These days, almost everyone is familiar with traveling to Florida. It’s a state that offers tourist attractions from coast to coast and everywhere in between. So, it’s likely you’ve already been there, done that, and have the photos and souvenirs to prove it. But when it comes to the Historic Coast, it’s an area with a lot to offer that often gets overlooked in favor of the bigger destinations. So, to get your travel inspiration underway, here are our picks for the Top 10 Things to do in the region.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Spend the day with hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, other exotic creatures from around the world, and hundreds of wild coastal birds who are so busy with lives that they barely notice you!
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is one of the nation’s most exciting and educational zoos. Every species of crocodilian lives here – the only place in the world with this distinction.
Have you met Teddy and Grizzly? These Hoffman two-toed sloths are the latest arrivals at the park and are so adorable you’ll want to hold them. Did you know you can? Through a Rainforest Sloth Encounter, visitors can touch, feed, and learn more about these remarkable animals.
Marineland
Explore Rock Beach at Marineland. This is a photographer’s paradise. Just south of the famous attraction featuring dolphins, sharks, and tortoises, look for a parking lot and boardwalk on the oceanside.
Head south on the boardwalk and you’ll come upon one of the most amazing rock formations on the Florida coastline.
We recommend a breakfast picnic to capture the sunrise over the rocks and water, so be sure and bring your camera!
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Visit America’s First Colony. Founded by Pedro Menendez on THIS ACTUAL SITE 42 years before Jamestown and 55 years before Plymouth Rock, The Fountain of Youth is the first settlement area in our Nation’s Oldest City. Multiple exhibits, demonstrations, interpretations, shows, reenactments, and activities are spread out over 15 beautiful acres.
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park features waterfront views, garden settings, strutting peacocks, roaring cannons, and, of course, the legendary spring waters. Try climbing the watchtower at the end of the park. The view overlooking the marsh is simply breathtaking and you can imagine how this spot looked when the Native Timucuan Indians lived here centuries ago.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Tour Fort Matanzas National Monument. This is one of the best-kept secrets on Florida’s Historic Coast.
A visit to the top of the Coquina watchtower, built by the Spanish in 1742, offers inspiring views of dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. But the best part might be the trip to the fort via ferry.
It’s free and open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 3:30, weather permitting.
TPC Sawgrass
Renowned golf course architect Pete Dye set out to create a course design that favored no particular player or style of play. The result was the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, a truly balanced course. Home of THE PLAYERS® Championship, golfers find a selection of short, medium, and long holes within the categories of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s; both right and left doglegs; and a course routing laid out so no two consecutive holes ever play in the same direction.
With its signature island green 17th hole being one of the most recognized in golf, this legendary track is consistently named among the top golf courses worldwide and has rightfully earned its spot on every golfer’s bucket list.
Lincolnville
Take a tour of Lincolnville. History is everywhere here and it’s alive and well in the Historic District neighborhood of Lincolnville.
Founded in 1866 by newly-freed slaves after the Civil War, Lincolnville is rich in culture, art, and cuisine.
Take a stroll along the residential streets, stop in for some fresh biscuits at The Blue Hen, and discover more about the history of the area during the Civil Rights movement as you follow the 31 markers along the ACCORD Freedom Trail.
Bird Island
Explore the walking trails at Bird Island Park. Ponte Vedra may be more famous for its fairways, but this jewel of a park is a treat for nature lovers with its gazebo, boardwalk, and countless trails dotted with sculptures and water features.
A great spot for bird watching, picnicking and simply enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to take a look, and lots of pictures, at the intricate mosaic work surrounding the small amphitheater.
Shark Tooth Hunting
Shark tooth hunting on Vilano Beach provides hours of intrigue. With 42 miles of beach, chances are you got to enjoy the sand and surf on Florida’s Historic Coast. But did you also look for treasures on the beach? We’re talking about the fossilized kind. Shark teeth are fun to search for and there is plenty yet to be discovered on our coquina sand beaches. After a storm or when the water is receding, look for triangular shapes with a dark patina. It just might be the lucky charm you’ve been looking for.
Hyppo Pops
Licking Hyppo Pops on St. George Street is a great way to cool down. They’re as iconic in St. Augustine as the marble lions on the bridge.
These gourmet ice pops are not just a must, they are a must-repeat, as flavors and combinations are constantly being added to the great selection.
The Hyppo makes delightful all-natural ice pops from everything under the sun and features 450 flavors.
Craft Breweries
St. Augustine is home to some of the finest little breweries on the Florida coast, offering a wonderful opportunity to slake your thirst as you explore ancient history.
Try an IPA at Dog Rose Brewing (shown in the photo) located in the heart of Lincolnville, a stout at Ancient City Brewing, some pale ales and porters at Old Coast Ales on Anastasia Island, and a Belgian-style brew at BOG Brewing Company on West King Street.
Information and Photo Source: Florida’s Historic Coast
Lead Photo: St. Augustine Bridge of Lions – Ebyabe | Wikimedia Commons | License ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
