1. Jacksonville
A city for all seasons
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Founded in 1822, Jacksonville flourished as a port and railroad hub in the late 19th century. The largest city in Florida, it has the lion’s share of the Northeast’s major cultural attractions – museums with outstanding kids’ programs, large concert venues, and an award-winning zoo. With great weather almost year-round, the city and its beaches offer plenty to do outdoors, too. Due to the size of the city, it is essential to rent a car to get around.
Key Sights
1. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens Play with digital paint on giant canvases, dance to create colorful patterns, and explore all forms of art at the Art Connections program in this museum.
2. Museum of Science and History (MOSH) The KidSpace educational play area, a next-generation planetarium, and a schedule of thrilling shows make MOSH a huge draw for families.
3. Jacksonville Landing Shop at classy stores, dine in the international food court, and catch exciting events at this entertainment complex.
4. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Five galleries filled with modern and contemporary art, plus interactive fun at the ArtExplorium Loft await visitors at this impressive museum.
5. EverBank Field From major concerts, symphony performances, and outdoor festivals to NFL football with the Jacksonville Jaguars, this 76,000-seat facility hosts some of the biggest events in Jacksonville.
6. Adventure Landing and Shipwreck Island Waterpark There is lots to please kids at this theme park, including miniature golf, laser tag, go-karts, and a game arcade, as well as water rides in summer.
The Lowdown
Address Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: 829 Riverside Ave, 32204; 904 356 6857; www.cummer.org. Museum of Science and History (MOSH): 1025 Museum Circle, 32207; 904 396 7062; www.themosh.org. Jacksonville Landing: 2 W Independent Dr, 32202; 904 353 1188; www.jacksonvillelanding.com. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Hemming Plaza, 333 N Laura St., 32202; 904 366 6911; www.mocajacksonville.unf.edu. EverBank Field: 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, 32202; 904 633 6100; www.jaxevents.com/tickets. Adventure Landing: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, 32250; 904 246 4386; www.adventurelanding.com
Bus Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) buses and shuttles serve the city and its beaches (www.jtafla.com). Car Rent a car from Jacksonville Airport.
Visitor information 208 N Laura St, Ste 102, 32202; 904 798 9111; www.visitjacksonville.com
Open Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens & Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): closed Mon. EverBank Field: call 904 630 3900 for event timings or check website. All other sights are open daily.
Prices Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: $26–32; under 5s free. Museum of Science and History (MOSH): $40–46; under 3s free ($5 for all ages Fri). Jacksonville Landing: free. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): $26–32; under 2s free; free for families on Sun. EverBank Field: ticket prices vary. Adventure Landing and Shipwreck Island Waterpark: attractions are individually priced. Waterpark (seasonal): $32.99 for guests 42 in (106 cm) and taller, $24.99 under 42 in (106 cm) tall; under 3s free
Cutting the line Most beaches and attractions are rarely crowded, except on summer weekends.
Age range 4 plus
Allow 2–3 days
Festivals Springing the Blues in Jacksonville Beach (Apr). Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May)
Good family value?
A good mix of inexpensive family-friendly attractions makes the city a great option to suit all budgets.
Letting off steam
Go 15 miles (24 km) east to Atlantic Beach, where Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park (www.coj.net) offers swimming, surfing, biking, and a freshwater lake with a water playground for younger kids. Older kids can opt for canoes and kayaks.
Lakeside picnic tables in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Eat and drink
PICNIC Publix at Riverside (2033 Riverside Ave, 32204; 904 381 8610; www.publix.com), a few minutes from downtown, has a good deli. Picnic in Memorial Park, just across Riverside Avenue.
SNACKS Cool Moose Cafe and Bistro (2708 Park St, 32204, 904 381 4242; www.coolmoosecafe.net), close to the attractions in downtown, has fresh cookies and muffins.
REAL MEAL Singleton’s Seafood Shack (4728 Ocean St, Mayport, 32233; 904 246 4442) is a simple restaurant that serves tasty seafood dishes. It was well reviewed by The New York Times and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
FAMILY TREAT Cheesecake Factory (St. Johns Town Center™, 4663 River City Dr, 32246, www.stjohnstowncenter.com) offers not just delectable cheesecakes, but also sandwiches, pizza, pasta, salads, and steaks.
Shopping
Drop in at Peterbrooke Chocolatier (2024 San Marco Blvd, 32207; 904 398 2488 www.peterbrooke.com) to pick up gourmet chocolates, and then take a tour of their production facility just down the street. The St. Johns Town Center™, a shopping and entertainment venue, houses many kids’ apparel stores. Younger children will enjoy the kids’ train and the koi pond.
Find out more
DIGITAL In 1864, a Union transport ship named the Maple Leaf was sunk by a Confederate torpedo in the St. Johns River, where it stayed until 1989. Take a look at what divers were able to bring up from the bottom more than 100 years later on www.themosh.org/curator.html.
Strolling the peaceful American Beach, Amelia Island State Park
Next stop…
BRIDGE TO THE ISLANDS Broward Bridge, across the St. Johns River, is the gateway to Amelia Island (www.ameliaisland.com) and Fernandina Beach. This impressive bridge is more commonly known as the Dames Point Bridge by locals, and the “bowtie bridge” by kids.
KIDS’ CORNER
A river that flows north!
1 The St. Johns River is unusual because, like the Nile in Africa, it is one of the few rivers that flow south to north.
2 The river averages more than 2 miles (3 km) in width between Palatka and Jacksonville.
3 It drops only 30 ft (10 m) from its source to the sea, making it one of the laziest rivers in the world.
Sharks’ teeth
You shouldn’t expect to find an enormous tooth like you would see in a shop, though you might get lucky. Check the patches of small shells along the waterline for something tiny, black, and shiny.
Jacksonville is thought to be “the largest city in the US” in terms of square miles. But that’s not really accurate – it’s just the largest in the contiguous 48 states (the 48 that touch each other). Yakutat, in Alaska, is really the largest city, with 9,459 sq miles (15,223 sq km) of land area.
Saving sand dollars in the sandbank
The wide beaches of Jacksonville are scattered with more than 50 kinds of local shells that are fun to find and save. Look for lightning whelks, olives, angel wings, baby’s ear moonsnails, scallops, and even a “Florida jewel box.” The best time to find shells is at low tide, especially in late fall, after storms.
2. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Into the wild on a walking safari
Entry to the Range of the Jaguar exhibit
Opened in 1914, Jacksonville Zoo started out with just one red deer. Today, it has grown into an award-winning regional zoo with more than 1,500 animals; among them are fierce-looking Komodo dragons, playful gorillas and bonobos, docile giraffes, high-spirited elephants in their massive pool, and delightful penguins. Extensive boardwalks with specially designed overlooks meander throughout this huge zoo, allowing visitors to experience a “walking safari.”
Key Features
1. Wild Florida Florida’s treasured wildlife is the focus of this exhibit. Check out more than two dozen species of reptiles and amphibians in the Reptile House.
2. River Valley Aviary See a variety of birds, from Inca terns to colorful macaws, in this aviary. Also see the world’s smallest deer and the largest freshwater fish.
3. Stingray Bay This interactive exhibit allows visitors to observe, touch, and feed stingrays.
4. Play Park Kids can cool off in the huge Splash Ground or find their way out of a hedge maze in this park. See penguins at close quarters in the Tuxedo Coast exhibit.
5. Carousel and Zoo Train The classic Wildlife Carousel with beautiful animal figures is a kid-pleaser. Don’t miss a ride around the zoo on the Zoo Train.
6. Asia and Australia While the Komodo dragon exhibit steals the show at Monsoon Asia, kangaroos and wallabies delight visitors at the Australian Adventure exhibit.
7. Range of the Jaguar This award-winning jaguar exhibit also features a replica of a Mayan temple that is home to boa constrictors and bushmaster snakes.
8. Africa Loop Walk along an elevated boardwalk to view African animals, such as pelicans and zebras, in re-creations of their natural habitat. The African Reptile Building has cobras and mambas.
The Lowdown
Address 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, 32218; 904 757 4463; www.jacksonvillezoo.org
Bus Call Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)Ride Request service (904 598 8724). Car Rent a car from Jacksonville. Free parking
Open 9am–5pm Mon–Fri (till 6pm Sat & Sun)
Prices $55–70; under 3s free. The zoo charges additional fees for Stingray Bay ($2 per person), unlimited train rides ($4 per person), and unlimited carousel rides ($2 per person). Value Tickets include admission, Butterfly Hollow, Stingray Bay, and unlimited train and carousel rides ($83–106; under 3s free).
Cutting the line Buy tickets online and arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Guided tours The zoo offers many Behind the Scenes tours. Check website for details.
Age range 2 plus
Allow 4–6 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Several in the zoo
Shops Many throughout the zoo
Restrooms At the Main Camp Safari Lodge at the entrance
Good family value?
Exciting animals, carousel rides, and a train tour, along with affordable admission prices, make this zoo great for visitors of all ages.
