Things to do in Palm Coast
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a Spanish fortress, is at Castillo Dr. and Avenida Men�ndez. The oldest masonry fort in the United States, it was built 1672-95 of coquina, a soft local shellrock, as part of the defenses along the route of the treasure fleets. For many years the fort was the northernmost point of Spain's New World holdings. The symmetrical fort has massive diamond-shaped bastions at each of its four corners, and 60 to 77 cannons once occupied the gun deck. Its walls, 12 feet thick at the base, 8 feet thick at the top and 28 feet high, are skirted by a moat on three sides. Part of the "Cubo Line," a palisaded city wall, has been rebuilt. A stairway leads to the gun deck overlooking the Old City Gate, quaint old streets and Matanzas Bay. Exhibits trace fort history. Call (904) 829-6506 for more information.
1 Castillo Dr. E., Saint Augustine, Fl 32084
Colonial Spanish Quarter
Colonial Spanish Quarter, 53 St. George St., is a living-history museum that consists of restored and reconstructed buildings depicting daily life in 1740 St. Augustine. Demonstrations of blacksmithing, carpentry, leatherworking, coopering and candle making are given by costumed interpreters. Military quarters reflect how soldiers and their families lived in a presidio town. De Mesa/S�nchez Site began as a two-room coquina (shell-rock) house in the mid-18th century. Additions and modifications continued until the end of the 19th century. Much information about the area has been gleaned from the excavation. Guided tours are given on a regular basis. Other structures include Casa de Gallegos, a tabby (oyster shell and lime) house typical of the 1750s; Casa de G�mez, a wooden house; and the Spanish colonial-style De Hita/Gonz�lez Houses. Call (904) 823-4569 for more information.
53 St. George St., Saint Augustine, Fl 32084
Daytona Lagoon
Daytona Lagoon is just w. of SR A1A, opposite the Ocean Center at 601 Earl St. After enjoying the water park's 11 slippery slides, visitors can lounge in the lazy river or cool off in a 500,000-gallon tidal wave pool. A multilevel play island entertains younger swimmers with minislides and mushroom waterfalls. The Family Fun Center features an arcade, go-carts, miniature golf and more. Other activities include a rock climbing wall, a laser tag arena and a carousel. Call (386) 254-5020 for more information.
601 Earl St., Daytona Beach, Fl 32118
Lightner Museum
Lightner Museum, at King and Cordova sts., is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, built by Henry Flagler in 1888. In 1948 Otto C. Lightner, the Chicago publisher and editor of Hobbies magazine, converted the empty hotel into a museum to contain his vast collection of art, antiques and other items. Three floors display furnishings, costumes, Victorian art glass and natural history specimens. One room is devoted to a collection of Tiffany stained glass. Other highlights include Oriental art, art nouveau works and a Victorian village. Nineteenth-century mechanical musical instruments are demonstrated daily at 11 and 2. The hotel's steam baths still exist on the second floor. The site of the former indoor swimming pool, one of the largest of its day, is now an antiques mall. Call (904) 824-2874 for more information.
75 King St., Saint Augustine, Fl 32084
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is 1 mi. s.e. on SR A1A, then n. on Red Cox Dr. on Anastasia Island. St. Augustine's maritime past is reflected in this working lighthouse and restored keeper's house. Visitors may climb the 219 stairs to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city and its beaches. Highlights include exhibits illustrating the lives of lightkeepers and U.S. Coast Guard personnel who were stationed in St. Augustine during World War II. Shipwreck artifacts also are featured. Call (904) 829-0745 for more information.
81 Lighthouse Ave., Saint Augustine, Fl 32084
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