Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2016 | Page 21

Peacock at the Fountain of Youth

Florida’s Family Friendly Coast
Attractions keep little hands busy
Historic attractions that keep little kids busy with interactive activities
include the Pirate and Treasure Museum with its scavenger hunt,
interactive pirate book, cannon firing, knot tying and an immersive,
surround-sound pirate ship experience. At the Fountain of Youth,
taste the water, feed a peacock, explore a Timucuan Indian village
and sift for artifacts in an archaeological dig. Check out the view
from the 35-foot watchtower, fire a musket in a Colonial military drill
and feel the heat as the resident blacksmith works his metal at The
Colonial Quarter. And explore the world’s oddities at Ripley’s Believe It
or Not! Museum.

Teens and Tweens Find Adventure
Teens and tweens will enjoy the many water sports on Florida’s
Historic Coast. Paddle the waterways in your choice of a kayak or
stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or brave the waves with a surfing
lesson. Feed the alligators at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and
Zoological Park and hunt for shark’s teeth at Mickler’s Landing in
Ponte Vedra Beach. Take the 3D movie experience to the extreme at
the World Golf Village IMAX Theater. After dark, check out all of
St. Augustine’s haunted spots on a ghost tour adventure.

In 2013, Budget Travel magazine editors selected
St. Augustine as one of the top 12 destinations
when traveling with toddlers, tweens and teens.
And, nearby Ponte Vedra Inn & Club was named
by Florida + Leisure magazine as the number one
family hotel in America. So if you’re looking for a
vacation that will satisfy your family members at
every age, Florida’s Historic Coast is a guaranteed
family-friendly destination.

Kayak tour

PHOTOS: ©FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH; ©ST. AUGUSTINE PIRATE & TREASURE MUSEUM; ©LEWIS KEMPER

Pirate and Treasure Museum

Togetherness Comes in All Forms
Adult members of the family will love getting the family active
together with a hike at Anastasia State Park or the GTM Research
Reserve where you’ll see plenty of Florida wildlife. And speaking of
wildlife, you can’t get much more in tune with nature than by
swimming with the dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure.

Dads and Moms Can Enjoy Their Hobbies
Dads will want to schedule time on the links at one of the golf
courses at World Golf Village and then tour the World Golf Hall of
Fame to see surprising artifacts from the Hall’s members and golf’s
biggest names. The ladies can shop till they drop at St. Augustine’s
two outlet malls or at any of the unique boutiques, vintage stores or
antique shops in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach.

Dining Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
Dining on the Historic Coast is plentiful and varied. There are many
casual options for families and restaurants are dedicated to serving
up fresh local produce and seafood. Chefs create dishes inspired by
the area’s diverse cultural heritage including Spanish, French, British,
Greek and Minorcan flavors, plus most menus will satisfy even the
pickiest eater in your crew.

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