Saturday, 29 March
The Journey from Titusville, FL to St Augustine, FL
We began our journey by heading north on I-95, where traffic was relatively light. After 46 miles, we took Exit 260C for a detour to the Daytona Speedway, where we toured the iconic racetrack.
Following our visit, we continued north on I-95 toward St. Augustine, encountering heavier traffic along the way. After 51 miles, we took Exit 311 toward St. Augustine Beach. Six miles later, we arrived at the St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday.
Daytona International Speedway (en route)
As we arrived, the roar of race cars echoed through the speedway, and we soon discovered that we had arrived during the TireRack.com ChampCar Endurance Series. This unique racing event allows teams of drivers of all experience levels to compete on some of the most legendary tracks in motorsports. Seeing the endurance racers speed around the track added an extra layer of excitement to our visit.
A tram picked us up from the parking lot and took us through the tunnel to the infield, offering a close-up view of the speedway’s massive infrastructure. As we made our way around the track, the guide pointed out key features, including the steeply banked turns, the state-of-the-art garages, the grandstands, the RV camping areas, and the smaller tracks within the complex. We even passed the infield lake, an unexpected feature in the heart of the speedway. Along the way, the tram driver shared insights about Daytona’s rich history, explaining how it evolved from the sandy shores of beach racing into one of the world’s most iconic motorsports venues.
The Daytona International Speedway is home to the legendary Daytona 500, often called “The Great American Race.” The main tri-oval track spans 2.5 miles, featuring high banks and long straightaways that allow for thrilling, high-speed competition. As we watched the ChampCar racers navigating the track, it was exhilarating to witness the skill and endurance required to compete in such a grueling event.
After our tram tour, we exited the infield and made our way to the Toyota “Injection” Gate, where we climbed into the grandstands for a breathtaking view of the speedway. From this vantage point, we could fully appreciate the sheer size and scale of the track while watching the endurance racers thunder past.
Next, we drove to the back entrance of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, where we were free to explore at our own pace. As we stepped inside, the first thing we saw was the winning car from the most recent Daytona 500, displayed exactly as it had crossed the finish line—still covered in confetti from Victory Lane. It’s a tradition for each year’s winner to donate their car to the Hall of Fame in its race-worn condition, a powerful reminder of the intense competition and triumph of the sport.
Lisa and I began our visit by watching a 30-minute film showcasing past Daytona 500 winners, highlighting the dramatic final moments of each race. The excitement and tension of those last-lap battles were palpable, capturing the sheer thrill of victory at Daytona.
We then explored the three exhibit halls, which honor legendary figures from various forms of American motorsports, including stock cars, motorcycles, sports cars, powerboats, drag racing, open-wheel racing, and even aviation. The museum featured a fascinating collection of historic vehicles, memorabilia, and interactive displays that brought the history of motorsports to life.
Our visit to Daytona was an unforgettable experience, blending history, high-speed action, and an up-close look at one of the most revered racing venues in the world.
We then went across the highway to the Daytona One complex and got a smoothie from Smoothie King. We then returned and continued our drive to St Augustine.
St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday
St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday is conveniently located just four miles from downtown historic St. Augustine. The campground features 119 sites with full hookups and cable TV.
We were assigned a full-hookup pull-thru site that included a grill, patio table, and four chairs. The sites to either side of us even had a swinging chair. Though very sloped, we were able to park where we were level side-to-side and quickly set up our camper.
We then rode our bikes to the pool which was unheated and very cold but otherwise nice and refreshing. We also talked to the office staff about the hop-on-hop-off trolley that conveniently stopped at the campground. Though convenient, they stated that because of the expense, it might be best to drive or bike the three miles into town ourselves.
After enjoying the pool, we returned to the camper and learned that we could expect thunderstorms the next day. Since the following day was a free day to explore the area on our own, we spent some time discussing our options.
We then ate dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Sunday, 30 March
St Augustine Lighthouse
Storms were expected later in the day, but only intermittent light rain in the morning, so we decided to grab our umbrellas and drive into town. We planned to bike in, but the weather changed that idea.
