Things to Do in St. Johns County!

Are you looking for a family activity to do- or to simply just get outside and enjoy nature in the ST Johns County and surrounding area? We have created this family, friendly list of highly recommended activities and parks to visit in the St. Johns County area, including one of the most historic cities in the US- St. Augustine. Whether you are resident of the area, or coming to visit, we hope this list provides a few fun ideas for you and your family.

1. Anastacia State Park
This is a state park that offers over 1600 acres of beaches, marsh, and plenty of wild life. This is an awesome family friendly beach park too. With restrooms, a snack shack, and parking close to the beach access, it’s a wonderful stop for a family beach weekend!

2. Guana Mantanza Natural Research Reserve
Located just north of Vilano and St. Augustine Beaches, this is one of the 29 National Estuarine Research reserves in the country! This park offers access to the ocean and three rivers and lots of activities for the entire family- recreational activities, monthly family activities, biking, fishing, hiking, wild life viewing, and more!

3. Nocatee Park Preserve Offering 3+ Miles of Trails, where you can walk, jog, mountain bike, bird watch, and even horseback ride! The preserve is situated just near the Palm Valley Bridge.

4. Castillo de San Marcos If you are in the St. Augustine area, you should stop by this historic monument! This is actually the oldest masonry fort in all of the U.S! It is situated on lots of greenery, perfect place to pack a family picnic and check out a huge piece of history!

5. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Bring the kids and check out all this family friendly attraction has to offer. This farm is one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions. It offers over 24 species of crocodilians and other reptiles. They offer special events throughout the year, and is a great week day or weekend family outing to mark off on the list with the kiddos!

6. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Park Offering over 15 waterfront acres, this park can provide hours of enjoyment for the entire family! You can check out the original area founded by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513, in one of the Nation’s oldest cities. Walk through and learn from many of their exhibits. Refreshments offered throughout the park.

7. Lightner Museum
The museum is loved by tourists and locals of St. Augustine! It is the home to one of the most iconic buildings in the area. The museum used to be the form Alcazar Hotel, which was a Gilded Age resort Hotel commissioned by Henry Flagler in the late 1800s. Various exhibitions are offered throughout the year, and are changed out often.

8. St Augustine Amphitheater
This amphitheater was originally built in 1960’s and was recently refurbished. This venue offers a 16 acre outdoor amphitheater and can hold almost 5,000 people!

They offer events, and many music attractions for both children, teen, and adults- featuring all music genres! The venue offers conference rooms, concessions, and a merchandise area. Be sure to keep an eye out on their website for any upcoming concerts, or events!