Categories
Florida National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. Augustine United States

The Iconic Castillo de San Marcos- The Crown Jewel of St. Augustine

Imagine a stone fort capable of completely absorbing cannon balls. No, this isn’t the space age, this fort was actually constructed hundreds of years ago! Castillo de San Marcos is the crown jewel of the historic city of St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States.  The historic district is filled with charming shops, top-notch eateries, and, of course, historic landmarks.  At the center of all of this is Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.

The fort is probably the most famous attraction in the city of St. Augustine.  The fort was constructed over 400 years ago (in 1672), and it is in remarkable condition.  It stood the test of time and managed to overcome battles, hurricanes…and tourists!

Castillo de San Marcos is right on the waterfront and offers breathtaking views. When I went to school at nearby Flagler College, I would frequently spend hours sitting at the fort studying for my exams.  It’s one of my favorite places to spend time in the Ancient City. 

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador, Pedro Menendez de Aviles.  Nearly 100 years later, construction began on the fort.  Coquina stones for the fort were gathered from present day Anastasia State Park.  Castillo de San Marcos is one of the only two fortifications in the world built out of this semi-rare form of limestone.  The other coquina fortification is Fort Matanzas, found about 14 miles south.

Typically, when a cannonball hits an object it create a significant amount of damage.  This unique stone has the ability to absorb mechanical stress causing it to essentially swallow the cannonball!

When Britain gained control of Florida in 1763, St. Augustine became the capital of the British East Florida and the fort was renamed Fort St. Mark.  Twenty years later, the territory was transferred back to the Spanish and the fort’s original name was restored.

Not only was the fort used as a stronghold during the 1600s and 1700s, it was also used as an army base (for the US) named Fort Marion  in the 1800s.  The fort became a National Monument in 1924.  It saw 251 of continuous military possession before it was deactivated in 1933.  In 1942, Congress reenacted the fort’s original name, Castillo de San Marcos.

The fort saw its fair share of dark days.  For starters, some slave labor was used to construct the stone fort.  In addition, the fort was attacked several times, and was besieged twiced.  The fort was also used as a military prison to imprison Native Americans (including the famous war chief Osceola).

Visiting Castillo de San Marcos

The history of the fort is fascinating!  Even if you’re not a fan of history or forts, you’ll enjoy visiting Castillo de San Marcos. It is definitely one of those places that the whole family will enjoy!  

The chambers on the lower level of the fort are filled with artifacts, interactive displays, and other relics.  You may even run into a living history character!

On the upper part of the port, there are cannons galore!  You’ll also find plenty of benches so that you can kick back and enjoy the beauty of St. Augustine.  Keep your eyes out for manatees, egrets, and osprey!

Address:  11 South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, FL

Visiting Hours:  The fort is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.   Castillo de San Marcos is open from 9:00-5:00.  

Admission:  $15 per person for visitors 16 and older.  Ages 16 and under are free.

Things to Know Before Visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Best Time to Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The best time to visit is in the winter or spring when the weather is cooler and the bugs aren’t nearly as bad.

Entrance Fees

Entrance for adults is $15 per person.  Children 15 and under are free.

Cell Service

We had great cell service during our visit to the park.

Parking

There is a pay-to-park lot directly in front of Castillo de San Marcos.  You may also be able to find street parking.  

Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed inside the fort of Castillo de San Marcos.  Pets must be kept on a leash at all times on the outside sections of the park.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Jacksonville, FL – 60 miles
  • Orlando, FL – 90 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 180 miles
  • Miami, FL – 320 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 420 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 440 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 500 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

What is There to do Around the Fort?

We suggest starting your day off at the fort and then crossing the street to visit the Spanish Colonial Quarter.

There are plenty of other great shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars in the Spanish Colonial Quarter.  The historic quarter is also dotted with other historic structures like the Oldest School House and the Old City Gates.  We suggest spending some time popping in and out of the businesses that line the historic quarter.

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Post Updated: 3/20/2024

Categories
Florida Orlando Peppa Pig Theme Park United States Winter Haven

Peppa Pig Theme Park- Florida’s Newest (and TOTALLY ADORABLE!) Theme Park!

Florida’s newest theme park is totally oink-tastic!  In early 2022, Peppa Pig Them Park opened its gates for the very first time.  The theme park is centered around the long-running pre-school animated series featuring the adventures of Peppa and her brother George.  The park is geared towards young children.  It features five rides, sensory play spaces, and other great attractions.

Peppa Pig Theme Park Entrance

Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster- The most THRILLING ride at Peppa Pig Theme Park is a kid-friendly coaster that is sure to make their heart race!  

Requirements: Minimum rider height is 36 inches.  Guests less than 42 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

Note:  This ride closes down during rain showers.

The Kids Relaxing in Peppa Pig's house at Peppa Pig Theme Park- Florida
Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure Ride at Peppa Pig Theme Park

Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure-  Grown ups can ride along with their little ones on this totally awesome dino quest! You’ll pass by smoking volcanoes, and travel through the prehistoric landscape.

Requirements:  Minimum rider height is 34 inches.  Guests less than 43 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

 

Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride-  Take a leisurely boat ride with your little explorer.  Set sail for Pirate Island where you can dig for buried treasure, construct mighty fortresses, or play in the sand.

Requirements:  No minimum height requirement.  Guests 43 inches or under 4 years old must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.-

Mr. Bull’s High Striker- Our kids absolutely loved this kid-friendly drop ride!  You and your family will be lifted straight up into the sky and thrusted back down to the Earth.  

Requirements:  Minimum rider height is 34 inches.  Guests less than 43 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride offers excellent views of the entire theme park!

Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride-  You and your family can soar above this clouds with Peppa Pig in Miss Rabbit’s hot air balloon!  This aerial carousel ride offers the best views of the park and will surely leave your little one giggling with excitement!