Kids feeding giraffes from the Giraffe Overlook, an elevated viewing area
Take cover
If it rains, head to one of the zoo’s many indoor exhibits. The Discovery Building, in the Play Park area, runs excellent interactive educational programs for kids.
Eat and drink
PICNIC Bring provisions from Jacksonville for a picnic adjacent to the parking lot.
SNACKS Main Camp Café (at the entrance), a snack bar, serves popcorn, ice cream, and coffee.
REAL MEAL Palm Plaza Café (in Range of the Jaguar) has tacos, nachos, burritos, sandwiches, and salads on its Southwestern menu. The Trout River Grille (near the Gardens at Trout River Plaza) tempts with sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels, and hamburgers.
FAMILY TREAT Junior’s Seafood (9349 N Main St, 32218; 904 751 9180), a local favorite, is a spotlessly kept restaurant and grill, known for its superb food and efficient service. There are seafood dishes, burgers, pastas, and steaks on the menu.
Main Camp Café, a food kiosk in Main Camp Safari Lodge
Shopping
Drop in at Mombasa Gift Shop (at Main Camp), Village Market (in Range of the Jaguar), or The Kids’ Shop (near the train station) to pick up plush toys, trinkets, apparel, puzzles, and other goodies.
Mombasa Gift Shop, one of the three gift shops in the zoo
Find out more
DIGITAL Visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org/things/kidzone for fun games, coloring pages, and quirky animal trivia.
Next stop…
HUGUENOT MEMORIAL PARK A horseshoe-shaped peninsula, the Huguenot Memorial Park (10980 Heckscher Dr, 32226; 904 251 3335) is popular with local families, surfers, and windsurfers. The park, 15 miles (24 km) east, is home to a variety of wildlife, and offers plenty of surfing, bird-watching, and windsurfing opportunities. Although the park gets crowded in summer, it can be an enjoyable outing in early spring or late fall. Be sure to check the tide tables (www.srh.weather.gov/jax/tides.shtml) – the shallow tidal pools are great for younger kids. Driving on the beach is allowed, but be warned – it is easy to get stuck in the sand.
KIDS’ CORNER
Penguin quiz
The zoo’s Tuxedo Coast is home to Magellanic penguins. Do you know how they differ from other penguins? See if you can figure out if the statements below are true or false:
1 They live on the coastline of Argentina and Chile.
2 They were named for a famous explorer.
3 Only one parent helps keep the egg warm until it hatches.
4 They only eat plants.
If all the world’s four-legged animals ever enter a race, you should bet on the cheetah to win – they are the planet’s champion sprinters, able to run at a speed of 70 mph (113 km/h).
Spot the jaguar
A baby jaguar doesn’t have to “grow into” its spots – the kittens are born with plenty of them on their yellowish fur. A jaguar’s special markings are called “rosettes.” These are open rings that have up to four different dark spots inside them. Some Native American tribes believe the spots are like stars or suns, and that the rosettes look like eclipses swallowing the stars.
Answers:
1 True. 2 True. 3 False. Both parents take turns. 4 False. They eat fish, squid, and crustaceans.
3. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Marshes, highlands, and rivers galore
Aboard the St. Johns River Ferry from Jacksonville
From highlands and rivers, to 40 miles (65 km) of Atlantic beaches, these state parks offers a chance to explore a range of natural habitats. Families can choose from many outdoor adventures such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing. Be sure to carry sunscreen, insect repel-lent, drinking water, and a picnic – the parks don’t sell food or drink.
Key Sights
1. Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park Hike and picnic in this small peaceful park, a Civil War site that was used as an encampment by both Confederate and Union soldiers at different times.
2. Fort George Island Cultural State Park Attractions here include the Ribault Club visitor center and the Kingsley Plantation – the oldest plantation home in Florida.
3. Little Talbot Island State Park Noted for its stunning beach, the park offers campsites within walking distance of the ocean, complete with picnic pavilions and bathhouses.
4. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park A vast area of uplands with miles of hiking and biking trails, this park also has great launch sites for kayaking and canoeing.
5. Big Talbot Island State Park With skeletal remains of oak trees scattered along its shore, Boneyard Beach is this park’s best-known attraction.
6. George Crady BridgeFishing Pier This mile-long pedestrian bridge across Nassau Sound is a favorite with North Florida anglers.
7. Amelia Island State Park Swim at a beautiful beach, hike through the coastal forest, fish from the shore, and kayak through creeks and marshes in this park.
The Lowdown
Address Yellow Bluff Fort: New Berlin Rd, 32226; 904 251 2320. Fort George Island: 11676 Palmetto Ave, 32226; 904 251 3537. Little Talbot Island, Big Talbot Island, Amelia Island & George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier: State Rd A1A/Heckscher Dr, 32226; 904 251 2320. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve: 13802 Pumpkin Hill Rd, 32226; 904 696 5980. Check www.floridastateparks.org for all parks.
Car Rent a car from Jacksonville International Airport.
Open Yellow Bluff Fort, Little Talbot Island, Big Talbot Island, Amelia Island & Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve: 8am–sunset daily. Fort George Island: 8am–sunset daily. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier: 24 hours daily
Prices Yellow Bluff Fort, Fort George Island & Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve: free. Little Talbot Island & Amelia Island: $5 per vehicle & $2 per pedestrian and cyclist. Big Talbot Island: $3 per vehicle. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier: $2 per person (admission to Amelia Island includes pier access)
Cutting the line Parks are rarely crowded, except on holiday weekends, but book campsites and tours well in advance.
Guided tours Kelly Seahorse Ranch (904 491 5166) offers guided horseback-riding on the beach at Amelia Island. Kayak Amelia (904 251 0016) runs kayak, Segway, and canoe tours.
Age range All ages for beaches; 5 plus for exhibits and tours
Activities Check websites for ranger programs.
Allow 1–4 hours at each park
Wheelchair access Limited; call 850 245 2157
Restrooms At all parks, except Yellow Bluff Fort and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve
Good family value?
With a fantastic mix of outdoor activities, history, and culture, these state parks are a big draw for active families.
Take cover
Head for the Ribault Club visitor center (www.nps.gov) to check out exhibits on the environment and culture of northeastern Florida.
Eat and drink
PICNIC Marché Burette Deli (6800 First Coast Hwy, Amelia Island, 32034; 904 491 4834; www.omnihotels.com) has deli items, sandwiches, and more. Picnic on the Amelia Island State Park beach.
SNACKS Long Island Outfitters (13030 Heckscher Dr, 32266; 904 251 0016; www.kayakamelia.com) sells beverages and healthy snacks.
REAL MEAL Sliders Seaside Grill (1998 S Fletcher Dr, 32034; 904 277 6652; www.slidersseaside.com) serves seafood dishes and tasty desserts. There is a playground and sandbox for kids, as well as a tiki bar and live music for grown-ups.
FAMILY TREAT Café 4750 (4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, 32034; 904 277 1100; www.ritzcarltonhotel.com), in the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, offers a choice of indoor or terrace dining, and a menu with farm and coastal influences. Reserve ahead.
Play area for kids in the informal Sliders Seaside Grill
Shopping
Visit Island Outfitters (235 E Gulf Beach Dr, 32328; 850 927 2604; sgioutfitters.com) on St. George’s Island for handcrafted necklaces, T-shirts, beach bags, and flip flops.
The clapboard house surrounded by trees and lawns, Kingsley Plantation
Next stop...
KINGSLEY PLANTATION Located on the northern tip of Fort George Island, this plantation (www.nps.gov/timu) was named for Zephaniah Kingsley, who owned four major plantations in the area. In 1814, he and his wife Anna Madgigine Jai made the island their main residence, and more than 100 slaves worked on the plantation. Walk the grounds to see the remains of slave cabins, the “Ma’am Anna” house, a barn, a kitchen house, and the main clapboard house.
KIDS’ CORNER
Test your “bird brain”
See if you can spot the following birds at the park, using these descriptors:
1 Sandwich tern
These birds have shaggy black crests (crown on the head) and yellow-tipped black bills.
2 Laughing gull
Look out for long, red beaks and reddish-black to black legs.
3 Great blue heron
These herons have very hairy heads, chests and wings, and yellowish bills.
If you’re camping in northeastern Florida, a raccoon might want to steal your food. Just latching the cooler won’t do. In one study, scientists found that it took fewer than ten tries for raccoons to figure out complex locks. Ask a park ranger for advice on keeping your food safe from raccoons.
Digging into the past
Native Americans lived on the Talbot Islands for thousands of years before Europeans arrived, and the area was the site of dozens of little settlements and hunting camps. More than 400 years ago, the Spanish mission San Juan del Puerto was established on Fort George Island, as well as smaller missions called visitas (visitors). Archaeologists’ explorations indicate that one named “Sarabay” was on Big Talbot Island.
