St. Augustine Florida | Things to Do, Where to Eat & Stay

St Augustine Florida

Nestled along Florida's Historic Coast, St. Augustine is unlike any other destination in the United States. Founded in 1565, it is recognized as America's oldest continuously occupied European-established city. More than 450 years of history blend seamlessly with beautiful Atlantic beaches, world-class attractions, exceptional restaurants, fascinating museums, vibrant arts, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a history enthusiast, beach lover, family traveler, foodie, or outdoor adventurer, St. Augustine offers an unforgettable Florida vacation filled with culture, charm, and timeless beauty.

St. Augustine, also known as the Ancient City, is filled with historical sights. Although you might not have enough time to see all the historical sights, there are destinations that you cannot miss to see, such as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Old Jail Museum. You can start your exploration at the Castillo de San Marcos. The historic site was established between 1672 and 1692 to protect the city from British invaders and pirates. Here, you can learn more about the history of the city from costumed actors who play cannon firings. A visit to this amazing place is like an amusing walkthrough of North American history and helps you understand how the New World prospered and developed. But the Ancient City has even more to offer.

If it is your first time to visit St. Augustine, then the best way to learn and see the timeline and layout of the city is by buying a trolley, hop-on-and-off, multiple-day ticket from Old Town Trolleys or Red Train. Are you looking for something personalized? If yes, consider a rehearsed horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the cobblestone streets of the town. For food lovers, the most pleasure-seeking way to grasp the town’s history is via the City Walks Savory Faire Culinary Tours. The tour stops at many different shops and restaurants for delicious food samples of the culinary and wine heritage of the city. Other than that, the city offers a fun, paranormal activity called the ghost tour.  In this tour, you can explore the Old Jail, the most haunted and frightening building in the city. 

 

 

Rooted in the lore of early exploration, Ponce De Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park serves as a tangible connection to the myth and history surrounding the Spanish quest for eternal youth. You can see how this site has shaped the cultural impact of St. Augustine, Florida, by attracting visitors from around the world for centuries. It's not just about the allure of mythical waters; the park encapsulates the broader narrative of early European exploration in the New World.

Another site you should visit is the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. This attraction is perfect for those who have a keen interest in medicine. The historical site is a unique building of a military hospital. Also, visit the Oldest Store Museum in St. Augustine, FL, dates back to the early 1900s, offering visitors a meticulously curated glimpse into the retail experience of a bygone era. The museum's origins are deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of the early 20th century, when local merchants sought to provide essential goods to a growing community. Initially, it wasn't a museum but a fully operational general store serving the needs of St. Augustine's residents.

Never miss visiting the Oldest House, too. This historical site has resided since the 1600s additionally, head to the Colonial Quarter in St. Augustine. Here, you can experience the city’s British and Spanish heritage via interactive exhibitions, for example, boat-building demonstrations, a leatherworking shop, and whatnot. Walk to the Bridge of Lions and head to the Keeper’s House and Lighthouse. Climb the lighthouse to see a wide-range view of the city.

Located in a renovated early 1900s ice plant, is the St Augustine Distillery, blending historic charm with modern functionality. Uses sustainable ingredients and practices, including copper pot stills and American oak barrel aging. Offers guided tours with exclusive tastings, showcasing the distillation process and unique spirits. Provides craft cocktail classes to ignite passion for mixology and home bartending. Features a gift shop with exclusive merchandise, local artisan goods, and custom bottled spirits.

One of the best destinations nearby in St. Augustine Beach. Here, you can walk the beach, surf, and enjoy the sun. Exploring the entire Island of Anastasia including the State Park of Anastasia will surely make fond memories. On Anastasia Island be certian to visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Explore the 219-step climb to the lighthouse top for panoramic views and rich maritime history. Visit the Keeper's House for historic relics, interactive displays, and architectural beauty. Discover shipwreck artifacts and boatbuilding traditions at the Maritime Museum exhibits. Participate in educational programs like navigation workshops and marine archaeology. Enjoy ghost stories and legends with sightings of former keepers and mysterious phenomena.

