Location: Marineland
10 Things to Do in Marineland That You Shouldn't Miss
The town of Marineland was established in 1940 and is in Flagler and St. Johns counties, Florida, United States. The population was 16 in the 2010 census. Marineland is located 18 miles (29 km) south of St. Augustine along Route A1A. The aquarium and the name of the town have become synonymous, however many do not realize that Marineland is a town in its own right. Like all proper municipalities, Marineland has its own local governing body complete with a mayor and city council board that meets monthly to discuss the town’s affairs. The town shares a zip code with St. Augustine Beach.
1. Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Overall Ratings
4 based on 562 reviews
Marineland Dolphin Adventure is a place for education, inspiration and connection with common bottlenose dolphins. With a variety of different programs, including immersions and behind the scenes tours, Marineland Dolphin Adventure is the perfect place for an unforgettable family visit.
Reviewed By JSI2802 - Illinois
I love Marineland! It was where we went in our 1st family vacation, 50+ years ago. The first place I saw dolphins & the beach. Then it was the world’s first dolphin show, now it’s a research & education facility. Dolphins were great, trainers give informal educational talks twice a day. Turtles were OK, Shark water was clouded by algae, purposely for breeding research, but not good for viewing. For $16 each, it seems a great value compared to other central Florida attractions.
2. Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By kingbyriverk - Mid Coast Maine, Maine
While walking in a local park is not usually high on my list of things to do on vacation, my husband and I took an early morning stroll here and were totally enchanted. Snaking along the intercoastal waterway and through moss coveted live oaks, every step is a delight. Large fishing pier, benches, rest rooms and a playground for the kids. Herons and egrets abound and are happy to pose for photographs.
3. Crescent Beach Public Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By NFLDTOWNIE - ST. JOHN'S
We go to this beach about once or twice every year. It's about 20 km. from where we stay so it's usually a picnic lunch or afternoon destination. Crescent Beach is not as crowded as other nearby beaches, such as; St. Augustine Beach to the north or Flagler Beach to the south. Even at busy times, like weekends or holidays, we've always been able to get a parking spot. Mind you, we've never been there during the summer.
On one occasion, I accompanied a local resident and his daughters to the beach. He parked his truck and removed a hand gun from the storage compartment between the two front bucket seats. He locked the firearm in the trunk along with our valuables. I found this to be a little wide-eyed and unnerving. Oh well, I guess that's why we travel. We like to leave our own safe little bubble and immerse ourselves in the lives of other cultures. Anyway, Crescent Beach is very nice and I certainly recommend it.
4. Princess Place Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By MoonCat6 - Palm Coast, Florida
Huge park with an amazing waterfront area and historical sites hosted the Native American Festival. This was a fantastic family event with dancing, native attire, exhibits, food, vendors and a kids zone. Highly recommend everyone attend the next one.
5. River to Sea Trail Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By MSUmindy - Lansing, Michigan
River to Sea Trail Preserve has an ADA accessible walking trail with excellent parking. The loop is approximately 1.5 miles, with two short additions. You can walk in either direction. It is wide and well marked. Mountain bikers would also enjoy it. It takes you from A1A in Marineland to the Intercostal and back. There was a lovely pavilion, but it was lost in Hurricane Irma in fall, 2017. Also accessible is a narrow path to the ocean at the entrance of River to Sea. While direct and short, it is sandy and not ADA accessible. We often go to this Preserve when it is too windy to walk on the ocean beach.
6. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By Mary M
We had 2 German exchange students who were taken to Disney World, Gatorland ,St Augustine and Busch Gardens. When they wrote their experiences in a school wide "thank-you"- the two we hosted talked about Washington Oaks and Marineland(beach)- as their most memorable American experience... that says it all
7. Bing's Landing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Highlander-GG - Rochester Hills, Michigan
Bings Landing is a nice park along the intercoastal waterway. Fishing is available with a bait shop. Captain's Bar B Q restaurant is located right inside the park and offers delicious BBQ meals.
8. Jungle Hut Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By buddybrue - Palm Coast, Florida
Great beach, this is the favorite for locals. Go early Lots of beach not so much parking. You need to load the cooler not much you can buy here.
9. European village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By Keith J
This place has a little bit of everything...restaurants, furniture, barber, realtors. But it doesn't start to crank up until the afternoon and into the night with the bars. I agree with Lisa S, that the galleries are a bit overpriced. Parking can be a bear if you have to park in the extended parking lot across the road after the main one is full. Good time during St. Patrick's Day.
10. Florida Agricultural Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Fun on the farm, that describes the Florida Agricultural Museum. Visit our 1890 Florida Cracker home complete with rare heritage livestock (Cracker Cows, Cracker Horses and the Florida piney woods rooter hog). Chickens, ducks and a tame Turkey greet our visitors before they depart on a tractor ride tour of the museum's historic farm buildings. Guided horseback riding is available by reservation. Horseback ride along beautiful trails over our 400 acre property or ride your horse over Interstate 95 on the "horses only" bridge to an adjoining 3000 acres of riding trails. Camping with or without your horse is available. You can also visit the Hewitt's Sawmill Archaeological Site located on a heavily treed 3/4 mile hiking trail. Discover the site of a water powered sawmill that operated from 1770 to 1813. We also rent Governor Caldwell's 5000 square foot diary barn for parties and wedding receptions. You can even get married lake side under a canopy trees. Everything at our museum is real. Not a plastic rock in the place. Come visit us and you will learn some Florida history and you might even carry home a free souvenir on your shoe. Your tour will last at lease an hour but the memories will last forever.
Reviewed By underwatermoonlight - Kyoto, Japan
On the final day of our two-day trip to St. Augustine with my family, we decided to head here since our daughter loves petting zoos and we wanted her to see some animals and get her outdoors. Well, the day we happened to be there, there were no guides around and so the only staff person there could just show us some bunnies and goats. She was very friendly, but we only got to see the area immediately surrounding the office. I'm not sure I'd ever go back but if I did, I would call ahead first to make sure they are open AND that guides are available.
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