Highlights of the A1A Coastal Highway

The natural beauty along Florida's A1A Coastal Highway varies from expansive ocean views, clean bays, and wide, white beaches. The most prominent of these features can be observed at the higher elevations offered at places such as the Guana River State Park dune crossover, where the Atlantic Ocean, Guana Lake, and native Florida vegetation (Coastal Strand) are visible. The sand dunes in the area reach heights of 35 to 40 feet. Dune crossovers provide perching areas to view migrating birds, right whales, and other wildlife.

Since being first explored by Ponce de Leon in 1513, this area has had a distinctly Spanish flair. With that in mind, here are a few of the highlights exploring that heritage.

St. Augustine: Start with a visit to the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center. St. Augustine can be experienced by horse and buggy, tram/trolley, and on foot. Visitors may want to stop at the St. Augustine Historical Society, located in the "Oldest House in the United States" (the Gonzalez-Alvarez House).

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park: Seeking the Fountain of Youth and believing he had found it, Ponce de Leon landed here in 1513 and planted a stone cross into the ground. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park exhibits foundations and artifacts of the first St. Augustine mission and colony. Enjoy the Landmark Spring waters, a video presentation, and the Explorers Globe and Navigators' Planetarium.

The dolphin show at Marineland of Florida Oceanarium is only one of the fantastic attractions along A1A Coastal Highway.
©Byways.org
The dolphin show at Marineland of Florida Oceanarium is only
one of the fantastic attractions along A1A Coastal Highway.

Mission de Nombre de Dios: In 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed at what became the Mission de Nombre de Dios and claimed this site for Spain and the Church. It was on these grounds that Father Lopez would celebrate the first parish mass in the New World.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument represents the oldest remaining European fortification in the continental United States. The masonry fort and its surrounding land comprise 25 acres in historic downtown St. Augustine. There is no visitor center in the park, but extensive museum exhibits are maintained within the casemates.

Fort Matanzas National Monument: Fort Matanzas National Monument, a former Spanish outpost fort, was built from 1740 to 1742 to guard Matanzas Inlet and to warn St. Augustine of enemies approaching from the south. Fort Matanzas now serves as a reminder of the early Spanish empire in the New World.

Ponce de Leon was looking for the Fountain of Youth. Today, miles of beachfront and fascinating sea life add up to a fun vacation for the young of all ages.

Find more useful information related to Florida's A1A Coastal Highway: