Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2017 | Page 33

Conquistadors , Pirates and Alligators , Oh My !
Lightner Museum

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 .

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 . 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 .
St . Augustine Alligator Farm
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 and Maritime Museum 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 ! Museum .
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 .
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