castle. I remember being a kid and just being bored having to visit those types of places. But it is cool to visit and see all of the history especially since a lot of the history happened right around St. Augustine. In addition to their assortment of chocolates, fudges, and candies, many visitors choose to join one of their regularly scheduled factory tours. Its an incredible city full of history, art, and music. Here are the best things to do in St. Augustine, Florida: Visiting St Augustines Castillo de San Marcos is a real historical highlight of any trip to the city. We all had a great time throwing the food in. I have always wanted to do this but with 4 kids, it is expensive. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission. Come hungry as they have a full menu of traditional Cuban and Spanish cuisine. In fact, the city dates back to 1565 and can claim to be one of the oldest settlements in the country. Dont worry. After it was completed the studio decided to open it up to the public for a small viewing for locals. Plus they have demonstrations and tours we didnt do any of these and a couple of pubs and restaurants on the property! If youre interested in learning more about the citys maritime history, take a trip to the St Augustine Light House and Maritime Museum. They even have wine and beer score! The dolphin we got to meet was named Sunny. It was originally built in 1742 and was part of a huge Spanish military settlement. 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. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine (FL). You should do a return visit with updated pics of things to do for older kids! There is also the World Golf Hall Of Fame and multiple Art Galleries throughout the city. For the best weather, visit St. Augustine during February through April or September through November. The rooms are simple but fully equipped with a coffee maker, minifridge, TV, and microwave. The top choices include Colombia Restaurant, Minorcan Chowder, and Pizza Time. The Great Outdoors: Beaches On Vilano Beach in St. Augustine. A1A Ale Works was a great restaurant on the south side of town right across from the Bridge of Lions. Shearwater is just what youre looking for. Hey, I loved your take on the St. Augustine trip. 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. Its within walking distance from historic downtown and convenient to get to. You cant go wrong with kids and water! Oceanfront Home enjoy a fenced in yard right on the beach! Mango Mangos Caribbean Grill has attracted quite a loyal following over the past decade. The building was constructed in the Spanish Revival Style and includes a tranquil, palm-lined courtyard featuring ponds and a bridge. The fort was originally built by Spaniards to protect Florida when it was still their colony and to defend the Atlantic trade route. The Fountain of Youth is very pet friendly! The location is great because you can walk to all of the cities attractions that are located by the water from here. With a little online research, its possible to put together a list of worthwhile attractions located within a few blocks of one another. 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. After the tour we were lucky enough to do a touch and feed experience with one of the dolphins. There will also be fewer people and more time for you to enjoy your vacation without fighting the crowds. But the tour guide (Dylan) was really nice and he was ok with us walking away from the group if we needed to. This is one of the best indoor activities in Saint Augustine, perfect for a rainy day. Entry is $27.99 for adults and $16.99 for kids. Plus the kids liked pretending they were on a pirate ship! You can also bring your pet for a small additional fee. Its only a 7-minute walk from the historic downtown district and 1 mile from the Castillo de San Marcos. You can join a guided tour through the old hospital, as you learn about the fascinating and grizzly surgeries that were performed here. 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. 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. Did you know St. Augustine is our nations oldest city? Take an 80-minute narrated, historic tour around St. Augustine. Travel Guides, Itineraries, & Helpful Tips. Due to its abundant amenities and convenient location, its where many vacationers in the area spend much of their time. Here are some of the top picks! There is a snack bar too if you are interested in eating lunch there. It is cool to see and compare all the different kinds. 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. Here are some great hotels in Saint Augustine: Sebastian Hotel offering extra large guest rooms or two room suites, perfect for a family trip. San Sebastian Winery is located at 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL, 32084. Exploring historic downtown St. Augustine is a must if you want to see the culture of the city. We had a great time including our dogs since they have to sit out on so many of the cool things we do. Anastasia State Park is a big hit with bird-watchers, hikers, and all-around nature enthusiasts. If you like to get out on the water then the Scenic Cruise of St. Augustine is a great way to do that. Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse The pier is also within easy walking distance of the citys popular Wednesday morning farmers market. 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 . 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. Heres the playlist weve created for St. Augustine. The food was good and reasonably priced and they brew their own beer on site! The popsicles are handmade with natural and local ingredients. You can join a tour to see how the spirits are made firsthand, and then enjoy a few samples at the end. This quirky museum has a strange array of exhibits and artifacts, ranging from 19th-century musical instruments through to Native American archaeological finds. They also do presentations where you can learn about different kinds of animals and after one of the shows the kids were able to pet a King Snake and ask questions. When the Spanish constructed it in the 1600s, the fort housed a small garrison tasked with defending the coastline. Then we were able to give a few training commands and it was awesome! Make sure to try the 1905 salad or the traditional Cuban sandwich. Another intriguing historical site to visit is the Old Jail, where you can delve into the fascinating past of St Augustines criminals. 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. The cathedral is home to the nation's first Catholic parish, it was first built in 1797, then rebuilt after a fire in 1887. 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. 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 didnt stop while we were on the trolley and were going to try to make it back for the free sampling, but ran out of time. 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. There are a lot of great restaurants in Saint Augustine! Its open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with most tour options leaving every hour. 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! We have been excited to visit St. Augustine, FL since we started traveling. Its a little bit of a drive and may take a good half day, but it is so worth it! 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. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Shearwater. 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