Our first stop this morning was the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The St. Augustine Lighthouse sits on Anastasia Island, only a few miles from the campground. It traces its origins back to the 16th century, when an early watchtower guided sailors along the coast. Today’s lighthouse was completed in 1874, rising 165 feet into the sky with 219 steps leading to the top. Initially lit by oil lamps and a first-order Fresnel lens, it now operates as a private aid to navigation. Its striking black-and-white spiral design and red top make it an unmistakable landmark.
The lighthouse has witnessed centuries of change. The original structure, built during the Spanish colonial period, was lost to erosion. In the 19th century, the U.S. government constructed the current tower to improve maritime navigation. During World War II, the Coast Guard used it as a lookout post, scanning the waters for enemy submarines.
When we arrived, we immediately climbed the lighthouse to the top, which gave us sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. To the east, the vast Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon, with waves crashing on Anastasia State Park’s sandy shores. To the west, the historic skyline of St. Augustine. Looking north, we follow the Intracoastal Waterway, dotted with boats. To the south, the lush marshes of Salt Run and Matanzas Bay.
We also explored the collection of historic buildings on the grounds, including the Keeper’s House, a large Victorian-style residence built in 1876 that once housed the lighthouse keepers and their families. The house had three floors of displays. Nearby was a 1941 U.S. Coast Guard barracks with displays about the lighthouse’s wartime role and the Tin Pickle, a historic jeep garage that had been converted to a cafe.
St. Augustine
We then continued over the Matanzas River into downtown St. Augustine, a captivating blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. As the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S., the city boasts cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and Spanish colonial architecture that transport us back in time. It was around 11 a.m., with light rain falling, but the streets were packed with tourists. We first drove around the city, getting a feel for its layout while admiring its historic buildings and houses. We then parked in the garage near the tourist information center.
Seafood Festival
Near the parking garage, a Seafood Festival was taking place. It was deceivingly larger than it was because it was spread out. As we wandered through the various vendor and craft booths, I tried some marinated raw Mahi Mahi at the Sprouts Supermarket tent—it was delicious. We decided to grab some lunch and settled on a bowl of beans, sausage, and rice. We decided to wait on dessert, eyeing the vendors selling everything from funnel cakes to fried Oreos. Before leaving the festival, we got a stamp in case we wanted to return later.
Historic Downtown
We first stopped at the Information Center, where a few displays offered insight into the city’s history, before heading to the City Gates of St. Augustine. Passing the Huguenot Cemetery, we observed old, weathered gravestones that set the mood. The French Hugeunots were the first Europeans to settle in this area but were attacked and slaughtered by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on September 29, 1565. The nearby river was named “Matanzas,” which means slaughter. We then walked through the City Gates, the historic entrance to the nation’s oldest city, marking the northern boundary of the original walled settlement. Built in 1808 from coquina stone, these pillars were a crucial defense line, protecting residents from invaders and unauthorized visitors.
Coquina stone is a unique limestone composed of compressed shells, coral, and sand found along Florida’s coast. Formed over thousands of years, coquina was quarried on Anastasia Island and became a major building material in St. Augustine. Its ability to absorb cannon fire, rather than shatter like brick or solid stone, made structures like the Castillo de San Marcos nearly indestructible in battle.
Passing through the Old City Gates, we stepped into history, imagining the soldiers who once stood guard and the travelers who entered the city centuries ago. The gates were initially connected to an earthwork wall that encircled St. Augustine, offering protection during the colonial era.
Today, the City Gates welcome us to St. George Street, the vibrant heart of downtown. Lined with cobblestones, the pedestrian-only street is filled with Spanish colonial architecture and historic buildings, though most were restorations. The boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants offered local crafts and delicious treats.
We stopped at the City Gates Distillery to try some flavored spirits. Although we paid $5 each, we enjoyed the lively bartender and the various flavors, including Peanut Butter Whiskey, Coconut Rum, and Apple Pie Moonshine, which were all quite sweet.
