All of the animals at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve are rescued from abusive or inappropriate places of acclimation. This natural reserve is dedicated to providing new, appropriate habitats for the rescued wildlife. The reserve's mission objective is to educate the public about these rescued animals.
When you come to Florida, stop by the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park to get a look at some of state's most deadly reptiles. This gator farm has been around for nearly a century and since then it has featured that quintessential Florida reptile. Be prepared to take out the phone camera to catch educational shows when you can care and feed them along with other reptiles throughout the day. One of the main highlights here is the zip-line, where visitors can zoom over the "Crocodile Crossing" with 50 different obstacles. Definitely an informative and fun way to spend an afternoon under the St. Augustine sky.
Built in 1965, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre then commemorated and honored the 400th anniversary of America's oldest city. Since then it has become one of the most lauded and venerable venues in town. Throughout the year it is abuzz with activities and events; from concerts, movie screenings to performance art, this event venue has hosted almost everything. It's location in Anastasia Park is also unparalleled, with the green foliage that envelops the stage, it only enhances the sound and beauty of this outdoor venue.
St. George Street follows a historically old pathway that was once used by the Timucuan Indians before the first European colonists arrived. Over the last 400 years it was used by the Spanish, British and Americans as the main thoroughfare in which commerce commenced in the New World. Today, it is a pedestrian-only street that begins at the Castillo de San Marcos and meanders past Maria Sanchez Lake until it ends at South Street. Along the way, there are many sights, restaurants and the place where guests will find all of the city's kitschy, sometimes tacky souvenir shops.
Juan Ponce de Léon never did find the fabled "fountain of youth" which it was alleged he sought in 1513. In fact, some historians suspect that he actually sought Spanish loot. Nevertheless, the contingent of his compatriot, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés did land on this spot which has been converted into an archaeological park. Subsequent excavations have confirmed Avilés' expedition and even though he landed here, the park plays upon de Leon's name instead. Housing a cornucopia of colonial America circa 1565, this park is replete with ancient village replicas, canons and myriad archaeological figurines which lend insights into the life and times of the earliest Spanish settlers in America. The park has exhibits of both the Spanish arrival as well as those on indigenous peoples, most notably the Timucuan. The settlement as well as the replica burial grounds make the park a great place of learning and historical exploration, especially when the actors fire off the canons and archaic arquebuses.
Faver-Dykes State Park, nestled in Northeast Florida near St. Augustine, is a serene and scenic natural haven that offers a range of outdoor activities. This unspoiled aquatic preserve and its tidal marshes offers visitors a wide range of opportunities for saltwater and freshwater fishing, hiking, camping, boating, and picnics in the backcountry. Canoeing is also popular on the canoe trail, and canoes can be rented with an advance reservation. Faver-Dykes State Park is a tranquil retreat into nature, where you can explore the creek, hike the trails, or simply savor the peaceful environment.
Eco Tours, located steps from the old Spanish fortress, focuses on the natural wonders present in the St Augustine area. Canoe trips, day trips, and hiking excursions are all on offer, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff makes a successful trip certain. If you tire of the ghost tours and walks focusing on history, get out and experience wild Florida with someone who knows the paths by engaging the services of Eco Tours.
All of the animals at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve are rescued from abusive or inappropriate places of acclimation. This natural reserve is dedicated to providing new, appropriate habitats for the rescued wildlife. The reserve's mission objective is to educate the public about these rescued animals.
Set sail along St. Augustine's historic coastline on a true-to-life 19th-century blockade-runner. This charter company offers two excursions daily - a Day Sail and a Sunset Sail, both 120-minutes in duration. The Day Sail is ideal for families looking to spend a relaxing afternoon out on the water, while the Sunset Sail is perfect for couples. Beverages are included in the tariff. Sails start at USD40 for the day trip and USD50 for the evening sail. Visitors can soak in the sights from a new perspective and take in the coastline's natural beauty as you watch for dolphins and turtles. Timings vary by season, so do call ahead.
Located near the historic downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is a scenic recreation area that is one of Florida's oldest state parks. The park's most iconic feature is its stunning beachfront, which stretches for miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It offers visitors natural beauty, ancient sand dunes, an abundance of wildlife, as well as activities that include swimming, fishing, and hiking on self-guided nature trails. There are many picnic pavilions, restrooms, and vending machines here, making it the perfect destination for families and couples looking to spend a day outdoors.
Ponce de Léon and his naval contingent first set foot upon the shores of the swampy Matanzas River in 1513. Thereafter, various European nations tried in vain to establish a permanent colony along this beautiful, but rugged coastline. The settlement wasn't permanent until Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés finally succeeded in 1565. Named after Augustine of Hippo, this 'ancient city' began its fledgling existence countering attacks by indigenous peoples as well as those against the British and French. The boundaries of the old city usually begin at the magnificent Castillo de San Marcos, however visitors can start from the Ponce de Léon Fountain of Youth Archaelogical Park for a more comprehensive tour. Some notable sights along the way include the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the aforementioned Castillo, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and lovely, historic Colonial Quarter along St. George Street.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is known for its lush gardens, unique coquina rock formations, and opportunities for outdoor exploration. The centerpiece of the park is the beautifully landscaped formal gardens, which showcase a wide variety of plants, including azaleas, camellias, roses, and towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. These gardens provide a serene setting for strolling, picnicking, and photography, making it a favorite spot for visitors seeking a tranquil escape into nature's beauty. One of the distinctive features of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is the coquina rock formations along the shoreline. Visitors can explore the tide pools, look for seashells, and enjoy the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.