4. Fernandina Beach
Shrimps and small-town charm
Old courthouse in the Historic District, Fernandina Beach
Located on Amelia Island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Amelia River on the other, this quaint and quiet coastal town was the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry in the US. The historic business district, around Centre Street, is bordered by the docks, where visitors can watch the shrimp fleet return at sunset. In the heart of Fernandina Beach, the 50-block Historic District is a neighborhood of gorgeous Victorian-era buildings. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the district is filled with shops and restaurants. Stroll the streets on a self-guided or museum-led tour, or take a trolley or a horse-drawn carriage, which kids are sure to enjoy.
Take cover
Visit the Amelia Island Museum of History (www.ameliamuseum.org) to learn about the history of Amelia Island. Housed in an old jail, this small museum’s exhibits focus on the Timucuan Indians, the Civil War, railroads, and Spanish missions.
The Lowdown
Car Rent a car from Jacksonville International Airport.
Visitor information 102 Centre St, 32034; 904 277 0717; www.fbfl.us
Cutting the line Avoid visiting during holiday weekends.
Guided tours For horse-drawn carriage rides, contact Amelia Island Carriages (904 556 2662).
Age range 6 plus
Allow 2 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS Bright Mornings (105 S 3rd St, 32034; 904 491 1771; www.brightmorningscafe.com), a local favorite, offers burgers, salads, and sandwiches. FAMILY TREAT Joe’s Second Street Bistro (14 S 2nd St, 32034; 904 321 2558; www.joesbistro.com), an award-winning restaurant, serves salads, soups, and entrées.
Festival Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival features pirate parades, exciting contests and music (May).
5. Fort Clinch State Park
Relive the Civil War
Kids learning how to work a water pump at Fort Clinch State Park
Named for Duncan Lamont Clinch, a general in the Seminole Wars (1816–58), Fort Clinch is a historic military site with a beach, trails, and campsites. Begun in 1847 to protect Fernandina Harbor, the fort was built right where the St. Marys River flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The clean, quiet beach is a major draw for swimmers and sunbathers. Anglers frequent the beach to fish off the pier and the finger jetties, or to make the most of excellent surf fishing opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts can walk the nature trails or bike the off-road trails.
However, for many families the prime attraction is the chance to see skilled re-enactors – or “living historians,” as the park calls them – re-creating living conditions at the fort during the Civil War (1861–5). Watch them perform kitchen and laundry chores, and at times – to the delight of most kids – marching drills and artillery demonstrations.
Letting off steam
Amelia Island’s beaches offer plenty of room to run about. Families can choose between the lively Main Beach Park (32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, 32034), with a beachfront playground and barbecue grills, or the peaceful sands of Peter’s Point Beach Park (1974 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, 32034).
A wild horse at the Dungeness Mansion in Cumberland Island National Seashore
The Lowdown
Address 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, 32034; 904 277 7274; www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch
Car Rent a car from Fernandina Beach.
Open Park: 8am–sunset daily.Fort: 9am–5pm daily
Price Park: $6 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist. Fort: $2 per person
Cutting the line The park is rarely crowded.
Guided tours Guided nature walks at 10:30am on Saturdays, candlelight tours on Labor Day weekends, and daily Living History programs.
Age range 4 plus
Activities Swimming, nature hikes, biking, fishing and camping
Allow 2–4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink PICNIC The Happy Tomato Courtyard Café and BBQ (7 S 3rd St, 32034; www.thehappytomatocafe.com; closed Sat–Sun) is a good place to pick up tasty sandwiches and sides to enjoy near the marina. SNACKS The park store sells snacks and ice cream.
Restrooms At the foot of boardwalks, in the campgrounds, and on the fishing pier
6. Cumberland Island National Seashore
In the lap of nature
Although Cumberland Island is just across the border, in Georgia, visitors to Fort Clinch can see its southern edge across Cumberland Sound. Unlike most barrier islands on the Atlantic, Cumberland is not home to golf courses and gated communities, but to pristine beaches, marshes, and bird and animal species. Narrated sightseeing boats leave Fernandina daily. The ferry ride from St. Marys is fun; visitors may see dolphins leaping near the boat. The tranquil shell-strewn beach is a treat for collec-tors. Nature-lovers will love the hike trails through maritime forests, wet-lands, and historic districts. Look out for herds of wild horses grazing among the ruins of Dungeness Mansion. The island also offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities.
Take cover
Parents might want to plan a visit to see the history exhibits in the Ice House Museum (near the ferry dock; 912 882 4335) to round off the outing – or during rough weather.
The Lowdown
Address Camden, Georgia; 912 882 4335; www.nps.gov/cuis
Ferry Ferries depart twice daily from St. Marys. Call ahead to book (912 882 4335). Taxi Rent a water taxi, a charter, or a private cruise from Amelia River Cruises & Charters (1 N Front St, Fernandina Beach, 32034; 904 261 9972; www.ameliarivercruises.com) or Lang’s Charters (304 Osborne St, St. Marys, 31558; 912 674 8062; www.langcharters.com).
Open Park: daily. Visitor center: 8am–4:30pm daily
Price Park: $10–20; under 16s free
Cutting the line Visit on weekdays or in off-season. Arrive early to beat crowds.
Guided tours Free hour-long tours twice daily, at 10am and 12:45pm
Age range 6 plus; walking the long distances can be tiring for younger kids.
Activities The park runs a free kids’ program at 2pm in summer. Kids’ activity booklets are available at the Mainland Visitor Center.
Allow At least half a day
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink SNACKS Cedar Oak Café and Java Joe’z (304 Osborne St, St Marys, 31558; 912 882 9555) has muffins, sandwiches, and coffee. FAMILY TREAT Lang’s Marina Restaurant (307 W St. Marys St, St Marys, 31558; 912 882 4432; www.langcharters.com) serves fresh seafood and has a kids’ menu.
Restrooms At the visitor center in St. Marys, the ranger station near Cumberland Island dock, Sea Camp Campgrounds, and Plum Orchard
KIDS’ CORNER
Fort Clinch Quiz
1 Fort Clinch is five-sided, which makes it: a) an octagon b) a hexagon c) a pentagon
2 Was the fort occupied by Confederate forces or Union forces in the Civil War?
3 Which of these can be seen at the military site: a) manatees; b) alligators; c) ghosts
Do you know how a herd of wild horses ended up on an island in the Atlantic Ocean? They may have come to the area with Spanish explorers, or they may have swum ashore from sinking 16th-century galleons. It’s thought they’ve been here for centuries – maybe even as long as 500 years.
Fernandina’s flags
Fernandina Beach is the only place in the US to have flown eight different flags. Can you find out which governments these national flags represented?
Every year the town celebrates its history with the Isle of Eight Flags Festival. Learn more about the story on www.shrimpfestival.com/.
Answers:
1 c. 2 Both. 3 Definitely a and b – and some people say ghosts, too. Fernandina’s Flags: 1 France (1562). 2 Spain. It was flown thrice, in 1565, 1783, and 1813. 3 Britain (1763). 4 North American Patriots flag (1812). 5 Latin American Patriots’ Green Cross of Florida flag (1817). 6 Mexican rebel flag (1817). 7 Confederate flag (1861). 8 United States flag (1862).
7. St. Augustine
A little bit of Spain
One of the marble lions on the Bridge of Lions
This remarkable city is home to living history museums and elaborate Spanish-style architecture. Its historic district includes 144 blocks, with a wealth of interesting sights, restaurants, and unique shops. Spanning the Matanzas River, the famous Bridge of Lions connects the city to Anastasia Island, which has a classic striped lighthouse and miles of white-sand beaches.
Key Sights
1. Plaza de la Constitución Surrounded by historic buildings, this shady square has been a central part of the city’s life – from treaty ceremonies to family picnics – for more than 400 years.
2. Villa Zorayda Museum Built in 1883, this building is a one-tenth scale replica of a portion of the Alhambra in Spain. Now a museum, it houses a superb collection of artifacts from the Middle East.
3. Oldest House The González-Alvarez House is the oldest home to survive from the city’s Spanish Colonial period. The complex has two museums, an exhibition gallery, and an ornamental garden.
4. Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse State-of-the-art Audio-Animatronic teachers and pupils re-create life as it was in this cedar and cypress school building more than 200 years ago.
5. Bridge of Lions During Florida’s land boom in the 1920s – when the city had plenty of money – this historic landmark was built at an exorbitant cost, complete with the marble lions that guard it.
Letting off steam
The grounds of Castillo de San Marcos offer lots of space to run around. Or visit the Fort Matanzas National Monument, a small island fort that guarded St. Augustine from the south, by taking a ferry from the Visitor Center.
Take cover
The eccentric Robert Ripley traveled the world looking for objects that were both weird and wonderful. After his death, his collection became the core of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum (19 San Marco Ave, 32084; 904 824 1606; www.ripleys.com/staugustine). It is a good place to while away an afternoon browsing through the astonishing displays.
Entrance to the bizarre Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
Eat and drink
PICNIC Drake's Deli (138 San Marco Ave, 32084; 904 814 3557; open Mon–Sat) is a tiny eatery in St. Augustine that serves large sandwiches. Takeaway orders can be placed beforehand and picked up on the way.