We continued our stroll through the street, admiring the boutiques, courtyard gardens, and quirky tourist gifts. Despite the rain picking up, we still enjoyed ourselves. We visited the St. Photios Shrine, housed in the oldest Greek Orthodox church in the U.S., originally built in 1776. The shrine showcases religious artifacts, icons, and displays about the contributions of the Greek community to St. Augustine’s growth. We sat briefly in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine during a service. We then walked around Constitution Plaza with its many monuments.
We stopped in the Governor’s House, also known as the Old Spanish Governor’s Palace, which was initially built in the late 16th century as the residence of Spanish colonial governors. Today, it serves as a museum, and we briefly walked through its art gallery. It also had very nice restrooms.
We continued our walk down Aviles Street, the oldest street in America, stopping at Peace Pie for a decadent ice cream sandwich. As we headed back to the parking garage, we stopped at a tavern with a self-pour tap room, which we wanted to try, but found no beers we were interested in. We also admired the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in America.
We walked by Aviles College, formerly the Ponce de León Hotel, to admire its stunning Spanish Revival Architecture. Flagler built this hotel as a luxury resort for wealthy Gilded Age travelers. We also appreciated the nearby Alcazar, another hotel built by Flagler that had more recreational and entertainment options. Now, it is used as the Lightner Museum, which we would visit with the caravan later. We also walked by the beautiful Villa Zorayda, an 1883 residence inspired by the Al Hambra.
Seafood Festival
We returned to the Seafood Festival, where we bought a couple of beers and listened to a pirate group sing shanties. Though they weren’t the best singers, it was fun. We took one last lap around the vendors to see if any food caught our eye, but most were closing down and out of any popular items.
Culver’s
We treated ourselves to Culver’s burgers and custard on our way home. The rain had intensified by the time we arrived at the camper, and we were grateful to be home.
Monday, 31 March
St. Augustine Highlights Tour
Our caravan arranged a bus tour of St. Augustine for the morning. While we were looking forward to it, we couldn’t help but think it would have been even better if it had been scheduled for the previous day, as it would have provided a great introduction to the city before exploring on our own.
We walked down to the meeting point at 8:30 AM, only to find out that the tour had been delayed by an hour due to mechanical and traffic issues. With some unexpected extra time, we returned to our campers to relax before setting out again. The bus finally arrived around 9:45 AM, and we quickly boarded, eager to begin our journey into St. Augustine.
We were joined by a guide dressed in U.S. Colonial garb who directed our bus driver around the city while sharing information. Our first stop was a drive-by of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, where our guide shared its fascinating history. Having seen it the day before, we were already very familiar with the lighthouse, but he did provide a few additional facts.
We then crossed the Bridge of Lions across the 23-mile Matanzas River into St. Augustine. This guide pointed out the marble lion statues on the drawbridge, which were modeled after those in Florence, Italy.
Next, we passed the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Our guide emphasized that despite two prolonged British sieges, the fort was never taken by force due to its formidable design. One of its key defenses was a large moat surrounding the structure, exposing only half the walls. Additionally, its coquina stone construction gave it an almost impenetrable quality, as the soft limestone absorbed cannonballs rather than shattering upon impact.
As we continued toward the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, we passed several notable landmarks, including a Hilton hotel designed to resemble Spanish villas, the Tini Martini Bar tucked into a narrow alleyway, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, housed in a historic Moorish Revival-style building. One of the more amusing sights was a statue of Michelangelo’s David, located near Ripley’s. Our guide chuckled as he explained that the towering hedges surrounding it were strategically placed to obscure its nudity from public view.
We then drove past the Old Jail, a striking Romanesque Revival structure built in 1891 by Henry Flagler. Though its decorative design makes it look almost inviting, the reality was quite different—prisoners endured harsh conditions within its walls. As we neared the Fountain of Youth, our guide pointed out a historic wall made of tabby, an early form of concrete created from lime, sand, water, and crushed oyster shells. This resilient material, along with coquina, was used extensively in St. Augustine’s early architecture. To give us a better understanding, he passed around a sample of coquina, allowing us to feel the rough, porous texture firsthand.
