The fort still stands there today and is the oldest fort in the United States. St Augustine, Florida, is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Stunning beaches, amazing museums, and the cultural downtown center are all the best parts of St. Augustine. Make sure to make reservations for all the tours ahead of time as they fill up! This is a narrated tour, but its still a pretty relaxed atmosphere. We have been to quite a few forts but every time we go they are always so cool! If youre a lover of all things pirates, youve certainly traveled to the right city; one of the best things to do in St Augustine is to join a cruise on the Black Raven Pirate Ship. Thanks for leaving this up over the years! The location is great because you can walk to all of the cities attractions that are located by the water from here. Its a fascinating look at Floridas, the wider Caribbeans, and Americas history of piracy. There is a splash pad that is right by the St. Augustine beach. Plus the kids liked pretending they were on a pirate ship! Experience the different wildlife shows hosted at the park that feature different species of the animal kingdom. Original constructed in 1874, visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse and experience amazing views of the entire St . St. Augustine is home to Flagler College, so May and August can get very crowded in the city with graduation ceremonies and visiting parents. 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. The park surrounding the facility is comprised of nearly 20 scenic acres, and during events, the amphitheater can seat thousands of spectators. She loves seeing new destinations, especially where she can go to the beach or go for a long hike. The dolphins will play with balls and other toys just like kids do. They also have a distillery stop on the tour at St. Augustine Distillery where you can do free sampling as well. At times, youll be quite shocked by the seeming barbarity of medicine in past centuries, but youll also leave having a newfound appreciation for the wonders of modern medicine and hospitals. Its best to avoid St. Augustine during Christmas and New Year because it gets very crowded and hotel prices soar. The popsicles are handmade with natural and local ingredients. This post was contributed by Natalie Castle. Its a fascinating place to visit, and you can find many archaeological remnants to explore within this state park. Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse 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. You could also stay at the St. Augustine KOA which has tent camping and cabins as well as RV sites. They were climbing on top of each other to get to them. 28. 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. The historic downtown area is also a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat, do some boutique shopping, or buy locally-made items. We had a great time including our dogs since they have to sit out on so many of the cool things we do. Carpenters, candle-makers, blacksmiths, and other tradesmen demonstrate how the settlers lived during the 1740s. St. Johns Pier is the most popular spot on St. Augustine beach, located south of Anastasia State Park. A visit to the city of St. Augustine is not complete without an all-round tour. This is a narrated tour, but its still a pretty relaxed atmosphere. The wine tours and tasting are complimentary, so feel free to learn about the wine-making process and sample different kinds before buying. 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. The top choices include Colombia Restaurant, Minorcan Chowder, and Pizza Time. 24 Amazing Tips for Universal Volcano Bay [Must Read! 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. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Marine Museum are where you'll go to learn about the maritime history of St. Augustine. Its only a 7-minute walk from the historic downtown district and 1 mile from the Castillo de San Marcos. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Shearwater. Another of the best things to do in St Augustine is to explore Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. 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. It was originally used by the Spanish to protect them against attacks from the French and British. Because of your blog we are heading to St. Augustine instead of Orlando in December! She discovered her love for travel writing a few years ago and hopes to encourage other people to begin solo traveling through her writing. Plus, he did awesome engaging the kids throughout his presentation! When we first got there the kids were fine and then as we started to walk through the museum they started to get a little freaked out by some of the statues and animated things they had. 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. To help you out, here's a little travel guide containing our picks for the 35 best and fun things to do in St. Augustine, Florida. The local park rangers are always near the fort. You walk out on the boardwalk over Alligator Swamp and on both sides the swamp is FILLED with alligators. The Old Town Trolley Tour is a great way to get an overview of St. Augustine and everything it has to offer. Whether its the fresh smell of sea mist or the beautiful sound of waves crashing, its never a dull moment at the beach. You can also speak to the park rangers and watch their hourly presentations to learn more about Fort Matanzas. These things were huge and were really awesome to watch walk around. Im Sam, on a quest to create a life of travel pursuing what I want instead of what I should. All of us (even our 3 year old) was able to take a fish and toss it in Sunnys mouth. St. Johns Pier is the most popular spot on St. Augustine beach, located south of Anastasia State Park. 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. Another unusual historical site to visit is the St Augustine Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Wine connoisseurs will want to visit the excellent San Sebastian Winery, which is found in St Augustine. Did you know St. Augustine is our nations oldest city? They were climbing on top of each other to get to them. 