Do you like golf? Well, you can play all you want at the World Golf Hall of Fame by just a short drive. Here, your curiosity and interest in golf will undoubtedly pique. Other than this, you can head to the Alligator Farm to learn more about the amazing wildlife in Florida. Many alligators can be found here, plus the feeding times are deemed as the most well-known demonstrations in the Alligator Farm Zoological Park. 

Places to Stay in St. Augustine

St. Augustine offers accommodations for every style of traveler and budget, from luxury oceanfront resorts and historic boutique hotels to charming bed-and-breakfast inns, family-friendly hotels, and spacious vacation rental homes and condominiums. Historic Downtown features elegant boutique hotels, beautifully restored inns, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and luxury accommodations within walking distance of museums, attractions, restaurants, and shopping.

Those seeking a relaxing beach getaway will find a variety of accommodations along St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, and Anastasia Island, offering easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and coastal activities. Vacation rentals are especially popular with families and groups, providing multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, private pools, and the comforts of home while serving as the perfect base for exploring both the city's historic landmarks and beautiful beaches. St. Augustine Beach offers oceanfront resorts, beachfront hotels, vacation condominiums, and private beach homes ideal for couples, families, and groups looking to enjoy the Atlantic coastline. Anastasia Island provides a peaceful setting with waterfront accommodations and convenient access to both the beach and the Historic Distric

Vacation rental homes remain one of the area's most popular lodging choices, offering spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, private pools, outdoor entertaining spaces, and the comforts of home. They provide an excellent base for exploring both the city's historic attractions and nearby beaches while offering added privacy and flexibility for longer stays. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or an extended Florida escape, St. Augustine has accommodations to suit every travel style.

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Things to Do in St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The city's most recognizable landmark, Castillo de San Marcos, is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Completed in 1695 using durable coquina stone, the massive Spanish fortress overlooks Matanzas Bay and offers visitors an incredible glimpse into colonial military history. Walk along the fortified walls, watch live cannon demonstrations, tour historic rooms, learn about Spanish colonial history, and enjoy panoramic views across Matanzas Bay.

Historic Downtown

Historic Downtown is one of the most walkable districts in Florida. Stroll along brick-lined streets surrounded by Spanish Colonial architecture, historic churches, boutique shops, local art galleries, museums, cafés, wine bars, and outstanding restaurants. Every corner offers beautiful photo opportunities and hidden courtyards waiting to be discovered.

St. George Street

St. George Street serves as the heart of the Historic District. This pedestrian-only street is lined with specialty boutiques, handmade crafts, gourmet food shops, coffee houses, restaurants, galleries, and historic landmarks that make it one of the city's most popular attractions. One of Florida's most popular pedestrian streets, St. George Street is lined with unique boutiques, candy shops, local restaurants, coffee houses, art galleries, bookstores, and specialty stores. You can spend hours exploring this lively shopping district while discovering hidden courtyards and historic buildings.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

The iconic black-and-white St. Augustine Lighthouse rises more than 165 feet above Anastasia Island. Visitors willing to climb its 219 steps are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Historic Downtown, Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Beach, Matanzas Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The adjoining Maritime Museum features exhibits highlighting Florida's rich maritime history.

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is one of Florida's most beautiful coastal preserves, encompassing more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal salt marshes, maritime hammocks, and scenic nature trails on Anastasia Island. Located just minutes from Historic Downtown St. Augustine, the park offers four miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline where visitors can swim, sunbathe, surf, fish, shell collect, or simply relax while enjoying the natural beauty of Florida's Historic Coast. Its diverse ecosystems provide habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife, making the park a favorite destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts throughout the year.