SNACKS Hyppo (48 Charlotte St, 32084; 904 217 7853; www.thehyppo.com) offers gourmet popsicles with flavors such as “Elvis Presley,” a mix of bananas, peanut butter, and honey, and tandoori pineapple.
REAL MEAL Mango Mango’s Caribbean Grill and Bar (700 A1A Beach Blvd, 32080; 904 461 1077) serves casual fare such as mahi sliders and Caribbean island burgers in a lively beach atmosphere.
FAMILY TREAT The Floridian (72 Spanish St, 32084; www.thefloridianstaug.com) offers creative Southern dishes in a kid-friendly atmosphere. The menu has vegetarian options.
Shopping
Most kids will enjoy browsing the shops lining St. George Street, where much of the merchandise on sale is inexpensive but fun. Parents will love the low-stress pedestrian only atmosphere.
Shops lining St. George Street in the Historic District of St. Augustine
The Lowdown
Address St. Augustine 32084. Villa Zorayda Museum: 83 King St; 904 829 9887; www.villazorayda.com. Oldest House: 14 St. Francis St; 904 824 2872; Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse: 14 St. George St; 904 824 0192; www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com
Car Rent a car from Jacksonville Airport. Parking is limited in tourist areas.
Visitor information St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitor Information Center, 10 Castillo Dr W, 32084; 904 825 1000; www.floridashistoriccoast.com
Open Villa Zorayda Museum: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat & 11am–4pm Sun. Oldest House: 10am–5pm daily. Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse: 9am–4pm daily
Prices Villa Zorayda Museum: self-guided audio tours $20–30; under 7s free. Oldest House: $18 (family ticket). Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse: $18–28; under 5s free
Guided tours Old Town Trolley Tours (167 San Marco Ave, 32084; 904 829 3800; www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine) offers tours of St. Augustine's historic district. The Oldest House runs free guided tours every half hour 9:30am–4:30pm. Villa Zorayda Museum offers docent-led tours ($40–50; under 7s free) by reservation only. Call 904 829 9887 to book. Contact St. Augustine Carriage (www.staugustinecarriage.com) for carriage tours.
Age range 5 plus. The Villa Zorayda Museum and Oldest House will be of more interest to kids 8 plus.
Allow A day
Festivals Rhythm and Ribs Festival features live music, barbecue, and kids‘ activities (Apr). Nights of Lights celebrates the holiday season with art shows and parades (Nov–Jan).
Good family value?
A plethora of free, as well as paid, attractions makes the city a great place to spend a day.
Next stop...
BLACK RAVEN PIRATE SHIP If the kids have had enough architecture and highbrow history for a while, take them to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina to see the Black Raven Pirate Ship (www.blackravenadventures.com). Climb aboard the ship for a tour of the Matanzas River. The adventure includes a theatrical show with sword fights, sea shanties, games, and more.
KIDS’ CORNER
Beach mouse
The Anastasia Island beach mouse is an endangered species and is rarely spotted these days. Here are some interesting facts about this little creature:
1 Home. It usually digs burrows in the sand dunes or lives in the abandoned homes of ghost crabs.
2 Food. Sea oats, other coastal plants, and small insects make up its diet.
3 Appearance. Its light-colored coat helps it hide from predators such as cats, dogs, and raccoons.
The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse building may have survived several centuries, but it is fragile. In 1937, the city was so worried it might blow away in a hurricane that they wrapped a giant chain around the house and tied it to an anchor!
Stone-faced lions
The Bridge of Lions, built at great expense, is as much a work of art as a functional bridge. The “Medici lions” were carved from Carrara marble – a white or blue-gray marble often used in sculpture – and were a gift to the city from former mayor Dr. Andrew Anderson, who commissioned them from a studio in Florence, Italy.
8. Lightner Museum/Ponce de León Hotel
The charm of bygone days
The splendid Victorian Music Room at the Lightner Museum, St. Augustine
Commissioned by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, these gorgeous Spanish Renaissance-style buildings were created as the ultimate luxury hotels. Flagler intended the Ponce de León Hotel to be “the world’s finest hotel” of its time. Now a part of Flagler College, its splendid carvings and curved arches are worth a look.
The Hotel Alcazar – now the Lightner Museum – was not quite as luxurious as the Ponce, but it still had a three-story ballroom, tropical gardens, a courtyard for concerts, and spa facilities including Turkish baths and the nation’s largest indoor swimming pool. The Lightner now displays an elegant collection of items from the 19th century, including cut glass, furniture, and paintings.
The Lowdown
Address Ponce de León Hotel: in Flagler College, 74 King St, 32084; 904 829 6481; www.flagler.edu. Lightner Museum: 75 King St, 32084; 904 824 2874; www.lightnermuseum.org
Car Rent a car in St. Augustine.
Open Lightner Museum: 9am–5pm daily. Ponce de León Hotel: tours only
Price Ponce de León Hotel: free, except for guided tours. Lightner Museum: $38–46; under 12s free
Cutting the line Visit on a weekday morning.
Guided tours Tours of the Ponce de León Hotel from the college’s main lobby at 10am & 2pm daily.
Age range 8 plus
Allow An hour for the museum
Wheelchair access At the Lightner Museum
Eat and drink SNACKS The Bunnery Bakery & Cafe (121 St George St, 32084; 904 829 6166; www.bunnerybakeryandcafe.com) offers fresh-baked treats and sandwiches. REAL MEAL Café Alcazar (25 Granada St, 32084; 904 825 9948; www.thealcazarcafe.com), an elegant lunch spot, is housed in the Alcazar Hotel’s former swimming pool.
Restrooms At both sights
Take cover
Children will love the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum (12 S Castilo Dr, 32084; 877 467 5863; www.thepiratemuseum.com), which has hundreds of fascinating artifacts, including the world’s only known pirate treasure chest. Movie buffs can see Captain Jack Sparrow’s sword from The Black Pearl. Kids can learn about the Golden Age of Piracy through interactive displays.
9. Castillo de San Marcos
Cannons and a castle
Cannon on the gun deck of Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
After the pirate Robert Searle attacked St. Augustine in 1668, the town’s Spanish colonists decided they needed more protection, and in 1672 they began constructing the massive Castillo de San Marcos fort. Built of coquina rock quarried from just across the river on Anastasia Island, it took 23 years to build. The Castillo’s design included a seawall with floodgates that could be opened to fill the moat if an assault threatened. Often attacked, the fort was never taken by force, though it sometimes surrendered when faced with overwhelming odds. For much of its history, this oldest existing masonry fort in the US was used as a military prison.
There are lots of things to do here, such as exploring the gun deck and secret chamber, and watching re-enactments. Kids will enjoy the frequent cannon firings on weekends.
The Lowdown
Address 11 South Castillo Dr, 32084; 904 829 6506 (ext. 227); www.nps.gov/casa
Car Rent a car in St. Augustine.
Open 8:45am–5:15pm daily
Price $15– 30; under 15s free
Cutting the line Early weekday mornings are quietest, but most re-enactments and cannon firings are on weekends.
Guided tours There are maps and brochures for self-guided tours.
Age range 6 plus
Activities Cannon firings, weapons demonstrations, short films, and ranger programs
Allow 1–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes, except for the upper gun deck
Eat and drink SNACKS Kilwin’s (6 St. George St, 32084; 904 823 9226; www.kilwins.com) is a great stop for ice cream, fudge, and caramel apples. REAL MEAL Casa Maya (17 Hypolita St, 32084; 904 823 0787), in the historic district, is popular for its non-traditional, mostly organic menu. Hours vary; call ahead.
Take cover
If inclement weather threatens, head for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine (38 Cathedral Place, 32084; 904 824 2806; www.thefirstparish.org). The historic cathedral was built around 1797, and it has a splendid bell tower.
The sanctuary in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
10. Environmental Education Center
Marine encounters
Natural exhibits in the Exhibit Hall of the Environmental Education Center
A 10-minute drive north of St. Augustine is the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR), an environmental education center that is worlds away from the average handful of exhibits visitors might expect to find there. The $6.2-million center serves as a place for eco-educational activities for the GTM NERR, a water system that protects more than 109 sq miles (282 sq km) along northeastern Florida’s coast.
The GTM center presents information about marine creatures in several interesting ways. Visitors can see small specimens in one of the three aquariums. Larger marine creatures are represented by full-scale models. The very largest – a North Atlantic right whale – hangs from the ceiling. There are also interpretive exhibits at the center, a high-tech theater that screens nature films, and an outdoor amphitheater.
Letting off steam
Just east of the A1A are three walkovers that cross the dunes to an untouched stretch of beach, and on the west side are nature trails, boat launches, places to fish, and 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and biking trails.
The Lowdown
Address 505 Guana River Rd, S Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082; 904 823 4500; www.gtmnerr.org
Car Rent a car from St. Augustine.
Open Education Center: 9am–4pm daily. GTM trails and beach parking: 8am–sunset daily
Price Parking $3 per car
Cutting the line Early mornings and weekdays are best.