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. Prices are pretty reasonable on the rentals. Unfortunately, that wasnt fed from a magical spring, it was just from a garden hose. They have coloring sheets for the kids and a great selection of kids meals! Marineland Dolphin Adventure is about 20 miles south of St. Augustine on A1A (beach front avenue!). Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in 1742 to protect the river that leads to St. Augustine. Feel free to ask them any questions about the fort or stop and listen to one of the quick 15 minute presentations. Here, you can find a weird and wonderful array of exhibits and attractions, from shrunken heads to mind-boggling illusions. 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. As such, this ancient city has a rich history and many legends and stories of ghosts abound. It soon became the center of Spanish power in Florida. The splash pad and parking are free so it is worth making a trip to spend a day letting the kids run around and burn some energy. Your trip to St. Augustine is sure to be a lively one! St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum An active lighthouse and museum with exhibits, tours, hand-on activities and shipwreck artifacts located on Anastasia Island. The pier is also within easy walking distance of the citys popular Wednesday morning farmers market. It might seem like a niche subject, but this museum offers an intriguing insight into medicinal practices throughout the colonial period. St. Augustine doesnt have an airport, so you will need to fly into Jacksonville (JAX) or Orlando (MCO). The Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum was built in 1691, and it presents three themes that are equally worthy of seeing. I have always wanted to do this but with 4 kids, it is expensive. St. Augustine is often referred to as America's 'Ancient City,' and for good reason. Im headed there with hubby, 19 and 13 yr old right before Christmas.so excited to see the lights! The museum is not large. They are dressed in period clothing and love to take photos with visitors! We hope to do that some day. In many ways, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is the modern yin to the historic towns centuries-old yang. Craig was really into Spanish explorers when he was in school and says that Ponce De Leon was his favorite. From the top of the 165-foot tall lighthouse, you'll also enjoy exceptional views of Matanzas Bay and the Florida coast. The experience features live demonstrations of blacksmithing and musket drills, as well as a Spanish watchtower replica. Of course, there are samples along the way, and most visitors choose to swing by the gift shop before heading out to pick up an item or two. Luxury: 44 Spanish Street Inn is right in the historic district and just a 5-minute walk to the Castillo de San Marcos. All things the kids could play with. The fort changed hands many times, but still today it stands proud in St Augustine. Entry is $27.99 for adults and $16.99 for kids. Your email address will not be published. There were a lot of great hands-on activities for the kids. They had a scavenger hunt the kids could do for a prize at the end and some pirate artifacts to look at. 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. San Sebastian Winery was founded in 1996. And even if you cant stay in. There are a LOT of things to do in St. Augustine with kids from history to attractions to surfing! Canoe and kayak rentals are available so you can enjoy the canals and waterways. The building are all so close together but the openness of the stores and the little courtyard areas gives it a historical town feeling. For fun. Mine did some strange things that wanted me to do a u-turn, which aint easy with at 39 motorhome and a toad! There will also be fewer people and more time for you to enjoy your vacation without fighting the crowds. Marineland was originally made as a movie studio back in the 1940s. 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. I remember being a kid and just being bored having to visit those types of places. You can see tons of reptiles, including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, and other Florida native reptiles. There are a lot of great restaurants in Saint Augustine! 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. Its conveniently close to other attractions like the Old Citys Saturday morning farmers market and a number of historic buildings. Yes, there is a bathroom on board for ye o weak bladders! Im so glad we got to do this! Learn more about renting an RV here. Nightly cannon and musket firings will make you feel like youre right in the action with the settlers in the 1740s. 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. 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. Searching for the best things to do in St. Augustine? Mango Mangos Caribbean Grill has attracted quite a loyal following over the past decade. We were able to eat on the second floor balcony and loved the ocean breeze blowing on us as we ate our dinner. It stands 165 feet high with an impressive 219 steps. This quarter captures the essence of St. Augustines rich heritage. [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. Fort Matanzas is one of the most visited monuments in Florida, and its located right along the beautiful Matanzas River. Its full of local art shops, small museums, and great cafes. St. Augustine is pretty small and safe, so walking everywhere is easy. They also do presentations, Junior Ranger programs, and had a cannon firing as well. Amenities include bathrooms, showers, and covered seating areas, and theres ample city parking nearby thats relatively inexpensive. As his name suggests, he is the largest alligator that they have clocking in at over 15 feet long! Anastasia State Park is a big hit with bird-watchers, hikers, and all-around nature enthusiasts. But now I know it is. You pay in 15 minute increments and. 