Light Houses Galore

vacations in lighthouses
St. Augustine for a day....need advice?

Well, I have one day in St. Augustine in a few weeks. Getting there at about 8 am, and leaving around 9 pm. I want to try to make the most of the 1 day I have, since I don't get to take vacations that often. I guess some things I'd like to get answered are
#1. What beaches are worthwhile hanging out for awhile?
#2. What restaurants are really good? Looking for uniqueness, affordability....my wife and I enjoy seafood a great deal, so that would be a plus.
#3. Is it too cold to see dolphins in this area in Febuary? If not, what is the best way? I see they have numerous boat excursions.
#4. Anything else you absolutely reccomend we do? We're already planning on trying to see the lighthouse, the fort, a beach....but what else is an absolute must? Thanks.

Wow only one day in St. Augustine that is sad there is just so much to do you are going to have to come back! I might also check out the Alligator Farm it is really neat for all ages and Maximo is just amazing. He is 17 feet and a very large boy. Well worth seeing. For all of the attractions you are going to you will want to get the Big Fat Coupon Book, you can either contact the visitors center and have them send it to you or pick one up when you get there. Trust me this little book saves you a lot of cash on all the attractions that you have mentioned so far. My favorite part of beach to hang out at is near the Pit Surf Shop and Mango Mango’s on Highway A1A. They have plenty of parking in the area and the pier is real near here. This beach is not very crowded and just a great place to be. The parking lots are free and just a short walk from the beach. However for a small fee you can drive and park your car on the beach. I would take a dolphin cruise if you have time. It is the best way to see them. There are plenty of cruises for all price ranges. All of them are very good.
For good food check out Saltwater Cowboys….nice place casual great seafood, A1A Crab Shack….located outside of town, a local place, not much décor, but awesome food! I would also check out Pinchers located in old town they have a great steamed bucket or check out the Conch House Restaurant…you sit in little tiki huts that over look the marina. Located right over the bridge of lions it is the first left just look for the sign. This is the most unique place in St. Augustine, we love it and the food and service is just amazing! If you are going on a weekend for dinner make reservations for a hut trust me it gets crowded. For breakfast stop in at the Oasis best breakfast around, wonderful lunch and raw bar.
If you have not made plans to see the Castillo De San Marco I would go. The fort is just amazing and the views of the bays are best here. They do all kinds of programs so I would check out their website and see if anything is going on even if not tour the fort. There is also Fort Mantanzas which is pretty neat to see, it is free and you get a free boatride to the fort. I might check it out depending how your time is.
Be sure to take a stroll on St. George Street. Most of the shops stay open late here; it really is just a neat street to see. Stop by the city gates on the way to the fort and take a quick picture. I would also try to see the Colonial Spanish Quarter. A living museum and well worth the $6 located on St. George Street this place is amazing and you get to see how it was when the city first started. Great place takes about 45min. I would skip all of the Ripley’s stuff not worth it.
I might check out the Old Jail or Mission De Nombre, one of the first missions in the US. The Jail is pretty neat, but it is a guided tour that takes up to 1 hour so depending on your time the Mission might be better because it is self guided. I really enjoyed the Mission and the history that I learned. Skip the Fountain of Youth you can do it next time, lines can be long and the whole thing with the movies takes about 2 hours. It is neat, but I would do some of the other stuff.
If you are going to be there on a Saturday I suggest checking out the changing or the Guard at the Governor’s House. It only takes about 30 minutes and it is really interesting to see. Actors play out the role of what it was like every night when you had to change the guard. They are in costume and do fire their muskets which is awesome. Afterwards they will answer any questions you might have and you can get your picture with them. This is a real St. Augustine treat.
There are several old houses that you can check out if you have time. The Pena Peck house is a really neat thing to see. One of the first houses built in St. Augustine and located in old town. Short tour with a lot to see.
Parking is an issue in old town you will want to check out the cities website and find the different parking lots. A lot of them do have time limits on them so be aware of that. There is parking garage at the Visitors Center near old town; I believe they have all day parking with a flat rate. Contact the visitors center they will help you with the parking issue. The lots and what little parking there is on the streets fill up fast!! So be aware.
Have a great trip, St. Augustine is a beautiful city you are going to love it!