We then passed the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, founded in 1885. Our guide highlighted its most famous alumnus, Ray Charles, who attended the school as a child. He shared an amusing anecdote, explaining that Charles never returned for a dedication ceremony because he was still resentful that the school never allowed him to drive while he was a student.
Our Lady of La Leche
We then stopped at the Mission Nombre de Dios and the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, a sacred site established in 1565 by Spanish settlers. Recognized as the first mission in what is now the United States, this was where Catholicism was first introduced to the region and the first Mass in the country was celebrated.
Our guide led us to a towering cross over 200 feet tall, marking the landing site of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the Spanish admiral who founded St. Augustine. Nearby stood a statue of Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, the priest prepared an altar and conducted the first Mass upon their arrival.
Next, we walked to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title “Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery.” This devotion, introduced by the Spanish, is particularly associated with prayers for mothers, expectant mothers, and healthy childbirth. The peaceful chapel, nestled among majestic oak trees and lush gardens, had ivy adorning its front. Inside, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary nursing the infant Jesus stood as a serene focal point for visitors and pilgrims.
After taking in the serene atmosphere, we strolled through an old cemetery before returning to the motorcoach.
Our guide concluded the visit by noting that the shrine was recently designated as a key stop on the Camino de las Américas, a network of pilgrimage routes throughout the Americas. It also serves as the official U.S. starting point for the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) in Spain, adding to its significance as a place of faith and reflection.
Castillo San Marcos
We then drove around the Plaza de la Constitución, the historic heart of St. Augustine, before passing Aviles Street, the oldest street in the United States. Dating back to the early 1600s, it was originally known as Hospital Street due to a colonial-era hospital that once stood along its path.
Our guide shared an amusing historical tidbit about Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer credited with discovering Florida. He stood just 4 feet 11 inches tall, yet remarkably, he was the tallest man aboard his ship. This made for quite the contrast when he and his men encountered the Timucua people, the native inhabitants of the region, who were generally around six feet tall or more.
The bus then stopped at the Castillo de San Marcos, a massive 17th-century Spanish fortress and the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, it was designed to protect the city from pirates, British forces, and other threats. The fort’s coquina stone walls, composed of compressed seashell limestone, proved incredibly resilient, absorbing cannon fire rather than crumbling under attack.
Strategically located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay, Castillo de San Marcos played a key role in numerous colonial conflicts, with control shifting between Spain, Britain, and later the United States. Over the centuries, it was never taken by force, though it did change hands through treaties. Later, the fort was repurposed as a prison, notably holding Native American leaders, including Chief Osceola and members of the Apache and Cheyenne nations, during the late 19th century.
We had only 20 minutes to explore the exterior before moving on to our next destination. Since the fort is a National Monument managed by the National Park Service, Lisa and I took the opportunity to step inside with our National Park Pass for a quick look. We climbed to the top of the walls, taking in breathtaking views of Matanzas Bay and the historic district. The the fort was smaller than we expected, especially when told that it held up to 1,500 people.
As we continued our tour, the guide shared more history about the fort, emphasizing that it had never been defeated in battle. However, he did note that Hollywood took creative liberties with this fact—in the 1951 film Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, the fort was depicted as falling to enemy forces.
Prohibition Kitchen
We were then dropped off near St. George Street and given free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We decided to head to the Prohibition Kitchen since the caravan had provided gift certificates for the restaurant.
The restaurant had a 1920s speakeasy ambiance, complete with vintage decor and a lively atmosphere. While the menu was on the pricier side, the food and service were outstanding. I ordered a Short Rib Grilled Cheese while Lisa opted for the Pretzel Burger.
