First Coast Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to First Coast, Florida with this comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from places to visit, hiking routes, best things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to First Coast

Located in Florida, First Coast is a wonderful vacation spot for those who love the combination of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and coastal beauty. The region is centred around the historic city of St. Augustine, which is the oldest city in America. From stunning beaches to natural parks, there’s a lot to explore in First Coast. This travel guide will give you all the information you need to plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in First Coast

Here are some of the top places to visit in First Coast:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castillo de San Marcos: This converted fort overlooking the harbor is a significant historical site. Built-in the late 1600s, it was once a stronghold for Spanish colonialists.
  • Lightner Museum: Housed in a former hotel, the museum has a stunning collection of art, antiques and oddities includes gilded age objects and inventor Thomas Edison’s earliest phonographs.
  • St. Augustine Lighthouse: Explore the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Florida, located on Anastasia Island.
  • Fort Matanzas: A secluded spot only reachable by boat, this sub-fort was once used to protect the Matanzas River.
  • Flagler College: The former Ponce de Leon Hotel, named after its developer Henry Flagler and now houses the prestigious Flagler College.

Natural Attractions of First Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Anastasia State Park: Enjoy a picture-perfect view of the Atlantic Ocean, nature walks, fishing and picnic spots.
  • Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: A botanical garden with stunning coquina rock formations and ocean views.
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve: The preserve is a vast protected area in Jacksonville, Florida, containing historic and natural features such as pre-Columbian shell mounds, pine forests, tide marshes, and the Jax Arboretum and Gardens.
  • Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve: Explore hiking trails, bike paths, and water activities in the pristine coastal setting.
  • Big Talbot Island State Park: This remote park offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, popular for kayaking and paddleboarding activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of First Coast

If you’re looking for adventurous activities, then First Coast has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes in the region:

  • Fort Mose Historic State Park Trail: Enjoy a 1.5 miles nature trail that features the historic Fort Mose.
  • Castillo de San Marcos Trailhead: An easy to moderate trail that loops around the historic fort.
  • Moses Creek Conservation Area: This area offers trails through forested wetlands important to the Moses Creek watershed.
  • Amelia Island Trail: A 6.2 miles trail offering breathtaking views of the Amelia River.

Best Things to Do in First Coast: Activities and Tours

Apart from nature walks, there are plenty of other things to do in First Coast:

  • St. Augustine Scenic Cruise: Take a boat tour of the city and experience bay, harbor, and Intracoastal views.
  • St. Augustine Tasting Tours: Visit local pubs, bars and cafes on a culinary tour of St. Augustine.
  • St. Augustine Distillery: Tour this local distillery and learn about the history of spirits.
  • Marineland Dolphin Adventure: Swim with dolphins in this educational theme park.
  • Ghost tours: Consider enjoying a night out by taking one of the notable ghost tours available in town.

Week-Long Itinerary for First Coast

Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to First Coast:

  • Day 1 and 2: Explore St. Augustine’s History
  • Day 3: Hike or kayak in Big Talbot Island State Park
  • Day 4: Visit the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
  • Day 5: Spend a day in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
  • Day 6: Take a scenic cruise or indulge in culnary adventure tour.
  • Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing day on the Anastasia Island beach or the nearby Fort Matanzas.

Food and Drink Scene of First Coast

Here is what you need to know about the food and drink scene in First Coast:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Minorcan Clam Chowder: A unique spin on New England clam chowder.
  • Datil Pepper Sauce: A locally made hot sauce made of the Datil Pepper
  • Fried Alligator and Grits: A southern staple dish with a twist
  • Shrimp and Grits: An area favorite - typically with a Cajun seasoning blend.

Local Beverages

  • Brewery and Cocktail Bars: Local bars include notable tappings of brews made close by in Jacksonville. Cocktails are sometimes based using local ingredients.
  • Cafe Con Leche: A coffee drink with Spanish and Cuban roots found locally.
  • Wine from the San Sebastian Winery: Take a tour and sample wine from this winery located in Downtown St. Augustine.

Where to Stay in First Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

First Coast has an excellent range of places to stay, offering accommodation in every budget range. Some of the top options include:

  • St. Augustine Inns: The city is filled with historic inns and bed & breakfast establishments.
  • Resorts and Spas: If you’re looking for a luxury getaway, there are many upscale resorts in the area.
  • Airbnb and vacation rentals: In the area, there are many short-term vacation rental options available for varying group sizes.

What to Buy in First Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure to bring a part of First Coast with you when you leave by picking up:

  • datil pepper sauce
  • beach sand from Anastasia Island
  • local art
  • pottery – Anastasia Island, home to many artists, offers a range of pottery studio options.

Local Culture and Customs of First Coast

First Coast is full of friendly people and adds a unique blend of Spanish, English, and American cultures. St. Augustine and its surrounding cities are known for their love of history and love to share stories of the past.

Best Time to Visit First Coast

First Coast enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year. The peak season is during the summer months, but the best time to visit is between March and May, or September to November, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner.

Do’s and Don’ts of First Coast

Here’s what to do and what to avoid in First Coast:

Do:

  • Respect nature and follow the rules of conservation zones.
  • Take a map and GPS with you on outdoor activities.
  • Observe wildlife from a safe distance and don’t disturb the natural balance.
  • Dress according to the weather conditions. The temperature in the region can vary significantly.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash behind. Always use designated bins.
  • Touch wildlife or take souvenirs from the Natural Parks.
  • Ignore safety warnings in the water.

Safety and Health

Here’s what you need to know about safety and health in First Coast:

Safety in First Coast

The First Coast region is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always better to exercise caution like locking your car or not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in First Coast

The region is home to many healthcare facilities should you need assistance. It is highly recommended to bring insect repellent when outdoors in spring or summer months.

Getting to First Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

First Coast is easily accessible via different modes of transport:

Airports Near First Coast

  • Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is around 45 minutes drive from St. Augustine
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) is around two hours drive from St. Augustine

Bus Stations Near First Coast

  • Greyhound Bus Station: located in downtown Jacksonville, around 40 minutes drive from St Augustine.

Other Options

  • Taxis, Ubers, and rental cars are all common options for transportation around the St. Augustine area.

How to Get Around in First Coast

Getting around First Coast is easy, which makes it perfect for tourists. There are car rental options, as well as trolley tours and walking paths.

Where to Go Next from First Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

First Coast is well placed for day trips to nearby destinations like:

  • Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.
  • Daytona Beach.
  • Orlando Theme Parks.

Conclusion

First Coast is a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure, which makes it a perfect vacation spot for those wanting to travel to the United States. This travel guide provides all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to the region. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the wonders of First Coast.

Detailed image of the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine Detailed image of the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine U.S. Navy operations in Jacksonville Beach U.S. Navy operations in Jacksonville Beach Sunrise in Neptune Beach Sunrise in Neptune Beach


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