In the next part of our series about driving along the A1A Scenic and Historic Byway as part of a Florida car hire holiday, we are taking a look at some of the things that you can see and do along the final stretch of the route, from St. Augustine to Flagler Beach.
One of the main attractions that you can visit is Marineland (9600 Oceanshore Blvd, St, Augustine), which is about 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Marineland opened in 1938 as Marine Studios. It was constructed in order to provide a facility for underwater filming for Hollywood productions and scenes from many movies and TV programmes were filmed here, including some of the Tarzan movies.
Marine Studios also featured the world’s first oceanarium, where people could come and see dolphins and other marine creatures . In the 1940s and 1950s, it became famous for its dolphin shows, but it then changed focus to become an educational centre.
Today, you can learn about dolphin conservation at Marineland and get up close to the centre’s 11 resident dolphins. Marineland also runs a number of programmes, such as its “Touch and Feed” sessions, “Trainer for a Day” programme and “The Immersion” (in which you can swim with the dolphins). You can even hold up a canvas for a dolphin to paint a picture on in the “Dolphin Designs” programme!
You can book a place on one of Marineland’s dolphin programmes via the reservations page on its website.
Continue travelling south along the A1A in your hire car and you’ll come across Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park has formal gardens, including a rose garden, and is the perfect place for a picnic.
Heading south on the A1A again, you’ll find Beverly Beach, a quiet coastal town. You can take a stroll on the beach or stay for a day or two at one of the guest houses in the town.
Finally, you’ll arrive in Flagler Beach, and in the next post in this series, we’ll take a look at this well-known Florida seaside resort.
Image: Ebyabe
Tags: Beverly Beach, car hire, car rental, Flagler Beach, florida, Florida A1A, Marineland, USA, Washingto Oaks Gardens State Park
