Jace Lamonica
Centuries echo through the streets of St. Augustine, an ancient city in Florida. Families chasing something more than a usual beach day will uncover stories etched in history and mystery. Ready to explore the oldest American city? These ten adventures will excite you in ways no tourist destination can.
Climb The Tower At Florida’s Oldest Lighthouse
Florida’s first lighthouse lit up in 1824, but erosion stole the shoreline, and a storm sealed its fate. In 1874, the current 165-foot tower rose defiantly. Now, the 219-step climb rewards with sky-wide views and sea breezes. What once warned ships now dares visitors to rise.
Explore The Fort That Defied Pirates
Completed in 1695, Castillo de San Marcos never fell in battle. Its walls, made of coquina, absorbed cannon fire like sponge cake absorbs syrup. It withstood pirates and storms, according to the elaborate stories the tour leaders tell. Kids love the drawbridge, and parents savor the stories.
Paddle Through Salt Run With Dolphins Nearby
Dolphins surface just feet from kayaks in Salt Run, a tidal lagoon edged with sandbars and seagrass. Rentals start at around $25 per hour. Visitors often spot large pods, making it feel like paddling through a postcard. Calm currents make it perfect for beginners and kids alike.
Ride The Trolley Into The City’s Past
Covering over 100 points of interest, the Old Town Trolley rolls past colonial homes, haunted alleyways, and ancient chapels. Conductors share everything from pirate hangings to founding myths. If riding through a living book was personified, this could be it. Hop off where curiosity strikes next.
Spot Exotic Birds At A Rookery Hidden In Plain Sight
Each spring, over 300 nests appear above the Alligator Farm’s swamp boardwalk. Great egrets fluff their plumage. Spoonbills squabble over branches. Biologists count hatchlings weekly. Nowhere else brings you this close to wild birds. Alligators below keep natural predators from raiding the nests.
Explore The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
This cedar-shingled site dates back to the 1700s and features original textbooks, a handbell from 1788, and chains that anchor the building against hurricanes. People are told to have shared benches and inkwells, according to displays. Kids marvel at slates, and adults reflect on lessons that shaped early American minds.
Discover Pirate Legends At The Treasure Museum
Find over 800 authentic artifacts at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum—including the only known pirate treasure chest of Captain Thomas Tew. Kids can fire a cannon simulator, while even skeptical teens linger, caught up in relics that whisper real pirate stories.
Hunt For Alligators At The Zoological Park
Founded in 1893, Alligator Farm Zoological Park features every crocodilian species on Earth. Gator feeding shows thrill crowds. Zip-liners soar overhead while the Komodo dragons bask. These are not normal reptiles in a normal place; they are part of a global zoo with prehistoric vibes and hands-on fun for daring young explorers.
Cruise Into The Sunset On A Scenic Boat Tour
Evening boat rides through Matanzas Bay glide past lighthouse silhouettes and nesting birds next to gentle waves. Dolphins jump in the golden wake. Narrators blend pirate tales with local lore. You sit back to breathe the salty air and see why history feels different from the water.
Ride Horses Along The Shores Of Vilano Beach
Tour-led horseback rides along Vilano Beach offer a rare Florida coastal experience. Only a handful of beaches in the state permit it. Companies like Country Carriages host one-hour rides for ages 13 and up. No experience is required—just closed-toe shoes, a waiver, and a sense of wonder.
