Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dent $8/4; 9am-5pm)
Also known as the González-Alvarez House, this is the oldest surviving Spanish-era home
in Florida, dating to the early 1700s and sitting on a site occupied since the 1600s. The
house is part of a complex that also contains two small historical museums and a lovely or-
namental garden.
Mission of Nombre de Dios
CHURCH
(
904-824-2809;
ww.missionandshrine.org
; 27 Ocean Ave;
museum 10am-4pm Thu-Sat,
noon-4pm Sun)
Just north of downtown on the A1A, the mission dates back to the earliest days of Spanish
settlement. Today, the peaceful memorial gardens feature a replica of the original altar, a
tiny ivy-shrouded chapel and a small museum.
Alligator Farm Zoological Park
ZOO
9am-5pm, to 6pm summer; )
Herpetophobes should run in the other direction of this facility - the only one on the planet
with every species of crocodilian in residence. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will love
it. Look for albino alligators, freaky gharials and seven different species of endangered
monkey, including the world's smallest, the pygmy marmoset. There are talks and shows
throughout the day; catch hungry alligators snapping their jaws at feeding times (noon and
3pm).
The park is a five-minute drive from downtown St Augustine along Anastasia Blvd.
Fountain of Youth
HISTORIC SITE
( 904-829-3168;
www.fountainofyouthflorida.com
; 11 Magnolia Ave; adult/child $12/8;
9am-6pm)
Insert tongue firmly in cheek and step right up for an acrid cup of eternal youth at this
kitschy 'archaeological park.' As the story goes, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León
came ashore here in 1513, and considered this freshwater stream the possible legendary
Fountain of Youth. We know you'll find it hard not to see for yourself…just in case.
