Fun Things To Do in Florida - St. Augustine

Old Spanish Florida Comes Alive with Great Family Attractions

Sep 22, 2008 Pamela Watson

Explore a Spanish fort, get out of jail and learn that Columbus didn't discover America, as costumed interpreters bring history to life in America's oldest city.

Travelers looking for a taste of old Spain don’t have to journey far to find it. Spanish history and architecture, along with a wide variety of fun-filled family attractions, can be found on the North Florida coast in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in America and has twice been under Spanish rule. The British held the city briefly from 1763 to 1784, then the Spanish regained control until St. Augustine began to fly the American flag when Florida became a state in 1821.

Today, visitors can learn Florida history, which is really the earliest history of America, as well as indulge in more modern pursuits. Getting around the city is easy and families in particular will find the wide variety of historical and interactive attractions a great way to keep the kids entertained while slipping in a little education as well.

Staying in one of the many historic bed and breakfast inns in the heart of the city is a good way to be close to most attractions, but there is so much to see and do in St. Augustine that it’s almost impossible to do it all in one trip. So here’s an overview of some of the many fun things to do.

Tour St. Augustine

Old Town Trolley – Knowledgeable driver/guides point out landmarks and tell stories of what happened there. It’s a great way to tour the city as well as rest tired feet, or use the trolley for easy city transportation. Tickets are $21 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 to 12 and are good for three consecutive days of unlimited travel. Also included is admission to the St. Augustine History Museum and use of the Beach Bus Shuttle to St. Augustine Beach.

Old Spanish St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – Built between 1672 and 1695 this massive fortress protected Spain’s holdings in the New World. Visitors can look out over the battlements and explore the daily life of Spanish soldiers. Admission is $6 for adults 16 and older and is good for seven days. Children 15 and younger are free with an adult.

Fountain of Youth – Drink from the eternal waters and see where Juan Ponce de Leon landed in the New World in 1513. This documented national archaeological park preserves the dated stone cross Ponce de Leon laid to mark his claim for Spain, as well as the excavation site of the 1565 St. Augustine colony. Exhibits include an Indian burial ground and the Navigator’s Planetarium. Tickets are $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors over 60, and $4.50 for children ages 6 to 12.

Law and Order in St Augustine

Old Jail – Built in 1891 by Henry Flagler to resemble a hotel, the Old Jail was used as the county lock up until 1953. Along with gallows humor, Sheriff Joe Perry’s “marshals” show visitors the cells and the Sheriff’s quarters, and tell the tales of real criminals who lived out their lives, and ended them, within the jail walls. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12.

Outdoor Florida

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park – Founded in 1893, this reptile realm is one of the oldest zoos in the country and the best place to see Florida alligators in their natural habitat. A boardwalk over a natural swamp allows visitors to look down on these ancient creatures. Maximo the 15-foot Australian saltwater crocodile, a Komodo dragon and rare white alligators are also on view. Admission is $21.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 3 to 11.

Other fun activities include strolling the streets of Old St. Augustine and the Colonial Spanish Quarter, touring the Ponce de Leon Hotel (now Flagler College), ghost tours, climbing the St. Augustine Lighthouse, taking the boat to Fort Matanzas National Monument, river Eco Tours and dolphin encounters at Marineland. For more information about St. Augustine history and activities, contact St. Augustine, Pointe Vedra & The Beaches, Florida, (800) 653-2489.

The copyright of the article Fun Things To Do in Florida - St. Augustine in SE U.S. Travel is owned by Pamela Watson. Permission to republish Fun Things To Do in Florida - St. Augustine in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Old City Gate and Spanish Quarter	The Marshal shows how he handles prisoners	Ponce de Leon's cross
Feeding time at the Alligator Farm	Castillo de San Marcos Spanish fort