To accompany our meals, we each enjoyed a local beer. I had a Dog Rose Lincolnville Lager, a crisp and refreshing brew from a local St. Augustine brewery, while Lisa chose a Bold City Duke’s Brown Ale, a smooth and malty beer from Jacksonville. With delicious food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, Prohibition Kitchen turned out to be a fantastic lunch spot.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
After lunch, we wandered down St. George Street before making our way up 6 Cordova Street to visit the famous Love Tree. There, we found two trees—a towering Sable palm and a centuries-old Southern Live Oak—beautifully intertwined. Local legend holds that if a couple shares a kiss beneath the Love Tree, their love will be forever bound. It took us a few tries to capture the perfect selfie, but we couldn’t resist the charm of this romantic spot.
We passed the Tolomato Cemetery, the former site of “Tolomato”, a village of Guale Indian converts to Christianity and the Franciscan friars who ministered to them. A cemetery for the inhabitants of the village was also located on the grounds, with a portion of this cemetery set aside for former American black slaves who had converted to Catholicism after escaping bondage in the Carolinas. The first Bishop of St. Augustine, Augustin Verot, who died in 1876, is interred in the mortuary chapel at the back of the cemetery, as is America’s first black general, Jorge Biassou.
We continued along Spanish Street and paused at a pocket park honoring the Menorcans who settled in St. Augustine in 1777. Originally a group of 1,403 Mediterranean settlers—including Greeks, Italians, Spaniards, Menorcans, Corsicans, English, and even an Irishman—they were brought as indentured workers to work at an indigo plantation. Over nine years, disease, malnutrition, and mistreatment claimed 964 lives. The remaining 600 walked to St. Augustine, where they were granted asylum.
We then returned to St. George Street and then to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Although we had sat in the cathedral the day before, this visit allowed for a more leisurely exploration since no service was taking place. The cathedral, founded in 1565, is the oldest Catholic church in Florida and the oldest parish in the United States. It serves as the seat of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The building showcases a blend of Spanish Colonial and Renaissance Revival architectural styles, with a distinctive bell tower, coquina stone façade, and red clay roof tiles. Inside, the cathedral is adorned with stunning stained-glass windows depicting the history of Catholicism in Florida, a grand wooden ceiling with intricate gold accents, and a magnificent high altar surrounded by side chapels filled with religious artwork. Murals throughout the interior illustrate key moments in the history of Spanish Catholicism in the region. Originally established by Spanish settlers in 1565, the cathedral has undergone several reconstructions, notably after a fire in 1887. In 1976, Pope Paul VI designated it a Minor Basilica to recognize its historical and cultural significance.
From there, we walked by the Governor’s House and continued our walk to the Lightner Museum, where we met the rest of our caravan at the entrance.
Lightner Museum
Our caravan was given tickets to explore this fascinating museum housed in the historic Alcazar Hotel, a grand Gilded Age resort built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. The museum showcases an extensive collection of 19th- and early 20th-century art, antiques, and decorative objects, reflecting the opulence of the era. The building itself is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture, featuring arched walkways, an open courtyard with a central fountain, and one of the world’s largest indoor swimming pools—now repurposed as an elegant event space.
The museum’s collection included fine art, Victorian glassware, vintage musical instruments, antique furniture, and even an Egyptian mummy. We explored a diverse range of exhibits, from Tiffany stained glass and Gilded Age clothing to mechanical musical instruments that still play. The museum offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the late 19th century while celebrating craftsmanship and artistic expression. One highlight was a stuffed lion gifted to Churchill in the 1940s but kept at the London Zoo. Another was an authentic Egyptian mummy kept in a glass case.
We also enjoyed imagining the hotel in its prime as a resort serving the rich and famous. Some rooms had signs indicating what that room had initially been used for.
Our guide then walked us around the front of the hotel, where he shared information about the Flagler College, the Alcazar, and the Casa Monica. We then returned to the motorcoach and headed back to the campground.
Tuesday, 1 April
Oldest House in USA
We set out around 10 a.m. for a caravan-coordinated tour of the Oldest Spanish House in Florida. Along the way, we made a brief stop at the Alligator Farm, where we couldn’t resist snapping a playful photo of an alligator riding in the back of a truck.
