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Showing posts with label beaches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beaches. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Exploring St. Augustine, Florida: Top Things to Do

 

St Augustine, the oldest European settlement in the United States, is located on the northeast coast of Florida. This oceanside community is rich with history and offers so many things to do and see.


St Augustine is usually included on our Florida road trip 
itineraries. We have spent many days overs several years exploring this beautiful city. I am not much on history, but this place seems to have a draw on me. I am sharing some places we thought were interesting below.


Lightner Museum


Three floors of antiques and memorabilia housed in the former Alcazar Hotel.

 

Hours:

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  7 Days a week (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)

 

Admission:

Adult: $17.00

Senior (65+): $14.00

College Student: $14.00

Youth (12-17):  $10.00

Child (11 and under): Free

 

Address:

75 King Street

Saint Augustine, FL



Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Castillo de San Marcos, located on the shore of Matanzas Bay, is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. With walls 33 feet high and 12 feet thick, it is one of only two forts in the world built out of coquina.

 

Hours:

 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.    7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day)

 

Admission:

Adults (Age 16 and above) $15.00 - valid for 7 consecutive days.

Children (age 15 and under) free

Tours available

 

Address:

1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084




St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Tour the 145 years old lighthouse tower, see shipwreck artifacts, and learn about the shipyard’s involvement in WWII.


Hours:

9am – 7pm Daily


Admission:

 Adults            $14.95

Seniors (60 & over)         $12.95

Children (Age 12 or under and 44″ or taller)         $12.95

Tours:   $17.50 - $30.00 three different tour packages

 

Address:

100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080-5443




      St. George Street

Unique shops will call you to visit as you walk down this cobblestone street. Be sure and grab some sweet treats and food from local restaurants along the way.

We parked on A1A along the water near the Bridge of Lions and walked.

The St Augustine Old Town Trolley is also in that area if you don’t want to walk the few extra blocks.




  Bridge of Lions



The Bridge of Lions is a draw bridge connecting St Augustine to Anastasia Island. There are pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge. Take a walk on the bridge at sunset for an amazing view.



Flagler College



An amazing building built by Henry Flagler in 1888.



Admission:

Tours are available or you can walk around the courtyard and into the entrance area without a ticket.

 

Address:

74 King Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084



Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park


Dating back to at least 1868, the Fountain of Youth is the oldest attraction in Florida. The spring water has 30 minerals which is said the help with youthfulness. Check out the Timucua burials, watchtower, blacksmith exhibit, and much more while you are there.

Hours:

9am – 6pm Daily

 

Admission:

Adults  $18.00

Seniors 60+     17.00

Children 6-12   $10.00

Children 5 and Under    FREE

 

Address:

11 Magnolia Avenue

St. Augustine, FL



Marineland Dolphin Adventure



Get up close to sea life and learn about them. We had planned on visiting , but they were closed when we arrived.


Hours:

9:00am. - 4:30pm. daily

 

Admission:

Adult (12 – 54): $14.99 + tax

Child (5 – 11): $7.99 + tax

Senior (55+): $13.99 + tax

Young Child (4 and under): FREE

 

Dolphin interaction packages are available.


Address:

9600 Oceanshore Blvd

St. Augustine, FL 32080



Magnolia Avenue


Magnolia Avenue is lined with oak trees creating a canopy over the street.  Spanish moss draping from the branches is the touch that makes the scene perfect. One of the most photographed spots in St. Augustine.

 

Address:

Runs in front of the fountain of Youth.



Whetstone Chocolates




Tour the small factory and enjoy some of the best chocolates anywhere. Be sure and purchase some chocolates from the store before you leave. They are the best!

 

Tour Times:

Monday - Thursday: 10:00am, 11:15am, 1:00pm, 2:15pm 3:30pm

Friday - Sunday: 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:15am, 11:45am, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm

 

Tour price:

Adults $8.00

Children 5-17 years old $5.50

Children under 5 Free Entry

 

Address:

149 King Street, St. Augustine, FL



St. Augustine’s Beaches




Anastasia State Park

300 Anastasia Park Road

 

Crescent Beach

6930 A1A South



Oceanfront Hotel Vilano Beach



The Oceanfront Hotel has some of the best rates in St Augustine. The beach is just a walk across the road. Get up early and take a sunrise stroll down the beach and pick up a few shells. 



The Old Jail


The jail was built in 1891 to look like a hotel so as not to be an eyesore to the town. A fun place for the family.