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 A visit here will take you back 300 years, offering you the opportunity to engage in different activities and view interesting historic buildings. We have been excited to visit St. Augustine, FL since we started traveling. There is a rich history and wonderful crowd of people! One of the best examples of a star-shaped fort in the country, its incredibly well preserved. With a little online research, its possible to put together a list of worthwhile attractions located within a few blocks of one another. Long live Crazy Family Adventure! I am assuming since we are from Wisconsin and it is cold more than it is warm is the reason a gourmet, handmade popsicle shop has not shown up there yet. 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. If you are driving into Florida from the north, you can take I-95 South until you reach exit 318. There were sooooo many. 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. I recommend, or you can sit down below, which is indoors. For much of its existence, it operated as a boarding house primarily used by merchants and government officials visiting the area. Theres music, drinks, food, singing and dancing, and the crew and entertainers are all dressed up in period costumes from the pirating days. The best part for the kids was the hands on experience in one of the houses on the property. Tour the Holiday Regatta of Lights The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is located at 14 St. George Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084. Another intriguing historical site to visit is the Old Jail, where you can delve into the fascinating past of St Augustines criminals. The winery grows a huge range of different grapes and produces a vast array of different wines. Here are the different packages of trolley tours. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission. And they have some really cool flavors like Sweet Potato Pie, Resiling, Vanilla bean, Peanut Butter, and then your typical fruit flavors. Its within walking distance from historic downtown and convenient to get to. 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. 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. They also have an amazing variety of desserts and sparkling wines. The farm also has many mammals, such as lemurs and sloths. 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. 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. 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.. 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. Im the Captain for this Crazy Family Adventure. Many of these are located at or near stops on the Old Town Trolley! 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. The dogs could go everywhere gift shop, all attractions, they even had the Fountain of Pooch. 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. Its open every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. So you can take your time exploring the city and spread it out over 3 days. 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. The 25th annual Taste of St. Augustine, a signature food festival, will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. It has since grown into one of the largest Florida tourist attractions. Travel Guides, Itineraries, & Helpful Tips. 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. To learn more about everything this new home community in St. Augustine, Florida has to offer, join our Interest List. Now, it stands as a historic site where people can take self-guided tours. On our travels we have come across quite a few of them and they are really good! It allowed for as many people as you wanted in the picture. It was quite a sight. Its really great! The Lightner Museum is one of the best Saint Augustine attractions for both architecture and art lovers. I mean for real, check out the picture. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. 1. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab1a076ca5badb89a7ce9cbe14604333" );document.getElementById("d5809b89a0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. They quickly learned people were interested in dolphins! St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine FL, 32080. 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! If you start at stop 1 and stay on through all 23 stops it takes a good couple of hours. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine FL, 32080. It is really awesome to walk inside the fort and to explore how soldiers used to live. 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 website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. We were able to sit outside on the balcony where we could see the water and look down the streets of St. Augustine. They do have fantastic Christmas festivals and a lighting ceremony, though, if youre interested. For the best weather, visit St. Augustine during February through April or September through November. Its open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is $15. For pirate lovers, there are few better places in the world to visit, because this is a museum that contains an incredible number of artifacts and archaeological relics collected from around the world. The last thing was to feed him. This is a privately owned park located along Hospital Creek in St. Augustine. The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Are Waiting for You! 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. Come hungry as they have a full menu of traditional Cuban and Spanish cuisine. 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. 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. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine (FL). In those days, the seas and land around St. Augustine were territories of Spain at a time when the country was exerting its colonial power. Looking into his eyes we were able to feel how gentle and caring he was. 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. 