Guided tours For family programs or guided trail walks, call 904 823 4500. Ripple Effect Ecotours (www.rippleeffectecotours.com) offers kayak and nature tours.
Age range All ages
Allow 1–1½ hours
Wheelchair access South parking lot accessible
Eat and drink PICNIC Publix Deli (55 Ava Way, Vilano Beach, 32084; 904 827 1448; www.publix.com) has ready-made food to go, and picnic supplies for lunch at the GTM picnic pavilion. REAL MEAL Barbara Jean’s (15 South Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082; 904 280 7522; www.barbarajeans.com) is a hot spot for Southern cuisine. It includes a kids’ menu.
Restrooms In the Environmental Education Center
KIDS’ CORNER
Pirate vocabulary quiz
When it comes to pirate lingo, most of us know what it means to “walk the plank,” but have you also heard these terms?
1 Davy Jones’ locker
2 Pieces of eight
3 Grog
4 Avast! 5 The Jolly Roger
Why is the North Atlantic right whale, sometimes seen off St. Augustine’s coast, known as the “right whale”? The standard answer is that whalers of the 18th century saw the huge creature as the “right” whale to hunt, but nobody knows if that story is true.
Avast, me hearties!
Not every pirate flew the same flag – in fact, some famous pirates customized the Jolly Roger or designed flags that incorporated their own symbols. In one, the pirate Black Bart is toasting death, and in another Christopher Moody, an 18th-century pirate, is threatening violence if the victims don’t surrender – an hourglass warns them time is running out.
Answers:
1 The imaginary burial place for pirates and sailors at the bottom of the ocean. 2 Silver coins of lesser value found in pirate hoards. 3 A drink of rum and water. 4 Originally meant “hold fast” – as in, stop and pay attention. 5 Pirate flag, customarily with skull and crossbones.
11. Anastasia Island
A spooky lighthouse
The 165-ft (50-m) St. Augustine Lighthouse is definitely the high point of a visit to Anastasia Island, but there are many other attractions, too. At the northern tip is Anastasia State Park, whose 2.5 sq miles (6 sq km) include 4 miles (6 km) of beach with a surf break, a maritime hammock, a tidal salt marsh, and a sheltered lagoon favored by windsurfers. It is possible to fish, hike, or bike around the park, although most beachgoers come here to surf, sail, swim, or just enjoy lazing in the sun.
Energetic families can climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Older kids and teens may be interested in a “Dark of the Moon” ghost tour – the lighthouse was featured on Ghost Hunters, a paranormal reality TV show. There is also an activity area for younger kids.
Fun at the beach in Anastasia State Park, Anastasia Island
The Lowdown
Address Park: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, 32080; 904 461 2033; www.floridastateparks.org. Lighthouse: 81 Lighthouse Ave, 32080; 904 829 0745; www.staugustinelighthouse.com
Car Rent a car from St. Augustine.
Open Park: 8am–sunset daily. Lighthouse: 9am–6pm daily
Price Park: $8 per vehicle. Lighthouse: $36–46
Cutting the line Avoid midday and holiday weekends.
Guided tours RippleEffect EcoTours (904 347 1565; www.rippleeffectecotours.com) offers kayak/canoe tours. Call lighthouse for information on ghost tour.
Age range All ages. For the lighthouse, kids must be taller than 44 in (112 cm), and able to climb alone.
Allow Park: 1–2 hours. Lighthouse: at least 1 hour
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink SNACKS Island Beach Shop and Grill (in Anastasia State Park) serves snacks and drinks. REAL MEAL O’steen’s (205 Anastasia Boulevard, 32080; 904 829 6974; closed Sun–Mon) offers fried shrimp and scallops. Call ahead for opening hours.
Restrooms Park: at beaches and campgrounds. Lighthouse: near the gift shop
Take cover
Head to the 299-seat World Golf Hall of Fame’s IMAX® theater (www.worldgolfimax.com), which has a 3-D digital projection system and the largest digital screen in the southeast. Or go 2 miles (3 km) west to Whetstone Factory (139 King St, St. Augustine, 32084; 904 217 0275) to learn the candymaker’s secrets and do a little taste-testing along the way.
12. Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Steer a kayak on your own!
Visitors gather for an exhibit at Marineland Dolphin Adventure
This attraction right on the Atlantic Ocean focuses on research on Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in human care as well as in the wild. It also offers educational programs for kids and adults alike.
Children will enjoy exploring the dolphins’ natural habitat in the adjacent Matanzas River Estuary. A Marineland partner here offers kayak tours that are guided by certified naturalists. The stable tandem- and triple-seat kayaks make the outing possible for complete beginners, and even for kids as young as 6. One can also go sailing with another partner that offers a more relaxed dolphin spotting experience, with informative Marineland educators on board. In addition, the center also organizes acrylic painting and photography workshops guided by an instructor that cater to art enthusiasts as well as professionals.
The Lowdown
Address 9600 Oceanshore Blvd, 32080; 904 471 1111; www.marineland.net
Car Rent a car from St. Augustine.
Open 9am–4:30pm daily
Price $35–45; dolphin programs range from $26 to $550
Age range 3 plus
Activities Several dolphin programs; call ahead for details.
Allow 1–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink SNACKS A small concession stand (on site) serves snacks, hot dogs, and drinks. REAL MEAL Captain’s BBQ (5862 N Oceanshore Blvd, 32137; 386 597 2888; www.captainsbbqbaittackle.com) offers barbecued ribs, brisket, chicken and turkey, and a kids’ menu.
Restrooms Near gift shop and main pool area
Take cover
If inclement weather threatens, visit the Authentic Old Jail (167 San Marco Ave, 32084) in St. Augustine. Costumed actors make the tour interesting and fun, if a bit spooky.
13. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
For a fantastic day out
Picturesque view of a gazebo on a pond in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Roses in the ornamental gardens, Ice Age rocks on the beach – the two sides of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park couldn’t be more different. Add to that the chance to see manatees hanging out in the river shallows – and this state park is definitely not a run-of-the mill picnic stop. Saltwater anglers can fish from the rocky beach on the east side of A1A. The rocks make it a good place to hunt for sea glass that’s been tumbled smooth. Budding anglers can try their hand at freshwater fishing from the seawall on the Matanzas River on the west side of A1A. In the cooler months, this is a good place to spot manatees. The park gardens are also attractive – developed in the 1930s, they include both native and exotic species. In early spring, visitors are greeted by an especially beautiful sight: colorful azaleas and camellias in full bloom.
Take cover
Skate and Shake Skating Center (386 672 8500), 25 miles (40 km) south in Ormond Beach, may be a bit of a drive, but it’s a great way for kids to get lots of exercise even when it’s pouring outside. Call ahead.
The 19th-century building housing the Authentic Old Jail, St. Augustine
The Lowdown
Address 6400 N Palm Coast Blvd, Oceanshore, 32137; 386 446 6780;
Car Rent a car from St. Augustine.
Open 8am–sunset daily
Price $5 per vehicle
Cutting the line The park is rarely crowded.
Age range 4 plus
Allow 1–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes. Beach wheelchair with advance notice.
Eat and drink PICNIC Romano’s Pizza on the Beach (4255 A1A S, 32080; 904 461 1111; closed Mon) has picnic supplies. REAL MEAL Matanzas Innlet Restaurant (8805 A1A South, 32080; 904 461 6824; www.matanzas.biz) offers boiled shrimp, steamer baskets, big burgers, and a water view.
Restrooms In the visitor center, picnic area, and on the beach
KIDS’ CORNER
Manatee quiz
1 Manatees need to breathe air every 20 minutes. Is that true?
2 Are manatees (a) herbivores (plant-eaters) (b) carnivores (meat-eaters) (c) omnivores (plant- as well as meat-eaters)?
3 Manatees are most closely related to: a) elephants b) cows c) whales
4 Florida manatees can live for up to: a) 10 years b) 35 years c) 60 years.
More about manatees
Manatees are intelligent and can learn complex tasks. But they move slowly and don’t hear the sounds of propeller-driven boats very well, so they’re often injured or killed by boat strikes.
Dolphins are one of the most playful mammals known to us, but they can also be a most ferocious predators. For example, the killer whale, or orca, is actually the largest dolphin in existence and can reach up to 30 feet in size!
Haunted lighthouse
Don’t think ghosts exist? You might become a believer after a nighttime “Dark of the Moon” ghost tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Visitors claim to have seen and heard the ghosts of two little girls from the 1800s, among others.
Answers:
1 Yes. 2 a. 3 a. 4 c.
14. Daytona Beach
Fun on the run
The Southeast Museum of Photography
Daytona Beach has been drawing adrenaline junkies since the early 1900s, when automobile-racing on the beach’s firm sand pushed the boundaries of speed. Although the city is still popular with race fans, it has also become a favorite destination for millions of visitors each year, thanks to its beautiful beaches and great weather for outdoor activities.
