St. Augustine to Key West Road Trip: Florida's East Coast

Historic District – the St. George Street area boasts historic sites such as the Old City Gates and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. Check out the Colonial Quarter, a living museum, divided into four sections: 16th Century Spanish First City, 17th Century Fortified Town, 18th Century Spanish Garrison Town, and 18th Century British – The 14th Colony. Check out the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. Consider taking an historic walking, biking, or carriage tour (or even a ghost tour!).

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – this centuries old fort is the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S., and was built and controlled by the Spanish for 200 years to protect their trade routes in the “New World." It was occupied by the British during the American Revolution and by the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park – named for the explorer Ponce de Leon (who went in search of the illusive "fountain of youth"), this 15-acre park is the 1565 birthplace of St. Augustine and Colonial America. See wonderful artifacts from Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and more.

Museums – two additional museums worth seeing are the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum (with 500 years of artifacts) and the Lightner Museum. The Lightner resides in a former Gilded Age resort hotel and features a jaw-dropping array of art, architecture, history and design.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park – Animal and alligator enthusiasts should stop here to see hundreds of alligators and birds. The zipline is fun too!

Anastasia State Park – nature lovers, stop or camp at this lovely 1,600-acre beachfront park where you can enjoy swimming, hiking, beach combing, birdwatching, and more. The wetlands, dunes, beaches, birds, and wildlife should not be missed.

St. Augustine Distillery – adults will enjoy this popular attraction boasting free guided tours and tastings. A group of 20 local families preserved an old ice plant and transformed it into America’s most visited craft distillery.

Walt Disney World Resort – Disney has seven parks or venues here: Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and, the Disney Springs' dining, shopping, and entertainment area. The most visited Disney parks are the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Don’t forget to stay for the nightly awe-inspiring fireworks display.

Universal Orlando Resorts – Universal's four parks here include: Universal Studios Florida, Universal's City Walk, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay.

LEGOLAND Florida – this Lego-themed and very pleasant amusement park is perfect for younger travelers.

SeaWorld Orlando – prepare to be awed by the beautiful animals, thrilling roller coasters and rides, and Sesame Street Land (for the younger guests). This is more than just sea animal shows – it's a real amusement park as well.

Kennedy Space Center – tour the Space Center with these top attractions and exhibits: Bus Tour with Apollo/Saturn V Center; Space Shuttle Atlantis’ video of the 30-year space shuttle program; Heroes & Legends with IMAX; U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame; Shuttle Launch Experience; Meet a Real Astronaut; Journey to Mars; Rocket Garden with real and replica rockets and space capsules; and, LEGO Build to Launch.

U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Museum – this awe-inspiring museum takes visitors through the history of rocketry and space flight.

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse – built in 1848, the historic site is one of the top attractions in the area.

Manatee Sanctuary Park – this park is situated on a river that is a protected manatee habitat. The park also is great for picnics, playgrounds, and fitness enthusiasts. Have fun seeing these unusual creatures!

The Wynwood Walls – this former warehouse district has been transformed into an outdoor museum where the world’s leading artists have created works on walls to celebrate graffiti and street art.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – this Gilded Era estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits on beautiful Biscayne Bay. The mansion boasts museum-quality Italian furniture and art, while the gardens have sculptures and fountains ranging from Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary pieces.

Zoo Miami – is the largest and oldest zoo in Florida. In addition to seeing animals, you can experience animal encounters and feeding as well as meet a zookeeper. Kids will have a blast.

Miami Design District – located in an old Art Deco section of Miami, this district labels itself as “a creative neighborhood and shopping destination dedicated to innovative fashion, design, art, architecture and dining.” Spend a few hours wandering around this area to spot and admire design trends. The Art Deco Historic District is filled with pristine examples of Art Deco architecture and design.

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science – has many engaging and fun science and nature exhibits, interactive science demonstrations, a planetarium, and aquarium. Kids and adults alike will learn and delight in this world class museum.

Little Havana – is a neighborhood in Miami filled with all things Cuban – food, art, music, and culture. Bring an appetite!

Fairchild Tropical and Botanic Gardens – an 83-acre botanical garden with rare tropical plants. Plant and nature lovers should consider this a “must.”

South Beach – love it or hate it, this eclectic, iconic, and high-end area is known for its dining, nightlife, and gorgeous beaches. It is worth a look.

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center – stop here for an overview and history of Everglades National Park.

Anhinga Trail – don't miss this short boardwalk trail with its many graceful anhinga birds dotting the landscape.

Ranger Led Tours – bike, kayak, or walk with a knowledgeable Park Ranger.

Nike Hercules Missile Site Tour – one of the best preserved relics of the Cold War is this historic missile site (known as "Alpha Battery" or "HM69"), which remains virtually unchanged from when it was in use during the late 1960's. This Ranger-guided program allows for a tour of the three missile barns, two Nike Hercules missiles, barracks, a missile assembly building, and more. Learn why HM69 was significant in its all-altitude defensive protection against a Soviet attack from Cuba.

Airboat Tours – take an airboat or another fun tour with one of the Park’s permitted private tour operators.

Ernest Hemingway House and Museum – located in Key West, this is the 1930s home of this famous American writer.

Dry Tortugas National Park – almost 70 miles west of Key West, take a boat, the Yankee Freedom ferry, or a seaplane to see this 100 square mile park made up of seven islands. Built in the 19th Century, historic Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in the U.S. It was never finished, but nonetheless was used as a prison during the Civil War. The building covers 16 acres. The Dry Tortugas are great for tent camping, boating, snorkeling, diving, fishing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.

John Pennenkamp State Park – the nation’s first underwater park, this snorkeling paradise is located on Key Largo.

Bahia Honda State Park – located on Big Pine Key, this state park is filled with beaches, birds and nature. Kayak rentals are available.

Key West – Key West, near Duvall Street and Mallory Square, comes alive after dark with lively bars and restaurants. The KW Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a delightful stop. Be sure to sample the fresh seafood and a slice of authentic key lime pie.