Requirements:  No minimum height requirement.  Guests less than 51 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

Note:  This ride closes down during the rain.

Other Attractions

Cinema- Take a break from the hot Florida sun to relax on a beanbag with your little piggies.  Enjoy some of their favorite episodes of Peppa Pig.

Fun Fair- Try your hand at some classic fair games.  When we visited, these games were in pretty bad shape and only included tossing hula hoops over posts.

George’s Fort- Your little ones will love searching through the hedge maze in search of who is making an unusual croaking noise!  Don’t worry- it’s just a frog!

Madame Gazelle’s Nature Trail- Join Madame Gazelle as you hunt for clues to to try to discover who has left tiny foot prints!  Can you solve the mystery?

Granny Pig's Garden at Peppa Pig Theme Park

Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse- This isn’t your average greenhouse!  Your little ones can explore Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse as they climb, slide, crawl, and play on this super-fun interactive outdoor playground.

Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena- Hop on over to the stage area to enjoy live shows and meet and greets!

Muddy Puddles Splash Pad- Be sure to pack your bathing suits!  There’s no better way to cool off than by jumping up and down in “Muddy Puddles”!  

Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour and George’s Tricycle Trail-  Your little piggy will love showing off their bicycling skills on these super fun tricycles!

Peppa Pig’s Treehouse- Climb into the treehouse and join Peppa for a spot of tea!  This fun, interactive playground is a great spot to get out some energy before catching a show.

Pirate Island Sand Play- Dig for buried treasure or build your own sandcastle in this super cool sandbox!

Rebecca Rabbit’s Playground- Bounce, hop, jump, crawl, and climb like a little bunny in this outdoor active play area!

The Park's Restaurant

The park has just one restaurant, which fills up incredibly fast.  If you’re eating in the restaurant, we strongly suggest visiting it as soon as it opens.  The eatery serves up shockingly good pizza, mac n cheese, and sandwiches.  They also have super-fun (and super-sugary) milkshakes topped with cookies and sprinkles.

Know Before You Go

  • Arrive at the park as early as possible.  We got there just before the gates were opened and we did all of the rides, caught a show, did the attractions, and had 2 meet and greets within 2 hours.  The park gets busier later in the day.
  • The restaurant starts poppin’ around 11:45.  The earlier you can get there, the better. 
  • The park allows you to bring in your own drinks and snacks.
  • The park can easily be done in half a day.
The kids with Peppa Pig
  • If you have a toddler or pre-schooler, leave the stroller behind.  The park is so small that you can easily navigate it without a stroller.  We ended up just parking ours and leaving it somewhere.
  • There isn’t much shade in the park- which could be a huge issue in the summer.  Be sure to pack plenty of water and cooling aids.  Shaded/cool down areas include:  the theatre, the restaurant, the splash pad, the bicycle path, and the stage area.

Visiting Peppa Pig Theme Park

One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884

The park hours vary from day to day.  Be sure to visit the official website to confirm the opening and closing times.

Peppa Pig Theme Park Essentials

Our Thoughts on Peppa Pig Theme Park

Our kids really enjoyed Peppa Pig Theme Park.  The park itself was small and can easily be done in 1/2 a day.  Despite it being small in size, it is definitely still worth the visit– if you have young kids.  We found that with the theme park being on the smaller size, it was actually more inviting for our kids.  All of the rides were developed for young kids, so we didn’t really have to worry about whether or not the twin were tall enough for certain rides.  It’ll be interesting to see how the park develops and grows over the years.  

Pairing Peppa Pig Theme Park with Legoland Florida

Legoland and Peppa Pig Theme Park actually share the same parking lot, so it is easy to pair the two of them together. However, Legoland is massive and it will take you all day to do the park.  If you want to do both Legoland and Peppa Pig Theme Park, we suggest adding on at least another 1/2 day to your trip.

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Categories
Fernandina Florida Jacksonville Palm Coast St. Augustine United States

Planning an Awesome North Florida Vacation

When most people start planning out their vacation, they look at theme parks, south Florida, or the Emerald Coast and don’t even stop to consider a North Florida vacation.  There are so many incredible things to do on a North Florida vacation- from Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and inland.  This region of the Sunshine State has a rich history, beautiful natural sites, and a super laid back culture.  

Our North Florida vacation guide is based on our recommendations that we give to people when they come to visit us here in Jacksonville.  Having lived in the area for over 30 years, we’re kind of experts on all of the great things to see and down in north Florida.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

If you’re flying in to town for your north Florida vacation, consider flying in to the Jacksonville International Airport or the Daytona Beach International Airport.  There is also a smaller airport in St. Augustine- the Northeast Florida Regional Airport.

You’ll also want to pick up a rental car.  When you book your rental car, remember that you do not have to return the car to the same location you picked it up from- however, you’ll typically save money by returning it to the original location.

We suggest flying in and out of JAX for this particular itinerary.

Another option is to fly into Orlando (MCO).  You can catch a direct flight into MCO from almost anywhere in the USA, and there are several international flights that fly here, as well.  It is about 2 1/2 hours from Orlando to JAX however, you can stop in Daytona Beach and St. Augustine along the way.

If you’re driving, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Daytona Beach are all off of I-95 North making them all super accessible.

How Much Time Is Needed for My North Florida Vacation?

Like with any vacation,  you can spend as much time on your North Florida vacation as you would like.  You could do this trip in as little as three days, or stretch it out for however long you would like.

Ideally, you would spend a day in Fernandina Beach,  2 or 3 days in Jacksonville, 2 days in St. Augustine, and 2 days in Daytona Beach.  If you’re looking for a shorter trip, we suggest cutting out Daytona Beach and Fernandina Beach.

When to Do Your North Florida Vacation

The weather in Florida is pretty great year round. 

