The Castillo de San Marcos, a prominent attraction in Saint Augustine, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Built by the Spanish in 1695, this fort served to defend the City of Saint Augustine and the Matanzas Bay from pirates and other countries trying to lay claim on the colony, safeguarding Spain's colonial interests. As the oldest masonry fort on the United States mainland, it holds over 300 years of history within its walls. Explore the soldiers' quarters, step into the rudimentary infirmary, and wander the expansive courtyard. You can even climb the the stairs to view the cannons atop the walls and see breathtaking views of the city and inlet. Guided tours are available throughout the day, which provides an immersive experience here at the fort. Don't miss the cannon firings, which will add a touch of excitement to your visit. At the Castillo de San Marcos, history unfolds before your eyes and engages all your senses in an unforgettable way. 

Standing at a height of 164 feet with a spiral staircase of 219 steps (trust me, I counted them myself!), the Saint Augustine Lighthouse offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Open from 9am to 6pm, the lighthouse welcomes visitors of all ages, making it a wonderful family-friendly attraction. The lighthouse grounds are filled with expansive park areas, numerous historic buildings, and even a children's play area complete with a puppet theater, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Please note that children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the tower, but those who aren't yet tall enough can explore the museum for free, and one adult accompanying them will be eligible for half price admission. While animals are allowed on the grounds, they are not permitted inside the tower. Don't miss the charming Lighthouse Park, where you'll find picnic tables, trees perfect for climbing or lounging in a hammock, a boat dock, and a fishing pier that I personally love. Be sure to visit the Maritime Center, where fascinating Daily Demos cover a wide range of subjects, including lighthouse history, boatbuilding, underwater archaeology, historic sailing, and more. A trip to the Saint Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum promises delightful experiences for the whole family. 

If you're in search of a stunning setting for a delectable meal or refreshing drinks with appetizers, look no further than River & Fort. Nestled at the corner of Cuna Street and A1A Scenic Highway, this beautiful restaurant and rooftop lounge offers breathtaking views of the Castillo de San Marcos and the Saint Johns River. River & Fort presents three distinct menus across different levels of the establishment. In the dining room, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available, the menu offers a delightful Southern twist, drawing inspiration from the flavors of Saint Augustine. Each dish is meticulously crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Personally, I highly recommend the scallops with risotto, roasted corn & fennel chow chow, asparagus, and tomato herb coulis from the dinner menu, as it never fails to impress. 

On the rooftop, guests can enjoy a picturesque view of the river, fort, and the historic Bridge of Lions while indulging in offerings such as broiled oysters, wood-charred wings, and unique flatbreads. Be sure to try the smoked salmon flatbread, which is topped with crème fraîche, red onions, Fresno peppers, capers, dill, and more. Don't forget to save room for dessert! River & Fort's dessert selection, available on all levels of the restaurant, features delightful twists on classic treats like pop tarts, apple pie, and Key Lime pie. I highly recommend the apple pie galette, featuring caramelized apples, ice cream, their own caramel whipped cream, and candied pecans—it's a slice of heaven. A visit to River & Fort promises not only a memorable dining experience but also lovely views that will complete your day. 

The Saint Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a vibrant haven brimming with diverse wildlife, educational opportunities, and endless family fun! Prepare to encounter the impressive Maximo, an enormous saltwater crocodile weighing over 1,200 pounds. Alongside Maximo, you'll discover captivating exhibits showcasing Florida's native reptiles, albino alligators, fascinating African birds, an Egyptian-inspired showcase, exotic mammals and birds, adorable lemurs from Madagascar, a mesmerizing python cave, a sloth exhibit, a wading bird rookery, and much more. 

Enhance your visit by participating in special animal encounters, whether by spending time with a rainforest sloth, immersing yourself in the habitat of a Galapagos tortoise, or witnessing Maximo's exhilarating feeding session. For an in-depth understanding of the Alligator Farm and its global conservation efforts, consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour that includes feeding, interactive experiences, and the chance to interact with exclusive animals. 

Personally, I find the Crocodile Crossing zipline and rope course to be an absolute delight. Spanning approximately seven acres of live alligators, crocodiles, lemurs, and birds, this thrilling course stands at around 35 feet in height and features over 50 different obstacles, which offers a unique and exhilarating perspective of the zoo. Additionally, the Alligator Farm offers daily wildlife shows, dining options, a dedicated kids' zone, and so much more. Even a full day spent here may barely scratch the surface of all this incredible zoo has to offer.