The annual St. Augustine "Night of Lights" celebration (along the the start of the many festive activities that happen in this lovely town during the holidays). Each November - January, the "Nation's Oldest City" of St. Augustine becomes a must-stop trip for visitors far and…Read More

The annual St. Augustine "Night of Lights" celebration (along the the start of the many festive activities that happen in this lovely town during the holidays). Each November - January, the "Nation's Oldest City" of St. Augustine becomes a must-stop trip for visitors far and wide. Besides having a beautiful city waterfront harbor, the city becomes even more beautiful with millions of little white lights adorning every building, storefront, palm and oak tree.

Continuing as a tradition now for about 15 years, the "Night of Lights" is advertised around the region months in advance and draws many visitors. The night which is especially exciting is the first night that the lights are switched on. This normally is accompanied by a performance of carols in the downtown plaza and a big announcement for the lighting of the tree which then in turn lights all the other buildings. Even some of the boats in the harbor get in on the fun and decorate as well.

As the parking fills up quickly all around town, the best thing is to get a spot EARLY, or if you're staying in downtown at a B&B or hotel, you probably will be guaranteed a spot with your lodging. Sometimes many people park on the Island side of the Bridge of Lions and walk over the bridge instead (which gives one of the best viewpoints nanyway for the lighting). As we live on the island, and normally ride our bikes from the beach to downtown because the parking gets so bad, we decided last year to do the same. Our itinerary filled up quickly and we ended up having an exciting, spontaneous night of activities! We met several people on the hill by the Castillo de San Marco Fort and had a picnic dinner with several thermos full of hot chocolate and apple cider. Next, it was on to walk through the masses of tourist on St. George Street to the downtown plaza which was full of vendors, a live Christmas band, and people, people, and more people. We waited until the countdown to when the lights all switched on - and listened to the "ooohhs" and "aahhhs" of the crowd.

If you can't make it to St. Augustine for the night of the initial lighting, don't worry, as long as you make it before the end of January, you'll see the lovely display nightly!   Close

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…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/   Close

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…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   Close

One spring weekend in St. Augustine we visited some friends who live on the Intracoastal (the waterway which flows between inlets and on the land-side of Anastasia Island). As they live on the water, they have water "toys" and so we pushed out 3 kayaks…Read More

One spring weekend in St. Augustine we visited some friends who live on the Intracoastal (the waterway which flows between inlets and on the land-side of Anastasia Island). As they live on the water, they have water "toys" and so we pushed out 3 kayaks and 1 canoe (which my husband and I shared). After crossing to the west side of the waterway at high tide, being careful not to disturb any of the oyster beds which lie just a couple feet below the surface, we went under a bridge and then kept rowing towards a marsh area.

Since it was high tide, we were hoping to find a path through the reeds and grass to connect us with the protected Moses Creek. Luckily we glided quite effortlessly through the shortcut, and then began the zig-zagging through the marsh. Gliding through the water was fun as we chatted and kept our eyes out for wildlife. We saw many places where alligators used for a beach, but no sign of the large reptiles themselves...which I wasn't complaining about. Since there were 5 of us, we probably made enough noise to scare them off before we approached.

A couple miles in, we stopped on a dock and ate a quick bite for lunch. Before getting back in the boats, we walked up to a small overlook cliff to see the winding creek below, and mentioned how it didn't feel like we were just a few miles from our house because this place was so secluded and peaceful. We continued up the creek for a bit more, and then turned around just as the tide shifted.

As we approached the southern end of the creek again, which feeds to the Intracoastal, we found the small path we'd used to enter several hours earlier, but now as the tide was emptying - we had to shimmy the canoe over the muck and grasses while jamming our ores in the mud. Finally we made it through and continued on open water back towards the house.

Just before we left the marsh, we saw a tree full of the bright pink spoonbills, and several herons and cranes flying by. When we paddled through the open water though, we glided right by a pod of dolphins who were feeding on a large school of fish. I always love to see them come up out of the water, and this time it was so quiet that we could hear them breathe each time they surfaced. Unfortunately, every time I went to take a photo they were already back in the water or further away from us - but I did get a glimpse of a fin in one shot.

Being on the water, out in the sun, and rowing for hours, really made me collapse later in the afternoon, and my upper back and arms are still reminding me of the muscles that I used. It was such an enjoyable time to spend with friends, rowing, watching wildlife, and enjoying the Florida outdoors.

Overall, Moses Creek is a great easy creek to navigate and one of the few remaining undeveloped tidal creeks in the region. There is an entire Wildlife Conservation area there and visitors can see animals like the Great Blue Herron, snow egrets, osprey, hawks, gopher tortoises, deer, otters and foxes.

• http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/moses206.html (not official website, but good info and rental info)
• St. Augustine, SR 206   Close

St. Augustine is the first city in the New World. There is much history to explore. The history of war and defense of the founders is a major part of St. Augusinte. The two forts available for touring are very different in their design but…Read More

St. Augustine is the first city in the New World. There is much history to explore. The history of war and defense of the founders is a major part of St. Augusinte. The two forts available for touring are very different in their design but have a history that is interlocked. Matanzas is a Spanish outpost fort that was built in 1740-1742 to guard the Matanzas Inlet and to warn St. Augustine of British or other enemies approaching from the south. The Castillo was constructed in 1692.Changes in occupation of the fort came about only through military agreements or political treaty from Spanish to British to American Confederacy and then the USA. Amazingly, the Castillo was never taken by force. Like Matanzas it is built of Coquina, a combination of stone and shells.   Close

St. Augustine, Florida, the nation’s oldest city, is probably not the first place one thinks of when thinking about Florida. But St. Augustine and the surrounding area is truly the REAL Florida. We are steeped in history, there are beautiful beaches, and nature abounds in…Read More

St. Augustine, Florida, the nation’s oldest city, is probably not the first place one thinks of when thinking about Florida. But St. Augustine and the surrounding area is truly the REAL Florida. We are steeped in history, there are beautiful beaches, and nature abounds in the nearby parks and recreational areas. I will try to guide you through the area from the perspective of the handicapped traveler.