Admission:

Adults       $14.90  

Children (4-12)       $8.51    

      Children under 4 free

 

Hours:

9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily

 

Address:

167 San Marco Ave

St. Augustine, FL 32084



Old Town Trolley Tours

Located with the Old Jail, Old Town Trolley Tours has several options for available at different price points.

 https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine



With so much to do and see, I am sure you will fall in love with this charming historic town like I have. 


Happy & Safe Travels!














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Monday, January 20, 2020

5 Fantastic Day Trips from Gulf Shores, Alabama



If you are looking for a break from the sand and surf of Gulf Shores, Alabama, there are plenty of great day trip options in the surrounding area. From state parks to historic landmarks, there is something for everyone within a short drive of Gulf Shores. Here are five fantastic day trips to consider on your next vacation.




1. Big Lagoon State Park  in  Perdido Key, Florida

30 minute drive from Gulf Shores



Located just over the state line in Florida, Big Lagoon State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for a day trip. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and alligators. Visitors can hike, fish, kayak, and enjoy stunning views of the lagoon and Gulf of Mexico.


Address:

12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507

Hours:

8am to 6pm daily

Admission:

$5.00 - $10.00 per vehicle, depends on number of occupants






2. USS Alabama War Ship Tour in Mobile, Alabama

1 hour drive from Gulf Shores





For a glimpse into America's military history, head to the USS Alabama War Ship in nearby Mobile. This battleship served in World War II and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the decks, see the guns up close, and learn about the brave men who served aboard the ship.



Address:

2703 Battleship Parkway | Mobile, AL 36602


Admission:

$15.00 or less per person, $4.00 parking fee


Summer Hours:

April-September
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Winter Hours:

October – March

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.



3. Fairhope, Alabama

45 minute drive from Gulf Shores




Just a short drive from Gulf Shores, Fairhope is a charming town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries to explore. Take a stroll down the tree-lined streets and admire the historic homes, or head to the pier for a beautiful view of Mobile Bay. See my complete post on Fairhope here



4. Dauphin Island (Fort Morgan, Mobile Ferry, Fort Gains, Sea Lab)


35 minute drive + 40 minute ferry ride from Gulf Shores


Leave early morning to see all of these in one day.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site



Dauphin Island is a barrier island located just off the coast of Alabama, and it is packed with history and natural beauty. Visit Fort Morgan, a historic fort that played a key role in the Civil War, or take a ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Gains on the island. Do not miss the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a marine research facility that offers tours and educational programs.


Address:

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Hours:

Seven Days A Week

9AM-4:30PM

Admission:

Adult $8
Seniors/child $5



Mobile Bay Ferry





For a unique and scenic day trip, take a ride on the Mobile Bay Ferry. This ferry service connects Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, and the trip offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife along the way.


Address:

Fort Morgan Side

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Dauphin Island Side:

111 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Schedule:

Varies, check here   

Fees:

Regular automobile and driver is $16 + $5 for each passenger.


Fort Gaines


Established in 1821, Fort Gaines known is for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.

Address:


51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Hours:

9AM – 5 PM daily

Admission:

Children (Ages 5 -12) are $5.00
Adults (Ages 13+) are $9.00



Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium 



Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium is an educational public aquarium exhibiting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama.

Address: 

102 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528


Hours vary from winter and summer. 

Check here   https://www.disl.org/estuarium


Admission:

$6 - $12




Dauphin Island


At only 14 miles long and 2 miles wide, Dauphin Island lays at the entrance of Mobile Bay.




This is a great place to enjoy beaches without many people on them.

Bienville Beach (1501 Bienville Blvd)

West End Public Beach (Drive west on Bienville Blvd to the very end)



5. Pensacola, Florida Snorkeling & Fort Tour

45 minute drive from Gulf Shores


Escambia County Bay Snorkel Reef 





Located approximately 50 ft. off shore in Park West, just before the entrance of Fort Pickens. Great for beginner snorkeler.

Address:

Park West, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561




Fort Pickens State Park




This 1834 pentagonal historic United States military fort is located at the west end of Santa Rosa Island. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens.

After visiting the fort, enjoy some of the 10 miles of gulf and bay beaches leading to the fort. It's also one of the few places in the Pensacola area to find seashells.

Address:

1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Hours:

March 1 - October 31: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (last entry at 8:00 p.m.)

November 1 - February 28: 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hours:

Historic Fort: 8:00 a.m. to sunset

Admission:

Per person (pedestrian, cyclist, etc.) ............................$15
Motorcycle....................................................................$20
Private vehicle (capacity <15) .......................................$25



Happy Travels!