Upon arriving at the historic home, we were greeted by our guide, who led us through an engaging tour, using the house as a focal point to illustrate the rich and complex history of St. Augustine. Though the exact date of its construction remains uncertain, historians agree that the house dates back to the First Spanish Period and may have been built as early as 1702. This timeframe aligns with a pivotal moment in the city’s past—the burning of St. Augustine by British forces under South Carolina’s Governor James Moore following a two-month siege.
Originally constructed as a two-story coquina stone building, the house first served as a residence for Spanish settlers. It later became a bar and the home of several prominent families. Over the years, the house has been expanded and renovated, but it still retains much of its original structure and charm.
Stepping inside was like traveling back in time. Our guide’s 45-minute presentation painted a vivid picture of daily life in early St. Augustine, from its Spanish origins to its later British and American influences. He particularly emphasized how American history has often overlooked Spain’s significant impact on our country’s history.
Unfortunately, our caravan’s wagonmaster kept us on a tight schedule, allowing us only 15 minutes to explore the home at our own pace before moving on to our next destination. While we wished for more time to linger and absorb the atmosphere, the visit provided a fascinating glimpse into the colonial past of America’s oldest city.
Fountain of Youth
After regrouping, we drove to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a historic site that claims to be the location of the legendary spring sought by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in the early 16th century. According to myth, the fountain’s waters could grant eternal youth to those who drank from it. Regardless, the park provides a fascinating look into St. Augustine’s early colonial history and its deep connection to Spanish exploration.
It also boasted the title of America’s first amusement park, and though most of its exhibits proved to be very dated, the claim added to its quirky charm. The park also had a large pride of peacocks that seemed to make their presence known from every direction.
Our first stop was the Discovery Globe, a 30-foot illuminated sphere that illustrates the routes of early Spanish and Portuguese explorers from the 1400s and 1500s. Originally built in the 1960s, it might have been an impressive educational tool at the time, but by today’s standards, it felt amusingly outdated. Still, we appreciated it for its nostalgic, almost kitschy appeal.
Next, we visited the Fountain of Youth itself, where visitors are invited to drink from the famed spring using small paper cups. The fountain is housed in a historic building that also features a variety of exhibits, including statues of explorers, replicas of early Spanish ships, and artifacts from local archaeological digs. Historical photos of celebrities who had visited the site over the years. The water had a strong mineral taste, and unfortunately, it did not make either of us feel any younger.
We then hurried over to the cannon-firing demonstration, where the park staff first demonstrated the use of a crossbow before firing the cannon. While they did not go through the entire historical drill, they explained the weaponry choices of early Spanish expeditions, giving us a better understanding of the military technology of the time. I also found it interesting that they used Spanish Moss as their wading, both in the cannon and later in the black powder musket demonstration later.
Afterward, we climbed a replica watchtower, which offered a panoramic view of the Matanzas River at high tide. The attraction represented how Spanish soldiers kept a lookout for approaching ships.
Next, we explored a “chalupa, ” a long utility boat that early Spanish explorers and settlers used. A staff member explained how it was a replica built by hand by the historical society and that he had personally operated it. He also shared how he had been featured in a PBS special.
We then attended a black powder musket demonstration. The staff member was entertaining as he shared more information about the site and the weapons used by the Spanish.
Afterwards, we walked up to the Navigators’ Planetarium where we were shown what the night sky would have looked like on April 2, 1513, the evening before Ponce de León’s landing on the shores of La Florida. The presentation pointed out constellations and explained how early explorers used celestial navigation to guide their ships across the Atlantic.
Before leaving, we explored a reconstructed Timucua village, designed based on archaeological studies of the indigenous people who lived in the area long before the arrival of the Spanish. The village featured a replica of a Timucua church, highlighting the cultural and religious shifts that occurred after European contact. After taking in these exhibits, we decided we had seen everything the park had to offer and headed off in search of lunch.
Georgie’s Diner
We were craving a relaxed meal and went to Georgie’s Diner, a classic 1960s-style eatery with a fun retro aesthetic. Its streamlined aluminum accents, red leather booths, checkered tile floors, and glowing neon lights made us feel like we had stepped back in time.