In addition to its spectacular beach, Anastasia State Park offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can paddle through peaceful tidal marshes, explore scenic hiking trails beneath towering live oaks, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by native coastal landscapes. The park also features a campground, playground, picnic pavilions, and a seasonal beach café, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and outdoor adventurers looking to experience one of the most scenic natural areas in Northeast Florida while remaining just minutes from the attractions, restaurants, and historic landmarks of St. Augustine.

The Colonial Quarter

Experience life during Spanish colonial times through interactive exhibits featuring blacksmith demonstrations, historic homes, watchtowers, and costumed interpreters who bring centuries of history to life.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is one of St. Augustine's most famous and historic attractions, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of America's oldest continuously occupied European-established city. Situated on a beautiful 15-acre waterfront property along Hospital Creek, the park is believed to be the site where Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine in 1565. While the legendary connection to Juan Ponce de León's search for the mythical Fountain of Youth remains part of the attraction's story, the park's true significance lies in its rich archaeological discoveries and its role in the early history of Spanish Florida.

Visitors can sip from the park's natural spring, explore reconstructed Timucuan village exhibits, watch blacksmith and cannon-firing demonstrations, tour the recreated 1565 Spanish settlement, and learn about the Native Timucua people who lived here for thousands of years before European arrival. Other highlights include the Discovery Globe, the Navigators Planetarium, the Founders Riverwalk overlooking the Matanzas River, archaeological excavation sites, beautiful gardens, and the park's famous free-roaming peacocks. Interactive exhibits and live historical demonstrations make the attraction enjoyable for both adults and children.

Located just north of the Historic Downtown district at 11 Magnolia Avenue, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is typically open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and offers free parking for visitors. Whether you're fascinated by Spanish colonial history, archaeology, or simply want to experience one of Florida's most iconic landmarks, the park provides an entertaining and educational glimpse into more than 450 years of history while overlooking some of St. Augustine's most scenic waterfront views.

Alligator Farm Zoological Park

One of Florida's oldest attractions, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is home to every living species of crocodilian. Visitors can also enjoy exotic bird exhibits, reptiles, wildlife shows, nature boardwalks, and exciting zip-line adventures.

The Lightner Museum

Housed inside the magnificent former Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler, the Lightner Museum showcases Victorian art, antique furniture, stained glass, decorative arts, sculptures, and fascinating collections displayed within one of Florida's most beautiful historic buildings.

Museums

History lovers can spend days exploring St. Augustine's many museums and historic landmarks. Highlights include the Oldest House Museum Complex, Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, Old Jail Museum, Government House Museum, and numerous preserved colonial buildings that tell the story of more than four centuries of American history.

Flagler College

Flagler College is one of St. Augustine's most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Gilded Age architecture. Originally built in 1888 by railroad and oil magnate Henry Flagler as the luxurious Ponce de Leon Hotel, the building was designed by renowned architects John Carrère and Thomas Hastings and quickly became one of the most elegant resorts of its time. Today, the beautifully preserved campus is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. Visitors can admire its magnificent Spanish Renaissance architecture, grand courtyards, ornate ceilings, and stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows created by renowned artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Guided tours of Flagler College provide a fascinating look inside this architectural treasure, allowing visitors to explore the magnificent Grand Dining Hall, historic rotunda, and other beautifully restored spaces while learning about Henry Flagler's role in shaping Florida's east coast. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown St. Augustine, the college is within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, photography, or Florida's Gilded Age, Flagler College offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of the state's most remarkable historic buildings.

St. Augustine Beach

Located just a few miles southeast of Historic Downtown, St. Augustine Beach is one of Florida's top coastal destinations, offering miles of wide, sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean. St. Augustine Beach features wide stretches of soft sand perfect for swimming, surfing, shell collecting, beach volleyball, fishing, and family fun. Numerous restaurants, vacation rentals, and beachfront parks make it a favorite destination for visitors.

