Must See Sights and Landmarks in Orange Park Area

"Nestled near the northern end of the nearby Anastasia Island is the slender, striped tower of the St. Augustine Lighthouse station. Erected in 1874, it makes for a striking sight with its Maritime Museum offering a fascinating look at the history of the lighthouse, its keepers, and the numerous shipwrecks that occurred along the coast. Rising 165 feet into the air, the black and white striped lighthouse stands out delightfully against its surroundings with epic views on offer from atop its tall tower."

"Go climb 219 steps up the lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of St Augustine. Sunset is a great time to go!. The museum is interesting too!"

"Another of the best things to do in St Augustine is to explore Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. This archaeological site in the city claims to be the landing site of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer who came to the Americas in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth in the early 16th century. It’s evolved into a rather unusual tourist attraction within the city, and while there’s little factual basis behind the park and its supposed archaeological finds, it’s still a unique place to visit."

"This is the site of the ancient Indian village of Seloy, but popular legend says Ponce de Leon arrived here in 1513 in search of magical waters that could keep him young and vigorous. While the story may be a myth, it's still fun to drink from the fountain at this garden-like park hoping for a miracle. Beyond the fountain, you can walk around the pretty grounds and learn about the first Indian inhabitants and see colonial re-enactors build camps and fire muskets."

"Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Augustine|Courtesy of St. Augustine VCB. The Fountain of Youth Discovery Park marks the spot where the Spanish explorers Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and Ponce de León came ashore. Archaeological digs are on-going, and discoveries at the site include a springhouse, landmark cross, saltcellar and artifacts remaining from an ancient Native American village."

"It is home to the central congregation of the Trinity Parish, which convened in 1821. The building itself has been renovated and expanded several times over the last two centuries, including the pre-Civil War installation of some truly stunning stained-glass windows that still remain today (such as the triptych above the central altar). The rest of the building is no less a work of stunning architectural art, with graceful lines and sweeping buttresses adorning the exterior."

"Fronting on the central Plaza in St. Augustine’s Old City district, the original historic Trinity Episcopal Church was constructed from 1830-31 and rebuilt in 1902. It is the oldest of the Protestant churches in Florida. The original church, constructed of local coquina stone, was 36 feet wide by 50 feet long."

"Trinity Parish Church was established in St. Augustine in 1821 and is the oldest Protestant Church in the state of Florida. The first building was erected in the 1830s and was made of coquina."

"Houses of worship have played a significant role in St. Augustine’s history. Established by various denominations, these sanctuaries proclaim the faith of settlers who came to Florida in the hope of a better life."

"The facade is a combination of Spanish mission and Neoclassical styles. The altar was designed in Italian Renaissance by Renwick and sculptured in Carrera marble by J. Massey Rhind of  New York City."

"The Historic Peña-Peck House in the Colonial Quarter of Saint Augustine is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town; it was constructed in 1750. The first residents were the members of the Peña family; after that, the British occupied the city for 20 years, and various high-ranking officials lived in the home. Later, the house was purchased by Seth Peck, whose granddaughter was the last owner."

"The Pena-Peck House is a historic residence, open as a museum with free tours. It was constructed circa 1750 for the Royal Treasurer, Juan Esteban de Pena. It is a fine example of the city’s First Spanish Period homes, with the loggia and first floor little changed from its original appearance."

"This historic Catholic church was first destroyed during the Civil War, rebuilt in 1874, and then burned down during The Great Fire of 1901 with only its Virgin Mary statue remaining intact (the statue can still be found inside the church). The minor basilica was rebuilt in 1910 by architect M.H. Hubbard, and it’s one of Florida’s best examples of late gothic revival architecture."

"Described as "a wonderful little hole-in-the-wall," this casual restaurant is a great choice for those looking for a large menu of authentic Italian fare for reasonable prices. Located right next to the Florida Theatre, the restaurant is the ideal spot to enjoy a meal before or after a show. Dora offers numerous pastas and sauces, pizza, calzones, fresh seafood, sub sandwiches, salads, steak and veal."

"My friend and I were walking around downtown and we were looking for something local for lunch. We spotted Casa Dora and I love Italian food so we gave i..."

"Mezza Restaurant and Bar is an ideal destination for romantic evenings out and offers a variety of backgrounds for you to select from. If you are looking for a more casual night choose the covered patio and take in the fresh sea breeze. For a little more entertainment hang out in the lounge/bar area and listen to live music while you get social."

"From the covered patio to the elegant dining room, Mezza Restaurant and Bar provides the perfect fine dining choice in Neptune Beach. Choose from Wood-Fired Pizzas, Steak Frites, Scallops or a number of other great items on the menu. Mezza’s even provides an extensive wine list with plenty of great pairings."

"Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, genuine brick oven pizza, pasta, wine, salads and more at this local favorite. The mozzarella and tomato salad is particularly tasty. Enjoy the elegant décor inside or the warm sea breeze if you choose to dine outside."

"These escargot are so adorable that you won’t want to eat them. That is, until you get a whiff of the mushrooms, butter and garlic they’re cooked in. You’re gonna want to eat the buttery sauce too."

"Escape Restaurant and Bar was founded on a dream of “Tasting the World From Our Kitchen.” Once finding the ideal location, the hard work began to bring our concept of a Globally Inspired Kitchen to the Heart of Jacksonville’s Historic Five Points District.Our Vision is a melting pot of Traditional...Mehr"

"While Aardwolf Brewing Co. may be one of the newest additions to the Jacksonville beer scene with their location in the trendy San Marco neighborhood, they didn’t enter the scene quietly. Within two years of opening, Aardwolf won bronze at the Great American Beer Festival in the Belgian-Style Blonde or Pale Ale category with their Belgian Pale Ale. The brewery is continuing to push the limits with an aggressive barrel-aging and sour program in the works."

"Hours:12:06 AM - 2:00 PM todaySat: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PMSun: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PMMon: ClosedTue: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PMWed: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PMThu: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PMFri: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Address:1461 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207"

"Wicked Barley features one of the largest outdoor dining spaces in Jacksonville with a covered back patio, covered beer garden, and boat dock. Be sure to get an order of fried cheese curds for the table, and pair it with one of the beers on tap that rotate weekly. And, yes, guests can take their boat out and dock right at the restaurant to grab a bite to eat, because, Florida."

"Craft beer and hearty eats perfect for pairing with brews is the name of the game at Wicked Barley Brewing Company. The creative brewmasters are always working on something new, including beers inspired by the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. Opt for a sharable appetizers like the cheese curds or kimchi pork belly fries that pair perfectly with its beer selection."