From exploring a historic fort to teeing off at a championship golf course, the city of St. Augustine in Northwest Florida is an oceanfront vacation destination with activities for travelers with a range of interests. The white sand beaches provide a postcard-perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway or longer vacation.
Fort Exploration
Located off A1A in downtown St. Augustine is the famous 17th century fort of Castillo de San Marcos. Built from limestone coquina, it withstood gunfire and hurricanes to earn the title of oldest masonry fort in North America. Ranger-led interpretive talks and reenactments in period dress take place daily to give visitors an authentic taste of colonial life. The fort is open daily between from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (except Christmas Day).
Beach Bumming
- St. Augustine Beach at Anastasia Park and Crescent Beach (just 3 miles south of St. Augustine Beach) are scenic spots for fishing, boating, swimming or beach bumming. Both parks have restrooms and freshwater showers. St. Augustine Beach at Anastasia Park has a self-guided nature trail that winds past ancient sand dunes and a maritime forest hammock. Appropriately named after its curved shape, Crescent Beach is the more serene and quieter of the two beaches. Sand-loving explorers will also appreciate the understated beauty of the coquina rock formations that line the shores of Crescent Beach.
Romantic Interludes
- There aren't many things more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage ride and candlelit dinner at one of St. Augustine's many fine-dining establishments, such as 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel or The Tasting Room on Cuna Street. If you plan to take a horse-drawn carriage ride before dinner leave plenty of time -- the 2-mile tour of downtown lasts an hour.
Get Wild
- Take a 2-hour guided tour of a 7-acre wildlife sanctuary at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Located just 10 miles west of downtown St. Augustine, the reserve is a non-profit center that was established as a rescue facility for exotic animals such as tigers, mountain lions, hyenas and bobcats. Tours cost $30 and must be booked in advance online -- they're offered twice weekly by appointment only. First-time visitors should note that photography is not allowed at any time within the reserve.