Belize- for an Adventure Filled Vacation

If you are looking for an adventure, unlike anything you have experienced before, Belize is just the right place for your vacation. Discover a network of fast flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls, spectacular limestone caves, lush rainforests, world class fishing, diving, and snorkeling, mysterious Maya Ruins, and miles of beautiful white sand beaches. There is so much that makes Belize a paradise for travel lovers.

The following are just a few examples and possibilities for an adventurous vacation in Belize.

ATM Tour (Actun Tunichil Muknal)

Would you like to explore an ancient cave untouched for 1000 years? This popular site, popular among vacationers is as close as you will come. Near the Cayo District an ancient cave once used for Mayan ceremonies was discovered and left untouched, with human remains, and over 200 artifacts. Getting to the cave is just as exciting as you travel on foot for a 45 minute trek through the pristine jungle.. You will experience the natural beauty of Belize first hand with its abundance of exotic wildlife. ATM is a must for your Belize vacation.

World famous Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a precious natural wonder and the second longest reef in the world. Home to one of the most important ecosystems in the world, the reef has 70 coral species and 500 species of fish. It is a natural wonder, yet at your doorstep while visiting one of the many fabulous Belize vacation destinations. The reef provides excellent world class diving, snorkeling, and fishing opportunities. No Belize vacation is complete without visiting the Barrier Reef.

Tales of Mayan Legacy

One of the most important parts of Belize's history is the Mayan legacy of outstanding palaces and temples. These historical monuments stand proudly and attract vacationers in huge numbers.

The magnificent ruins of the ancient civilization are delight for everyone, not only history enthusiasts. While on your Belize vacation don’t forget to visit the famous archaeological sites like Caracol, Cerros, Lamanai, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Altun Ha, Cahal Pech, El Pilar, Nim Li Punit and Xunantunich.

Southern Belize with Unlimited Options

A favorite vacation destination, this beautiful, pristine area of Belize in the Toledo District embraces the sea, and possesses a lush jungle with many rivers and Mayan villages. Hike any of a number of trails leading to waterfalls and ancient caves.

And when it comes to fishing, there are unlimited options to round off your vacation. Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Punta Ycacos Lagoon, Monkey River, and Punta Negra Lake all offer first class fishing experiences. This is a good choice for a Belize vacation.

Sun Kissed Belize Beaches

The beautiful tropical beaches nestled by the Caribbean Sea are the best in the world. A relaxing vacation under the warm Belize sun with plenty of relaxing on any of the beautiful beaches is all you need to charge your batteries..

Choose from any of the island destinations, such as Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, or on the mainland the Placencia Peninsula or Hopkins. Miles of absolutely beautiful serene, white sand beaches await your arrival on your vacation to Belize.

Scuba Diving

Due to unlimited scuba diving options in Belize, it has become one of the favorite dive destinations for scuba divers vacationing in Belize. It is simply up to you whether it is the coral reef or a shipwreck that you would like to experience during your vacation in Belize. However, the best diving spots include the world-known Outer Atolls - Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Island and Glover’s Reef.

With so many interesting things to do during your Belize vacation, you’ll surely have the time of your life and will want to come back again and again. To make your Belize vacation, a memorable one, plan your holiday beforehand by consulting a reputed travel agency. A fantastic Belize Vacation Package can go a long way to enhance your enjoyment.

December to April is the peak tourist season in Belize. If you plan to visit around then, plan in advance and you can get some attractive vacation specials.

Getting to Belize which is in Central America is very easy. Major airlines such as American, Continental, Delta, US Air, and Taca Airlines run daily flights lasting about two hours from several U.S. cities to Belize International Airport.

About the Author

Edward Wilson is a well-known travel journalist. He has written articles extensively on belize vacation rentals and places in Belize which have been published on various magazines and websites.