Florida: Crescent Beach, A Secret Beach Place for Families. Miles of lovely hard-packed sand make beach hiking, bike riding, and sand volleyball almost too good to pass up. When the tide is out residents and visitors drive along the ocean’s edge, sometimes parking against the sand dunes that frame the land. Uncrowded and laid back, no high rise buildings buffer the beach zone. Shrimp boats cruise the currents; dolphins weave through the waves; pelicans glide over the shallows; summers bring sea turtles to nest; winters bring “Nor’easters” and treasures from the sea. Crescent Beach is picture perfect 24/7.

Adjacent to St. Augustine Beach and anchoring the Southern end of Anastasia Island, the uncrowded comfortable atmosphere is ideal for a family getaway. There is enough to do but not too much too do. For anyone dreaming of a beach vacation, Crescent was made to order. Most rent a condo or a beach house and set their own pace. Once you leave the mainland and cross over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (a.k.a. The Matanzas River), there is really no need to leave the barrier island. There’s a beach, surf, sand, almost always sunshine, sometimes a pleasant breeze, creating the perfect scene for a family vacation. The vacation options are endless. What’s to do? Need some hints?

Ride, walk or drive on the beach. Imagine more than 20 miles of beach marked in an orderly way so that anyone can walk, ride a bike, push a stroller or drive on the hard-pack sand. Anastasia Island, one of Florida’s most picturesque barrier islands is framed on the east by such a stretch of beach. Depending on the season, the cost for beach access is minimal.

You’ll love the view. Not-to-be-missed the lighthouse marks the horizon and provides the viewing station. The top of the lighthouse is 165 feet above sea level and those who climb 219 stairs will have a visual treat. Guides explain about the lives of the keepers and their families and answer questions from curious visitors. Throughout the year they conduct living history programs and have many activities geared to children. Bonus points: Each month they offer a unique Sunset/Moonrise experience. This special event includes a champagne toast and light refreshments served at the top of the tower after the site has been closed to the public. Reservations are required. The cost is $15 per person. (The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. 1(904) 829-0745 or www.staugustinelighthouse.com)

Stop to shop. Within the morning shadows of the Lighthouse and very near the Alligator Farm is an awesome shop. One stop at Simple Gestures and your vacation will be enhanced ten fold. Steve and Sue, the proprietors, make the shop pure fun. They have good stuff. The comfy yellow house is loaded with clever, creative and sometimes one-of-a-kind things. The shop oozes positive energy in a sometimes quirky yet always friendly way. Known for great jewelry and marvelous home accessories, you will also find wall décor, lamps, art bags and uniquely crafted wine/cocktail glasses (Steve is the artist.). Bonus points: The festive shop is next to Gypsy Cab Company, a restaurant offering new age Florida style cuisine, an ideal spot for lunch if your kids are 10 or older. (Simple Gestures at the corner of Anastasia Blvd & White Ct. 1(904) 827-9997) 

Gators, gators everywhere. On Anastasia Island, not far from the lighthouse is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. It fits snugly in the “wild and wonderful” category.  They have more than 2,700 gators and crocodiles--including some rare white gators. It is the only location in the world that has examples of 22 crocodilians species including alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gavials. Visitors may also see geckos, prehensile-tailed skinks, lizards, snakes, tortoises, monkeys, and exotic birds. There are ponds and marshes filled with a variety of ducks, geese, swans, herons, egrets, ibises, wood storks, and other native wading birds as well as a petting zoo with pygmy goats, potbellied pigs, miniature horses, mouflon sheep, and deer. Bonus points: Entertaining (and educational) 20-minute alligator and reptile shows take place hourly throughout the day, and spring through fall they often conduct narrated feedings. (St. Augustine Alligator Farm. 999 Anastasia Blvd, 1(904) 824-3337 or www.alligatorfarm.com)  

Experience wild and edgy.  Anastasia State Park, just over the Lion’s Bridge from historic St. Augustine Island, covers more than 1,700 acres, and includes a gentle sloping beach and a tidal salt marsh as well as a maritime and upland hammock. Activities include beachcombing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, windsurfing, hiking, wildlife-viewing, and boating. Delightful natural trails weave throughout the sand dunes shaded by hammock forests.  Bonus points: At the end of one of the trails is an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to create the nearby fortress, Castillo de San Marcos. (Anastasia State Recreation Area. 1340 A1a South, Saint Augustine, FL 32084. 1(904) 461-2033 or www.floridastateparks.org)  

Kayak on the river. Matanzas River, which borders the western side of Anastasia Island, is a delightful place for kayaking. From the launch port just south of the 206 Bridge it is an easy paddle to hidden estuaries great for viewing wildlife. Dolphins swim in the same waters and fish jump seeking a snack while pelicans cruise the air space. This is an easy outing for families and good exercise for all ages. For a high energy kayaking experience they also offer surf kayaking with classes which teach techniques that make a paddle out through the waves a blast and the ride back in a breeze. (Coastal Outdoor Center. A1A South 291 Cubbedge Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080. 1(904) 471-4144 or www.coastaloutdoorcenter.com)

