Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2024 | Page 9

ULTIMATE VACATION TIPS
ULTIMATE VACATION TIPS
The TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse is open for the public to enjoy and discover .
GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH
From the moment you arrive , you ’ ll simply want to walk around and take in the Spanish Renaissance , Moorish and Baroque architecture of Henry Flagler ’ s grand hotels that dot the Historic District . Just north of downtown , the Uptown District will draw you in with quaint shops , art galleries and fine restaurants .
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 Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center . While in the neighborhood , stop in for a cold craft brew at Dog Rose Brewing Company , enjoy fine dining at the critically acclaimed Michael ’ s 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 Spanishbuilt 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 .
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 St . Johns River Region features riverfront Alpine Groves Park , a restored 19th century homestead that ’ s a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail and wildlife sanctuary Beluthahatchee Park where all “ unpleasantness is forgiven and forgotten .” Plus , experience the backwaters of Old Florida with an airboat ride from Sea Serpent Tours .
I ’ VE ARRIVED !
The friendly staff at the Visitor Information Center can answer your questions , make recommendations , provide maps , offer discounted or bundled tickets and much more .
WHERE DO I PARK ?
St . Augustine ’ s walkability allows you to park at your hotel and explore on foot , with trolleys , trains , bicycles , pedicabs , and shuttles offering convenient alternatives . When needed , rely on the Historic Downtown Parking Facility , where you can park all day and night for one price . On-street parking and metered lots are also available , and the ParkStAug app helps save time . Check out the user-friendly parking finder website at CityStAug . com / ParkingSpotFinder for an enhanced parking experience with identified options and availability .
Embark on a downtown adventure in St . Augustine with the free Downtown STAR Circulator Bus ! It operates daily from 10 a . m . to 10 p . m ., starting its loop from the Visitor Information Center and making two stops along the way .
Casa Monica Resort & Spa
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