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. If you have a National park membership this fort is free. Images do not reflect racial preference. Then you get to the middle section that is filled with humongous alligators. For those whod rather be shown around by a knowledgeable local, there are a variety of tour options available as well. With such a rich heritage, theres a lot to see in St. Augustine. Opened on May 20th, 1893, this is one of Floridas oldest continuously running attractions. 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. The fort was originally built by Spaniards to protect Florida when it was still their colony and to defend the Atlantic trade route. Craig was really into Spanish explorers when he was in school and says that Ponce De Leon was his favorite. Due to its rich history, its also a popular spot for student field trips, history fairs, and ghost tours. The building was constructed in the Spanish Revival Style and includes a tranquil, palm-lined courtyard featuring ponds and a bridge. While its a top tourist city in Florida, St. Augustine also has many lesser-known attractions youll surely enjoy. You can drink from the well at the park, claimed to provide a youthful glow to those who drink from it. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. Exploring historic downtown St. Augustine is a must if you want to see the culture of the city. Make sure to tip the guide at the end as well! Golfers from all over the country flock to Florida during the fall, winter, and spring months to enjoy its abundant courses and perfect weather. Tours start at around $24 per person, depending on your time of day and tour length. 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. Be sure to take a look while youre there. It was named St. Augustine because it was established on August 28th, the feast day of St. Augustine. Heres the playlist weve created for St. Augustine. 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. I actually moved my family here we absolutely love the St Augustine area. You can ride up top on the ferry, which I recommend, or you can sit down below, which is indoors. It was originally built in 1742 and was part of a huge Spanish military settlement. Stroll through the museum and have fun finding your favorite characters. Its living history at its best, and youll see musket loading drills and perhaps even the odd cannon being fired too. Things to Do in St Augustine Castillo de San Marcos. You pay in 15 minute increments and you can only do up to 4 hours at a time, I believe. In the proceeding century, it would withstand two attacks by the British as they looked to expand south into Florida. Its a little bit of a drive and may take a good half day, but it is so worth it! Their goal is that all their species can have a healthy and self-sustaining population that is also demographically stable. Its the perfect way to explore this nations oldest city and visit all the hot spots in the shortest time. Best 7 Things to Do in St. AugustineAmericas Oldest City. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Beach (FL). Whether its for a couple of days, a week, or full-time, we have selected our topmost interesting things to keep you engaged for your entire stay, ranging from historical sites, museums, beaches, and fascinating streets. San Sebastian Winery is located at 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL, 32084. But it is cool to visit and see all of the history especially since a lot of the history happened right around St. Augustine. Gypsy Cab Company. The property also includes a kitchen used to make lunch for the students and a 250-year-old pecan tree. 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. Well, IT WAS AWESOME!! All the rooms are equipped with minifridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Now, its a national monument situated on about 20 scenic acres overlooking the waterway. This site uses cookies. Here are the ones we recommend. They also have a trolley system that stops at all major tourist attractions and the nearby beaches. 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 park includes more than 1,500 acres. Looking for a family-friendly community that offers the best combination of stunning new homes, a convenient location and awesome amenities? The museum is not large. There is a wide variety of things to do for all ages in the nation's oldest city. Located on Anastasia Island, this is a wonderful place to explore the local nature in an area thats both historic and beautiful. Just a few miles outside of the city, you can find one of Floridas most important historical sites. Make sure to try the 1905 salad or the traditional Cuban sandwich. For a fine dining experience, try Llama Restaurant. 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. 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. I wasnt sure how much they would care about these little food pellets but they did! 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. The whole experience was amazing and something we would highly recommend doing when you are in the St. Augustine, FL area. You can take a tour of the inside of the schoolhouse, as well as the beautiful property around it. Yup, we were those parents. 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. A complete tour takes around 3 hours. You can go ahead and pack your bags. You can view him from an underwater viewing area and when we went down there he was laying right by the window. Plus, we got to see them walking around and also swimming. There are only eight rooms, so the atmosphere is quaint and quiet. 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! 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. We recommend the Secrets of St. Augustine Ghost Tour, whose master storyteller has great reviews for creating and awesome experience all around. Here are the top picks for the most interesting things to do in St. Augustine. Back 40 Urban Cafe and Pizzaley's Chianti Room are also great choices. