FOR THOSE VISITING ST. AUG... 

Downtown St. Augustine

As the oldest, continually inhabited European-founded city in the continental U.S. (a mouthful), downtown St. Augustine is a popular tourist destination, especially around the holidays. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings to visit, including the large Castillo de San Marco fort. At night during the holidays, everything is lit up with white string lights for "Nights of Lights." Parking can be difficult but we can provide some recommendations. 

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Another mouthful and Lia's job! The GTM NERR encompasses multiple conservation areas and waterways around St. Augustine. The headquarters are located at 505 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra, which includes a small exhibit hall, hiking trails, beaches with tall dunes (the North Beach Access is most recommended) and a dam that is popular for fishing. Other favorite spots throughout the reserve include Princess Place Preserve, Ft. Matanzas National Monument, and Washington Oaks State Park, where Lia and Kurt got engaged!

Alligator Farm

This is definitely not the cheesy roadside attraction Lia thought it was for the first 5 years she lived in St. Augustine. One of the only places in the world with all species of crocodilians represented. For kids who are not from the Southeast and people like Kurt who never tire of alligators, it is a must-see.  

Obscura

For those who may have been to St. Augustine's main attractions a few times, there are some "off-the-beaten-path" spots you may want to check out, including the Linconville Museum, the Anastasia Mosquito Control Museum, and Ft. Mose State Park.