Embark on a journey through time in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. This blog post will guide you through must-see attractions, thrilling activities, and delectable dining experiences in the nation’s oldest city.
What to Do and See
1. Castillo de San Marcos: Begin your exploration at the iconic fortress, Castillo de San Marcos. Marvel at the centuries-old architecture and immerse yourself in the history of this well-preserved Spanish fort.
2. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: Climb to new heights at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where panoramic views await. Explore maritime history and learn about the city’s seafaring past.
3. Flagler College: Admire the architectural splendor of Flagler College, a former Gilded Age hotel transformed into a stunning educational institution.
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: For a touch of the bizarre and unusual, explore Ripley’s museum, featuring oddities and curiosities from around the world.
5. Ghost Tours: Experience the city’s haunted history with a captivating ghost tour, where tales of St. Augustine’s past come to life in the moonlit streets. There are many spots to schedule a tour. You can catch them during the day and at night as well!
6. Sunset Cruises: Unwind on a scenic sunset cruise along the Matanzas Bay, offering breathtaking views of the historic district and the Castillo de San Marcos.
7. The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios: Visit the old Chapel build in the 1600’s by Spanish settlers.
8. The Pirate Store: Looking for a fun activity with family and friends that will make you laugh, provide a bonding experience and memories for a lifetime? Check this place out, you can dress up as pirates and have professional photos taken as a keepsake!
9. St. George Street: Explore the historic city streets and encounter gift shops, restaurants, bars, and ice cream! This is a must when you are visiting!
10. Catch a Trolley Ride: Grab a trolley for a guided tour around the city!
Shops/Boutiques:
- Red Pineapple: This is a must see boutique for all my girlies! They have a great selection of clothing and earrings as well as house accessories and gifts!
- Two Sparrows: Another boutique with great dresses, accessories, gifts and home decor! They even have a baby section with the cutest baby gifts!
Top Brunch and Dinner Spots:
Brunch:
Dinner:
Where to Stay:
1. Casa Monica Resort & Spa: Immerse yourself in luxury at Casa Monica, a historic hotel with Spanish-Moorish architecture, offering upscale amenities and a central location. This is a great spot where you can walk to shops and restaurants! There is also a pool if you are looking to lounge!
2. Bayfront Marin House Historic Inn: Enjoy a quaint and romantic stay at this charming bed and breakfast overlooking the Matanzas Bay.
3. The Collector Inn: Experience the unique charm of The Collector, a boutique inn set within a collection of restored historic buildings, providing an intimate and authentic St. Augustine stay.
What to Wear:
There is a lot to do and see in this beautiful city! It is usually pretty hot so packing light clothing, walking shoes or comfortable sandals will be best! If you are looking for ideas on what to pack for a Florida vacation, check out the ultimate guide, here.
St. Augustine invites you to explore its rich history, coastal beauty, and culinary delights. From the majestic fort to haunted streets and scenic cruises, this city offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Whether you choose to stay in a historic hotel or a charming inn, your visit to St. Augustine promises a journey through time and a memorable escape along Florida’s northeast coast.