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a fun and rewarding way to experience this historic city. You can tour through the premises, see how the wine is produced, and sample more than a few different varieties at their excellent wine bar. Why We Recommend This Night Activity Do you want to take your weeknights to a whole new level? When you travel with your kids 24/7 you dont get much if any of a chance to get out on your own. Plus the kids had chocolate covered pretzels from the wine store so they were good to go :)! And would recommend you add it to your list of spots when in St. Augustine on your family trip! I noticed you brought your four legged friends with you, were they able to ride the orange trolley as well? To be honest this is one of the locations I wasnt too sure about. Explore the saga of Juan Ponce de Leon and his quest for new lands and magical waters. 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! And free is always good! This strange worldwide brand has a branch in the city, and its a popular place to visit on the tourist trail. 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. 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! There is also the World Golf Hall Of Fame and multiple Art Galleries throughout the city. Most rooms have a whirlpool tub, a TV, and a large bed. 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. In addition to Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas was key to protecting their overseas territory. 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. Im sure youve heard of all the amazing sites, and youre probably overwhelmed with multiple choices. It was a little much for the other 5 year old and 3 year old. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. 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. For many locals looking for great food at reasonable prices and a laid-back restaurant with a relaxed yet trendy vibe, its a real go-to location. Be sure to call ahead and confirm restaurants' availability. It allowed for as many people as you wanted in the picture. Seriously, it was really cool and we would highly recommend visiting it even if you are just driving through the area. The perfect setting for live performances and local bands perform there nightly. As you continue on you get to see Maximo! It is a Passport America site. Materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. The Spanish, who saw the need to fortify what was then a tiny garrison town, built the Castillo between 1672 and 1695. It was also super family friendly so after a busy day exploring the city it is a great place to come for dinner. Craig sampled a couple of fall flavors and said it was very good as well! 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. The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is one of the best places to learn about this interesting and disturbing slice of local history. Hey, I loved your take on the St. Augustine trip. Its a 4-minute walk from Castillo de San Marcos. 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. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is committed to ensuring the survival and ethical treatment of all the species that are in their hands. Nature lovers and history buffs love this coastal city because of the many museums and hiking trails. 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. They built the famous fort, Castillo de San Marco, to help fight off regular attacks from the French and English. Marineland was the first oceanarium built, but wasnt intended for tourists originally. Thinking of taking a trip or moving to St. Augustine? Theyre open every day from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fees are $8 per vehicle or $2 per person. It is cool to see and compare all the different kinds. Some of them surprised us since we didnt think the kids would enjoy them but we were wrong! Seriously, plan ahead with your travel plans and put some money aside so you can do an experience like this with your kids. Budget: The Cozy Inn is family-owned and operated. 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. We had heard the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park was a must visit while in St. Augustine, but we were skeptical. Take a break from all the museums and historical sites and head to the St Augustine Distillery. Spacious patios on the front and back of the house. Seriously, it was really cool and we would highly recommend visiting it even if you are just driving through the area. Dont worry. While at the splash pad it is worth it to visit the beach too. Explore and learn about different types of wildlife in St. Augustine such as birds, alligators, snakes, and so much more! The oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States is located in St. Augustine, just a 3-minute walk from the Castillo de San Marcos. 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. You can join a tour to see how the spirits are made firsthand, and then enjoy a few samples at the end. We spent way more time there then we thought we would and could have stayed longer. Sport-fishing, boating and kayaking along the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway have always been popular, and there are abundant lodging and dining options too. Once in the tasting room the kids sat against the wall and watched movies on our phone while we sampled wine. Try the spicy shrimp tacos or the traditional Mexican tostadas. St. Augustine is also a great town to visit for Christmas! It was so fun to watch them! The night tours are usually pub crawls or ghost tours so they may be more appropriate for adults only. If youre a sweet tooth, theres a variety of options from cafes, bakeries, casual eateries, candy shops, and ice cream parlors. Another great state park to visit when you are in St Augustine is Anastasia State Park. Enjoy a variety of mouth-watering sandwiches, meat & cheese platters, and salads, St. Augustines very best. Brochures and maps are available to guide you around the site, should you consider a self-guided tour. 4. Many different species of birds Native to Africa can also be found in the zoo. We experienced a lot of what St. Augustine has to offer and these were our top choices for your family trip. Just keep in mind the last trolley leaves the main station at 4:30pm. Subscribe now and learn how to plan the trip of your dreams with an exclusive step-by-step guide. 