Because the St. Augustine area is over 500 years old, most of the Old City is not wheelchair friendly, but this doesn’t mean that you can't enjoy the sights. The sightseeing trains and horse-drawn carriages are not accessible, so your best bet is to get around by car. Attraction maps are free and available everywhere, so you can drive around the Old City at your leisure, making stops along the way. Many of the attractions, such as Ripley's Believe it or Not, the Lightner Museum, etc., are completely accessible and have ample parking. St. George Street, where you will find most of the shopping, can be navigated in a wheelchair, but many of the shops are not accessible. There are some newer buildings close to the City Gates that are easily accessible, as are the shops in the little "malls" off St. George. Get into town before 10am to find the best parking spots.

Want to go to the beach? Go right ahead! All the beaches allow vehicles, so you can drive almost to the ocean's edge. A wonderful way to spend the day!

St. Augustine is famous for its bed-and-breakfast inns, and a few of them do have accessible rooms, but for the most part, these are off-limits to the handicapped. There are many hotels and motels in the area that, although lacking the charm of the B&Bs, are fully accessible, very nice, and reasonably priced.

The pedestrian thoroughfare of St. George Street is the natural focal point for any exploration of the Old Town. Beginning on the north at the Old City Gate, this narrow lane ends to the south at Plaza de la Constitucion. Spanning roughly six blocks, you’ll…Read More

The pedestrian thoroughfare of St. George Street is the natural focal point for any exploration of the Old Town. Beginning on the north at the Old City Gate, this narrow lane ends to the south at Plaza de la Constitucion. Spanning roughly six blocks, you’ll find an abundant supply of restaurants, retail shops, ice cream parlors, bars and historic sights. During the day, St. George is teeming with foot traffic, but I’ve never found it deserted, even late at night.

The little community of St. Augustine Beach provides recreation of all sorts including fishing from the county pier, surfing, sunbathing, tennis, golf and bowling. There is also a selection of nightspots to choose from for dining and dancing. This community of over 3,600 prides itself…Read More

The little community of St. Augustine Beach provides recreation of all sorts including fishing from the county pier, surfing, sunbathing, tennis, golf and bowling. There is also a selection of nightspots to choose from for dining and dancing. This community of over 3,600 prides itself on being able to draw visitors from all over the world. It provides lodging, restaurants, sports, entertainment and THE BEACHES, so once you arrive you never have to leave this wonderful city.

Sightseeing on the pier is 50 cents and fishing $2 with special rates for seniors and children.

South of the city are other beach areas including Crescent Beach, Summer Haven and the much-frequented Matanzas Inlet where fishing and swimming are also superb.    Close

The village includes The World Golf Hall of Fame (everything anyone ever wanted to know about golf), an IMAX theatre, speciality shops and restaurants. The village often hosts festivals, shows and live entertainment, two of our favorites have been the Corvette Show and the…Read More

The village includes The World Golf Hall of Fame (everything anyone ever wanted to know about golf), an IMAX theatre, speciality shops and restaurants. The village often hosts festivals, shows and live entertainment, two of our favorites have been the Corvette Show and the July 4th fireworks display. The tower offers splendid views of the village and adjacent areas.

The village is very well planned in that the walkway and facilities surround a small lake. The lake and the fountains help cool the area as well as help disperse the visitors and prevent crowding.   Close

My husband and I live about an hour and half to two hour drive from St. Augustine, and although we always talk about going some place new we always end up there. If you are thinking that this might get boring you would be…Read More

My husband and I live about an hour and half to two hour drive from St. Augustine, and although we always talk about going some place new we always end up there. If you are thinking that this might get boring you would be incorrect. It is one of my favorite destinations because no matter how many times I return I am always amazed by something new this Oldest City offers! This visit my husband and I took a ghost tour, offered at night in the historic district. There are several to choose from: haunted pub tour, haunted hearse ghost tour, or plain walking ghost tour. We have been on the pub tour and the walking tour several times.

Each time we take the walking tour we hear new stories about different areas of the historic district. It's a little spooky, as you are walking around in the dark and Florida drivers can be a little aggressive, so weigh this in when trying to decide whether or not to take the kids with you. This time was no exception, new stories and a different section of town, compared to the other 3 we have been on. We only spent one day on the beach as weather wasn't really permitting, it rained most of the time we were there (lovely unpredictable Florida weather). While exploring down near Fort Matanzas, we discovered a beach on old A1A road, (if you go over the bridge after Fort Matanzas, approx. 1/4 mile farther there is a gas station, take the road on the left just before you pass it and probably 100 yards ahead on the left is parking for the beach).

I have lived in Florida all my life, but this was the most secluded beach I have ever seen, we probably only saw 4 people the whole time we were there, either direction. We quickly ran through San Sebastion Winery, one of our favorite stops and ate dinner one night at A1A brewery. Of course, we had gellato at Cafe del Hidalgo on the corner of St. George Street and Hypolita, a must on any trip there. We tried a new restaurant (new to us) called Acapulco, across from the Castillo. My husband made out better than I did. His chocolate chicken dish was much better than my soggy quesadilla. The view was nice, but I have had better food and it was expensive. I enjoyed our little 3 day get away, even if we do always go there!   Close