I ordered a turkey club sandwich for lunch, while Lisa opted for a burger with tater tots.
Castillo de San Marcos
Since our first visit to Castillo de San Marcos had been rushed, we decided to return and take our time exploring the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. The closest parking available was at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, housed in the historic Castle Warden, a Moorish Revival-style mansion built in 1887. Originally a winter retreat for William G. Warden, a business associate of Henry Flagler and John D. Rockefeller, the mansion later became a luxury hotel before being purchased by Robert Ripley in 1950 as the first-ever Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
From there, we made our way to the fort. We started with short informational films in the visitor center theater, which provided historical context for the Spanish, British, and American periods of occupation. Afterward, we walked through the various rooms, exploring exhibits on colonial life, military history, and fort defenses.
Some highlights included the tidal toilets, which were “flushed” naturally twice a day by the rising and falling tide; historic graffiti carved into the coquina and plaster walls by soldiers over the centuries; and the reconstructed barracks, complete with replica wooden furniture that showed how soldiers lived inside the fort.
Before leaving, we got our National Park Passport stamped, adding another memory to our collection of national park visits.
Back at the parking lot, we checked out a large exhibit featuring a home carved from a giant redwood tree and a replica of Michelangelo’s “David,” humorously hidden behind hedges to conceal his nudity.
Old Jail/ Oldest Store
Our final sightseeing stop of the day was the Old Jail and The Oldest Store Museum Complex, a historical attraction located just down the road. This area also serves as the starting point for St. Augustine’s trolley tours, making it a bustling hub filled with visitors, costumed reenactors, and quirky displays. While we didn’t take the formal guided tours, we spent some time wandering around the outdoor exhibits and soaking in the unique atmosphere.
Built in 1891 by Henry Flagler, the Old Jail was designed to house St. Augustine’s most notorious criminals while blending in architecturally with the upscale Ponce de León Hotel (now part of Flagler College). To maintain the city’s elegant aesthetic, Flagler constructed the jail in Romanesque Revival style, making it look more like a grand house than a prison. However, behind its decorative exterior was a harsh reality—prisoners endured cramped cells, poor conditions, and hard labor.
The Oldest Store Museum is next to the jail, which offers a glimpse into turn-of-the-century commerce in St. Augustine. Designed to replicate an 1890s general store, the museum is packed with antique goods, vintage advertisements, and quirky products that would have been essential for residents during that era.
Even without going inside, we enjoyed wandering through the numerous quirky displays outside.
Travel Meeting
At 6:30 p.m., we met with the caravan leaders to review our travel plans for Thursday’s journey to the next campground and discuss the scheduled events awaiting us there.
Wednesday, 2 April
This was a free day, so we decided to take a leisurely drive and explore some of the quirky attractions in the area.
Showboat Car Wash
Our first stop was to give our truck a much-needed wash. But this wasn’t just any car wash—Showboat Car Wash is designed to look like an old-fashioned paddle boat. Built in 2005 and inspired by a California riverboat-style car wash from the 1960s, it now operates under the Luvs Car Wash chain. While the exterior is delightfully whimsical, the inside functions like a standard car wash. After the truck wash, we took advantage of the free vacuums to clean the cab before heading to our next destination.
Prince Road Container House
Next, we visited a unique private residence constructed entirely from shipping containers. Located at 1369 Prince Road, this house was built to replace a home destroyed by Hurricane Irma when a massive oak tree fell on it. The owner, former art gallery owner and visual artist Rob DePiazza, worked with Gainesville architect Stephen Bender to design the house, a project that took nearly three years to complete.
Made from nine shipping containers, six are dedicated to living space, two serve as a workshop/garage, and one is tilted at an angle as an artistic feature. As a former gallerist, DePiazza commissioned Cane, a Barcelona-based artist and friend, to paint a striking mural on the exterior. The mural depicts Hurricane Irma as a blindfolded, pink-haired figure making the sign language symbol for “I Love You,” surrounded by surreal imagery, including flying bananas, a candle-holding alligator, and the snake from the Garden of Eden. Outside was a metal sculpture of what appeared to be a two-headed donkey.