A relaxed coastal atmosphere with miles of wide sandy shoreline for paddleboarding, sunrise photography, biking, dolphin watching, and long walks along the coast. The beach is great for families thanks to its gentle surf, public parks, and convenient amenities.Known for its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly environment, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, paddleboarding, fishing, shell collecting, and long walks by the water. The iconic St. Johns County Ocean Pier serves as a gathering place for fishing, sightseeing, and enjoying spectacular sunrises, while nearby parks, picnic areas, and playgrounds make the beach a favorite for visitors of all ages.

Beyond the beach itself, St. Augustine Beach features a vibrant mix of locally owned restaurants, beachfront cafés, ice cream shops, surf shops, and casual bars, many within walking distance of the shoreline. you can enjoy fresh Florida seafood, tropical cocktails, and live music while taking in ocean views. The area also hosts seasonal farmers markets, concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year, creating a lively yet laid-back beach atmosphere.

St. Augustine Beach offers a wide variety of accommodations, including oceanfront resorts, beachfront hotels, vacation condominiums, and private vacation rental homes that are ideal for couples, families, and larger groups. Its convenient location allows visitors to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation while remaining just minutes from the historic landmarks, museums, shopping, dining, and attractions of downtown St. Augustine. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or simply a peaceful day by the ocean, St. Augustine Beach provides the perfect complement to the rich history and culture of America's oldest city.

Vilano Beach

Located just north of Historic Downtown St. Augustine across the scenic Vilano Bridge, Vilano Beach offers a quieter and more laid-back coastal experience than many of Florida's larger beach destinations. Known for its uncrowded shoreline, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere, Vilano Beach is a favorite among visitors looking to escape the crowds while remaining just minutes from the city's historic attractions.

The beach is popular for swimming, surfing, shell collecting, fishing, paddleboarding, and long walks along the Atlantic Ocean. Its wide sandy shoreline and rolling dunes create a peaceful setting, while the nearby Intracoastal Waterway provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, boating, and dolphin watching. The Vilano Beach Pier is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying beautiful sunsets over the Tolomato River.

Vilano Beach's Town Center features a growing collection of locally owned restaurants, cafés, rooftop bars, and boutique shops. Visitors can enjoy fresh Florida seafood, waterfront dining, and casual beachside cafés while taking in scenic coastal views. The area also hosts seasonal events, farmers markets, and live entertainment throughout the year.

Nature lovers can explore nearby Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of Florida's most important protected coastal ecosystems. The reserve offers miles of hiking and biking trails, kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, and opportunities to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat.

Vilano Beach offers a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels, oceanfront vacation rentals, condominiums, and luxury beachfront homes. Its convenient location allows visitors to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation while remaining only a few minutes from the museums, shopping, restaurants, and historic landmarks of downtown St. Augustine.

Crescent Beach

Located about 10 miles south of Historic Downtown St. Augustine, Crescent Beach is one of the area's most peaceful and scenic stretches of coastline. Known for its wide, uncrowded shoreline and relaxed atmosphere, Crescent Beach is an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida's Atlantic Coast. Its soft sand, gentle surf, and expansive beach make it perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking a quieter beach experience.

Visitors can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, shell collecting, fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, or simply taking long walks along the shoreline. The beach's natural setting also makes it a favorite location for sunrise photography, birdwatching, and spotting dolphins playing just offshore. Nearby boat ramps and the Intracoastal Waterway provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, boating, and fishing excursions.

Crescent Beach is home to a variety of locally owned seafood restaurants, casual cafés, and waterfront eateries where visitors can enjoy fresh Florida shrimp, oysters, grouper, mahi-mahi, and other regional favorites. The area's laid-back atmosphere and friendly local businesses add to its appeal as a relaxing coastal getaway.

Accommodations include oceanfront vacation rental homes, beachfront condominiums, cozy cottages, and small boutique hotels, making Crescent Beach especially popular with families, couples, and snowbirds looking for a peaceful retreat. Its convenient location also places visitors within a short drive of St. Augustine's Historic District, St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park, and many of the area's most popular attractions, allowing travelers to enjoy both coastal relaxation and the rich history of America's oldest city.

