Saint Augustine is a location I’ve desired to go to for a really very long time. The primary time I heard about this metropolis was years in the past whereas I used to be in school, it was the place the faculty began earlier than it moved to Miami Florida. I made a decision I used to be going to take the journey this yr and so I did. I began out trying to find rooms for five nights however costs had been including up and I began to marvel if there would even be sufficient for me to do in St. Augustine for five days. So I made a decision to remain for much less days. Effectively to my shock there was loads of issues to do and see on this historic metropolis. On this article I’ve put collectively an inventory of issues you are able to do whereas visiting St. Augustine.
Castillo de San Marcos Nationwide Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos (spanish for St. Marks Fortress) is claimed to be the oldest fort of its form in the US. This monument has been opened since 1695, yep that lengthy. It was constructed by the Spaniards to guard Florida. It’s open from 9:00 a.m. by way of 5:00 p.m. every day. In the event you occur to go when it’s closed like I did you may nonetheless discover the outside, by taking a stroll across the monument, being attentive to the cannons on web site, the furnace the place cannons had been heated earlier than being fired or sit and benefit from the cool ocean breeze. Nevertheless, in case you are interested by what’s inside and wish to be taught extra concerning the Castillo de San Marcos, the associated fee to go in is $15 for ages 16 and older. Kids 15 and beneath are free.
Take a cruise tour
With the cruise excursions you could have choices. There’s ‘Scenic Cruise’ that takes you out sight seeing on a type of double decker boats, this tour final about 90 minutes, you may see locations like Anastasia Island, the lighthouse, the nice cross and environment. You should purchase drinks and snacks aboard the Scenic Cruise sightseeing excursions. The present costs are $20.75 for adults, $9.75 for kids, and $17.50 for seniors.
Then there may be additionally the Black Raven pirate cruises the place you may take the entire household for an journey. The pirate cruises presents actions onboard reminiscent of treasure hunt, jokes, sword fights between the pirates, and extra. Additionally they provide a Rum Runner cruise however this one is for adults solely 😉. The treasure hunt cruises are $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids ages 3-12, $9.95 youngsters 2 and beneath, and you too can get the household pack for two adults and a couple of youngsters at $107.85. The rum runner cruise is $29.95. You have to convey ID for the rum runner cruise, it’s only on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:15 p.m.
Flagler School
Flagler school is a should see. The previous resort turned school has a spectacular structure, very interesting to the attention. Atleast it was to my eyes 😀. Flagler School is presently a Liberal Arts School positioned in historic downtown St. Agustine. It was previously the Ponce de Leon resort constructed by Henry Flagler in 1888. The resort was visited by well-known people reminiscent of Ernest Hemmingway and John F Kennedy (properly he was 13 on the time not but president). In 1968 the resort turned Flagler School.
Lightner Museum
Are you an Artwork Buff, in that case then the Lightner Museum is a should see. Earlier than it was the Lightner Museum it was the Alcazar Lodge, additionally accomplished in 1888 by Henry Flagler. At first it was to be an extension of Flagler’s different resort the Ponce de Leon, however as an alternative was constructed as an unbiased constructing. The resort was closed in 1931 and was purchased by Otto Lightner in 1947, who turned it right into a museum. At this museum you’ll expertise historical past within the type of artwork as you might be taken again centuries by the collections. You may be amazed at what you will discover right here.
Ripley’s Consider it or not
Get able to discover three tales of the unbelievable at Ripley’s Consider It or Not in St. Augustine, Florida. Right here you will discover photographs of extraordinary issues and the tales behind them. For instance, the lip disk lady and why it’s executed in sure cultures or Robert Wadlow the tallest man to ever reside.
Ripley’s Consider It or Not’s historical past goes again so far as 1918. In December of that yr the primary Ripley’s Consider It or Not cartoon was revealed, then in 1922 Robert Ripley the founder determined to journey world wide. He traveled by way of nations reminiscent of Bali, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Asia, simply to call a couple of. In 1929 the primary Ripley’s Consider it or not ebook was revealed. Within the Nineteen Thirties the primary radio present aired. One of many reveals was aired 750 ft underground and one other Underwater, then from the Grand Canyon. He went on to publishing extra books. Later in 1933 the primary odditorium was opened in Chicago containing distinctive artifacts that Ripley collected on his world journeys.
Ripley died in 1949 and the primary Museum was opened in Saint Augustine the next yr on the Fortress Warden which was previously a resort.
The Previous Jail
Strive to not let the 6ft 6 inches tall 300lbs sheriff Joe Perry catch you on the The outdated jail in St. Augustine. The inmates (not likely) provides you with a tour of the jail constructed by Henry Flagler. It is possible for you to hear the story behind the jail that Flagler constructed to seem like a resort and guests would go there knocking on the door hoping to get a room for the evening, solely to search out out that it’s not the kind of resort they had been hoping for. It is possible for you to to see the cells and even wax photographs of prisoners contained in the cells, in addition to weapons used throughout that point.
