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Looking to get out of the house with your family? Consider taking a day trip to St. Augustine. This oldest city in the country has a rich history and culture, making it easy to fill your day with fun and educational activities. You’ll also appreciate that it’s just like the rest of Florida in that it promises warm weather year-round. Even if you encounter a summer shower, you can explore indoors or simply throw on a poncho until the bright Florida sun reappears.
Here at Keith Pierson Toyota, we’re here to help you plan the perfect day trip to St. Augustine. Even if you’re coming from somewhere other than our hometown of Jacksonville, you can use this guide to create your itinerary. From restaurants to sightseeing activities, we’ve included activities that are suitable for the whole family.
Visit St. George Street
Depending on how far you are from St. Augustine, you might have to wake everyone up pretty early. Make the most of your arrival by heading straight to St. George Street. This road has everything you need to get ready for a busy day, including fresh coffee and pastelitos from the authentic Cuban Cafe and Bakery. You can explore the gift shops before the street gets crowded and even grab a souvenir early on in your trip.
The portion of St. George street extending from the Old City Gate to Plaza de la Constitución is for pedestrians only, but you can continue south to the Lincolnville Historic District. There’s so much to see on St. George Street that you could dedicate an entire day to exploring it. In fact, you’ll notice that we recommend several hotspots on St. George Street so you can pack in a lot of activities during your day trip.
Go to the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
If you’re taking a road trip to St. Augustine, it’s probably safe to say that your family loves adventure. The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is the perfect way to celebrate everyone’s venturesome spirit. This establishment takes you back in time over 300 years to the Golden Age of Piracy.
The 5,000-square-foot museum holds over 800 artifacts that tell pirate stories from the 1600s to the present day. While much of the information in the museum is factual, some exhibits celebrate myths that became popular throughout the centuries. So if you have particularly imaginative children, the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a must-see attraction.
Explore Castillo de San Marcos
At the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, you’ll learn that real pirates like Sir Francis Drake and Robert Searle frequented Castillo de San Marcos. This information will make you want to see the old fort for yourself, so be sure to stop by for an exciting experience. The Spanish built the Castillo de San Marcos to protect its claims in the New World in 1672, making it the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.
Explore the rooms that soldiers and prisoners once called home, and view the city from the expansive courtyard and gun deck. If you go on the weekends, stick around for the cannon firings and weaponry demonstrations that are free with admission. Throughout the fort, you can tune in to formal 15- to 20-minute historical presentations. There are also stations that allow you to interact with cultural objects and ask park rangers your most pressing questions.
Eat Lunch at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
You’re sure to work up an appetite after a morning of exploring St. Augustine. While there are tons of great restaurants in the area, consider going to Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille. St. Augustine is famous for its Creole-style dishes, making this restaurant with a signature blend of Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors perfect for an authentic experience. Split an appetizer of fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, or crispy calamari with everyone, and then indulge in your entree of shrimp scampi or mahi mahi. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, order from the extensive selection of salads and soups.
Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille should leave you full, so consider walking off lunch by climbing the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Tickets are super affordable for all ages and give you plenty of ways to experience this iconic landmark. Climb the tower to get an incredible view of the ocean, and interact with exhibits that tell some of history’s lesser-known stories.
For instance, you’ll get to learn about William Harn and his life as a lighthouse keeper. Visitors also discover how the St. Augustine Lighthouse tied into the Revolutionary War, World War II, and the worldwide shrimping industry. If you’re up for more walking, explore the surrounding nature trails that make for a relaxing afternoon. Alternatively, you can take a breather and watch your kids have a blast on the Shipyard Playground.
Go to Vilano Beach
Your kids will probably be tired at this point, but if you want to ensure they’ll sleep the entire ride home, head over to Vilano Beach. You can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at this relatively underground beach that promises hours of fun. Your family will enjoy swimming, building sand castles, or simply lounging on the shore. Amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and showers make visiting Vilano Beach a comfortable experience. Take a walk on the retro pier and witness one of the most beautiful sunsets in Florida.
This guide will help you create unforgettable memories in St. Augustine. If you and your family need help getting there, visit Keith Pierson Toyota. Our SUVs ranging from the Highlander to the Sienna provide plenty of space for your whole family and all of your belongings. Plus, their excellent fuel efficiency and reliability give you the peace of mind you deserve as you explore away from home. Trust us when we say that a Toyota is perfect for all of your adventures. Contact a representative to learn more about purchasing a Toyota for your family, or browse our inventory today.
St. Augustine – St. George Street – Shops by Jared is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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