Welcome to the beautiful city of St Augustine, Florida! If you are looking for a place to explore and experience unique things to do in FL, then St Augustine is the perfect destination for you. This charming city boasts a wide array of attractions, from its historical landmarks to its picturesque beaches. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, you will find plenty of fun things to do and places to visit in St Augustine. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to stay and things to do in St Augustine, so that you can make the most out of your trip.
Exploring St Augustine’s Historic District
The main historic street in the very walkable St Augustine is St George Street. In its early days, it was the main street and it remains the heart of the city to this day. Founded in 1565, its the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States. The town has beautiful Spanish architecture, narrow streets and balconied houses. It was Ponce de Leon that claimed Florida for Spain and Henry Flagler that created St Augustine as a resort destination in the mid-1800s. Enjoy great restaurants, museums and art galleries as you wander through this beautiful city.
Relaxing on St Augustine Beaches
Many visitors are pleasantly surprised when they visit the unspoiled beaches of St Augustine filled with wildlife. There are turtles, dolphins and manta rays to be seen right from shore. Almost all of the beaches are dog friendly and you may even see a horse walking by. There are 42 miles of beautiful beaches to discover. There are great opportunities for shelling by Matanzas Inlet and collecting shark teeth on Mickler’s Landing.
Discovering the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos was declared a National Monument in 1924. It’s the oldest structure in St Augustine and well worth a tour. It sits on 20 acres and stands proud as the oldest and largest masonry fortress in the United States. It’s made of coquina which is a light porous shell stone rock. You can wander around this massive fort and see all the rooms that housed soldiers and prisoners over 300 years ago.
Visiting the St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Take a tour of the scenic and educational museum and climb the 219 to the top of the unique black and white striped lighthouse. There are breathtaking views of St Augustine and the beaches to those who reach the top. It stood originally as a wooden watch tower then became a lighthouse in the early 1700s. There’s a gift shop on-site full of locally made souvenirs and artwork. St Augustine has a rich maritime history and you can learn all about it here.
Sipping Wine at Local Wineries
Visit the award-winning San Sebastian Winery over on King Street built in one of Flagler’s old railway buildings. They are pioneers in developing premium wines from Muscadine grapes. The wine tours with wine tasting are complimentary here and offered 7 days a week. There’s a wine shop with wonderful gift items to buy. Watch a presentation in the upstairs theater and learn all about how these wines are made.
Sampling Delicious Cuisine at St Augustine’s Best Restaurants
St Augustine enjoys a delicious culinary scene. Fresh fish and shellfish are abundant here with much of it locally sourced. There are plenty of great restaurants where you can with great water views. Dine on barbecue, shrimp and grits, pizza and crap influenced by Europe, East Asia and the Caribbean along with some classic southern dining. It does not disappoint!
Enjoying Outdoor Adventures in St Augustine
St Augustine is also a great place to experience outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the Anastasia State Park, which offers activities such as hiking, kayaking, and camping. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines at one of the local fishing spots, or charter a fishing trip. For a more thrilling adventure, visitors can take a scenic flight over the city or go parasailing. For those who want to take in the scenery at a slower pace, there are several walking tours available, including a ghost tour. After a day full of St Augustine activities, there are many comfortable St Augustine hotels to choose from for a good night’s sleep, followed by a delicious breakfast at one of the many St Augustine restaurants.
Shopping in Downtown St Augustine
If you’re looking to do some shopping, the downtown area is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and gifts. There are plenty of shops to browse through, ranging from boutiques to antique stores. Some popular spots include St. George Street and the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. After a long day of shopping, there are many St Augustine restaurants in the downtown area to grab a bite to eat. From seafood to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. And if you need a place to stay, there are plenty of St Augustine hotels in the historic district that offer comfortable accommodations. Some popular options include Casa Monica Resort & Spa and the St. Francis Inn. With so many St Augustine activities to enjoy, a trip to this charming city is sure to be a memorable one.
