Any recs for activities or places to eat? We have 2 kids-7 & 10. We are going in June.
Any comments on... Visiting Amelia Island Touring forts Flagler College The Floridian restaurant (I think that's what it is called) Water sports-dh really likes kayaking or other similar things.
We are also open to day trips to Jacksonville & Daytona Beach.
We already have the hotel arranged and we'll have beach access/biking through the resort.
I'd recommend a visit to the Alligator Farm. I avoided going for years but I really enjoyed it when we finally went. The Lighthouse and museum are worth visiting, as is the Lightner Museum across from Flagler. I'm not sure what tours of the college itself are like but the architecture is amazing and definitely worth checking out.
I've only been to the Castillo with a professor acting as tour guide but I think it's worth visiting.
Washington Oaks State Park is a bit south of St Augustine and is really pretty. There is a beach with some interesting rock formations. For general beach times I preferred Vilano Beach of St Augustine Beach because it was quieter but I don't think it matters much.
The Fountain of Youth is overrated and you definitely do not want to drink the (nasty sulphur) water.
Restaurants: The Conch House Columbia - small chain and kind of touristy but still delicious Manatee Cafe - outside of the normal touristy areas but one of my favorites, their hummus and tabouli is to die for Schmagels - sandwiches and stuff Spanish Bakery - soups and empanadas and cookies that are all amazing The Bunnery - also really good for breakfast and lunch but I'd recommend Schmagels and SB over them
If you're going up to Amelia Island, the definitely go to Fernandina Beach (you can take a ferry from the Jacksonville side of the river) and go to Fort Cinch. It's right on the water/ocean, and the "staff" are dressed up in period costumes, and they walk around & talk to you as if they are really "there in the day". In St Augustine, I recommend pizza at Borrello's. It looks like a hole in the wall, but it has the BEST pizza. I agree with Alligator Farm, the Lighthouse, Conch House (though it may be a bit pricy for family dinner)- at least go one afternoon to sit out on the patio/dock area and have a drink and some free popcorn. Another good restaurant is The Oasis- very casual, but great breakfasts.