FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

One City Six Ways: St. Augustine, Florida

by Debra Bokur

Sep 25, 2017

Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

Destinations / North America

Nicknamed The Ancient City and credited as being the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida is a beautiful, laid-back blend of Spanish Colonial architecture, historic sites, sandy beaches and ancient bricked streets.

History & Culture

A great way to get your bearings is to begin your visit downtown on St. George Street in the Colonial Quarter. From here, walk to the sprawling 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos on the waterfront and enjoy a tour of the oldest masonry fort in North America. Not to miss: the Gilded Age collection at the Lightner Museum, a climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and a self-guided tour of the stunning Renaissance Revival Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, facing the Plaza de la Constitucion. You’ll also find a wide variety of galleries on the small streets leading off the plaza.

Culinary

A walking tour with a food focus is absolutely the best way to get a great sampling of what the Ancient City has to offer in the way of Spanish-, British- and French-inspired fare. Choices include St. Augustine Food Tours & Tastings, City Walks Food & Wine Tours and The Tasting Tours.

Family bike ride

Elizaveta Galitskaya | Dreamstime

 

Active

St. Augustine is a great cycling town. Bike rentals can be found at numerous locations with or without a guide. The city’s unique location also includes both white-sand beaches and a wide, deep inlet, making it perfect for water activities. Paddleboarding, snorkeling and swimming are popular pastimes, with equipment available at multiple locations throughout town. Consider taking a surf lesson from the local pros at The Surf Station, where experts are ready to help seasoned surfers find the best breaks or introduce beginners to this exciting pastime. Hikers will find beautiful trails through natural settings at area parks including Anastasia State Park, Fort Mose Historic State Park and Guana River State Park.

Wellness

There’s a great selection of day spas in St. Augustine, including City Wellness, where yoga, acupuncture, spa therapies and health counseling are available. Prefer a resort setting? The Poseidon Spa at the historic Casa Monica Resort in downtown across from the beautiful Plaza de la Constitucion offers a full range of luxury services.

Romance

The narrow, shady streets of St. Augustine are ideal for a romantic escape (or escapade). Schedule a horse-drawn carriage ride in an open carriage where you can share a cozy blanket with someone special, while a guide shares the fascinating history of the city. Plan a tour and tasting at San Sebastian Winery, where you can extend your evening with wine, food, blues and jazz at the winery’s The Cellar Upstairs. Longing for a sunset? Book a private sailing tour of Matanzas Inlet. Multiple outfitters offer day and evening tours, some offering bespoke sailing with wine and snacks.

Family Fun

There’s a host of entertaining family activities to enjoy. Family favorites include the Alligator Farm Zoological Park, the Pirate & Treasure Museum, The Fountain of Youth, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley Tours.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Hotels
Dec 10, 2024

Hallmark Holiday Fun Awaits at The Harpeth Hotel

It’s not too late to book holiday family travel this year. Consider heading to The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee, where families can step into the world of Hallmark movies with fun holiday offerings all season long.

Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway

East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.

Hotels
Dec 10, 2024

A Whaley Good Time Awaits at Sheraton Maui Resort

Family travelers can grab a front-row seat atop Pu’u Kek’a to experience the magical migration of 10,000-plus humpback whales in Maui’s warm waters each winter. The Moana Oceanfront guestrooms and suites at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa offer unparalleled views and serve as a perfect spot to witness the whales splash and play. The resort overlooks the ‘Au’au channel, which becomes the most protected humpback whale playground in Hawai’i.

Hotels
Dec 5, 2024

Over-the-Top 1990s-Themed Holiday Suite Debuts at The Fifty Sonesta Hotel New York

‘Tis the season! The Fifty Sonesta Hotel New York recently introduced its the Merry & Bright Holiday Suite, a winter wonderland in partnership with National Tree Company and designed by production designer and stylist Cassia Maher. Family travelers can book the one-bedroom suite offering a 1990s-inspired holiday experience, including three private terraces also adorned with holiday décor.

Madrid: A Destination for All Ages

However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!

Hotels
Dec 5, 2024

Grand Velas Los Cabos Unveils New Family Duplex Suite

Take family travel to the next level with a trip to Grand Velas Los Cabos. The AAA Five-Diamond resort recently unveiled a new Family Duplex Suite, spanning more than 1,8000 square feet.