Popular Places to Visit on Anastasia Island

St. Augustine Beach (General)

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coquina on the beach Photo - St. Augustine, Florida

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A place that I'm proud to call home is the lovely little town of St. Augustine Beach. Located on Anastasia Island on the northeastern coast of Florida, St. Augustine Beach is the quaint seaside provence of the "Nation's Oldest City". If you're looking for bright cheesy colors, gaudy high-rises, and crowded sand, then you're looking in the wrong place. Here you'll find a small-town feel on a wide sandy beach with classy cafes, and open skylines to enjoy sunsets instead of hotels.The commune of St. Augustine Beach is actually only a small stretch of less than 2 miles, but within these miles you'll find all you need for a relaxing visit. From the northside of the coastal road "Beach A1A" you'...Read More

A place that I'm proud to call home is the lovely little town of St. Augustine Beach. Located on Anastasia Island on the northeastern coast of Florida, St. Augustine Beach is the quaint seaside provence of the "Nation's Oldest City". If you're looking for bright cheesy colors, gaudy high-rises, and crowded sand, then you're looking in the wrong place. Here you'll find a small-town feel on a wide sandy beach with classy cafes, and open skylines to enjoy sunsets instead of hotels.

The commune of St. Augustine Beach is actually only a small stretch of less than 2 miles, but within these miles you'll find all you need for a relaxing visit. From the northside of the coastal road "Beach A1A" you're greeted by the pier park area. Here there is a large public parking area free of charge. CHeck out the fishing pier for an excellent view over the ocean and town, and children will love the newly built "Splash Park". Continually throughout the year, one might run into a special event being held at the pavilion area here, from fireworks shows, fund-raiser races, music festivals, and more. On Wednesday mornings there's a great farmer's market here and the adjoining cultural center hosts several art and culture events as well. Grab a volleyball and pick up a game at the open sand courts on the side of the parking lot.

Next travel further south and you'll see a few local restaurants. Cafe 11 is a popular stop for locals as well as visitors. Many concerts are held here at night, and the Sunday brunch is always packed. Across the street is the lovely Castillo Real hotel which also houses a wonderful upscale restaurant inside. Cafe Atlantico is a gourmet local restaurant open only for dinner, offering an ever-changing seasonal menu. "A Street" is towards the center of town and here there is a concentration of restaurants, smoothie shops, bars, and a surf-shop. Looking for a meal closest to the sand? Drive towards the beach on A Street to the Beachcomber.

Throughout the 2 miles of beach road look for several free public parking areas, around 16th St, 11 St, 8th St, and A St. Most have bathroom and shower facilities as well. One unique thing about St. Augustine Beach is the opportunity to drive on the beach. This is argued on both sides, but in the numbered streets (16th - 1st) no cars are allowed, but in the lettered streets (A St - F St, and further north) cars are allowed in designated areas. Luckily the beaches are very very wide and cars must park nearest the western dunes, so when you're lying on the beach, it's easy to not even notice them, especially at low tide.

If you visit here, it's easy to see why so many people come here each year. It's a great, quaint, relaxing place!

• http://www.staugbch.com/ Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 7, 2010

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St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

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Attraction | "Alligators, Crocodiles, and More!"

alligators in the algea Photo - St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine, Florida

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One of the most popular stops for families and visitors in town is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. One of the oldest sites of it's kind in the nation, this park has been continuously maintained since 1893. After hearing about it for years (even from my grandparents who remember visiting during their St. Augustine honeymoon) and living only a couple miles away, we finally visited in the spring.Located across from another popular site, the Lighthouse, this park is on the National Registry for Historical Places. Surprisingly, it houses quite a collection of species within the grounds and even though it's not too large, it's a great half-day site to see. The main building hou...Read More

One of the most popular stops for families and visitors in town is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. One of the oldest sites of it's kind in the nation, this park has been continuously maintained since 1893. After hearing about it for years (even from my grandparents who remember visiting during their St. Augustine honeymoon) and living only a couple miles away, we finally visited in the spring.

Located across from another popular site, the Lighthouse, this park is on the National Registry for Historical Places. Surprisingly, it houses quite a collection of species within the grounds and even though it's not too large, it's a great half-day site to see. The main building houses a small museum and gift shop. Here you buy your ticket and pick up the daily show schedules as well as informational brochures and a map.

Check out the website for updated show schedules as it's best to plan your visit around at least one live show of your choosing (as your visit may only last a couple of hours, you won't want to sit around waiting for a later show). Choose from the "Realm of the Alligator" an educational show about the general and interesting alligator facts, "Scales and Tails" a reptile show, "Rainforest Review" which highlights exotic species of the endangered rainforests, and one of the most popular shows the "Alligator Feeding" where crowds gather to see the powerful animals splashing and wrestling for their food given by a brave keeper.

When you enter the park, you might be surprised to see the variety of animals here, as it's definitely not just alligators...exhibits range from Komodo Dragons and "Birds of Africa" to exotic mammals like marmosets and monkeys to giant tortoises and ostriches. Of course, the star of the park is the huge collection of many types of alligators and crocs. Check out the rare albino alligators, and the the largest animal in the park named "Maximo" a 15+ ft croc from Australia weighing over 1250 pounds. In the "Land of the Crocodiles" exhibit see over 23 different species of this animal (this is currently the only place in the world where every recognized croc species exists in one place).

Besides just being a great day trip for visitors, this park also works with many educational programs and offers an annual Zoo Camp for children. Zoo Nights are a special program offered at various times through the year, as well as partnering with other educational events and festivals. Visitors can buy annual passes, as many locals do, which goes to support the ongoing preservation, education, and studies of this specialized zoo and it's animals.

• http://www.alligatorfarm.us/
• Open everyday from 9am to 5pm | Extended summer hours: 9 am to 6 pm
• $21.95 (discounts available for children, seniors, locals)
• 999 Anastasia Blvd.
• 904-824-3337 Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 7, 2010

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
999 Anastasia Boulevard
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
(904) 824-3337

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St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum

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Attraction | "What's Black and White and Red on Top?"

inside the Lighthouse museum Photo - St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, St. Augustine, Florida

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One of the staples of the Anastasia Island skyline, and of the tourists' "must-see sites" is that of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. Built in 1874, this lighthouse has been in functioning condition ever since, and now is not not only used for navigation aid, but for a glimpse into the history of the area.Now run as a not-for-profit organization, this museum is run by a devoted and knowledgeable group of people passionate about the maintenance and the passing of of history to every visitor. The current tower was built on the site of a much earlier Spanish watchtower during the time when Florida was Spanish territory. There was also an earlier lighthouse which was threatened by beac...Read More

One of the staples of the Anastasia Island skyline, and of the tourists' "must-see sites" is that of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. Built in 1874, this lighthouse has been in functioning condition ever since, and now is not not only used for navigation aid, but for a glimpse into the history of the area.

Now run as a not-for-profit organization, this museum is run by a devoted and knowledgeable group of people passionate about the maintenance and the passing of of history to every visitor. The current tower was built on the site of a much earlier Spanish watchtower during the time when Florida was Spanish territory. There was also an earlier lighthouse which was threatened by beach erosion, so this current one was built with enough distance and structure to be safe from the seas.

Located now on the part of Anastasia Island between the Bridge of Lions and Anastasia State Park, the lighthouse can't be missed when driving by as it's beautiful stark black & white stripes and glowing read top stand proudly above the town. If you're headed south on A1A and see it on your left, drive about 2 more blocks and turn in just in front of the new skatepark. This road will lead you to the entrance of the Lighthouse Park.

The front yard of the grounds is a beautiful sprawl of towering oaks with plenty of space for a picnic (or grab a table across the street on the waterfront). As you enter the colonial style brick building where the museum is located, you'll buy the tickets and you're sure to get distracted for a while looking through all the old artifacts of the lighthouse. The history is quite interesting, and the staff is very knowledgeable so feel free to ask questions.

When you enter the actual lighthouse, you'll be greeted by an amazing interior with an endless spiral staircase. Climb 219 steps to the observation deck which lies 165 feet over sea level. When you've had your fill of the amazing 360 degree views, climb back down and enjoy the manicured gardens around the grounds.

Over 180.000 people visit this site each year, and many school groups make this an annual trip as well as ghost tours who have studied paranormal activity here. There was even an episode of Ghost Hunters shot here for the SciFi Channel. There are several night tours offered throughout the year for a different type of view over the city.

• http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/
• 81 Lighthouse Avenue
• 904-829-0745
• Open Daily 9am - 6pm
• $9 admission (discounts available for seniors, children, locals) Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 7, 2010

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
81 Lighthouse Avenue
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
(904) 829-0745

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Day at the Park

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trail sign in the park Photo - St. Augustine, Florida

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Every now and then I have a really good idea......that turns out not to be so good.Take one weekend this past summer for example. We enjoyed a super nice beach day with friends...some surfing, some swimming, some reading. This was followed by a couple refreshing drinks and a light lunch. It was so glorious outside, that I didn't want to stay in but I also didn't want much more sun.So I said, " I know! Let's go to Anastasia State Park and find a nature trail!". Thinking that at least then we'd be under shade in the forest part. So we paid the entrance fee, slathered on the 70spf, threw water bottles and a camera in my bag and took off.Seriously, as I pass...Read More

Every now and then I have a really good idea...

