Let's Get Physical: Great Ideas to Stay Active in St. Augustine.

What better way to distract yourself from an upper body work out than with the scenic views of our intracoastal waterways. Not only will this get your blood flowing, but these kayak adventures are well known to be educational as well. Work out your body and your mind with your partner by your side.

St. Augustine has several unique waterways that are ideal for an up-close look at our diverse ecosystems which you can inquire about when you make your reservation. Choose from a guided tour with Kayak St. Augustine or St. Augustine Eco Tours. Or, rent a kayak from Anastasia State Park and embark on a self-guided tour.

They say, "balance is key," for a reason. What better way to combat all the delicious food you're trying at the restaurants downtown than with a calming session of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) yoga, which is sure to improve your balance and increase the circulation in your body. Don't worry if you aren't a yoga or SUP enthusiast, the difficulty of this workout can easily be adjusted to accommodate all skill levels. If you want to give it a try, you can book or attend a class with The Salty Paddle or SUP Yoga Center.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse has many opportunities for those looking to stay active in St. Augustine. In fact, climbing the 219 steps of the lighthouse will undeniably work the glutes and break the sweat of even the most active of visitors. But don't let this deter you from climbing the tower; there are multiple landings on the way up (some with seats and windows) where you can stop to rest for a few minutes. Furthermore, once you get to the top, the unparalleled views and tower top breezes will have made the climb totally worth your while.

But, that's not where your Lighthouse workout ends. The grounds are also home to several relaxed and shaded hiking trails that only take about seven to ten minutes to walk. So, you can cool down after your intense tower climb with a quiet and easy hike on the perimeter of the grounds.

Hot tip: If you're looking for more attractions to visit to stay active in St. Augustine, we recommend trying the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park or the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. These attractions have large grounds that are perfect for long strolls

If you have a jam-packed day of sightseeing and exploring, it may be hard to fit in a creative workout. If this is the case, we recommend taking a power walk along the bayfront. In fact, this is a popular activity for locals who like to stay active. During a power walk you can watch the sailboats bob along the Matanzas River while your blood circulates, and your heartrate rises. This activity is also cost-effective, convenient, and time efficient since the bayfront is only steps away from many of the St. Augustine Historic Inns.

Horseback riding is certainly off the beaten path and is proven to be a great workout for riders. The best part is that you don't have to be an avid rider to embark on an easy trail ride and reap the health benefits. In fact, one, one-hour long trail ride metabolizes enough calories to qualify as a moderately intense exercise. It improves balance and coordination, tones your lower body muscles, and works your abdominal muscles. Although it's not within the city of St. Augustine, we recommend scheduling a trail ride with the Florida Agricultural Museum as it is just a short drive away (about 20 miles south on US1). They have great trail rides as well as attentive and skilled professionals who will guide you.

For more recreational activities and ways to stay active in St. Augustine, check out the following activities. Don't forget, you can always ask your innkeepers for helpful tips on how to make your stay in St. Augustine an active one!
· Take a Scuba diving lessons with iDive Florida or Sea Hunt Scuba and then schedule an excursion.
· Enjoy a day of golf at St. Johns County Golf Club or World Golf Village.
· Cruise around downtown with a rented bike from St. Augustine Bike Rentals.