What to do in St. Augustine, Florida for a Dream Vacation

St. Augustine, Florida is an exciting destination for a vacation getaway. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach retreat or an action packed adventure, you’ll find plenty of activities to occupy your time in St. Augustine. With its sandy beaches, historic sites, and attractions, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.

Beaches

• St. Augustine Beach
• Matanzas Inlet Beach
• Vilano Beach
• Crescent Beach

No trip to St. Augustine is complete without spending some time on one of its many beautiful beaches. St. Augustine Beach is one of the most popular spots for both locals and visitors alike. It’s a great spot for sunbathing and swimming, and the St. Johns County Ocean Pier provides a wonderful place to fish or watch the incredible sunset. Matanzas Inlet Beach is a quieter beach option and is perfect for a private getaway. Vilano Beach is another nearby beach with stunning scenery and clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. Finally, Crescent Beach is a great choice for those seeking some privacy, with its secluded location at the southern end of Anastasia Island.

Historic Sights

• Castillo de San Marcos
• Flagler College
• Lightner Museum
• St. Augustine Lighthouse

St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the United States, so a visit to some of its historic sites is a must. Castillo de San Marcos is one of St. Augustine’s oldest surviving buildings, built in the 1600s and now serving as a national monument. Flagler College is another must-see on your visit to St. Augustine, with its grand architecture and vibrant history as the former Ponce de Leon Hotel. The Lightner Museum is a great stop to learn more about the city’s 19th century history and purchase some unique gifts and souvenirs. Finally, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is a beautiful sight to take in, offering fantastic views of the city’s coastline as well as a wealth of information on the city’s history and culture.

Attractions & Activities

• The Alligator Farm
• Trolley Tours of St. Augustine
• St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Aside from its beaches and historic sights, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in St. Augustine. The Alligator Farm is a must-see spot for any visitor, with its diverse array of crocodiles and alligators as well as its many other exotic animals like birds, snakes, lizards and bats. Trolley Tours of St. Augustine are also a classic way to explore the city’s unique culture in addition to its stunning architecture and culture-filled streets. The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum gives a fascinating look into the city’s adventurous past with dozens of artifacts from shipwrecks and pirate stories alike. Finally, Ripley’s Believe It or Not offers a great way to explore the more bizarre side of the city with its unusual exhibits and tours of some of its more peculiar sights and sounds.

If you’re looking for an exciting destination for your next vacation getaway, St. Augustine should be at the top of your list. With its amazing beaches, historic sites, and fun attractions, there’s never a dull moment in this wonderful city!

An Insider’s Guide to St. Augustine, Florida: The Oldest City in America

St. Augustine, Florida is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and historical significance. As America’s oldest city, it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for delicious seafood, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in St. Augustine. In this guide, we will explore the top things to do, see, and eat in St. Augustine.

Top Attractions

St. Augustine is home to numerous historical landmarks, museums, and natural wonders that are worth your visit. Here are some of the top attractions that you won’t want to miss:

– Castillo de San Marcos: This iconic fortress is the oldest masonry fort in the United States and an excellent example of Spanish colonial architecture. You can explore the fort, participate in reenactments, and witness a cannon firing.

– St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum: Climb up the 219 steps of this 1880s lighthouse and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. The accompanying museum showcases the maritime history of St. Augustine and offers interactive exhibits.

– St. George Street: This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is lined with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the architecture, street performers, and local musicians.

– Anastasia State Park: This pristine beach park is perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. It also offers nature trails, a fishing pier, and a campground.

Dining Spots

St. Augustine is renowned for its seafood, but you can also find a diverse range of cuisines. Here are some of the top dining spots recommended by locals:

– The Columbia Restaurant: This institution has been serving Spanish cuisine since 1905. Enjoy their signature paella, sangria, and flamenco shows.

– Collage Restaurant: This upscale eatery offers creative dishes with a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors. Don’t miss their scallops, lamb shank, and chocolate truffle cake.

– The Floridian: This cozy restaurant specializes in Southern comfort food and seafood with a twist. Try their shrimp and grits, fried green tomato bruschetta, and blackened fish tacos.

Cultural Experiences

St. Augustine offers a rich blend of cultures and traditions that are reflected in its architecture, art, and festivals. Here are some of the top cultural experiences to immerse yourself in:

– Lightner Museum: Housed in a former hotel built in 1888, this museum showcases a collection of decorative arts, including stained glass, pottery, and sculpture.

– Flagler College: Originally built by Henry Flagler as a luxury hotel in 1888, this Mediterranean Revival building is now a college. Take a tour and admire the Tiffany stained glass windows, ornate plasterwork, and marble floors.

– St. Augustine Amphitheatre: This historic venue hosts concerts, festivals, and cultural events. Check their calendar and attend a live performance, movie night, or farmers market.

Local History

St. Augustine boasts a rich history that spans more than 450 years. Here are some of the top historical landmarks to visit:

– Fort Matanzas National Monument: This 18th-century fort was built to defend the southern approach to St. Augustine and is accessible only by ferry. Learn about its role in the Spanish-American War and its fascinating history.

– Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: According to legend, Ponce de Leon discovered the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine. This park features a reconstructed Timucuan Indian village, a planetarium, and exhibits on Spanish colonial life.

– St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum: This interactive museum takes you on a journey through the Golden Age of Piracy. See artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, replicas of pirate ships, and historical weapons.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to experience St. Augustine like a local, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– St. Augustine Distillery: Take a free tour and sample handmade spirits such as vodka, gin, and bourbon. They also offer craft cocktails and a gift shop.

– Riverside Arts Market: Every Saturday, the Riverfront is transformed into an outdoor market featuring local artists, food vendors, and live music. Enjoy the views, taste the flavors, and meet the locals.

– San Sebastian Winery: Take a guided tour of this winery and learn about the winemaking process. Sample their award-winning wines and enjoy the rooftop bar with a panoramic view of St. Augustine.

Conclusion

St. Augustine, Florida’s picturesque colonial city, packs a powerful historical punch matched by extraordinary dining, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. From swimming at Anastasia State Park to strolling the historic St. George Street, or indulging in Southern comfort food at The Floridian, your vacation in St. Augustine is sure to be unforgettable.