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 Red Express , 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 .
Conquer the castle at the Castillo de San Marcos , the oldest masonry fort in the continental U . S . The fort was built by the Spanish to protect the city . Talk to the reenactors and see musket drills and cannon fire .
The Hyppo Gourmet Popsicles or handmade Italian ice cream from Café del Hidalgo make for a sweet treat .
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 .
Have lunch just steps from the beach at Salt Life Food Shack or Sunset Grille , where flip-flops and sandals are the preferred footwear . There are also plenty of shady picnic areas and restrooms .
Make it a daring afternoon at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park . In addition to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles , there are birds , lumbering giant tortoises and even two-toed sloths !
End the day at Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf for a little friendly competition .
St . Augustine Aquarium
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 , catch a view from a Red Boat Tour or climb aboard the Schooner Freedom , St . Augustine ’ s premier tall ship . Freedom is the only schooner charter vessel between Charleston and the Florida Keys .
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