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Aviles Street. Venture just south of central town plaza at the end of St. George Street, right off King Street, to the brick paved Aviles Street, the oldest street America and part of the original 1572 town plan of St. Augustine, where you’ll find wonderful little shops, bistros, galleries and museums.
Fort Mantanzas. Drive 14 miles south of St. Augustine down A1A to the “little” Spanish fort, Fort Matanzas. The National Park Service offers guided tours daily after a short ferry ride to this island bastion, built by the Spanish in 1740 to guard the Mantanzas Inlet, the rear access to their settlement.
Bird watching. You don’t have to be a serious birdwatcher to enjoy wood storks, roseate spoonbills, ibis, herons of all colors, egrets, great and snowy, and plenty of pelicans. Just bring your camera. Laced with beaches, inlets, rivers, tidal lagoons, waterways and salt marshes, the area is resplendent with at least 260 varieties of shore birds, wading birds and migratory birds and you can see them just about anywhere: on a stroll down the beach, dining at a waterfront restaurant, at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park, or in any one of the three state parks.
Washington Oakes State Park, about 20 miles south of St. Augustine on A1A has wonderful gardens to walk through on the west side, good fishing off the Intracoastal Waterway and great coquina formations on the beach.
Sharks teeth at Vilano Beach. Bring your patience and sharp eyes and walk the beach a little north of the jetty at Vilano Beach and you just might find handfuls!
Nalus’ Fish Tacos. On your visit to Anastasia State Park be sure to stop for great fish tacos and other Baja fare this little food vending trailer near the entrance to the park.
Fusion Point. The sushi is great, as are the American/Oriental fusion entrees, at this little spot north of the Old Jail on San Marco Avenue.
Sunshine Shop is the place to find hundreds of swimsuits. Look for it on St. Augustine Beach at 645 A1A Beach Boulevard.
Simple Gestures. Next to Gypsy Cab Co on Anastasia Boulevard, this eclectic gift shop is full of “artsy” items.
Smoked Salmon from Kyle’s Seafood Market. When you’re driving about, stop in at Kyle’s just north of St. Augustine on US1, for a chunk of great smoked salmon, smoked out back everyday! Don’t forget the Captains Wafers to go with it.
The Spice Rack. Stop in the little shop on Hypolita Street where spices and herbs from all over the world are blended into interesting flavor combinations.
Claude’s Chocolates. Also on Hypolita Street, indulge in the most wonderful handmade chocolates, as beautiful as they are delicious, and made by Claude himself.
Trust us, we've been there!
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