Potter’s Wax Museum
In 1949 George E. Potter made the choice to open America’s very first wax museum in St. Augustine. The thought behind the museum was to show historical past. 90% of the figures are from Potter’s unique assortment. The figures are so life-like it was a bit spooky. lol. You will discover previous presidents and their wives, in addition to well-known composers, Michael Jordan, Martin Luther and even some ghastly ones just like the Frankenstein Monster. The museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to five p.m. Tickets are $14.16 and youngsters 4-12 $8.08, youngsters beneath 4 are free.
Whetstone Chocolate Tour
Love chocolate or simply curious what goes into making it? Effectively that is the occasion for you. Henry and Esther Whetstone first began out within the Ice cream enterprise after which later the chocolate enterprise. Throughout this tour you’ll take pleasure in strolling by way of the manufacturing facility and studying about Whetstone’s historical past, when you nibble on samples. Excursions can be found every day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and three:30 p.m. at completely different intervals and is $8.95 for adults, $6.50 for kids 5-17, and free for kids beneath 5.
Gator Bob’s Buying and selling Put up
Inside Gator Bob’s you will discover souvenirs, items, and clothes, however there may be extra to it than that. Gator Bob’s additionally has a deli inside and the Previous St. Augustine Museum. As you tour the Previous St. Augustine Museum, see issues like classic automobiles, popcorn machine, and outdated flicker motion pictures.
Watch a Magic Present
Expertise magic in historic St. Augustine by stopping in at one of many magic reveals. Simply on the nook of Hypolita and St. George road you will discover Theatre Magic. the associated fee is $10 per particular person and the present final half-hour. It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Fountain of Youth
The Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth is an archeological park in Saint Augustine that showcases America’s colonial historical past. No there isn’t any miracle water that can make you keep younger without end, however there are a couple of fountains within the park and particularly Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Everlasting Hope the place you may take a sip. On the Fountain of Youth you will discover details about the Timicuan Indians that occupied the world and there lifestyle. See an precise burying floor, go inside huts, and even take a step inside a church. Additionally, you will discover stunning Indian peacocks (they scream lots). There are shows just like the blacksmith presentation, the planetarium, and the cannon present. You may also climb the remark tower or take a stroll on the boardwalk whereas there.
The Saint Augustine Distillery
Positioned on the ice plant on Riberia road the St. Augustine Distillery presents excursions so you may see how the liquors are made, study various kinds of liquors and even discover ways to make particular cocktails. Excursions can be found every day from 10:30 a.m. to five:30 p.m. and they’re free.
Alligator Farm
Alligator farm is without doubt one of the oldest points of interest in St. Augustine. The park was based in 1893. Right here it is possible for you to to view completely different species of crocodiles however not solely that, there are additionally different animals there like birds, lemurs and snakes. You may also go ziplining by way of the park and revel in wildlife reveals just like the scales and tails reptile present. The tickets are $28.99 for adults and $17.99 for kids 3-11.
Ghost Excursions
There are such a lot of to select from. Whereas going to the completely different points of interest to purchase entry tickets, one factor most of them provide is a ghost tour package deal. No marvel as a result of it’s imagine that plenty of the buildings in St. Augustine are haunted. Be afraid, very afraid as a tour information takes you on a nightmarish tour of the cities cemeteries and let you know ghost tales concerning the metropolis 😱. There are excursions out there for all ages and a few for adults solely.
Go to the Seashores
Which one ought to I am going to? 🤔 there are such a lot of to select from. There’s loads of seaside to go round in St. Augustine however it appears that evidently Vilano seaside is the most well-liked or busier. There’s a pier there, a marina, and eating places. You may take your canine for a stroll, watch the sundown, take a ship tour, or go fishing. Nevertheless, in case you are searching for someplace a bit extra laid again there may be North Seaside , simply north of Vilano seaside. Don’t overlook your surfboard you perhaps in a position to catch a wave or two. There’s free parking out there for the seaside in addition to paid parking.
Take a Guided Trolley Tour
There are two sorts of trolley excursions that that I’ve seen in St. Augustine. There’s the Previous City Trolley and the Pink Practice Excursions. The Previous City Trolley appears to the be hottest of the 2. The excursions are guided so the driving force provides you with a background on the completely different points of interest in addition to the town. It is possible for you to to hop on and off the excursions at no matter cease you select. The stops are numbered and you’ll obtain a map that provides you what’s on the completely different stops.
Though the resort the place I stayed had an indication that confirmed they offered the Pink Practice Excursions within the foyer I opted for the Previous City Trolley excursions after I discovered they provided a shuttle that picks you up and drops you again to the resort. You get reductions on the entry price to sure points of interest whenever you purchase your ticket from the trolley ticket boots.
Strolling Tour
You may also do your personal strolling tour alongside Avenida Mendez or down the again streets like Saint George road, or Aviles Avenue which is claimed to be the oldest road within the US. You may see cool issues like a lonely musician enjoying her guitar, an artist drawing a portray, or a man with snakes.
