Wow, what an amazing experience and a wealth of information I received from the Fort Mose historic…read morestate park. My parents and I came here for a Black History Month event as they are commemorating the month with the flight of freedom. This is a journey of how enslaved people came to Fort Mose to obtain freedom. I only knew of this place as the Underground Railroad, based on my ancestry, knowing that my ancestors came from the Carolinas and Georgia down to this area, but I learned so much more in the short period of time I was there. This particular weekend showcase a reenactment, and teaches the story of individuals who trekked the long and perilous paths to be free from enslavement. From different stops with a real Yamasee Indian who was the chief of the tribe. He gave us a deep and in depth history of the Yamasee Indians and their role in the flight to freedom. During the reenactment, we made different stops along the way and the end we got to watch a demonstration of the soldiers shooting and firing off the canon. It was a very emotional experience and much needed - we need to learn from the past and continue to teach this type of history. Before the experience, my parents and I did have the opportunity to stop into the visitor center, which cost about $2. It definitely gives a timeline of events during the start of colonization and Florida, however it also has a lot of artifacts that were discovered in Saint Augustine from the 1700s and onward. Definitely make a stop here while visiting the city!

Fort Mose Historic State Park is the most underrated attraction in St. Augustine. People seem to…read morecome here for only part of a history lesson-the more palatable part that that doesn't remind them of one of the greatest stains of American history - slavery. Yes, I said it. While all the other attractions in St. Aug are prominently advertised and well catered to and attended, I heard nothing of this state park or the history surrounding it beside a blurb on a map and sign on the street. I've heard more advertising for BBQ joints in the area than this state park. Despite the rain on a Sunday, I ventured here for the museum and unfortunately didn't get to go to the rebuilt fort itself or the surrounding marsh/walkways (dang mama nature). Museum and film were very enlightening and I learned so much that I never was taught in school. I loved the interactive displays and hearing people's stories. Museum was set up so well and very informative without being too much of an info dump. The park ranger Billy was amazing. He went above and beyond when my husband had a medical issue and even exposed himself to rain to help us out. Such a beautiful friendly person. Overall, this hidden gem needs to be advertised more. And at only $2 it is a steal.

Nice park right off A1A (so there can be traffic noise). Lovely little spot of nature which…read moreincludes a Veterans Memorial, sculpture garden, fishing pier area, benches & picnic tables on tiny Lake Anhinga. On a walking/bike path. Free park.

This park has a couple different names. I have driven past so many times- and it took me being out…read morewith a fellow Yelper to turn around and go back. Problem is- signage isn't very clear on how to get to the parking lot for the park! The directional sign on the road says "Sculpture Park" with a right arrow- and if you make the next turn you are sitting in front of the police station. Which is where we parked and walked down the sidewalk on A1A to get to the park. Turns out- there is a back exit to the parking lot at the police station that goes down a road and dead ends into the parking lot for the park. Who knew?- not this woman! Oh well- the Lakeside Park/Veteran's Memorial/Sculpture Garden park has a large round memorial to all of the service branches- very pleasing to the eye. In the center is the American Flag and the POW flag below it. There is a board walk along the lake- which provides a wonderful view of turtles! I'm sure you could see some birds too- depending on the time of day. The path winds South and is adorned with a variety of sculptures- hence "Sculpture Garden". I think my favorite was the one that looked like a Phoenix- although there were several that caught my eye. Plenty of shade, benches and art! Oh Well- the big sign at the Southwest corner of the park said Lakeside Park, Veteran's Memorial Park.

This is kind of hidden in plain sight near the Publix shopping center next to the A1A bridge. It's…read morea boardwalk through the marsh and goes next to and under the bridge. Good views of the water, marsh and under the bridge along with some art featuring various animals found in the area. It's not too long and takes maybe 20 minutes round trip but it's worth a look if you're in the area.

Cute little boardwalk getting off the Vilano causeway. It's a very short walk. Good for walking…read moreyour pup or stretching your legs. The water is a murky gray and did not see any fish life. Could also be a seasonal thing. It's a nice public mega-mini park worth walking if you're very near.

First time at the Seafood fest. This is everything but Seafood. I was loooking for crabs, lobster,…read morefish and more seafood. Most of the food is $20 or more. There are a few things worth the trip. One the shuttle bus to and from the festival. The second is the commute to and from my house. Not pictured is the shrimp tandoori. It needed more sauce. The ribs were not the best as per my wife. There were bathrooms and table and chairs around to sit, relax and eat. We are looking forward to next year and know what to expect. Long lines for the food and beverages so have patience. Please, next year have more seafood that is in the title. I was looking forward to more seafood!