  • In January and February, the temperatures can drop in the high-30s to 50s. 
  • Spring is absolutely gorgeous with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. 
  • During the summer months it gets H-O-T hot with the feel-like temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s.  Due to high humidity, it also rains almost every afternoon.  If you spend time at the beach, springs, and plan your day out right, the rain and heat shouldn’t be a huge factor.
  • September and October are still rather hot, but the temperatures are usually in the high 80s and low 90s.
  • November and December are pretty perfect, weatherwise.

There is a jet stream off of our coast that helps keep tropical storms and hurricanes at bay, however we are occasionally impacted by large storms.

A restored slave cabin at Kingsley Plantation

3 Days in Jacksonville +1 for Fernandina Beach

Day One

Our hometown of Jacksonville is the largest city in the USA by landmass, so everything is pretty spread out.  Most places are within a 20 to 30 minute drive of downtown or the beaches (including driving from downtown to the beach).  

Jacksonville Beach has plenty of sand for your to throw down a towel and spend a day. There are tons of bars and restaurants in the area if you want to dedicate an entire day to a beach day.

If you want a more diverse beach, consider checking out Hanna Park, which is just north of Jacksonville Beach.  Here you’ll find kayaking, fishing, bike trails, beach access, and even a splash pad.  The cost to enter is $5 per vehicle.

Blackrock Beach

Still even further north, you’ll find Huguenot Beach.  Although you’ll pay $5 per vehicle to access this park, you’re able to drive on the sand which makes life a breeze when you’re traveling with kids.  After spending some time at Huguenot, check out the historic Kingsley Plantation, the oldest remaining plantation home in the state of Florida.  If you’re up for a little more beach action, we suggest spending some time at Blackrock Beach.  To access the beach, you’ll have to do a short 1/2 mile hike through the woods however you’ll be awarded with an absolutely incredible view.  You can also pair Blackrock Beach with Fernandina Beach or the Jacksonville Zoo. on day two or three.

Day Two

Fort Caroline is the perfect place to get outdoors with the family.

On day two, we suggest either visiting Fort Caroline National Memorial, taking a hike at either Spanish Pond or the nearby Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens.  From here, we recommend checking out Tree Hill Nature Center.  They have well shaded trails, animal enclosures, and a nature center.

After spending time at Fort Caroline, which is part of the National Park system, you can head on over to explore the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  Be sure to pick up a pass to ride the train so you can save up some energy for Blackrock Beach if you didn’t make it there on day one.

You might also want to book an eco tour with Kayak Amelia.

Day Three

Of course, you can’t visit the city without spending time in the city! 

We suggest spending some time strolling either the northbank or the southbank of the St. Johns River.  Perhaps, you could even hop on the river taxi to take a short river cruise!  Both of the river walks are paved, have street art, and offer impressive views of the city.  If you walk the southbank, be sure to stop by MOSH– the Museum of Science and History.

"Mirrored River: Where Do You See Yourself?" Mosaic on the Southbank

When it heats up, spend some time downtown checking out the city’s museums.  If you’re into traditional art check out the Cummer Art Gallery and Gardens.  Contemporary art fans might prefer the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).  MOCA is on the same square as Sweet Pete’s the largest candy store in the southeastern United States.

Consider booking a tour with Go Tuk’n. Ride n a tuk-tuk and experience an Art Tour of visit the historic neighborhoods in the area.

There are also scooters available to rent downtown if you want to scoot around.  

Day Four

If you have an extra day to spend in the area, we suggest taking a day trip to Fernandina Beach.  If you are staying out at the Jacksonville Beaches, you can hop on the St. Johns River Ferry, drive north up Heckscher Drive through Big Talbot Island State Park, and through the infamous Amelia Island.  

 

Fort Clinch

There are several cute shops in Fernandina Beach for you to scope out.  You absolutely must check out Fort Clinch State Park if you’re in the area.  Fort Clinch is an impressive Civil War era fort with a museum, re-enactments, and more.  The park also has hiking trails, bike paths, kayak launches and an impressive beach.  The beach is well known for shark tooth hunting.  

If you’re traveling with kids be sure to spend sometime at the nearby Pirate Playground.  The Amelia Island Lighthouse, Amelia Island State Park, Pippi Longstocking House, and the Egan’s Creek Greenway Trail are also nearby.  The Greenway Trail is beautiful- be on the look out for snakes and gators.

Old City Gates, St. Augustine

2 Days in St. Augustine

Day One

Next up on your north Florida vacation is a couple of days in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine. St. Auggie is known for their beaches and plethora of historic landmarks.  

The city was founded in 1565. It includes three 18th century Spanish forts, Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Mose, and Fort  Matanzas.  We suggest checking out at least one of these.  Castillo de San Marcos is iconic and well worth the time.

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to stop by the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum and Old Jail, which are right across the street from Castillo de San Marcos.  

Be sure to spend some time strolling down historic St. George Street.  If there is time, you could take in a tour of Flagler College, visit the Lightner Museum, or stop by for a drink at the San Sebastian Winery.

Another option is to use the hop-on-hop-off trolley tour of St. Augustine.  We also recommend booking a ghost tour…you know, if you’re not too scared…

Day Two

If you can tack on an extra day in St. Augustine, you may want to dedicate it to you a beach day.  We love Butler Beach however the Helen Mellon Schmidt Park offers a great swimming and kayaking spot, as well.

If you don’t mind driving a bit further south, the Washington Oaks Gardens State Park has an amazing, unique beach.  The beach is home to a coquina rock formation that is the largest on the Atlantic Coast.  They also have hiking trails, kayak launches, and remarkable formal gardens.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Perhaps, you’ve had your fill of beach days and you’d prefer to spend some time with wildlife.  If that’s that case, check out the St. Augustine Alligator Farm or Marineland.  The Alligator Farm has like a gazillion reptiles and a super rad ropes course and zip line track.  Marineland offers dolphin encounters, including swimming with dolphins.  The beach behind Marineland is pretty impressive, as well.

