ULTIMATE VACATION TIPS
You can take a trolley or walking tour to learn more about the civil rights events that took place in the historic Lincolnville community at the Museum & Cultural Center . While in the neighborhood , stop in for a cold craft-brew at Dog Rose Brewery , enjoy fine dining at the critically-acclaimed Preserved Restaurant or a craft cocktail and a tour at the St . Augustine Distillery and Ice Plant .
You can ’ t miss the iconic Castillo de San Marcos on the bayfront . But there ’ s another Spanish-built fort just south off A1A . Take a short ferry ride to Fort Matanzas and enjoy the view as well as walking trails and picnic areas at the park .
Crossing the famed Bridge of Lions lands you in the Anastasia Boulevard corridor . New restaurants , shops and art galleries have sprung up in this vibrant area between the Historic District and beaches .
Of course , there ’ s more than history to see and do in and around the ancient city . The Classic Car Museum of St . Augustine houses an amazing collection of automobiles from the 1890s to modern sports cars , as well as memorabilia for car buffs of all ages . For families with active children , the St . Augustine Aquarium offers immersive hands-on experiences including feeding and swimming with sea life .
Further north of town , the World Golf Village boasts the most unique movie-going experience with the IMAX Theater . IMAX combines crystalclear images with powerful digital sound to create an unforgettable experience . St . Augustine ’ s Corazon Cinema & Café offers a more intimate setting with independent and foreign films along with first run movies .
Like the outdoors ? Immerse yourself in a pristine coastal habitat at the GTM Research Reserve . The nature sanctuary is located off scenic A1A between St . Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach .
The TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse is open for the public to enjoy and discover .
The GTM Research Reserve has extensive nature trails , fishing , hiking , biking , canoeing , kayaking and an environmental education center .
Don ’ t Miss These Must-Do Events
Florida ’ s Historic Coast attracts people from around the globe with its world-renowned golf courses . THE PLAYERS Championship takes place at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach in March . Golf ’ s greats play on a course made for the enjoyment of spectators in the gallery . There ’ s plenty to see and do when you ’ re not holding your breath watching that putt .
The Sing Out Loud Festival takes place every weekend in September and features hundreds of performances by national , regional and local musicians . All concerts are free !
Spring brings Florida ’ s Birding & Photo Fest with 110 birding and photography field workshops . Classroom sessions are instructed by acclaimed photographers .
St . Augustine ’ s Nights of Lights is a spectacular holiday tradition when millions of white lights blanket the Historic District from the ground to the rooftops . The event runs from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through the end of January .
St . Augustine commemorates its anniversary with Founding Day in September . It starts with a reenactment of the landing of Pedro Menendez de Aviles , followed by a commemorative Catholic Mass . The finale is a Thanksgiving meal marking more than 450 years of history .
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