...that turns out not to be so good.

Take one weekend this past summer for example. We enjoyed a super nice beach day with friends...some surfing, some swimming, some reading. This was followed by a couple refreshing drinks and a light lunch. It was so glorious outside, that I didn't want to stay in but I also didn't want much more sun.

So I said, " I know! Let's go to Anastasia State Park and find a nature trail!". Thinking that at least then we'd be under shade in the forest part. So we paid the entrance fee, slathered on the 70spf, threw water bottles and a camera in my bag and took off.

Seriously, as I passed the sign "Nature Trail >>> this way" I was bitten by the first of dozens of mosquitos. Never did I stop to think that it's 97º, almost 100% humidity, the day after almost a month of solid rain dumping more water on the city than this area has seen in years, and we've been warned about the high mosquito population this season. As soon as we looked down, we could see actual swarms of these nasties all around our bodies.

So, off we went. Running.
It became just a funny joke almost of finishing the entire trail without stopping waving our arms around or slapping every bit of exposed skin every 5 seconds. An informational sign would come up, just long enough for us to read outloud the name of the tree or flower, before sprinting up and down the forest of dunes.

I think my bites totaled somewhere in the teens...but at the end we were rewarded by a stroll on the dunes walkway overlooking Salt Run, the beach, and more rain clouds in the distance.

Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea afterall.

*on a lighter note, the State Park is an excellent place to enjoy pristine natural landscapes. Check out the Old Spanish Coquina Quarry, ready about the history of this land at the visitors center, camp in one of the many sites, join in one of the yearly races held on the trails, or rent kayaks to enjoy the intracoastal river way. There's never a loss of things to do at this well-maintained park - just be sure to bring bug spray!

• http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/
• Open Daily 8 a.m. until sundown
• $4-$8/vehicle, $2/pedestrian Read Less

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St. Johns County Ocean Pier

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Attraction | "Day at the Pier with Much More"

waterpark at the pier Photo - St. Augustine, Florida

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As soon as one drives east on the oceanfront avenue "Beach A1A" and reaches the city of St. Augustine Beach, the St. Johns County Ocean Pier is one of the first places you'll see. Located in the 2-mile stretch of this quaint seaside town, this pier and the area surrounding it offer many lovely things that visitors can enjoy.The main star of this area is the pier itself. Protruding over the north end of the beach, this fishing pier is a popular destination for fishers throughout the year. The information and tourist office is where you purchase tickets and fishing passes and also where you gain access to the pier walkway. Bait, tackle, ice and refreshments are available in the center as wel...Read More

As soon as one drives east on the oceanfront avenue "Beach A1A" and reaches the city of St. Augustine Beach, the St. Johns County Ocean Pier is one of the first places you'll see. Located in the 2-mile stretch of this quaint seaside town, this pier and the area surrounding it offer many lovely things that visitors can enjoy.

The main star of this area is the pier itself. Protruding over the north end of the beach, this fishing pier is a popular destination for fishers throughout the year. The information and tourist office is where you purchase tickets and fishing passes and also where you gain access to the pier walkway. Bait, tackle, ice and refreshments are available in the center as well. Even if you don't fish it's worth the $1 to stroll out on the wooden planks. Get an upclose view at some of the catches of the day, large pelicans sitting on the ledges, and a great overlook at the beach and the town.

Next to the pier is the St. Johns Cultural Center which was recently renovated and now hosts many cultural and arts events throughout the area. The offices as well as several art and dance studios are located at this beach location. As their calendar is always being updated with new events, it's best to check the postings outside the center or their website.

One of the newest additions to this recreational area is the "Splash Park". A small playground for children with a special jumping fountain water park area. During the hot days this is a very popular stop for kids after spending a hot day on the sand. Next to the splash park are outdoor showers and restroom facilities.

Volleyball and bocce ball courts are scattered around the sidelines of the parking lot which are open and free to use at anytime. Most warm days you'll find families and friends filling the courts with fun play and plenty of laughs. Pack a picnic for the day and park yourselves on the picnic tables to the southern end, or at a table in the covered pavilions (if it's not being used for a special event, as many events are held here throughout the year).

During the summer months there are Wednesday night parties with live music and food catered by local restaurants. For New Years and the 4th of t July, gather here for an excellent fireworks show, and don't miss the Wednesday morning Farmer's Market held here year round.

• http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/BCC/Parks_1_Recreation/Fishing_Pier/index.aspx
• Pier: Open Daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Pier: $1 admission, $1-2 fishing pass
• http://www.stjohnsculture.com/ Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 6, 2010

St. Johns County Ocean Pier

St. Augustine, Florida

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