1 Day in Daytona Beach + a Bonus Day at the Springs

Day One

Next on your north Florida vacation, is some time in Daytona Beach.  It’s no secret that Florida beaches get better and better the further south you go.  Daytona Beach is a great place for shelling, and surf lessons.  

We suggest spending some time at Ponce Inlet, exploring the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (the tallest lighthouse in the state), and visiting the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center.    You may also want to look into booking a kayaking tour!

Obviously, if you’re into NASCAR this place is sacred ground for you.  The Daytona International Speedway has a really cool museum and you can even get a tour that takes you right onto the track!

 

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park

Day Two

Rounding out your north Florida vacation, is a trip to the springs.  While you could probably easily spend another day in Daytona Beach, you think you’ll love spending some time at one of the Florida springs.  Floria has more than 1,000 freshwater springs.  There are several about an hour outside of Daytona.  You could easily hit up a spring in the morning and be at the beach in the afternoon!

One option is De Leon Springs and the Old Spanish Sugar Mill.  This place is gorgeous, iconic, and totally Instagram worthy!  Get at the park early so you can get a table at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill.  The restaurant is known for DIY pancakes.  Each table has its own griddlw where you can prepare your own pancakes.

After breakfast, you can hike one of the trails, take an eco-tour, or take a tip in the spring.

Alexander Springs is practically right next door to De Leon.  You could easily hit up both springs in the same day!  Alexander Springs is amazing for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and snorkeling.

Another option for your north Florida vacation, is a trip to Blue Spring State Park.  We promise you it is well worth the drive!  The park is known for tubing.  You can also kayak, paddleboard, swim, and hike at the park.  If you visit in the cooler months, chances are you’ll spot some manatee swimming about.  To up your chances of seeing a manatee, check out our post on the best locations to find manatee in the wild.

Blue Spring State Park

Closing Thoughts

We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you’re looking forward to your north Florida vacation!  Between Jacksonville and Daytona there are plenty of parks, beaches, museums, historical landmarks, and natural springs to explore.

Use this north Florida vacation itinerary to help you plan our your ultimate vacation!

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Gainesville State Parks United States

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park- Where Wild Horses and Bison Roam Free

The Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the most unique parks in the state of Florida.  The park is well-known for being the home to alligators, wild horses, bison, and other creatures native to Florida.  Be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center to learn about the history of the area, the animals that call it home, and the people that once resided here.  The Visitor’s Center also has a massive window that offer impressive views of the park.  The 50-foot high observation tower, just behind the Visitor’s Center, is another great vantage point.

When we visited Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, we hiked a handful of trails searching for alligators, wild horses, and bison.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck.  We did, however, see several deer, armadillos, turkeys, and countless birds.

We spent a lot of time in the Visitor’s Center where they had a surprisingly large amount of interactive features in their interpretative museum.  The kids really enjoyed looking through the telescopes at the basin, playing in the kinetic sand to mimic erosion, and learning about the animals and people that called this savanna home.

We’re eager to return to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park to check out the north rim where we hope to spot some more of the park’s famed wildlife!

We strongly suggest visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park during the winter or spring, when the weather is much cooler and the air is less humid.  When you visit, be sure to pack plenty of water and bug spray.

The park consists of eight different trails that provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

Leashed pets are allowed on all of the trails with the exception of Bolens Bluff, Cones Dike, and La Chua.  These trails have a large alligator population.

The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.  

At the park, you’ll see plenty of warning signs about snakes.  I know what you’re thinking- this is Florida, of course there are snakes!  This is, after all, one of the most wild places in the Sunshine State. 

 In 2000, a zoology professor counted 765 snakes in just one visit to the park!  That being said, I’m scared to death of snakes and I didn’t let that deter me.  We didn’t see a single snake on our visit- but that’s probably because we travel with 3 very talkative kids 🙂

The North Rim vs the South Rim

The bluff at the north rim of Paynes Prairie is more pronounced.  The star of the north rim is the La Chua Trail, which is known as one of the best places to see alligators in the wild.  You’ll also probably have a better chance of spotting wild horses and bison here. 

The south rim is where you’ll find the visitor center, observation tower, and many of the trails.  If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the bison and wild horses from the observation tower just behind the Visitor’s Center.

Be sure to ask the rangers where they have spotted the bison and horses recently!

Visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Main Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy
Phone: 352-466-3397

The main entrance is open from 8am until sunset, daily.  The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.  

What is there to do nearby?

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located just outside of Gainesville in the town of Micanopy.  Gainesville is a huge college town (Go Gators!) and has a ton of cool stuff to do.  Some of our favorites include:

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Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

9 National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2024

Did you know that some national parks requiring reservations?  With more and more people embarking on the Great American Road Trip, the National Park System is moving towards requiring reservations for some of the most popular parks during peak season.  These reservations help to limit the number of people that enter the parks.  

In 2022, the National Park Service piloted a reservation system that allows for a larger number of reservations per day.  By offering timed tickets, they are able to allow most visitors into the park each day.  The reservations are based on approximately 90% of the park’s parking capacity.  It helps to spread out usage throughout the park and better use all of the parking areas.  

National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2024

Acadia National Park

From May 24 to October 22 a reservation will be needed to drive the Cadillac Summit Road. This popular drive  leads to Cadillac Mountain.

More Information

Arches National Park

Between April 1 and  October 31 Arches National Park will require a $2 timed entry ticket, in addition to a photo ID, and park entrance fee, to enter the park.

The timed tickets will have a staggered release.

Glacier National Park

From May 24 to September 8 visitors will be required to book a vehicle reservation to enter the Going to the Sun Road at the West, Camas, and St. Mary entrances. A separate ticket is also needed to enter the Polebridge Ranger Station at the North Fork area.

More Information

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As of 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has required that visitors purchase a daily, weekly, or annual parking tag if they plan on parking anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes.