Carriage Experience
So perhaps you don’t need a trolley tour or perhaps a strolling tour, however how a few horse carriage tour round city. It is possible for you to to chill out and take within the metropolis views whereas the coachman provides you a guided tour of the town. These excursions are primarily out there within the evenings. You may select from shared rides, to non-public ones, or rides for particular events.
Go to the Dolphin Place
Swim with dolphins at Marine Land dolphin journey. You may go for the swim journey the place you maintain on to the dolphin’s flippers whereas they take you for a experience, or the royal swim by which the dolphin will raise you up by pushing from the only of your ft, or simply have an encounter with the dolphins by interacting with them in case you are not a swimmer.
Water Sports activities
That is Florida and right here the ocean is your enjoying subject. There are fairly a couple of locations in St. Augustine that provides boat , kayak, and jetski leases. I’ve additionally seen surfers, having a great time on the waves. Parasailing is one other exercise that you could expertise as properly.
Colonial Quarters
Be entertained with an interactive expertise as you study historical past. It is possible for you to to see a blacksmith demonstration, see a cannon fired and climb a 35ft watch tower the place you may overlook Castillo de San Marco and extra of downtown St. Augustine.
Pirate and Treasure Museum
On the pirate treasure museum it is possible for you to to watch and study treasures from the Caribbean, really feel like you might be on an precise pirate ship, really feel the vibration as you hear the sounds of cannons hitting your ship, and hunt to search out treasures hidden away in drawers. It’s a terrific expertise for the entire household. The youngsters will particularly love enjoying with the interactive cannon. It’s positioned simply throughout the road from the Castillo de San Marcos. The fee for adults is $18.99, $9.99 for kids 5-12, and $15.99 for seniors.
World Golf Corridor of Fame and Museum
Positioned in World Golf Village, between St. Augustine and Jacksonville, the world golf corridor of fame is the place to be in case you are involved in studying one thing concerning the world of golf or in case you are already a fan. Tickets are $20.95 for adults, youngsters 5-12 $5.00, seniors, Florida residents, and navy personnel $19.95. College students 13 and over with correct id $10.00. There’s an Imax theatre, guests can strive their hand at a gap in problem. Whereas there additionally, you will have the ability to see trophies, and golf sticks that had been used, be taught concerning the corridor of famers, and climb the tower.
Procuring on the Shops
Get discounted costs on identify manufacturers reminiscent of Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, Carters, Coach, and Clarks on the St. Augustine Shops. They’re positioned simply off the I-95. Sadly those on the east facet of the I-95 are presently closed aside from Loft. A consultant at Loft mentioned that the Shops on that facet had been closed for renovation of the constructing.
Anastasia State Park
Benefit from the stunning white sand seaside at Anastasia State Park. Watch as boaters dock alongside the shore and revel in all that’s right here to do. Beaching shouldn’t be the one factor you are able to do right here although, you too can chook watch, camp in any of the 139 camps out there, go mountaineering, experience a motorbike alongside the 4 miles of seaside. Lease a kayak or canoe from contained in the park and get to paddling. There’s simply a lot you are able to do right here.
Torture Museum
Whereas in St. Augustine you may additionally wish to take a look at the torture museum, properly that’s in case you are into that sort of stuff. See how folks had been tortured in occasions previous. Find out about skinning, witch interrogation, hand torture, neck entice, and extra.
Saint Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
I virtually forgot this one and the way might I. The lighthouse is a really vital a part of Florida’s historical past. Positioned on Anastasia Island, the lighthouse was constructed across the identical time because the Castillo de San Marcos to be careful for enemy ships. One of the vital widespread occasions on the St. Augustine lighthouse is to climb the 219 stairs to the highest of the tower, nonetheless, the tower is presently beneath restoration. Don’t fear there are different issues there to do just like the ghost tour, the maritime hammock scavenger hunt, and having fun with the every day demos.
Plaza de la Constitucion
Plaza de la Constitucion or Metropolis Plaza is a park positioned in downtown St. Augstine, simply throughout the road from the Bridge of Lions and the Authorities Home to the west. As you stroll by way of the park you’ll discover outdated cannons and examine historic occasions. The park has been part of St. Augustine since 1573. Traditionally this was the place occasions reminiscent of public auctions the place held. At present it’s the place public occasions are held like the general public market and live shows, but it surely’s additionally a terrific place to chill out and take some photographs.
I attempted to place collectively as a lot actions to do in St. Augustine and I’m positive there are some issues lacking from this record. There are different museums to go to in Saint Augustine just like the Previous Faculty, the Oldest Home and even the Civil Rights memorial web site. At Previous City, cease primary for the Previous City Trolley there are fairly a couple of locations to go to, just like the Oldest Retailer museum, the Spice and Tea trade and another locations that I discussed above.
A lot of the actions are positioned in downtown Saint Augustine. The parking there may be paid parking and a few could be fairly dear, so here’s a tip strive searching for a spot to park on the again streets as an alternative of on the principle.
I do know you should have a good time visiting this stunning metropolis. Don’t hesitate to write down within the feedback a few of your experiences that you’ve in Saint Augustine.