As we near the end of summer, many families are making plans for one last adventure before the school year kicks into high gear. For my family, that adventure meant packing up the car and heading south to St. Augustine, Florida for a camping trip. Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, St. Augustine provided the perfect backdrop for a family vacation filled with outdoor activities and relaxation. From the stunning beaches to the lush wildlife preserves, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Our camping trip offered a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As we pitched our tent and set up camp, we were surrounded by nature in all its glory. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the gentle rustling of the trees provided a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to come by in our fast-paced world. And yet, despite the serene surroundings, there was plenty of excitement to be had. We spent hours exploring Anastasia State Park, where we conveniently decided to camp, and it didn’t disappoint, the park boasted miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beautiful lighthouse that provided stunning views of the coastline and crystal clear waters and perfect white sandy beaches. We also took advantage of the warm weather and clear waters and went kayaking and paddle-boarding on the Matanzas River. The kids were thrilled to see dolphins swimming alongside us as we paddled our way through the calm waters.
But perhaps one of the highlights of our trip was visiting the historic St. Augustine. The city is home to the oldest fort in the United States, the Castillo de San Marcos, which dates back to the 17th century. We spent hours exploring the fort, learning about its rich history and admiring the stunning views of the city and the Matanzas Bay. We then strolled into the Pirate Museum across the way and immersed ourselves into the world of Pirates and all of the treasure that comes with. Then the mile long trek down the main boulevard lead us to the St. Augustine History Museum, the Oldest Jail and The Fountain of Youth. After we explored the historical structures, we took a leisurely stroll down St. George Street, a charming pedestrian-only thoroughfare filled with unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. And when we weren’t out and about, we were lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and playing in the surf.
This truly was the perfect trip to end our summer!