Key Sights
1. Daytona Lagoon Although this amusement park is all about water rides from May to October, it also offers exciting year-round “dry attractions” such as laser tag, miniature golf, and go-karts.
2. Daytona Beach Boardwalk Enjoy old-fashioned arcade games and rides, such as a Ferris wheel, Slingshot, and Hurricane, here. Check out the renovated pier and restaurant.
3. Public beaches Car-friendly sands and crowds of festive beachgoers have helped Daytona’s 23 miles (37 km) of beaches gain a reputation as “The World’s Most Famous Beach.”
4. Halifax Historical Museum This museum features vintage toys and exhibits on Native American culture, along with beach racing. A 20-minute movie covers 130,000 years of local history.
5. Southeast Museum of Photography This is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast, with exhibits, lectures, and seminars, plus Family Photo Fun Days and photo workshops for kids.
6. Daytona International Speedway Young speed demons will like a tour of the legendary racetrack of the Daytona 500, one of the most famous NASCAR meets.
7. Gamble Place This Florida Cracker-style property preserves the Citrus-Packing House – the only one in Florida at its original location.
The Lowdown
Address Daytona Lagoon: 601 Earl St, 32114; www.daytonalagoon.com. Daytona Beach Boardwalk: 12 N Ocean Ave, 32118; www.daytonabeachboardwalk.com. Halifax Historical Museum: 252 S Beach St, 32114; www.halifaxhistorical.org. Southeast Museum of Photography: 1200 W International Speedway, 32114; www.smponline.org. Daytona International Speedway: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, 32114; www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Gamble Place: 1819 Taylor Rd, Port Orange, 32127; www.moas.org
Bus Votran (www.votran.org) buses connect sights in the city. Car Rent a car at Daytona Beach International Airport.
Visitor information Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 126 E Orange Ave, 32115; 386 255 0415; www.daytonabeach.com
Open Daytona Lagoon & Daytona Beach Boardwalk: hours vary by attraction and season; check websites. Public beaches: open 24 hours daily to pedestrians and bicyclists & sunrise–sunset to vehicles with driving passes. Halifax Historical Museum: 10:30am–4:30pm Tue–Fri & 10am–4pm Sat. Southeast Museum of Photography: 11am–5pm Tue–Fri, 1–5pm Sat. Daytona International Speedway: event hours vary; tours from 10am–4pm daily. Gamble Place: 8am–5pm Wed–Sun
Prices Daytona Lagoon & Daytona Beach Boardwalk: check websites for details; water park: $82–104. Public beaches: $10 to drive or park on beach (www.codb.us). Halifax Historical Museum: $12–22. Southeast Museum of Photography: free. Daytona International Speedway: for event and race prices, call 1 800 748 7467. Gamble Place: $6; under 5s free
Cutting the line VIP tours of the Daytona International Speedway can be booked ahead at $52 per person; call 877 306 7223.
Guided tours Take the 90-min ($66–72; under 5s free) or 30-min ($56–62; under 5s free) All Access Speedway Tour. Gamble House runs group tours by reservation.
Age range 4 plus
Allow At least half a day
Good family value?
Although lodgings can be relatively expensive in this city, the beach, and some sights, are free and many others are moderately priced.
The redbrick gift shop next to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
Take cover
The modest Marine Science Center (www.marinesciencecenter.com), 11 miles (18 km) southeast of Daytona Beach in Ponce Inlet, has exhibits, aquariums, and guided beach walks.
Eat and drink
PICNIC New York Style Bagel Deli and Restaurant (3344 S Atlantic Ave, 32118; 386 760 0302) offers deli items, salads, sandwiches, and bakery goods for a beachside picnic.
SNACKS Cow Licks (2624 S Atlantic Ave, 32118; 386 761 1316) is the place to chill, with home-made ice cream and Ms. Pac-Man games.
REAL MEAL Rossi’s Diner (2240 S Ridgewood Ave, 32119; 386 760 4564; www.rossisdiner.com) is a favorite with locals, thanks to a huge menu, and desserts such as rice pudding and muffins.
FAMILY TREAT Don Vito’s Italian Restaurant (137 West International Speedway Blvd, 32114; 386 492 7935; www.donvitosrestaurant.com) serves fine, but expensive, Italian fare. The kids’ menu has spaghetti and meatballs. The desserts are a hit.
Shopping
Daytona’s Downtown Shopping District has many antique stores, bookstores, and clothing shops.
Next stop...
PONCE DE LEON INLET LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM Go 10 miles (16 km) south to see the tallest lighthouse in Florida (www.ponceinlet.org), on the north bank of Ponce de Leon Inlet.
KIDS’ CORNER
Turtles in trouble
Unfortunately, there are many reasons why sea turtles can end up needing some help at places like the Marine Science Center. Those reasons can include:
1 Upwelling (really cold water rising from the bottom of the ocean that can shock and even kill hatchlings)
2 Washbacks (rough weather pushing baby hatchlings back onto the beach)
3 Illegal fishing equipment (hooks and fishing line that can get entangled or swallowed by turtles)
4 Red tide (an algae bloom in the water)
When Joseph Niepce took the first photo in 1827, it took 8 hours. Since then, technology has made possible some amazing photographs. One of the most famous photos is “Earthrise,” taken by astronaut Bill Anders in 1968 while orbiting the moon. See it on www.nasa.gov.
Lighting up the sky
1 The lighthouse at Ponce de Leon Inlet features a beacon from the 19th century. Can you guess how far out at sea the light could be seen?
2 Do you know how long it takes for the beacon to flash six times?
3 How many bricks did it take to build the lighthouse?
Answers:
1 18 miles (29 km). 2 15 seconds. 3 2.5 million.
15. Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS)
Not just another museum
Mold of the iconic Coca-Cola contour bottle
Set in the lush Tuscawilla Preserve, this museum not only houses a superb collection of art, science, and history exhibits, but also allows kids to discover important scientific principles through hands-on exhibits, including the chance to design cars and test their designs by racing against competitors. The domed planetarium is another attraction here, with a Minolta MS-10 sky projector. The preserve also has an environmental education center, trails, and discovery stations.
Key Sights
1. “Sumar Special” Indy car Housed in the Root Family Museum, the Sumar Special reached the amazing speed of 172 mph (276.5 km/h) in 1957. It was designed by Frank Kurtis and Chapman Root, whose company created the famous Coca-Cola contour bottle.
2. Coca-Cola The mold of the original Coke bottle is part of Chapman Root’s huge collection of historic Coca-Cola memorabilia on display in the Root Family Museum.
3. Teddy bears See more than 800 teddy bears, each depicting a different theme or historical period, in the Root Family Museum. Kids will love the large wedding party in full costume, with a bride, a groom, and even a ring bearer.
4. Giant ground sloth This 130,000-year-old 13-ft- (4-m-) tall skeleton of a giant sloth is a major draw in the Bouchelle Gallery of Changing Exhibitions.
5. Planetarium Located near the Root Family Museum, this facility hosts thrilling solar system-related shows using images from NASA space probes and 3-D special effects.
6. Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum Kids can race toy cars on the figure-eight track, and also explore numerous exciting hands-on science stations in this museum.
7. Cuban Foundation Museum Collection Former Cuban president Fulgencio Batista donated the core of the museum’s famed Cuban art collection in the 1950s. It is considered to be the best collection outside Cuba.
8. Sculpture Garden This magical outdoor exhibition area is dotted with works by noted contemporary sculptors such as Ernest Shaw and Juan José Sicre.
The Lowdown
Address 352 South Nova Rd, Daytona Beach, 32114; 386 255 0285; www.moas.org
Car Rent a car from Daytona Beach Airport. Free parking
Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat & 11am–5pm Sun
Price $40–50; under 6s free. General admission includes regular planetarium shows.
Shows The planetarium hosts laser rock concerts (tickets $5 for one show, $7 for two shows, or $9 for three shows) at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm on second Sat of each month. Limited seating. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance or in advance. Call 386 255 0285 for information on specific shows.
Cutting the line Visit between 9am and 11am, when the museum is relatively uncrowded.
Guided tours The museum offers pre-scheduled tours.
Age range 6 plus
Activities The Klancke Environmental Education Complex in Tuscawilla Preserve has raised boardwalks and nature trails.
Allow 1–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The small gift shop (by the main entrance) sells mostly art books, which grown-ups might like, as well as snacks.
Restrooms In each of the three wings: West Wing, North Wing, and the Root Family Museum
Good family value?
A wide range of educative and interactive exhibits make this museum a fun experience for the whole family.
Exploring a boardwalk trail through the lush Tuscawilla Preserve
Letting off steam
Burn off excess energy on the nature trails in the Tuscawilla Preserve, or take a turn in its Sensory Garden, which has herbs, native wildflowers, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and a rock garden. The garden serves as the entry to the Klancke Environmental Education Complex.
Eat and drink
PICNIC The Cracked Egg Diner (3280 South Atlantic Ave, 32118; 386 788 6772; www.thecrackedeggdiner.com) is a great place to pick up subs, sandwiches, salads, and fried pickles. Picnic near the pool in the Sensory Garden.
