Shopping

First Coast Adventures: Attractions

Now that you live on the First Coast, you have access to many e citing and fun-filled attractions right in your own backyard! Spend a day or weekend making memories to last a lifetime. There’s never a dull moment on the First Coast!

Catty Shack, photo courtesy of COJ

DUVAL-NORTH

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary 1860 Starratt Rd., Jacksonville www.cattyshack.org

Get up close and personal with big cats and other animals at this nonprofit sanctuary. The Catty Shack’s current residents include tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, coatimundis and more.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 370 Zoo Pkwy., Jacksonville www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Go on a safari right here on the First Coast and see more than 2,000 animals at the Jacksonville Zoo. There are a variety of educational programs and exhibits to explore, including the African Forest, Giraffe Overlook and Land of the Tiger.

DUVAL-SOUTH

Autobahn Indoor Speedway 6601 Executive Park Ct. N., Jacksonville www.autobahnspeed.com

Perfect for those with a need for speed, the 80,000-square-foot racetrack at Autobahn Indoor Speedway is the largest indoor karting facility in Florida. The speedway has two unique Grand Prixstyle tracks and F1-inspired karts that reach speeds up to 50 mph.

iFly Jacksonville 10579 Brightman Blvd., Jacksonville www.iflyworld.com/Jacksonville

Experience the thrill of soaring through the air at iFly’s vertical wind tunnel, which simulates the feeling of skydiving without needing to jump out of a plane!

Main Event Jacksonville 10370 Philips Hwy., Jacksonville www.mainevent.com

For a fun-filled day or evening, Main Event offers gravity ropes, rock walls, miniature golf, laser tag, karaoke, bowling and more.

NASSAU COUNTY

White Oak Conservation 581705 White Oak Rd., Yulee www.whiteoakwildlife.org

Dedicated to the conservation and care of threatened and endangered species, White Oak offers expert-led educational tours. Visitors can get face-to-face with giraffes, okapi, rhinoceros, cheetahs and more.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Adventure Landing 2780 SR 16, St. Augustine https://st-augustine.adventurelanding.com

With miniature golf, batting cages, an arcade and go-karts, Adventure Landing is the perfect place for a day of family fun.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine www.fountainofyouthflorida.com

The exhibits at this historical attraction transport visitors to the time when Spanish settlers and Juan Ponce de León came to the New World in 1513 in search of the Fountain of Youth.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure 9600 Oceanshore Blvd., St. Augustine www.marineland.net

The world’s first oceanarium, Marineland’s programs have allowed visitors to swim, play and interact with dolphins and other aquatic animals.

Potter’s Wax Museum 31 Orange St., St. Augustine www.potterswax.com

This unique attraction is the country’s first established wax museum and has more than 160 realistic wax sculptures of scientists, musicians, movie stars, political figures, authors and athletes. For those looking for a scare, the museum offers an after-hours ghost tour.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 19 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine www.ripleys.com/staugustine

You won’t believe your eyes at Ripley’s! The “Odditorium” features more than 800 rare and unusual artifacts including two-headed animals, shrunken heads and a Fiji “mermaid.”

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine www.alligatorfarm.com

Embark on an adventure at one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions. The Alligator Farm is home to every species of crocodile and numerous other birds, reptiles and more. Guests can also zipline across seven acres through the treetops above the park.

St. Augustine Aquarium 2045 SR 16, St. Augustine www.saaquarium.com

Become your own marine biologist while visiting this aquarium. Here, visitors can feed sharks and stingrays and even snorkel with multiple species of fish in a natural Florida reef environment.

St. Augustine Wild Reserve 5190 Farm Creek Rd., St. Augustine www.sawildreserve.org

This nonprofit gives visitors a chance to see more than 90 animals, including wolves, lions, tigers, hyenas, coyotes, a coatimundi, lynxes, leopards, jaguars, several birds and more.

World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater 1 World Golf Pl., St. Augustine www.worldgolfimax.com

With an 80-foot-wide and 50-foot-high 3D digital screen, the IMAX Theater will give you the best view for the latest flick.

Bounce Around at these First Coast Trampoline Parks!

Bravoz Entertainment Center 14985 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville www.bravoz.com

Flight 7022 AC Skinner Pkwy., Ste. 200, Jacksonville www.flightadventurepark.com/jacksonville

Get Air 1564 Park Ave., Orange Park www.getairsports.com/orange-park

Urban Air Adventure Park 9950 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com

St. Augustine Alligator Farm, photo courtesy of Floridashistoriccoast.com