Haleakala National Park

Visitors entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. will need to book a vehicle reservation.  Individuals may book one vehicle reservation every 3 days for the sunrise viewing.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Between May 24 and October 20, a timed entry ticket will be needed to enter Rocky Mountain National. There are 2 different tickets available. Bear Lake Road, and Park Access without Bear Lake Road Access from 9am to 3pm.

Shenandoah National Park

During the time frame of March 1 and November 30 reservations will be needed to explore the Old Rag area, for hikes on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails.

More Information

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is bringing back their “Peak Hours Plus” reservation system in the spring, summer, and fall from 5 am to 4 PM.  Reservations will be required on weekends from April 13 to June 30 and from August 17 to October 27.

Reservations are required 7 days a week from July 1 to August 16.

Reservations must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations will not be sold at the park. 

More Information

Zion National Park

In 2024, Zion will be continuing their lottery permit program to hike Angels Landing.  The lottery opens 2 months prior to your potential hike.

A next day lottery is also available for hopeful last-minute hikers.  These slots are released at 12:01 AM MT and close at 3 PM MT.  Winners will be emailed at 4:01 PM MT.

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Updated:  1/7/2024

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Little Talbot Island State Park- Beautiful, Natural, Florida

Little Talbot Island State Park is located on a barrier island in Jacksonville, Florida.  In fact, it is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands remaining in Northeast Florida.  The park offers 5 miles of exquisite, pristine beaches and untouched natural beauty for visitors to explore.  Little Talbot Island offers some of the best beaches in the region.

The park is a popular site for camping, kayaking, fishing, surfing, hiking, and spending the day at the beach.  The state park is also home to river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and other fascinating wildlife.

Big Talbot Island State Park is situated directly north of Little Talbot Island.  Years of erosion of Big Talbot Island and sand deposition on Little Talbot Island has actually led to Little Talbot becoming the larger of the two islands.

Native Americans were the first to hunt and fish these barrier islands.  In 1562, when French Huguenots arrived, they called these indigenous people the Timucua.  Over the next 200 years, the region was inhabited by the Native Americans, French, English, and Spanish before Florida officially became a state in 1845.

In 1735, General James Oglethorpe (the founder of Georgia) named the barrier islands the Talbot Islands in honor of Charles Talbot, Lord High Chancellor of England.  Talbot was a lawyer and politician who served as the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain from 1733 to 1737.     

 The land was acquired by the state in 1951 and opened as a park in 1952.  This stunning corner of the city of Jacksonville is well protected and preserved by the local, state, and national park systems.  Thanks to them, several miles of coastline, marshland, maritime forests, and woodland have been protected giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sunshine State.

Be sure to pick up a handy shark tooth and shell guide from the ranger!

Park Experiences and Amenities

  • Bicycling– Bicycling can be enjoyed around the park, but we enjoy the 2.5 mile paved trail.  The Park Drive Timucuan Trail is part of the Greenway Trail that goes from Florida to Maine.  There’s also a new segment that connects to Huguenot Park.
  • Camping-This park is super popular for camping. There are 36 camp sites suited for both tent camping and RVs.  The maximum length for campers and RVs is 30 feet. If you’re camping at the park, we suggest bringing your bikes along as the sites are 1/2 a mile or more from the beach. 
  • Fishing- Little Talbot Island State Park offers 5 miles of beaches.  It is a surf fishing paradise!  Try your hand a snagging a flounder, black drum, mullet, sheepshead, bluefish, bass,  or redfish.
  • Paddling- This is one of the most popular water activities in the Sunshine State.  Long Island Outfitters provides canoe and kayak rentals as well as guided tours.

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail runs through Little Talbot Island State Park.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.   The greenway connects the park to Huguenot Park and Big Talbot Island.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.  It runs from the Canadian border all the way down to the Florida Keys!

Visiting Little Talbot Island State Park

Little Talbot Island State Park is open form 8 AM until unset 365 days a year.

The park is located at:
12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226

The cost to enter the park is $5 per vehicle.

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Categories
Caribbean Cruise Travel Dominican Republic

12 Things to Know About the Stunning Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

Are you heading to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic?  This cruise port is quickly becoming one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean.  In fact, the Dominican Republic itself is the most popular destination in the Caribbean.  To help you plan out your day, we’ve come up with a list of 12 Things to Know about Amber Cove.

If you’re a long-time cruiser, I’m sure you’re dying to check a new port.  Carnival has designed this port similarly to Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya, and Grand Turk.  You could absolutely get away with not booking an excursion here and simply spend the day shopping, zip lining, enjoying the pool, or even drifting in the lazy river!

1. It's the Dominican Republic's Newest Cruise Port

Amber Cove is a stunning 25 acre cruise port complex nestled on the northern shore of the island of Hispaniola.  Located on Maimon Bay, just outside of the beach town of Puerto Plata. The $85 million cruise port was open by Carnival Corporation in 2015. When the complex opened along Amber Coast, it brought cruise ships to the Puerto Plata area for the first time in 30 years.

The site is absolutely gorgeous and offers cruise passengers a way to enjoy the island free of charge.  Basically, the cruise corporation designed this space to KEEP YOU HERE!  

2. The Area is Rich in History

Sure, Amber Cove is new but Puerto Plata certainly isn’t.  The area dates backs in the 1490s when a little-known fellow known as Christopher Columbus first “discovered” the island.  The site was home to one of the first forts in the Americas, Fuerte de San Felipe.  Today, Puerto Plata is a popular beach town with deep roots in their Spanish colonial past.  Although it is tempting to stay at the cruise center, we implore you to get out and explore!  Check out the local museums and landmarks honoring their past.

3. It's Easy to Get Around

Since the entire area is designed around cruise passengers, it’s super easy for them to get around.   From the transportation hub, cruisers have easy access to rental cars, taxis, and guides willing to show you Puerto Plata and the surrounding area.  

