A1A Area Highlights

Fort Matanzas National Monument

This Spanish outpost fort was built between the years 1740 and 1742 to guard the Matanzas Inlet and to warn the St. Augustine citizens of enemies approaching from the south. Fort Matanzas now serves as a reminder of the early Spanish Empire in the New World.

More Information: (904) 471-0116

Hotel Ponce de Leon - Flagler College

St. Augustine boasts of this and many other examples of the opulent architecture of Henry Flagler during what has come to be known as "The Flagler Era" (1887-1913).

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Built from 1672 to 1695, it served primarily as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, guarding St. Augustine and also protecting the sea route for treasure ships returning to Spain.

The Castillo de San Marcos represents the oldest remaining European fort in the Continental United States. The masonry fort in the Matanzas Bay is in historic downtown St. Augustine.

Hours of Operation: 8:45am to 4:45pm every day except December 25. The grounds are closed from midnight to 5:30 am.

More Information: 904-829-6506
www.nps.gov/casa

Zero Stone Marker

In 1929, the City of St. Augustine dedicated the Zero Stone Marker, a six-foot diameter coquina stone monument, as the Florida terminus, or zero mile, of the Old Spanish Trail. The Old Spanish Trail (OST) movement was organized in 1915 to promote a paved automobile highway across the southern United States, connecting six centers of historical interest: St. Augustine, New Orleans, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and San Diego.

Marineland Oceanarium

Marine Studios, founded in the 1930s, was the world's first oceanarium. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it became one of Florida's earliest tourist attractions. This historic site was used to make many early underwater movies, such as "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Return of the Creature." The Oceanarium is currently undergoing its own revitalization with new dolphin lagoons and interactive programs for the visitor. The Town of Marineland has been further recognized as Florida's first "Remarkable Coastal Place."

Schedules vary seasonally.

More Information: 1-888-279-9194
www.marineland.net