First Coast Explorer
First Coast Explorer Florida's First Coast
First Coast Explorer
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Castillo de San Marcos fort, St. Augustine Florida
Florida's First Coast · Jacksonville Beach to St. Augustine

Things To Do on the First Coast

460 years of history, 20 miles of Atlantic beach, hidden nature preserves, craft breweries, escape rooms, and waterfront dining. All within an hour of each other.

🏰 St. Augustine

America's Oldest City

Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
National Monument · Built 1672
Castillo de San Marcos
Built from coquina shellstone. Never taken by force in 350 years. The most important thing to see in St. Augustine.
 St. Augustine Lighthouse
Lighthouse · Active Since 1874
St. Augustine Lighthouse
219 steps to the best view in the city. Maritime museum, ghost tours after dark, and the oldest lighthouse in Florida.
 St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Zoological Park · Est. 1893
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
The only place on earth with all 24 living crocodilian species. Wild bird rookery overhead. Zipline over the gators.
 Fountain of Youth St. Augustine
Archaeological Park · Est. 1565
Fountain of Youth
15 acres on the actual site of America's first colony. Wild peacocks roam freely. The spring water tastes like sulfur. Drink it anyway.
 USS Orleck Naval Museum
Naval Museum · Jacksonville
USS Orleck Naval Museum
A Cold War destroyer you can actually board and explore. Gun mounts, combat information center, and 50 years of naval history.
 Vilano Beach Fishing Pier
Vilano Beach · Free
Vilano Beach Fishing Pier
Free to fish, free to walk. The best sunset view of the St. Augustine skyline across the Tolomato River. Dolphins are regular visitors.
🏄 Jacksonville Beach

The Beach Towns

Mind Bender Escape Rooms Jacksonville Beach
Escape Rooms · AR Experience
Mind Bender Escape Rooms
5 rooms plus the First Coast's only AR escape experience using Snap Spectacles. Private rooms, unlimited hints, kids under 6 free.
 Castaway Island Preserve at sunset, Jacksonville Florida
Nature Preserve · Free
Castaway Island Preserve
Tidal creeks, salt marsh, and St. Johns River sunset views. Hiking trails, wildlife, and a quiet spot most visitors never find.
 Beaches at Vilano Beach St. Augustine
Vilano Beach · St. Augustine
Beaches at Vilano
The uncrowded beach just north of St. Augustine. Wide sand, calm water, free access, and a pier with the best sunset view on the coast.
🌿 Parks & Nature

The Wild First Coast

All Parks →
Castaway Island Preserve Jacksonville
Jacksonville · Free
Castaway Island Preserve
Tidal creeks, salt marsh, and St. Johns River sunset views. Hiking trails, wildlife, and a quiet most visitors never find.
 Bird Island Park Ponte Vedra
Ponte Vedra · Free
Bird Island Park
Boardwalk over tidal marsh, herons fishing at low tide, bald eagles overhead. One of the most peaceful spots on the First Coast.
 Boardwalk through tree canopy, Jacksonville Beach area park
Jacksonville · $5 Entry · Photos Coming
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
The full outdoor package — ocean beach, lake, mountain bike trails, kayaking, and camping. All in one park for $5.