Another great feature is that as soon as you get off the ship, you are greeted by pedi-cabs that will whisk you down the pier to the cruise center.  Although it is not a long walk, this is great for those who need a little help getting around or those traveling with young children.  The pedi-cabs work for tips only.

4. There are TONS of Great Excursions

The port offers some of the best excursions in the region.  Visit the majestic waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua, zip line, take in the historic sights, hit the beach, swim with dolphins, go on an ATV adventure, or try your hand at watersports.  Whatever you’re into- there’s plenty to do in Amber Cove.

Check out our recommendations!

5. You Can Spend the Day Like a Celebrity!

You know those luxurious overwater cabanas that you see all over Instagram?  You could totally spend your day relaxing in one!  The overwater cabanas at Amber Cove are exactly what you’ve been daydreaming about.  We’re talking Caribbean breezes, air-conditioning, WIFI, a hot tub, and a personal waiter that will take your food and drink orders.  The Grand Cabana also features 2 water sports that you can enjoy for a full hour.  Choose from kayak, stand up paddleboards, or aqua cycles.  The cabana accommodates up to 20 guests so they are perfect for large groups!

6. You Can Hit the Beach and Pool All in One Day!

Our water babies love places like this because they don’t have to choose between the beach or the pool.  At Amber Cove, you can enjoy both!  You can book a beach excursion (or take a taxi to the beach), or set up at the water park and pool for the day.  The Aqua Zone has a resort-style pool with a swim-up bar, waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and an ample number of lounge chairs to kick back and relax. There’s also a super-fun children’s splash area.   Oh, and the best part?  It’s totally free!

Note:  There is not beach access at Amber Cove.  

7. The Are Shops Galore

If you are looking for the perfect souvenir, or simply need to take a break from the sun, there are plenty of shops for you to explore at Amber Cove.  The shops feature authentic arts and crafts by local Dominican artisans.  You’ll also find plenty of classic souvenirs such as t-shirts, beachwear, shot glasses, magnets, etc.  While you’re in the shops, be sure to grab some local rum, coffee, chocolate, or amber.

8. You Can Swim with Dolphins (and Sharks!)

If swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, you can check that off while visiting Amber Cove! Ocean World offers encounters with dolphins, stingrays, and sharks.  The cool thing about the dolphin encounters is that they are done in waist-deep water making them accessible to young children.

9. Zip Lining is a Must!

Are you an adrenaline junkie?  Me too!  I love zip-lining so I was super excited to find out that there are twin 650-foot zips that traverse the Aqua Zone.  Purchase a day pass for $20 for unlimited thrills.  While you’re at the summit, be sure to check out the Sky Bar for spectacular 360-degree views- and a bit of liquid courage.

10. The Weather Will Probably Be Pretty Perfect...

Due to Amber Cove and Puerto Plata being on the northern side of the island, the weather is pretty perfect year-round.  In the summer you can expect the temperatures to be in the 80s, whereas the winter brings average temps of 75 degrees.  December is the wettest month of the year.

11. Puerto Plata is Nearby

The town of Puerto Plata is literally a stone’s throw away. Puerto Plata is a popular beach vacation spot for Dominicans.  Grab a cab and explore the Amber Museum, Brugal Rum Factory, check out the historic downtown, visit the 3-mile long boardwalk, check out historic Fort San Felipe.  Venture a little further inland to explore the impressive Damajagua Falls.  If you’re looking to relax away from the crowds, we suggest spending the day at Playa Bachata Resort.

If you don’t mind traveling a little bit further out, Sosua Beach is about 30 minutes away and offers stunning blue waters and decent snorkeling.  There are also jet-ski rentals.

12. It's Totally Insta-Worthy!

There are plenty of photo opportunities staged around the cruise port area.  Be sure to snap a few photos with the carnival masks, the vibrant blue Amber Cove sign, the stone wall entrance, and the man-made waterfall.  Oh, and obviously you’ll want a shot of you sipping on a pina colada at the swim-up bar.

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Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States Washington DC

The Impressive Lincoln Memorial: 10 Things You Didn’t Know

The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.  The memorial is located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, DC.  Each year, more than seven million people visit the Lincoln Memorial.  The structure is one of the most recognizable memorials in the world, and is known for being a beacon of hope and inspiration. 

Although plans for the memorial began shortly after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the monument took more than 50 years for it to be constructed and open to the public.  Construction was slowed by World War I and the memorial didn’t open until 1922.

The memorial is modeled after the Parthenon, a Greek Doric temple.  Architect Henry Bacon stated, “a memorial to the man who defended the democracy should be modeled after a structure from the birthplace of democracy.”  Other symbols in the monument represent the union, peace, justice, freedom, and other ideals important to Lincoln.

 The Lincoln Memorial has been the backdrop for many key points in American history.  Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech took place on the monuments steps.   The memorial was also the site of the Inaugural Celebration for America’s first black President of the United States, Barack Obama.

The monument is maintained by the National Park Service.  It was one of the first monuments to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.

  • John Russell Pope originally planned for the Lincoln Memorial to modeled after the Egyptian pyramids, rather than the Greek temple style we see today.  He also proposed a traditional Mayan temple or a Mesopotamian ziggurat made up of 8 layers, each one smaller than the next, with Lincoln on top.  
  • Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, attended the dedication.   He was Lincoln’s only surviving son and was 78 years old at the time.
  • Although Lincoln was known as the Great Emancipator, the dedication ceremony was segregated.   
  • The Reflection Pool is actually part of the Lincoln Memorial.  The pool, tucked between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, is formally known as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 
  • The 36 columns that make up the memorial symbolize the 36 states that were in the Union during Lincoln’s lifetime.  
  • Even the building materials are symbolic.  The materials were brought in from Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia to help portray the unity of the nation.   
  • The memorial includes two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches.  Both the Gettysburg Address and the second Inaugural Address are engraved into the wall on either side of Lincoln’s statue.  
  • There are also two murals inside that commemorate Lincoln’s ideals and core principles.  The murals depict freedom, liberty, immorality, justice, law, unity, fraternity, and charity.
  • An inscription etched into the steps of the Lincoln Memorial marks where Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to give his I Have a Dream speech.
  • Lincoln was interested in furthering the study of sign language.  He signed the charter for Gallaudet University, a school for the deaf, to be constructed.  A nod to this can be seen on the massive sculpture of Lincoln inside of the memorial.  His hands seem to be signing the letters A and L.

