Last weekend, my father and I drove south of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach for our next exploratory trip. This time we ended up on Anastasia Island just south of St. Augustine Beach. Here you’ll find Marineland, a once-thriving marine park where dolphins performed for awe-struck visitors. Like many marine parks, Marineland stopped functioning as an entertainment aqua park and exists today as an educational center.
While we didn’t go into Marineland, we drove through it and saw the entrance. Our main targets on this trip were Washington Oaks Gardens and the coquina beaches across the road. Washington Oaks Gardens dates back to the 18th century and, after passing through several hands, eventually landed under Florida State Parks’ control after its last owner handed the land to them for free.
Today the park charges just $5 to enter and features beautiful landscaping and gardens. Within you’ll find a greenhouse; rose garden; gazebo with fountains; and the old winter home of the last family, built in the 1930s. I even got some inspiration for my own garden on the types of native Floridian plants. The winter home sits a few steps from the Intracoastal, offering beautiful views of small islands and passing boats. Open to visitors, the home features information stands detailing the land’s history, starting with the Timucua natives and ending with it opening as a state park.
After a few hours walking in the park, we got back into the car and ventured just a mile up the road to a public access site to the beach. When you walk on the coast here, you almost forget you’re in Florida, mainly because you see rock outcroppings scattered across the sand and trailing into the sea. These are coquina rocks, a blend of sand and shells that formed this sturdy material, the same material that makes up Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. A lovely day, we passed many families and beachgoers playing in the sand, water and tide pools formed by the exposed coquina.
We didn’t expect to be hungry when we headed home, but we were, and given that, a one-hour drive was just too far given how hungry we were. So, with a quick Google search we stumbled upon Viola’s Pizza, Pasta and Seafood, a local restaurant on Anastasia Island. This restaurant sits in a former house, and it was intimate and cozy. I quickly realized I made a good choice when I saw many diners and cars present.
We both ordered the bang bang tacos; I got the blackened mahi mahi tacos while my dad got the shrimp ones. Both came with a fresh mango, pineapple and pepper slaw; a tangy sauce; and greens. We were blown away with the freshness and bursting flavor of the food, not to mention the price of it was almost too good to be true. While every seaside restaurant has no excuse serving frozen seafood, this restaurant perfected the craft. My fish was flaky, delicate and full of a smoked flavor that was balanced by the freshness and acidity of the slaw. Should I ever venture back to Anastasia Island, I will undoubtedly come here again.
— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor
![](https://www.globaltravelerusa.com/wp-content/uploads/group-904.png)
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSeptember 2024
Sep 5, 2024Reykjavík’s Nordic Charm Entices Corporate Travelers
It’s a sort of unwritten, gold-rimmed rule: The more enticing the location, the more rewarding strategy sessions and networking will likely be. That makes Iceland’s easily walkable capital city ideal for business and entertaining colleagues between meetings. Happily, Reykjavík is more accessible than ever, thanks to an ever-growing collection of cruise ships making port there.
Sponsored Content
Colombia: A Different Kind of Beauty
Colombia’s beauty defies description — it’s that unique, that special, that different — and travelers are taking notice as 2023 marked the country’s best year for tourism, welcoming more than 6 million international travelers. The Country of Beauty looks to continue growing and enhancing its regions and communities in 2024 and beyond.
Daily
Sep 5, 2024Kennedy Center Unveils 250th Anniversary of Declaration of Independence Programming
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary during 2026, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. has planned celebratory programming themed The Promise of US.
Daily
Sep 5, 2024SLS Playa Mujeres Opens Bookings for Grand Opening
SLS is ready to make a splash with the debut of its first all-inclusive resort, SLS Playa Mujeres on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Starting Nov. 15, guests can experience the all-inclusive destination offering world-class dining, three outdoor pools, a private beach and marina, dedicated kids’ zone, and entertainment and wellness experiences.
Sponsored Content
Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports
Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.
Daily
Sep 5, 2024Take a Look at Windstar’s New “Star Seeker”
Windstar Cruises recently unveiled a first look at its new Star Seeker, a 224-guest ship that will set sail in January 2026. Star Seeker will boast 112 spacious suites, with all but 10 featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window, alongside five dining options, a full-service spa, a fitness facility and a fresh take on the brand’s iconic Watersports Platform.
Daily
Sep 4, 2024Explore Greater Palm Springs’ Modernism Scene
A hub for Mid-Century Modern design, Greater Palm Springs, California, celebrates the timeless design of Desert Modernism during Modernism Week. Taking place Oct. 24–27, the annual event offers visitors a glimpse into the glamorous homes and neighborhoods in the area.
Sponsored Content
Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid
With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
eFlyer Deals
Sep 4, 2024Brightline Launches Limited-Time Deals
Brightline celebrates its first year of connecting riders between South Florida and Orlando with a special week of savings. Through Sept. 7, Brightline will offer email subscribers days of unbeatable deals in honor of this milestone.
ShareThis