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2_Retired's avatar
2_Retired
Explorer
Apr 27, 2017

Anastasia state park and St Augustine

Going to St Augustine area in October and have ressies at Anastasia State Park. Suggestions on "must do/see" and "Don't bother" would be appreciated. No kids, just 4 retired adults into history, good food and local pubs. OUtdoors is fine but not too taxing Walking no problem either. Thanks in advance.
  • I forgot to recommend the Lightner Museum. Wont take that long,

    Ditto for Flagler College tour. It was built as a Flagler Hotel. Wired by Thomas Edison.
  • We were there a couple of years ago and knew nothing about the town, eateries, parking, sights, etc. We took a segway tour of the city. A little pricey, but turned out to be worth it, as we were the only two people on the two hour tour and had the guide to our whims. She gave us the tour of the town, parking, things to see, places to eat, the works. Truly worth it! Went back the next day with our B, knew where to park, where to eat, what sights were worth while, the whole ball of wax. If new to the area, as we were, I highly recommend it.
    We did camp at Anastasia SP.
  • The Park Service employee who did the historical lecture in the fort was great. If you can catch him, do so. I used the word "lecture" reluctantly. He was dressed in period costume with weapons and gave an excellent presentation of life as a Spanish soldier. Even the teenagers were paying attention. :)
  • If you want to make a day of touring, as indicated above park at the old jail and ride the trolley. Very informative, and easy on and off. (The jail tour was interesting, if not depressing). If you have the federal senior pass, you and your group can get into the old fort free. Winery tour was good for us. The area history and related stories provided by the trolley driver is helpful and entertaining.

    As for dining, O'Steens is good seafood(cash only no cards), as is Barnacle Bill's and Schooners. For family dining, Neds on US1 just south of HW 312 is always good.

    Fred
  • good morning
    we've stayed at Anastasia ,North Beach Resort, and compass resort.
    all have some faults. Anastasia had a musty smell, north beach, low hanging trees, but was beautiful and aunt kates is nice place to east with a good view of the bay.
    compass is under new ownership and what an improvement they have made. i think it used to be Indian river cg.
    don't waste your money on "ghost tours". they take u to the same places
    as the day tours do, only at night. walking tour might be better.
    the columbia is a good place to eat, it's been there since 1903.
    also, if u like shrimp, try o'steens. nothing fancy, just great butterflied shrimp. it's next to an antique shop, u can look around while u wait for your name to be called.
    go to the fort it's worth it.
    if your over 62 years, u can buy a lifetime senior pass good for you and 3 guests for $10. IT'S GOOD FOR ALL NATIONAL PARKS.

    http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/Menus-By-Location/Locations/St-Augustine-Historic-District

    https://www.yelp.com/biz/o-steens-restaurant-saint-augustine

    hope this has helped.
    enjoy your trip, be safe
  • Into History, Then see Castillo de San Marcos, Lighthouse, Lightner Museum, Fountain of Youth, and Colonial Quarter.

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