Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2016 | Page 31

Attractions No matter what your hobby or interest, we have an attraction for that! Explore on foot in the pedestrian-friendly historic district or hop aboard the Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Red Train. St. Augustine Lighthouse Conquistadors, Pirates and Alligators, Oh My! Visitors can explore the 144-square block historic district lined with 34 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The Castillo de San Marcos, one of the country’s most popular National Parks, rises prominently above the seawall in the Oldest City. St. Augustine Alligator Farm A visit to the Colonial Quarter takes you on a journey through three centuries of Spanish and British colonial life with engaging tours, exhibits, restaurants and taverns. But there’s more than history here. There’s pirates! The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum contains the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts. The museum’s “treasure hunt,” entertaining pirate guides and surround-sound experience of a battle on the high seas will have adults and kids alike happily chanting, “Arrgghhh!” Standing watch over the Oldest City, the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers a breathtaking view, which makes the climb up 219 steps worth it! And, if you’re so inclined, visit the place of eternal youth. The Fountain of Youth is more than legend, it is the place where Pedro Menéndez founded St. Augustine and the original inhabitants, the Timucuans, first welcomed him. Experience the gilded age at the Lightner Museum, Villa Zorayda or a tour of the Hotel Ponce de Leon, now Flagler College. Get on your feet! Choose from walking tours of the old city devoted to a wide range of topics — you can even eat your way around town. Intrepid souls can search for ghosts on walking and riding tours each night. Attractions here can be a little wet and wild. Swim with dolphins, glide alongside manatees and visit the only place in the world where every species of crocodilian can be seen. Wander through a museum of the fantastic and bizarre at the family-friendly Ripley’s Believe It or Not! With more than 60 attractions to choose from, including some great new additions, any visitor’s “to-do” list of adventure is going to be several days in length. 29 SJVCB_151200_ATTRACTIONS.indd 29 11/23/15 2:41:32 PM