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial

The memorial is open 24 hours, 365 days a year.  

Physical Address:
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW
Washington, DC 20002

Nearest Metro Stations:
Foggy Bottom (23rd St.& I St.NW) & Smithsonian (12th St. & Independence Ave.)

What is there to do Nearby?

The Lincoln Memorial is located in the heart of historical row known as the National Mall.    Nearby you’ll find:

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • Vietnam Women’s Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • Constitution Gardens
  • World War II Memorial
  • Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial 
  • Washington Monument
  • Smithsonian Museums
  • US Botanic Gardens
  • United States Capitol
  • The White House

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Orlando Springs State Parks United States

12 Best Springs Near Orlando

Believe it or not, there is more to Orlando than Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and SeaWorld.  Orlando is home to a ton of natural attractions, too. Some of the best springs near Orlando make for the perfect day trip from this super busy city.  

What better way to break up your days at the theme park than by spending some time in Florida’s crystal clear waters?

Florida is home to more than 1,000 natural springs.  It has more natural springs than anywhere else on the planet!  Not only are the springs drop-dead gorgeous, but they are super relaxing!  The springs are home to some of Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, turtles, otters, and yes…alligators.  

The springs near Orlando were Florida’s original tourist attraction.  People would migrate from the north to relax in the cool Florida waters.  Silver Springs and de Leon Springs  were once some of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States.  

Today the springs offer visitors a space to swim, relax on an innertube, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, snorkel, scuba dive, and even enjoy a boat tour.

Silver Glen Springs

While some of these springs are near Orlando, others require a little bit of a longer drive.  The great thing about some of these springs is that you can often hit more than one spring a day.  For instance, Alexander Springs and DeLeon Springs are really close to each other.  You could easily hit one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.  No matter which spring you choose, you seriously cannot go wrong.  All of them make a perfect day trip from Orlando.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

It’s amazing to think that this gorgeous natural wonder is just 14 miles from downtown Orlando.  Wekiwa Springs State Park has fabulous emerald waters, lush tropical hammocks, and miles of trails for your to explore.

The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.  Like many of the nearby springs, it’s suggested that you arrive early as the springs tend to hit capacity early in the day.  

The park is popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and simply floating on an innertube.

You could easily spend the day at the theme park and unwind in the crisp cool water in the afternoon.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Kelly Park/Rock Springs

Kelly Park/Rock Springs is 31 miles from Orlando.  This stunning oasis has some of the most gorgeous crystal clear water.  Kelly Park is a nature park that is popular for hiking, swimming, and camping. The lazy river run for Rock Springs starts in Kelly Park and continues over 8 miles outside of the park.  

The cost for Kelly Park is $3 for a car of 2 people or $5 for 3-8 people.  The park is super popular on warm days so we strongly suggest getting there early.  The park often reaches capacity early.  This is truly one of the best springs near Orlando!  We cannot wait to explore this park!

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park

34 miles outside of Orlando, you’ll find one of our favorite hangouts- Blue Spring State Park.  This park is extremely popular on hot days so plan on getting there early!  

What makes it so popular, you might ask?  Not only is it close to the city, but it is literally the most perfect place in the world for tubing.  The natural lazy river is incredibly refreshing- especially during the heat of summer. 

The park is also popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, hiking, and biking.  

The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.  The park offers inner tube rentals at the park.

The park is equally impressive during the winter months.  When the thermometer drops, the park becomes a sanctuary for manatees.  You can expect to see anywhere between 25 and 500 manatees in the springs!

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs State Park

46 miles miles away, you’ll find one of our favorite springs near Orlando!  De Leon Springs State Park is another site that was once a popular tourist destination.  The site was once home to the Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel and Casino which was popular with wealthy northern visitors.  

 By the 1950s the site featured tropical gardens, a jungle cruise, a tram tour, oh yeah… and a water skiing elephant.  

While the days of water skiing elephants are long gone, this place is still pretty rad.  It features a unique restaurant where you make your own pancakes, and a swimming hole the resembles a swimming pool.  

There are so eco-boat tours available where you can see what the park looks like from the river without having to get wet.

If you don’t mind getting wet, you can rent a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and hit the water.  The cost to enter the park is $6 per vehicle.  This unique park is one of the best springs near Orlando and definitely worth the visit!

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is one of the largest and most accessible springs in the state.  It is the perfect place for families with young children.  Alexander Springs is 59 miles away from downtown is truly one of the best springs near Orlando. 

The park is well known for camping, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and paddling.  The launch site really close to the swimming hole so it is easy to go back and forth between the two.  

Entrance fees are $7/person on weekdays and $10/person on weekends. 

Alexander Springs

Juniper Springs

68 miles from Orlando, you’ll find one of the most picturesque kayak trails in Florida.  The seven-mile route will take your breath away.  Juniper Springs is idea for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and hiking.  Paddling is popular year round, so don’t feel like visits are limited to just the warm months.  

The cost to enter the park is $7/person on weekdays and $10/person on weekends.  There is a launching fee of $10/watercraft.

Silver Glen Springs

69 miles outside of Orlando you’ll find Silver Glen Springs.  Trust us, this park is well worth the drive!  The aquamarine water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and floating. The water here is super clear and shallow making it perfect for children.  

Like Blue Spring, it is also a refuge for manatee during the winter months. 

Admission is $6 per person.

Silver Springs State Park

Although this park is 80 miles outside of the city, you should still definitely consider visiting it!  Silver Springs State Park was one the state’s first tourist attractions and one of the most unique springs near Orlando. 

