Excursions from St A?

Question

Thinking of spending a week in St Augustine’s and its family of all ages, having done Disney the week before. What excursions are drivable from the town? Are there airboat rides, places to see manatees etc? Also where is a good location in the town to choose somewhere to stay with nice restaurants in walking distance? Thank you

Answer

St. Augustine is a fantastic base for a family-friendly trip with a mix of history, nature, and outdoor activities. While a week allows plenty of time to explore the city itself, there are also several drivable excursions that can appeal to all ages.

Within St. Augustine and nearby, you can enjoy:

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park – Offers educational exhibits, alligators, exotic reptiles, and a zip line for adventurous visitors.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – Fun, quirky museum attractions suitable for kids and adults.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum – Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views and explore maritime history exhibits.
Castillo de San Marcos – The historic fort offers demonstrations and interactive exhibits that are great for families.

Drivable excursions from St. Augustine:

Airboat rides and wildlife tours: About 30–60 minutes west of St. Augustine, the St. Johns River or Ocala National Forest areas offer airboat rides where you can see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Manatee watching: Crystal River, about 3.5–4 hours drive north, is famous for manatee encounters, but for shorter drives, Blue Springs State Park (roughly 1.5 hours away) is a reliable spot to see manatees in season (winter and early spring).
Day trips to nearby beaches: Vilano Beach and Anastasia State Park are just minutes from downtown and great for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Historic towns and nature preserves: Consider a drive to Ponte Vedra Beach or Jacksonville for additional beach and nature activities.

For accommodations within walking distance to nice restaurants, bars, and historic sites, the best area is:

Downtown / Historic District: Staying in or near the historic district puts you close to Flagler College, St. George Street shops, restaurants, and museums. You can easily walk to many dining and entertainment options.
Anastasia Island: Offers beachfront rentals with easy driving access to downtown, combining beach and town experiences.
Along the Bridge of Lions area: Convenient for walking to both the historic district and the waterfront, with several boutique hotels and inns.

Choosing a hotel or rental in the historic district or nearby ensures you can enjoy evening strolls with easy access to casual and upscale dining without relying heavily on driving.

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