Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2020 | Page 24

Beach & Family Ready to paddle board at the GTM Research Reserve Itinerary for Family Fun History & Heritage Little legs get tired after a day of exploring, so hop on an Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Big Red Train, which will take you to more than 20 stops around St. Augustine. Along with the ease of transportation, each gets you into attractions like St. Augustine’s Old Jail and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, making it a great value. To experience the history of St. Augustine visit attractions such as the Oldest Wooden School House, which is more than 200 years old. Then catch a tour at the nearby Colonial Quarter. Climb the watchtower for a great view of the Castillo and the bay. Beach Day Florida’s Historic Coast has more than 42 miles of white, sandy beaches. If you have younger children, visit the splash pad at St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park. A local favorite is Anastasia State Park, a 1,600-acre Florida State Park with rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Within the park is Anastasia Watersports, which rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Conquer the castle at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. The fort was built to protect the city by the Spanish. Talk to the re-enactors and see musket drills and cannon fi re. There are also plenty of shady picnic areas and restrooms. Have lunch just steps from the beach at Salt Life Food Shack or Sunset Grille, where fl ip-fl ops and sandals are the preferred footwear. The Hyppo Gourmet Popsicles or a handmade ice cream sandwich from Peace Pies makes for a sweet treat. Make it a daring afternoon at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. In addition to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, there 22 are birds, lumbering giant tortoises and even two-toed sloths! End the day at Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf for a little friendly competition. Make New Friends Start the day by making new friends. The St. Augustine Aquarium is budget friendly and perfect for little explorers. Swim with the fish, or participate in a sting ray and shark feeding program. Dig for shark teeth and more. You have plenty of options for lunch including Pizzalley’s, St. Augustine Seafood Company or the Spanish Bakery. As the sun sets climb aboard the Schooner Freedom, St. Augustine’s premier tall ship. Freedom is the only schooner charter vessel between Charleston and the Florida Keys.