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Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Things to See and Do in St. Augustine Florida
By Lyn Brooks, Contributor
Are you looking for fun things to do in Florida? Why not consider visiting historic St. Augustine? In addition to it's beaches, the city boasts several sites that singles, couples and entire families can enjoy. Consider enjoying the view or Matanzas Bay from the top of the 500 year old fort, touring the reportedly haunted lighthouse or enjoy dining in one of the many open air cafes as you take a break from shopping in the Spanish Quarter.
St. Augustine is known as "the ancient city" and is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city and port in the continental United States. Its cobblestone streets and over 60 historical sites are very pedestrian-friendly and take travelers back in time as they stroll along or play in the sand and waves on its 48 miles of oceanfront beach.
With all of its historical connections, it is little wonder that St. Augustine is also legendary as one of the most haunted cities in the world, and the various ghost tours that are offered throughout the city add an element of surprise to anyone's visit. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a bit of adventure, a couple looking for romance, or a family looking for activities for all ages, St. Augustine is the destination for fun for everyone.
When I visit St. Augustine, I always make time to enjoy the ocean waves as the tide rolls in and visit the following sites.
The Castillo de San Marcos
Located in downtown St. Augustine
1 South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-829-6506
Located in downtown St. Augustine
1 South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-829-6506
The city numbers the oldest standing masonry fort, the Castillo de San Marcos, among its many historic buildings. It is one of two forts in the world made from Coquina limestone and is an excellent example of the Bastion System of defense. Located in downtown St. Augustine, the fort is a convenient walk from St. George's Street and several beach areas.
The fort is open every day except Christmas Day, and visitors are free to wonder its streets and parapets as well as watch period reenactments of weapons firing. The center green provides an excellent recreation area for picnics as well, and the view of Matanzas Bay from the top of the fort is absolutely breathtaking. Admission is just $7 for those 15 and older and free for those under 15.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is the city's oldest surviving brick structure, and it rises 165 feet above sea level and contains 219 steps. It is constructed close to the site of the original 1500s Spanish watchtower and is the site of the oldest aid to navigation in North America. At the top, the beacon is a first order Fresnel lens, which consists of 370 hand-cut glass prisms arranged in a beehive shape that is a staggering 12 feet tall and six feet in diameter. Today, visitors can climb the 219 steps and tour the inside of the lighthouse as well as the keeper's house next door. Special Sunrise and Moonrise tours are quite romantic, as you can take in the view while sipping a local wine.
The lighthouse also features a "Dark Side of the Moon" tour during which you can go inside the structure and lens room at night and perhaps chat up one of the local ghosts. With all of these added features, the lighthouse is definitely worth a visit when you are in St. Augustine. Admission and tour prices vary based on time and tour.
The lighthouse also features a "Dark Side of the Moon" tour during which you can go inside the structure and lens room at night and perhaps chat up one of the local ghosts. With all of these added features, the lighthouse is definitely worth a visit when you are in St. Augustine. Admission and tour prices vary based on time and tour.
This park contains over four miles of pristine beach, where visitors can enjoy camping, beachcombing, swimming, picnicking, fishing, windsurfing, hiking, bicycling, boating, and more. The park also contains over 139 campsites and features four full-service bathhouses (hot water, showers, washer/dryer), three restrooms, three picnic areas (two are under large pavilions), and a playground near the beach. The park also offers some of the best surfing on the east coast of Florida, with quality beach break available for the length of the park.
Hours for day visitors are 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. Entrance fees vary between $1 to $10, and reservations for the campground and cabins can be made up to 11 months in advance. The Island Beach Shop and Grill is located within the park by the beach and provides food, drinks, camping, and beach gear rentals, including canoes and kayaks. The shop and grill is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday - Thursday, and 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The museum's extensive collection of Victorian items is housed in the three floors of what was originally the sumptuous and elegant Hotel Alcazar. It was built in 1887 in the Spanish Renaissance style. Railroad magnate Henry M. Flagler commissioned architects Carrere and Hastings to design the Alcazar and the Ponce de Leon Hotel (across the street), which later became a part of the extensive and ornate grounds of Flagler College. In addition to the extensive holdings of the museum, visitors can dine in the Café Alcazar, which is directly behind the museum in the former hotel indoor swimming pool.
The Spanish Quarter and St. George's Street
Be transported back in time when you walk the narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets and view the various historic homes and shops from a variety of bygone eras. There are many activities to pursue as you enjoy a candlelight dinner or some window shopping in The Spanish Quarter and St. George's Street, located in downtown St. Augustine.
While there, visit the City Gates, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and enjoy the stunning architecture of nearby Flagler College on King Street. Children in particular will enjoy visiting the nearby historical park that houses Ponce de Leon's famed Fountain of Youth, the Oldest Store Museum, and the reportedly haunted Old City Jail. Several vendors also provide various ghost tours of St. Augustine, as well.
There are many other area beaches, historical sites, and modern attractions to enjoy while visiting St. Augustine, but these are some of the best to savor, regardless of how many are accompanying you on your journey.
Photo Credit: St. Augustine Florida, Dougtone
Photo Credit: St. Augustine Florida, Dougtone
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