Retreat to the sunny shores of St. Augustine, Florida and explore the Top 10 Attractions in the city. Do not waste time fighting traffic and grabbing tourism brochures while on vacation, plan ahead create your getaway agenda with ease. The family friendly attractions offer an afternoon of both discovery and education for visitors of all ages. Your children may not think some of the attractions sound as exciting as Disneyland at first blush, but will be amazed at all of the hands-on activities and fun awaits in St. Augustine. Although you will have to open your wallet to walk through the admission gates, all of the Top 10 St. Augustine Attractions are low or moderately priced.
1-St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
Spend a day exploring the offerings of one of Florida’s oldest attractions. The park began introducing visitors to crocodiles and alligators over 100 years ago. Make sure to take you camera to catch the interpretive programs, animal interactions, daily feedings and colorful exotic birds wandering around at your feet. The park also features an on-site eatery and a gift shop.
2- Fountain of Youth Discovery Park
Become and explorer for an afternoon at the Fountain of Youth Discovery Park. Retrace the footsteps of Spanish adventurer Ponce de Leaon and sip from the fountain of youth. Wear comfortable walking shoes to hike to the springhouse, saltcellar and cross landmark to view artifacts and visit the remnants of a Native American village. Costumed actors and period reenactments occurred throughout the year on the 15 acre complex. The park also features a planetarium, gift shop and snack bar.
3- Marineland
Watch dolphins romping and interacting with trainers at historic Marineland. The facility was the first “oceanrium” in the world and features 1.3 million gallons of water in the native marine wildlife tanks. Animal interaction programs offer visitors the chance to greet and play with dolphins in both deep and shallow water programs.
4 – Lightner Musuem
Walk back in time at the museum while viewing Native American art, Tiffany glass, sculptures and eclectic exhibits by both regional and world renowned artists. Lightner Museum also offers two cafes and a gift shop.
5- Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
The historic wooden structure is regarded as the oldest school building in the United States. Children walked to the educational facility during the Colonial era to learn how to read and write. The structure was expertly designed with cypress and red cedar and crafted together by wooden pegs is still sound today. In response to parent’s fears that the school would blow away during the hurricane season, a massive boat anchor was attached to the building with a chain.
6- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Lace up your hiking boots and traverse the grounds of a 17th century fortress built to protect the residents of St. Augustine hundreds of years ago. The oldest masonry fort still standing in America features 33 foot coquina walls that are 12 feet thick and acccessible by a drawbridge over a moat. Children will enjoy the interactive range programs and movie about the history of the fort. During period reenactments cannons and muskets are fired.
7- Anastasia State Park
The park offers five miles of swimming beaches, wildlife viewing areas and a salt marsh. You can enjoy water sports activities, on-site camping, ranger programs, workshops, nature trail hikes and even a visit to an archaeological site where coquina rock was once mined for building regional structures.
8- St. Augustine Porpoise Point and Old Downtown Helicopter Tour
Get a bird’s eye view of the North Beach area and Intracoastal Waterway at Porpoise Point. The helicopter pilot points out areas of interest and an overview of St. Augustine’s history during the flight.
9- Colonial Spanish Quarter
The Colonial Spanish Quarter serves as a living history museum with period interpreters demonstrating what life was like during the 17th century in Florida. You can tour nine buildings and watch a blacksmith create tools, cooks utilizing the food preparation techniques of the era, candle making and children’s activities. The museum gift shop offers souvenirs and a snack bar.
10- St. Augustine Lighthouse
Once again St. Augustine flexes her historic muscles with tours of a lighthouse built in 1565. The former watchtower stands 165 feet tall with more than 200 steps winding to the observation deck. Visitors also enjoy maritime displays, and tours of the lighthouse keeper’s house and visitor center.
