St. Augustine, Florida, is home to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. This iconic landmark is a must-see for history lovers and travelers alike!
To help you plan your visit, weβve put together a video exploring the fort’s incredible architecture and history.
Exploring the heart of the fort! The central courtyard of Castillo de San Marcos is the perfect place to start your visit before heading up to the ramparts for those river views. πβ¨
Why You Need to Visit
The Coquina Walls: Built from a unique shell-stone, these walls actually absorbed cannonballs instead of shattering! π§±π₯
Life Inside the Fort: Wander through the Plaza de Armas and step into the old sleeping quarters and the heavily guarded King’s Coffer treasury. π°
Epic Views: Head up to the Gun Deck for panoramic views of the Matanzas River and downtown St. Augustine. Don’t forget to check out the massive cannons! ππ
National Park Perks: You can see live weapons demonstrations and get your National Parks Passport stamped here! π«β
Plan Your Visit! π
The fort is open daily from 9:00 AM β 5:00 PM. Be sure to check the official NPS website for the latest on tickets and program schedules before you go. ποΈβ¨
Whether youβre a history buff or just love a great view, the Castillo de San Marcos is an unforgettable stop in the “Ancient City.”
There’s something truly electrifying about motorsports, and for fans around the globe, the Daytona International Speedway is hallowed ground. If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing the legendary “World Center of Racing” up close, we’re here to show you exactly what to expect! π€―
We’ve just released our Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour video, giving you an insider’s look at the fantastic one-hour tram ride experience. This video is your ultimate guide for planning your visit and making the most of your time at the speedway! β±οΈ
The sheer size of the Daytona International Speedway grandstands is unbelievable!
What’s Included on the Daily Tour?
Our video takes you behind the scenes, showing you all the unforgettable stops and sights that the tour included during our visit! Please Note: The tour itinerary and stops can change from day to day depending on the events that are happening at the Speedway.
Here’s what we got to see on the tour:
The Track & Pit Road: As we traveled alongside the track, we made a stop at the Start/Finish Line and worked our way through Pit Road. This gave us an incredible sense of the scale and the engineering of the track, including the massive grandstands! ποΈποΈ
Stand in Victory Lane: We saw the iconic Victory Lane π₯ where NASCAR champions celebrate their monumental wins. It’s a fantastic photo op and a moment to soak in the history!
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Your tour ticket also grants you access to the fascinating Motorsports Hall of Fame of America ποΈ. This museum showcases a vast collection of racing memorabilia, iconic vehicles, and tributes to legends from all forms of motorsports.
Plan Your Visit!
This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Daytona Beach area! To ensure you secure your spot and have the most current information, always confirm tour availability and pricing on the official website before you finalize your plans.
Planning your day in Belize? We booked the popular Cave Tubing with Lunch Excursion directly through Carnival Cruise Line, and we’re taking you along so you know exactly what to expect! π’
The Adventure Breakdown and the Reserve
Be prepared for the journey! The experience starts with a 75-minute bus ride π to the outpost. Before you even start your hike, you’ll grab your tube and headlight π¦. Then, you’ll begin the 25-minute walk π£ to reach the Caves Branch River entrance. This hike takes you deep into the Nohoch CheΚΌen Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, a dense tropical rainforest area. Your knowledgeable guide will share details about the surrounding jungle plants and animals as you follow the trail.
Carrying the tubes and crossing the shallow river is all part of the fun on the jungle hike! This crossing is near the exit point, showing the beautiful, clear water of the Caves Branch River.
Once you get in the water, you’ll float through the spectacular, dark limestone caves. You’ll be guided through mystical formations that have taken centuries to form. Afterward, a delicious Belizean lunch π is included at the Jaguar Paw Outpost. This 200-acre adventure park is the hub for many activities, including zip-lining and ATV tours, but the tubing is the main event!
Essential Tips: What to Bring
Since this is a water-based excursion, a little prep goes a long way! Wearing water shoes is required for this excursion, so make sure you bring a pair for the hike and the river! Also, be sure to bring cash for lockers and souvenirs and don’t forget the bug repellent for the jungle walk!
π₯ Watch Our Full Video Guide!
Join us so you know what to expect when you book this highly popular excursion through Carnival!
Planning a cruise can be both exciting π and a little overwhelming, especially with so many amazing ships and itineraries to choose from. If the Carnival Dream has been on your radar, you’re in luck! We recently embarked on a 6-Night Western Caribbean adventure βοΈ aboard this popular ship, and we’ve put together a comprehensive review focused on Our Likes & Wishes to help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your next getaway.
We’re all about giving you the real scoop β what we Liked β€οΈ and what we Wished could have been better π€. Our goal is to provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision by covering all the highlights and areas for improvement based on our experience.
Caption: The Lido Deck is ready! βοΈ This is the main pool area on the Carnival Dream before the crowds arrive. Perfect spot for a sea day movie!
Dive Deep into the Carnival Dream Experience π
Our video review, “Carnival Dream Review: Our Likes & Wishes!”, breaks down the entire cruise experience into four key categories:
1. Layout & Amenities: What’s on the Dream? πΊοΈ
We showcase the key features and common areas that define the Carnival Dream experience. From the vibrant Atrium and pools to the tranquil Serenity Deck and other onboard facilities, we talk about what amenities are on the ship. Were the facilities impressive? Did the offerings meet our expectations? We share our thoughts on the features and overall quality of the amenities provided.
2. Our Cabin (Deluxe Ocean View Cabin 1402): A Room with a View (and Two Washrooms!) πΏπ
One of the most unique features we encountered was our Deluxe Ocean View Cabin 1402, specifically its two-washroom setup. Was this truly a game-changer for cabin comfort and convenience? We provide an honest assessment of the cabin’s size, amenities, and whether this unique feature lived up to the hype. A comfortable retreat is key to a great cruise, and we let you know how this cabin measured up.
3. Complimentary Food & Dining: A Taste of the Dream ππ½οΈ
Food is often a highlight of any cruise, and Carnival is known for its diverse dining options. We dive into the world of complimentary food and dining on the Carnival Dream. From quick bites to main dining room experiences, we share our honest thoughts on the quality, variety, and overall satisfaction of the included culinary offerings. We reveal what hit the spot and what left us wanting more.
4. Entertainment & Activities: Keeping the Party Going πΆπ
What’s a cruise without some fun and excitement? We recount our experiences with the various entertainment options and activities onboard. Were the parties lively? Did the shows impress? What unique activities kept us entertained, and what did we feel the ship might have been missing to truly elevate the experience?
Our Final Verdict! β
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your very first voyage, our aim is to provide you with an honest, balanced perspective on the Carnival Dream. Our 6-Night Western Caribbean itinerary took us from Galveston, Texas, to beautiful ports of call including Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel π΄, offering plenty of experiences to evaluate.
Ready to find out if the Carnival Dream is your next dream vacation?