As good as it could be for 25,000+ attendees at a two day music festival. Sing Out Loud put…read moretogether a nice lineup with the Black Keys headlining day 1 and Mumford and Sons on day 2 There was a bit of everything from general admission to Corporate rooftop tents. We opted for VIPZ which was below the corporate rooftop but offered a prime viewing platform Lots of vendors, food, plenty of bar spaces and extremely responsive medical staff (at least three people needed help) as it was HOT and humid. Free water refill stations were available and stay hydrated messages posted frequently on the jumbo TVs Too long to get in with airport level security and restrictions on almost everything (no chairs, no coolers, no bags over 12x6, no backpacks and so on...) The line for GA admission ran over an hour. That certainly needs to improve for future events.

Great place to let your dogs off leash. The trails are wide and about 4 miles overall. The not so…read moregood is not much shade. Better to go early or late afternoon. One area was rutted bad and due to recent rain large mud puddles.

This is a conservation area that offers a path to walk through wild Florida. It is a peaceful walk…read moreand a walk that my primal soul welcomed. Again, this is a conservation area, not a park in the true definition of the term, but if you are seeking a respite from civilization and a "walk on the wild side" this could be a nice momentary diversion from the civilized world.

What a great little park in a completely out of the way place. The park has a nice walking path and…read moreis just an altogether pleasant place to chill for a bit. Parking is a bit limited, but again, it is completely out of the way and I do not think it is that well-known. If you are in the area, go check it out.

Driving aimlessly around St Augustine last weekend, we found this plateau of a park where the San…read moreSebastián River meets the Matanzas River. My photos do not do justice to the view from this perch. Paved trails meandered in two different directions, and we rested on a bench while enjoying the expansive views. Dr Robert B. Hayling was the "father" of the Civil Rights Movement in St Augustine in the '60's, and this panoramic park is only one of many ways this notable leader has been recognized throughout the local community and in Florida. His encouragement & participation in non-violent activism exposed him to both admirers & haters. Additionally, he had served as an officer in the Air Force, and was the first black dentist in Florida admitted to the American Dental Association. Sources: https://www.citystaug.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Dr-Robert-B-Hayling-Freedom-Park-6 https://www.visitstaugustine.com/history/black_history/dr_robert_hayling/

This was such a fun walk with our dogs. Our GPS did take us through a neighborhood and I'm not sure…read moreif that is the only way there. Parking is in a culdesac and there's very clean portapotties. There's a bench at a possible halfway point/fork in the trail. If you walk left, it's almost completely on boardwalk for about a mile before coming to the water and a small fishing pier. Turning right takes you down a shorter trail with a picnic table at the end. It was free. Doggy bags were stocked up, trash cans were empty, and it is a quiet and very well kept area.

It is a nice boardwalk to walk, with minimal gravel and dirt paths. There is a guard gate you have…read moreto go through in order to access the boardwalk. There is no assigned parking lot, just parking on the street. They have dog stations for poop bags. Some of the boardwalk is shaded, but the majority is open air and sunshine. There is a picnic bench on one trail, and benches along the boardwalk. There is a dock you can walk out on to view the intracoastal. They have two trash cans at the beginning and end of the trail. I was able to walk my dog and my son in his stroller with minimal effort. At the beginning, there is a port-a-potty as a bathroom.

Nease Beachfront Park offers free public parking in a small lot across the street from the Atlantic…read moreOcean. The park area includes a long boardwalk over the saltwater marsh & raw Florida scrub. From the gazebo at the end, we had a peekaboo view of the Tolomato River. Vilano Beach access was easy with a pedestrian crossing right in front of the park building. Then only a few stairs down to the sand! It was still a bit of a hike to the water, however I think it was low tide during our visit. That aside, the sand was SO SOFT! Adjacent to the parking lot is a shady area with picnic tables. We also saw a couple of gopher tortoises in a fenced area behind the park building. The park also has several informational signs about the wildlife that may be seen in the area. This was a great spot for us to park & enjoy a quick beach visit! I also want to note that this stretch of Vilano Beach is dog-friendly, as is Nease Beachfront Park. We didn't try to go inside the park building but it may have bathrooms. From Visit St Augustine (https://www.visitstaugustine.com/thing-to-do/nease-beachfront-park): "Nease Beachfront Park is a Florida Communities Trust Park and is a thriving saltwater marsh habitat on the Atlantic Coast. The park was home to local conservationist, Allen Nease, who was a pioneer in Florida's reforestation and preservation efforts in the mid-20th century. He planted more than 55 million pine trees throughout North Florida, and eventually earned the nickname, "Johnny Pine Tree". The house itself mirrored his professional background in forestry, with heart pine wood floors, 12-inch bald cypress wall planking, and solid bald cypress ceiling beams."