 In the 1950s, more than 800,000 people a year would visit the park!  The park is famous for its glass bottom boats and kayaking trail.  It is also known for being the winter home to manatees. 

We suggest taking the glass bottom boat tour as soon as you enter the park, it’s a great way to get acquainted with the area.  The cost of the boat tour is $12 for adults.

Silver Springs State Park

Although there is no swimming permitted, the park is perfect for paddling.  The park offers rentals, or you can pack your own vessel.  The cost to launch is $4/vessel.  There is also an entrance fee of $2/person.

Rainbow Springs State Park

The name alone makes us want to check this place out!  83 miles away from Orlando you’ll find one of the most stunning springs the state has to offer.  The water here is sapphire blue and the swimming area is massive!  The park features some of the best hiking trails in Florida and features man-made waterfalls and beautiful natural gardens.  

The park is popular for hiking, snorkeling, tubing, paddling, and swimming.    The cost to enter is $2/person.  

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is one of the jewels of the Ocala National Forest.  Located just 85 miles from the city, this unique spring is home to freshwater and saltwater fish.  Blue crabs, turtles, and manatees also call these springs home.  Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and hiking are all popular here.  Admission is $7 /person.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs was rated the #1 Florida spring by our Instagram followers.    136 miles away from Orlando, you’ll find Florida’s newest state park- Gilchrist Blue Springs.  The park is known for paddling, swimming, and snorkeling.  

There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the site.  If you go out for a paddle, be sure to wander past the ropes that mark off the swimming hole.  The river is absolutely remarkable!  

The cost to enter is $4 to $6 per vehicle.  If you make the drive from Orlando, we suggest also making a stop at nearby Poe Springs and Rum Island Springs to make the drive worth your while!  These are also great places to check out in the event that the park is at capacity when you arrive.  

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is 138 miles outside of Orlando, making it just over 2 hours away.  You would definitely need to dedicate an entire day to visiting this state park.  Ginnie Springs advertises itself as a “true slice of pure Florida”.  It is made up of seven springs and several caves.  These caves make the spring one of the most unique freshwater diving spots in the world.  Aside from diving, the springs are also popular for tubing, paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.  

Admission ranges between $15-$20/adult depending on the season.  Children ages 5-12 are $5.  Although this site is the furthest from Orlando, it is definitely worth the drive!

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

We hope this list compels you to get out there and explore the springs near Orlando!  After all, there’s much more to the Sunshine State than theme parks!  Grab a towel and a bathing suit, and get out there and explore the natural side of Florida!

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Categories
Georgia Hotel Review Lake Lanier United States

An Honest Review of the Legacy Lodge at Lanier Island

This winter we stayed at the Legacy Lodge when we went on our Christmas trip to Lake Lanier.  As part of the kids Christmas present, we got tickets to Snow Island at Margaritaville Lanier Islands.  Snow Island is a winter event that features snow tubing, a giant snow pit for snowballs and snow angels, ice skating, a walk-through light show, carnival rides, and more.

The Legacy Lodge serves as the main hotel for Margaritaville and Lanier Islands.  This pet-friendly hotel is perfect for romantic getaways, girls trips, and family vacations.  The hotel offers traditional hotel rooms as well as suites.

For our stay, we booked the Legacy Lodge Double Queen Room.  The room was about 300 square feet and super comfortable!  The beds were cozy and we had access to a mini-fridge, TV, and a private patio (some offer private balconies).

Our room was on the first floor which meant we had easy access to the lake (via our private patio), the heated salt-water pool, the bars, and restaurants.  The amentities are all centrally located but spread out across different floors.  For instance, the main bar was on the first floor, the game area was on the second floor with the fitness center and heated salt-water pool with firepit, and the upscale restaurant is on the third floor.

 

Legacy Lodge Amenities

  • Heated Saltwater Swimming Pool
  • Fire Pits
  • Gaming Area
  • Fitness Center
  • Business Center
  • Multiple Dining Options

Helpful Hints About Legacy Lodge

  • We suggest arriving at the Margaritaville complex during the daylight.  We found the property difficult to navigate at night because there was not adequate lighting on the roads, and the signs were not lit up.  Many cars had to brake at the signs in attempt to read them.
  • The Legacy Lodge offers a free shuttle to the Margaritaville water park (which is also where Snow Island is held).  The front desk can provide you with a phone number to call to arrange for this service.  It is super user-friendly and it means that you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot!
  • Parking at Margaritaville is $20 a day, however, this price is included with your hotel stay.
  • The Legacy Lodge offers go-kart rentals which are perfect for days at the lake and driving around the Margaritaville complex.
  • Check in time is at 4 PM, check out is at 11 AM.
  • All purchases at the Legacy Lodge can be charged to your room.

Getting to Legacy Lodge

The Legacy Lodge is located at:

7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518

Phone: 770-945-8787

Our Honest Opinion of the Legacy Lodge

Honestly, for the price, you can’t beat the Legacy Lodge in Lake Lanier, Georgia.  We booked the Double Queen Room and it went for$150 a night (at the end of December 2021).    The room was comfortable and suited our needs.  

The hotel itself didn’t have a lot to offer, but I think that’s because most visitors don’t spend much time at the hotel itself.  Since the main reason most people visit Lanier Islands is to spend time on Lake Lanier or at Margaritaville, most visitors simply use the lodge as a place to rest their head.

Double Queen Room at Legacy Lodge

That being said, I think the hotel has definitely missed out on the opportunity to capitalize on this being a family-friendly hotel.  The amenities are limited to a heated salt-water pool, a fitness center, firepits, and a business center.  None of them are really worth writing home about.  The gaming area is just a foosball table and a pool table.  The hotel definitely has the space to expand and add more amenities (a splash park, playground, mini-golf, etc) that would make the place a bit more enjoyable.

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