SNACKS Dancing Avocado Kitchen (110 South Beach St, 32114; 386 947 2022; closed Sun–Mon) serves creative breakfast and lunch dishes with many vegetarian selections. Reasonable prices and a smoothie and juice bar make this restaurant a good choice for snacks and meals.
REAL MEAL Steve’s Famous Diner (1584 S Nova Rd, 32114; 386 252 0101; stevesfamousdiner.biz), a popular place near the museum, offers superb fresh-baked breads. The wide-ranging menu has home-made soups, salads, and desserts.
FAMILY TREAT The Cellar (220 Magnolia Ave, 32114; 386 258 0011; www.thecellarrestaurant.com; closed Mon) is a major splurge for Italian cuisine, but the dishes created by chef Sam Maggio have ensured a loyal fan base. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list.
Boardwalk leading to the bottom of the sinkhole in Devil's Millhopper
Find out more
DIGITAL Download the free MOAS iPhone app from itunes.apple.com/us/app/moas/id391833573?mt=8 to stroll through the virtual galleries of the museum, get in-depth artist biographies, and check out exhibition and event schedules, as well as ticketing information.
Next stop...
DEVIL’S MILLHOPPER GEOLOGICAL STATE PARK Head 121 miles (195 km) northwest to the Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park near Gainesville. A 120-ft (36.5-m) sinkhole, it is one of Florida's most unusual parks. Summer visitors who climb all the steps to the bottom of the sinkhole can experience cooler temperatures and views of diverse wildlife.
KIDS’ CORNER
Ice Age giants
Once upon a time, huge Ice Age mammals – some as big as a bus – lived in Florida, including these below:
1 The scimitar cat was the size of a lion, could run about 60 mph (96 km/h), and had razor-sharp teeth.
2 The dire wolf was much bigger and stronger than today’s timber wolves, and hunted with up to 20 other wolves in a pack.
3 The giant terror bird, at 7 ft (2 m) tall, didn’t actually fly – and was a carnivore (meat-eater).
The museum’s collection of teddies goes far beyond the "bear" essentials! As you explore this giant collection, try to discover the oldest, the newest, the prettiest, and the ugliest bears. Can you try sketching them?
Fossil find
In late 2011, a construction crew discovered some weird bones just down the road from the museum. The bones turned out to be from a 9-ft- (3-m-) tall mastodon, which weighed about 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) and probably romped around Daytona about 50,000 to 100,000 years ago. Check the museum’s website for more information.
16. Blue Spring State Park
Make a splash
Tubing in Blue Spring State Park, Ocala National Forest
When the summer’s hottest days roll around, families love to take a refreshing plunge into Blue Spring, where they can swim, snorkel, canoe, kayak, or take a riverboat tour. Certified scuba divers can even dive here. With the onset of winter in mid-November, all water activities stop as Florida’s manatees migrate here. The park is a designated Manatee Refuge, and children will delight in watching from the boardwalk as the manatees feed, frolic, and take care of their calves.
Take cover
Head northwest to the excellent Appleton Museum of Art (4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, 34470; 352 291 4455; www.appletonmuseum.org). The museum’s pre-Columbian and African collections are likely to keep kids enthralled for quite a while. The museum’s gift shop, which offers art-inspired merchandise, is worth a visit.
The Lowdown
Address 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, 32763; 386 775 3663;
Car Rent a car from Orlando.
Open 8am–sunset daily
Price $6 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian and cyclist.
Cutting the line Arrive early – on weekends, the park often closes by noon because of the crowds.
Age range All ages
Activities Observe manatees from the boardwalk during manatee season. Interpretive programs in the afternoon; call 386 775 3773. St. Johns River Cruises (386 917 0724) offers riverboat tours.
Allow 2–4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink SNACKS The snack bar (on site; 386 775 6888; www.myfloridamanatee.com) sells sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. REAL MEAL Texas Roadhouse (2518 Enterprise Rd, 32763; 386 532 7427; www.texasroadhouse.com) is a highly rated steakhouse with a great kids’ menu.
Restrooms Near the parking and picnic areas
17. Ocala National Forest
Tarzan’s playground
A picturesque hiking trail running through Ocala National Forest
The second-largest National Forest in the country, this 600 sq-mile (1,780-sq-km) jungle could take years to explore fully – from its sandy Big Scrub to the semitropical Juniper Springs. Among the many attractions for families, the Yearling Trail takes hikers to Pat’s Island, the place where the family in the Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Yearling (1938) lived. Look out for the endangered Florida black bear on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Highway (State Road 19). Birding fans can spot bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, and owls. Several lakes draw bass anglers, and a full-facility marina rents boats. There are also campgrounds, horse trails, and springs popular for swimming, canoeing, and tubing.
Take cover
The dragsters and vintage cars at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (www.garlits.com), in Ocala, will fascinate kids and car buffs.
The Lowdown
Address North of Orlando between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers; 352 625 2520; www.fs.usda.gov/ocala
Car Rent a car from Ocala.
Visitor information Ocklawaha: 3199 NE Hwy 315, Silver Springs, 34488. Salt Springs: 14100 N State Hwy 19, 32134; 352 685 3070. Pittman: 45621 State Rd 19, Altoona, 32702
Open 8am–8pm most sites
Price Most sites $26–36
Cutting the line Avoid weekends and holidays.
Guided tours Check www.ocalamarion.com for tours by boat, horse, and all-terrain vehicle.
Age range All ages
Allow Half a day
Wheelchair access Limited
Eat and drink SNACKS Yomii Frozen Yogurt (2631 Enterprise Blvd, Orange City, 32763; 386 456 5080) offers a selection of self-serve toppings. REAL MEAL Laspada’s Original (2200 N Volusia Ave, Orange City, 32763; www.laspadas.com) serves Philly cheese steaks and Italian hoagies.
Restrooms At campgrounds
18. Ocala Thoroughbred Farm Country
Horsing around
Marion County, popularly known as “The Horse Capital of the World,” is guaranteed to be a big hit with horse-crazy kids. Watch a polo match or a real rodeo, get a close look at Thoroughbreds – including the famous Rohara Arabians and Young’s Paso Finos – at one of the more than 600 Thoroughbred farms in the area, or explore the countryside on horseback at a ride-for-fun stable. Marion County boasts thousands of national and world champs, plus six Kentucky Derby winners.
Take cover
The Carriage Museum at The Grand Oaks Resort (thegrandoaks.com), in Weirsdale, has rides fit for royalty, but kids may like the life-size horse models as much as the vehicles.
A room at the house in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
The Lowdown
Car Rent a car from Ocala.
Visitor information 112 N Magnolia Ave, Ocala, 34475; 352 438 2801; www.ocalamarion.com
Price Varies by tour and activity.
Cutting the line Choose weekdays when possible.
Guided tours Several tours, including by horse, motorbike, all-terrain vehicle, and canoe; check www.ocalamarion.com.
Age range 4 plus
Activities Horse farm tours, horse-riding, and horse shows
Allow 2–4 hours
Wheelchair access Varies, call individual tours and attractions.
Eat and drink SNACKS Stella’s Modern Pantry (20 SW Broadway St, 34471; 352 622 3663; closed Mon) gets kudos for desserts, but also offers sandwiches and flatbreads. REAL MEAL Royal Orchid Thai Cuisine (3131 SW College Rd 206, 34474; 352 237 4949) is a local favorite, thanks to an authentic menu and great service.
19. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
House of a literary genius
Although she was not a native Floridian, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ writings about this area and its people have made her one of the state’s best-known authors. She came to live on this farmstead in search of a quiet place to write and fell in love with it, as most visitors do, too. Her books, especially The Yearling, which is a favorite among younger readers, help convey the realities of living close to the wilderness in harmony with nature. The park includes her home, furnished as it was when she lived here in the 1930s, a workers’ home, a barn, a kitchen garden, and other outbuildings. The home’s interior can be viewed only by guided tour.
Letting off steam
Kids can run around the house’s extensive grounds to burn off excess energy.
The Lowdown
Address 18700 S County Rd 325, Cross Creek, 32640; 352 466 3672
Car Rent a car from Gainesville.
Open Park grounds: 9am–5pm daily
Price Park admission: $3 per vehicle. House tours: $10–20; under 5s free
Cutting the line Winter is busy. Fri and Sun mornings are quietest.
Guided tours Hourly tours of house and property Oct–Jul: 10am–4pm Thu–Sun; call 352 466 3672.
Age range 6 plus
Allow 1–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink REAL MEAL Blue Highway Pizzeria (204 NE Hwy 441, Micanopy, 32667; 352 466 0062) is a casual eatery where diners can customize their pizza. FAMILY TREAT The Yearling Restaurant (14531 E County Rd 325, Hawthorne, 32640; 352 466 3999; closed Mon–Wed) serves quail and frog legs, along with chicken, steak, and seafood.
Restrooms In the park, adjacent to the historic site
KIDS’ CORNER
Manatees or mermaids?