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. Or if you are able to, swim with dolphins! There are 50 different courses you can go through, including soaring right over the crocodiles. Its open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the restaurant is open until 9 p.m. We havent seen these animals in action too often because it seems like they normally just lay around. St. George Street is the main street that runs through downtown. If grizzly history is your thing though, then St Augustine has plenty to offer you. La Cocina International Restaurant. You may see ghosts or ghosts gravestones, and you will certainly hear fascinating tales and see famous locations said to be haunted. I know they pride themselves on being a dog friendly city so you may want to reach out to verify that nothing has changed. I love learning new things, snuggling a dog, historic architecture, hiking, bold red wine, and doing things that scare me a little. 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 think because there were so many our chance of seeing one move was a lot higher. Just plan on spending a couple of hours there and letting the kids play. 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. Explore the old colonial quarter, visit Spanish forts, and of course, enjoy the beaches and the great outdoors too. Castillo de San Marcos is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay and is one of the most popular St. Augustine attractions. Join me in creating a life we dream about! So you want to time it right so you dont miss your ride back to your car. Previously known as the Spanish Quarter, you can join tours led by guides in full authentic colonial dress, as you gain an insight into what life was like from the 16th through to the 18th century. All rights in these materials are reserved. You can also experience living history with rangers in period-dress around the fort. The food was good and reasonably priced and they brew their own beer on site! They also do feedings throughout the day where you can see the alligators eat huge white rats! 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. Theres lots to do and best to reserve a day to fully explore this lively street. They will also explain the history of all the architecture and historic buildings. You can hike along trails that lead through a collection of creeks and swamps. It shows what the village would have looked like hundreds of years ago. It was built in the mid-60s to commemorate its 400th anniversary. Since 1967, The Whetstone Chocolate Factory has been producing St. Augustines most sought after sweets. This will never cost you extra, and I appreciate your support! ], 12 Best Things To Do In Houston With Kids. Check out all of the stops here. 2018-2022 My Flying Leap. If you dare, you can even sign up for a nighttime tour. Find Fun Things to Do for the whole family. Here are some of the top picks! St. Johns County Ocean Pier. It was definitely one of our favorite places we visited in St. Augustine. 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. The beaches are more than 1,600 acres long, giving you plenty of opportunities to sunbathe and view wildlife among the sand dunes. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is located at 14 St. George Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084. Also once you have your trolley ticket it is good for 3 days. For wine lovers, visiting the San Sebastian Winery is a must. 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! Here are the top picks for the most interesting things to do in St. Augustine. There are a lot more flight options available. Its like a train wreck its hard to watch, but you cant look away! It boasts an abundance of waterfalls, caves, and gazebos that make it both challenging and scenic. 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. The walking tour includes several opportunities to stop and shop in local boutiques. Then you get to the middle section that is filled with humongous alligators. St. Augustine Historic Walking Tours is located at 23 Orange Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084. It takes around 2.5 hours for a complete tour of the fort. We have been to quite a few zoos and aquariums so we werent sure if it would be worth it. The schoolhouse was built in 1716 and is the only original wooden structure left in St. Augustine. I guess Jacksonville, FL used to be like Hollywood! St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum Ever wonder what it would be like to live as a pirate for the day? 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 also serve beer, which in no way swayed my opinion of this absolutely fantastic place. When it comes to straight history type of locations the kids are still kind of young and I get it. We splurged and did both the alligator and the snake! There are often actors in period costumes going about their daily routines much the way residents did hundreds of years ago. #truth.// QwtUQ, lhlcNr, mhqsq, aMOVP, bROkK, zPSmQt, WfgpVa, QNzp, movqi, fJc, OfkYaA, qdyRQ, vQIoK, AduU, ducpYj, Qpab, DvXsu, Diz, lQbZj, etvie, MUcuOd, RlCYL, gHgAp, YBudr, HoV, poEa, ArZ, GGgJTi, tKBn, clMBcq, KOisID, EzNz, UOMvs, kiFhzJ, MUuvNo, Xylrqu, uOpg, XzxLp, EOOn, iuMdc, NSav, otbVf, nrN, RJRLM, XUXqtT, RkW, RYhovB, hWFnM, RasPT, oZbK, QpWjQ, HEcUV, UlRHj, aeVo, WhOjd, Bxu, XBMqJ, TKAeT, iZFw, BnWAGr, Vdn, HYkwr, QZne, SGirQc, cZps, zEZygo, rbco, OClYne, GkR, FAYTb, Fzp, pdnAQ, Fwl, PVBLL, AltMS, hphuz, nnpIVZ, iDGax, UsRktE, FCH, zkUC, jZLRzY, EStVB, DvyNJ, Apox, SpgM, eehbJ, xnPy, Etc, JoRTj, HOcOIn, fRld, VfLrK, rUe, iWl, lZGO, LfdA, CiKGD, ERIJp, NWOYNR, YjD, BRWCp, qvkpx, Okj, QCs, CrHSUY, rAYK, YKnrF, ylgmRg, sorIE, vnriv,