Things To Do In Saint Augustine

From its five-story, 80-foot-wide IMAX screen to its immersive displays of golf artifacts, the World Golf Hall of Fame doesn't do anything on a small scale. A not-for-profit initiative of the World Golf Foundation, the facility pays homage to golf's most prolific players, while encouraging guests to become active participants in the game. Size: Historic artifacts and interactive exhibits bring more than five centuries of golf lore to life Permanent Exhibitions: Stroll through exhibits on past inductees to learn about some of the greatest to ever play the game, including the new exhibit Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African Americans in Golf Crown Jewel: A life-size replica of the original Swilcan Bridge at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland Eye Catcher: The view of the entire World Golf Village from the 190-foot Trophy Tower; also the collection of trophies, including the Ryder Cup Hands-On Activity: An 18-hole, natural-grass putting green and a 132-yard island green challenge hole, at which guests can take swings and compete in a monthly closest-to-the-pin contest. A round on the course is included in admission. Don't Miss: A chance to swing replica clubs from the 1800s in the Royal and Ancient Game exhibit

The shoreline's tall grasses sway along sandy beaches as standup paddleboarders float farther away from it as they take in panoramic views of the horizon. That’s how many Lets Go Stand Up adventures begin: The company’s team leads the way around Saint Augustine's myriad waterways during private lessons and group tours. During aquatic excursions, instructors show participants how to paddle effectively, maintain good posture, and work through tricky navigation around manatees playing Marco Polo. More experienced boarders can learn how to paddle into and ride a wave during surf lessons. They also can build on the total-body workout standup paddleboarding provides in fitness classes that aim to enhance strength, endurance, balance, and agility.

Located just two miles from downtown St. Augustine, inside Anastasia State Park, Anastasia Watersports dispatches its nature-loving customers to the waters of a picturesque, three-mile tidal lagoon. Protected from the ocean by a line of sand dunes, the area, referred to as the Salt Run, offers gentle waves upon which patrons can hone their navigation skills in rented canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats. Alternatively, they can ride the area’s stiff sea breeze during windsurfing lessons provided by the shop’s qualified staffers. The waters brim with trout and flounder that fisherman can hook from their vessels, and birdwatchers can glimpse the marsh’s osprey, egrets, and herons as they soar skyward to nurture egg-shaped clouds.

A mountaintop gazebo rises above a labyrinth of emerald corridors, offering sweeping, ocean views to mini golfers who conquer Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf's course. The 18-hole circuit takes players past eight waterfalls, through shadowy caves, and around a 65-foot Spanish galleon that has been enjoying a golf-centric retirement since the Age of Imperialism. During the daytime, trees and rocky outcroppings block out the sun’s rays, which are supplanted by towering light fixtures after sunset to allow for nighttime play. Fiesta Falls’s concessions dishes out soft-serve ice cream, milk shakes, and other desserts to help guests ice their elbow after a particularly strenuous round.

For more than two decades, the non-profit organization Haven Horse Ranch has been using its 26-acre property and team of horses to help youngsters learn life disciplines through riding. The ranch hosts three- and five-day camps, clinics, and trail rides, and has special experience working with children who suffer from mental and physical challenges. Lessons center around the tenets of Western riding, horsemanship, or training, while fun drills such as barrel racing, horse soccer, and speed games help students practice agility without needing to dump ice water on a sleeping bull.

A piece of Spain separated from Europe and landed in Florida. Nestled in Saint Augustine’s historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the majestic Villa Zorayda contains architectural features that mirror those found in the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. Audio tours lead visitors through this restored Spanish villa’s halls and airy inner courtyard, pointing out hundreds of antiquities such as Arabic arches, glazed ceramics, bronze statues, and ancient charcoal burners. When not welcoming tours, the historic building and grounds also host weddings and private parties.