Northeast Florida is for the fish. Captain Bill Schuller offers inshore and near shore light tackle and fly-fishing. Captain Bill gives all skill levels a chance to fish for grouper, speckled trout, redfish, snook and anything that takes the bait. He launches from the boat ramp just east of the lighthouse. He takes families out for a fishing adventure providing everything necessary to have fun.  For those needing a lesson Captain Bill takes the time to make the experience memorable. Guests may catch and release or take their prizes home for dinner. Most trips last about four hours while the craft travels within the protected waters of the Waterway navigating the reefs and cruising the estuaries. Guests may bring their own drinks and snacks. (Heads and Tails Fishing Charters. 1(904) 471-4890 or Bfishn46@aol.com)

Cruise to a secret fort. Tucked away from the mainstream, yet open for visitors,  Fort Matanzas National Monument remains a well-preserved connection to the past.  Built by the Spanish between 1740 and 1742, the tall tower in the middle of the Matanzas River was used as a remote guard station to protect the original colony of St. Augustine. Today the mini fort is open to the public with access provided by ferry. It is worth the trip just for the boat ride. Bonus points: From time to time they conduct both torchlight tours and living history demonstrations that add an additional dimension to the location. They offer a Junior Ranger program for children ages 6-12. The activity book is available at the Visitor Center. (Fort Matanzas National Monument is four miles south of Route 206 on Highway A1A on Anastasia Island. 1(904) 471-0116 or www.nps.gov/foma) 

Visit Marineland. South of Crescent Beach just over the bridge and into Flagler County is a marvelous spot, not to be missed. Built in 1938, Marineland was one of the first oceanariums in Florida and is the first oceanarium in the world to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home of both the world’s oldest bottlenose dolphin, Nellie, and also the last known blonde bottlenose dolphin, Lilly. Visitors will see dolphins, sea lions, penguins, flamingoes, and related sea life. It is possible to snorkel or SCUBA in the 450,000-gallon oceanarium. The facility is undergoing renovations and progress is visible. The schedule for activities and encounters varies because of the revitalization program. Bonus points: The facility is located across from Whitney Labs. From time to time marine scientists from Whitney conduct weekend family events. (Marineland, 9600 Ocean Shore Blvd (A1A South of the Matanzas Cut. 1-888-279-9194 ext. 100, 1(904) 471-1111 or www.marineland.net)

The Best Sleeping Places. One solution is too rent a family friendly beach house or stay in a condo. The extra space eases stress and it is really easy to pretend it's your home-away-from-home. Not surprising, we have our favorites.

St. Augustine Beach Vacations offers a wide range of choices for vacationing in a variety of price ranges. Staff Favorites. Recently we had a chance to visit several of the properties own by the Hartley Family. They offer families plenty of options and it is tough to say that one is better than the next. Their assortment fits the area and they do not have one bad location, it all depends on the ages of your children and the needs of your family. Our favorites include:    

Sunset Harbor.  Pictured below, the view from the deck of a a gorgeous home on the Intracoastal near the 207within walking distance of South Beach Grille. The house is spunky and definitely works for families with multiple ages and sleeping patterns (a.k.a teens). There is play space, cooking space, quiet space, and togethering space. Sunrises will be slow and easy, sunsets equally  impressive. The upper deck overlooks the swimming pool, the fishing dock and kayak launch. Dolphins swim off the dock and pelicans coast above. Rent kayaks for your stay and all will be perfect.  Bonus points: There is an indoor recreation room.

Atlantic View. The house is a short walk to the beach yet with a marvelous beach view from the deck. In a family friendly quiet neighborhood, the beach house has room to enjoy a family vacation. The two bonus bedrooms on the ground floor are perfect for little ones or ideal as a retreat for grandma. The 800-square-foot deck is amazing and vacation ready, complete with hot tub wet bar, wine cooler, lounge chairs and tables and a kiddie pool. Bonus points: Sip coffee from the deck and catch the sunrise.

Colony Reef Condominiums. It’s all about location and this place is on the beach and awesome, the complex is safe, secure and family friendly. A boardwalk leads from the expansive pool side courtyard to the beach. One of the more upscale condominium complexes, all units come with free use of the largest swimming pool on Anastasia Island, tennis courts, an indoor pool, spa, and a private fitness room. Bonus points: There is a small kiddie pool not far from the main swimming pool. 

The rental details. Nightly rates are available in the off-season or on short notice but almost never June or July. They have about a dozen places to rent along St. Augustine/Crescent Beach. Some are homes with beach views or Matanzas River access while others are condos on the beach with a pool. Options include sleeping at Turtle Cove, a private lake side location ($1450 a week during the high-season) or Ocean Spray, an oceanfront mansion, ($3500 a week during the high-season). To get the details give Gary a call at 1 (904) 461-1668 or e-mail Brandon at garysbeachhome2@yahoo.com or www.hartleyandsons.com   

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