You can now spend a night in this house through AirBnB.
Disease Vector Education Center
Our next stop took us to the Disease Vector Education Center, a science and research facility run by the Anastasia Mosquito Control District. This interactive center is designed to educate visitors about various insect-borne diseases and the efforts to control mosquito populations.
Inside, we explored interactive exhibits featuring live insects, working microscopes, and hands-on activities. The highlight of our visit was a life-sized helicopter simulator that allowed us to experience what it’s like to fly a mosquito control mission over the region. We also enjoyed the giant ant farm and beehive. The displays did an excellent job educating us on how disease spreads through insects, but it did creep us out.
Castle Otttis
Curious about an unusual structure on the coast, we made our way to Castle Otttis, located just off Highway A1A, three miles north of St. Augustine. Though privately owned and not open to the public, the towering castle is an impressive sight. Built by Rusty Ickes and Ottis Sadler without an initial permit, the structure was eventually classified as a garage once it became too large to ignore.
The castle’s interior is said to resemble a 10th-century Irish church, featuring intricate woodwork and medieval-style architecture. For a time, Ickes hosted monthly tours and even rented the space for weddings, but complaints from neighbors about traffic and an uninspected electrical system led to the castle’s permanent closure to visitors.
Vilano Beach
After our quirky explorations, we decided to spend some time by the water at Vilano Beach. Just two miles from St. Augustine, Vilano Beach is known for its steep drop-off, strong currents, and excellent surfing conditions. In the 1920s, the area was home to the Grand Vilano Casino, a glamorous destination for wealthy visitors, but it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1936 and later replaced with small motels and motor courts.
We parked a few blocks from the beach and strolled along the fine white coquina sand, which has a pinkish hue due to its crushed seashell composition. The red flag was flying, signaling high hazard conditions, but plenty of people were enjoying the surf and sun. Later, we drove over to the Vilano Beach Pier to see the landmark Blue Bird of Happiness, a vintage statue originally used as an orange juice advertisement before being repurposed by Newt’s Motel. Now fully restored, it stands proudly on the pier as a local icon.
Hazel’s Hot Dogs
For lunch, we stopped at Hazel’s Hot Dogs, a beloved roadside stand in St. Augustine. Originally named after the previous owners’ dog, Hazel’s has been owned and operated by Perry Zaharias for over 20 years. The stand is famous for its New York-style hot dogs, featuring a pork and beef blend in a natural casing that gives them their signature “snap bite.” With numerous accolades, including recognition from Southern Living, Hazel’s remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Fort Matanzas National Monument and Beach
After lunch, we drove south to Fort Matanzas National Monument. This historic site preserves a fortified coquina watchtower, built in 1742 to protect the southern approach to St. Augustine.
The fort is located on an island accessible only by ferry, which had been out of service due to Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Although ferry operations had recently resumed, they only ran on Tuesdays and Thursdays—a detail that was not well advertised. Since we couldn’t visit the fort itself, we instead headed across the highway to a beach access point.
The red flag was still up, signaling rough conditions, but since the tide was receding, the beach was expansive. We walked along the shoreline, enjoying the fine sand, which we found to be even softer than at Vilano Beach. After a peaceful stroll, we decided to head back to St. Augustine for a sweet treat.
Prohibition Kitchen
With some funds still left on our Prohibition Kitchen gift certificate, we decided to indulge in their famous alcoholic milkshakes. We found parking near the fort and walked down St. George Street to the restaurant, where we grabbed seats at the bar.
We ordered a Peanut Butter Whiskey Caramel Shake and a Chocolate Brownie Bourbon Shake. While both were delicious, they were also incredibly sweet, and by the time we finished, we were overwhelmed with sugar.
Thursday, 3 April
We left the campground around 11 am and headed toward Jacksonville for our caravan’s last destination.