December 2021

To do the entire coast of Florida and hit up all the National Park sites in around 10 days is crazy but I thought it was doable and drivable so here we go!

First stop was the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, and unfortunately Fort Caroline was closed. But I did get to do the Spanish Pond trail, and the marshes and boardwalk was lovely to do before the heat started kicking in.

Next it was off to the city of St. Augustine, was was founded in the year 1565 and says it’s the oldest city in the USA. The Castillo de San Marcos is a Spanish that is the oldest masonry fortification and is open for you to go inside of, right by the beach.

The parking is kind of cramped but I was lucky to get a spot right in front of the fort:

Then you have to wait in line due to Covid restrictions so too many people aren’t inside:

Once inside you have views of rooms and the courtyard:

Up to the roof for more awesome views and cannons:

A beautiful preserved fort to explore and then see the beach afterwards.

The touristy area of the city is directly across the street, where there are shops and restaurants.

Fort Matanzas is not too far, and it was built in 1742 to defend St. Augustine as well. Unfortunately for me, the ferry to the fort was closed the day I visited. The gentleman in the shop gave me a great lesson on it’s history though:

And I was still able to go up to the dock to see the fort from there and catch some wildlife as well, like this little guy:

I spent the night in Jacksonville to visit one of my besties from high school, then it was off to continue down the coast! Next stop: beautiful beach and a bucket list item checked off!