In ancient myths sailors told of being lured to dangerous rocks by beings called sirens, or mermaids. The scientific name for manatee is Sirenian, because sailors often mistook the gentle sea cows for mermaids. To find out more, go to www.savethemanatee.org. The website also has games, stickers, and coloring sheets. There’s also a webcam that shows manatees at Blue Spring State Park.
A Thoroughbred is a particular breed of horse that is especially good at racing, jumping, and other show events. These beautiful horses are usually about 64 in (163 cm) tall, with a deep chest and a long neck. Those bred to run longer distances are usually smaller, and the ones meant to run shorter distances have bigger muscles.
The fastest two minutes in sports
The Kentucky Derby is a race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds held each year in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is 1¼ miles (2 km), and the winner is draped with a blanket of roses. The 2015 Derby winner, American Pharoah, was trained in Ocala.
20. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Home on the range, where the deer and the buffalo roam
This 33-sq mile- (85-sq km-) preserve, 2 hours west of Daytona Beach, is home to deer, bison, wild horses, Florida Cracker cows, and alligators. It is not necessary to hike deep into the wilderness to see its wildlife – the park has multiple observation platforms, including a 50-ft (15-m) tower for a bird’s-eye view. Remember to carry binoculars – 271 species of birds, from bald eagles to sandhill cranes, live here. There is plenty of human history here to explore, too. An audio-visual presentation at the visitor center tells the story of this wilderness, which goes back at least 12,000 years.
Take cover
Go to Antique City Mall (17020 SE County Rd 234, Micanopy, 32667; 352 466 1060) for Star Wars™ figures and cowboy collectibles.
The Lowdown
Address 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, 32667; 352 466 3397; www.floridastateparks.org
Car Rent a car from Gainesville.
Open 8am–sunset daily. Visitor center: 9am–4pm daily
Price $6 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
Cutting the line Avoid weekends when the University of Florida football team plays at home. The park is less crowded May–Sep.
Guided tours Walk and talk programs run Nov–Apr on alternate Thu; call 352 466 4100 for reservations.
Age range 4 plus
Allow 2 hours
Wheelchair access Limited; call 850 245 2157.
Eat and drink SNACKS Coffee N Cream (201 Northeast 1st St, Micanopy, 32667; 352 466 1101;) offers coffee and other drinks, and home-made cookies. Or pick up sandwiches to take to Paynes Prairie. REAL MEAL Pearl Country Store (106A NE Hwy 441, Micanopy, 32667; 352 466 4025; www.pearlcountrystore.com) has barbecue and mac’n’cheese that customers swear by.
Restrooms At the visitor center and Lake Wauberg campgrounds
Tree-lined drive in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Gainesville
21. Florida Museum of Natural History
Calling all “__ologists!”
For families with kids who love science – whether they want to grow up to be paleontologists, zoologists, or archaeologists – the University of Florida’s Museum of Natural History in Gainesville is an astonishing treasure house of information and exhibits. One of American’s top five natural history museums, it houses more than 30 million specimens in multiple disciplines. Exhibits at the Hall of Florida Fossils cover the last 65 million years in Florida, from the Eocene era (when the state was underwater) to the arrival of humans about 14,000 years ago. The McGuire Center, the largest research facility on the planet dedicated to the study of butterflies, includes a screened outdoor exhibit called the Butterfly Rainforest. This contains hundreds of butterflies from all over the world, living in a predator-free environment among waterfalls and tropical plants. On weekend afternoons, when the weather permits, visitors can view live butterfly releases.
Butterfly exhibit in the Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville
The Lowdown
Address 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, 32611–2710; 352 846 2000; www.flmnh.ufl.edu
Car Rent a car in Gainesville.
Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat & 1–5pm Sun
Price Free. Butterfly Rainforest: $36–42. Under 3s free. Parking free on weekends and holidays
Cutting the line The museum is not usually crowded.
Guided tours Hall of Florida Fossils tours at 11:30am & 2:45pm Sat, 2:45pm Sun
Age range 4 plus
Activities Live butterfly releases at 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Sat & Sun, weather permitting. Butterfly-friendly plant sale at 10am–5pm Mon–Sat & 1–5pm Sun
Allow 1–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink REAL MEAL Satchel’s Pizza (1800 NE 23rd Ave, 32609; 352 335 7272; www.satchelspizza.com; closed Sun & Mon) is known for its inventive pizzas. FAMILY TREAT Amelia’s (235 S Main St, Suite 107, 32601; 352 373 1919; www.ameliasgainesville.com) serves fresh, home-style Italian food.
Restrooms Near South Florida People and Environments exhibit, and off the Central Gallery
Steps leading to the bottom of the sinkhole in Devil’s Milhopper Geological State Park
Letting off steam
Head 4 miles (7 km) southwest to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (www.kanapaha.org) to see the hummingbird garden, wildflower meadow, and “children’s garden” featuring a treasure wall, a hedge maze, and a koi pond.
Water-Breathing Dragon Fountain in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Gainesville
22. Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
A sinking sensation
The Devil’s Millhopper, in Gainesville, is a sinkhole that appeared when an underground cavern collapsed due to heat and humidity. The sinkhole created a miniature rain forest with many small springs whose streams flow down its sides. On a hot summer day, descending all 236 steps to the sinkhole’s lowest point is rewarding for its noticeably cooler temperature. Remember to wear stout shoes if you are up for the walk. Though younger kids may find it exhausting, the walk rewards the energetic ones with sightings of birds from the pinelands and suburbs.
Take cover
Travel 5 miles (8 km) south to check out the Asian wing and gardens of the first-rate Harn Museum of Art (SW 34th St, S Hull Rd, 32611; www.harn.ufl.edu). Kids may especially like the Ancient American collection with its Mayan and Aztec works.
The Lowdown
Address 4732 Millhoppper Rd, Gainesville, 32653; 352 955 2008; www.floridastateparks.org
Car Rent a car in Gainesville.
Open 9am–5pm Wed–Sun
Price $4 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
Cutting the line Least crowded Wed–Thu from mid-afternoon on
Guided tours Guided walk with ranger at 10am every Sat; call 386 462 7905
Age range 4 plus
Activities Hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
Allow 2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes, limited
Eat and drink PICNIC 43rd Street Deli (4401 NW 25th Place, Gainesville, 32606; 352 373 2927; www.43rdstreetdeli.com) is a convenient place to pick up sandwiches, sides, and salads for a picnic on the park’s grounds. REAL MEAL Cedar River Seafood (5141 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32605; 352 371 4848; www.cedarriverseafoodlc.com) offers delicious, modestly-priced oysters, shrimp, and fried fish.
Restrooms At the visitor center
KIDS’ CORNER
A hummingbird quiz
Are the following true or false?
1 Hummingbirds prefer red or reddish flowers.
2 Hummingbirds get all of their energy from sipping nectar.
3 Hummingbirds are one of only three kinds of birds that can fly backward.
4 Many hummingbirds migrate to Mexico in winter.
Which wings are which?
Most butterflies rest with their wings held up, while moths spread theirs out flat. Check out the Museum of Natural History’s butterfly guide at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies/guide to learn about butterflies.
Sinkholes are a common feature of Florida’s landscape. They occur when loose soil, for example, lies on top of some kinds of stone. Rain and surface water gradually wash it through the cracks in the stone into caves beneath, eventually causing a sinkhole.
The myth around Millhopper
According to legend, the Devil fell in love with a beautiful American Indian princess. He chased her, and the braves in the tribe raced after him, trying to protect her. The Devil then created a deep sinkhole so that the braves would fall into it. The story says that the braves turned into the limestone rocks that line the sinkhole’s sides.
Answers:
1 True. 2 False. They also eat insects. 3 False. They’re the only ones. 4 True. They go to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Where to Stay in the Northeast
This region offers a wide variety of accommodations, from award-winning resorts and luxurious hotels to campsites located in beautiful state parks within walking distance of the waves. Northeastern Florida offers plenty of both upscale and budget options to choose from.
AGENCY
Stockton Real Estate
This local real estate company coordinates short-term rental of individual vacation homes and condos, from oceanfront to golf course locations in Jacksonville and its beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Augustine.
Price Guide
The following price ranges are based on one night’s accommodation in high season for a family of four, inclusive of service charges and additional taxes.
$ Under $150 $$ $150–300 $$$ over $300
Amelia Island
resorts
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Spread over 2 sq miles (5 sq km), this resort has 150-plus guest rooms, plus a dazzling beach club and restaurants. Superb supervised kids’ programs, along with games, dinner parties, and picnics are offered.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
This oceanfront AAA four-diamond resort has luxurious guest rooms and public spaces. There is a beach, a spa, tennis courts, a fitness center, and stellar programs for kids and teenagers.
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The King Terrace Suite at The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort
Self-catering
The Villas at Amelia Island Plantation
This huge beach resort offers lodging in rooms, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas ideal for families. There’s a private beach, golf, a spa, a fitness center, and restaurants.
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