Anastasia Island

Anastasia Island is a beautiful barrier island located just east of Historic Downtown St. Augustine, connected to the mainland by the iconic Bridge of Lions. Stretching for approximately 14 miles along Florida's Atlantic Coast, the island is known for its pristine beaches, scenic parks, coastal communities, and relaxed atmosphere. It is home to popular destinations including St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park, and the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Visitors enjoy the perfect blend of outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and convenient access to the historic attractions, restaurants, and shopping found in nearby downtown St. Augustine.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure on Anastasia Island. Miles of sandy beaches provide excellent conditions for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, shell collecting, and beachcombing, while the surrounding salt marshes and tidal estuaries offer exceptional wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Anastasia State Park protects more than 1,600 acres of maritime hammock, tidal marsh, and unspoiled beachfront, making it one of Florida's premier destinations for hiking, camping, nature photography, and exploring native coastal ecosystems.

Anastasia Island also offers a wide variety of accommodations, from oceanfront resorts and boutique hotels to spacious vacation rental homes and beachfront condominiums. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, local seafood restaurants, beach cafés, and unique shops while experiencing a slower pace that perfectly complements the history and culture of St. Augustine. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach vacation, outdoor adventure, or a convenient base for exploring America's oldest city, Anastasia Island provides one of the most scenic and enjoyable coastal experiences on Florida's Historic Coast.

Places to Eat

St. Augustine is one of Florida's premier culinary destinations, offering everything from fresh Atlantic seafood and waterfront dining to award-winning fine dining, international cuisine, Southern comfort food, Farm-to-table dining, rooftop bars, wine bars, bakeries, craft breweries, and casual beach cafés. . Whether you're exploring the Historic District, relaxing at St. Augustine Beach, or visiting Vilano Beach, you'll find outstanding restaurants for every taste and budget.

Fresh local seafood is featured throughout the city, including Florida shrimp, grouper, mahi-mahi, oysters, blue crab, seasonal stone crab, and the area's famous Minorcan clam chowder. Waterfront restaurants overlooking Matanzas Bay and the Atlantic Ocean provide memorable dining experiences with spectacular views.

No visit to St. Augustine is complete without sampling some of the area's local flavors. Fresh Florida shrimp, oysters, blackened grouper, mahi-mahi, blue crab, seasonal stone crab, Minorcan clam chowder, fish tacos, and authentic Key lime pie are among the city's signature dishes. Many waterfront restaurants also feature daily fresh catches sourced from local fishermen.

At St. Augustine Beach, visitors can enjoy casual oceanfront dining featuring fresh seafood baskets, fish tacos, burgers, tropical cocktails, breakfast cafés, pizza, and ice cream shops, many with outdoor patios and live music during weekends.

Collage

One of St. Augustine's most acclaimed restaurants, Collage is known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The menu features premium steaks, fresh seafood, lamb, pasta, and an impressive wine selection, making it a favorite for romantic dinners and special occasions.

Michael's

Michael's offers an upscale dining experience with expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Its elegant atmosphere and outstanding service have made it one of the city's top fine dining destinations.

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille

A longtime favorite in Historic Downtown, Harry's serves flavorful Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes including jambalaya, shrimp étouffée, crawfish, gumbo, blackened fish, and fresh seafood. Its lively courtyard seating makes it a popular stop for both visitors and locals.

The Floridian

The Floridian celebrates Southern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and creative sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere.

Ice Plant

Located in a restored historic ice manufacturing building, Ice Plant is famous for its farm-to-table menu, craft cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, burgers, steaks, and Southern-inspired cuisine served in a unique industrial setting.

Llama Restaurant

Llama Restaurant has earned national recognition for its innovative Peruvian cuisine featuring fresh seafood, ceviche, grilled meats, and beautifully presented dishes inspired by the flavors of Peru.

Raintree Restaurant

Set inside a charming Victorian home, Raintree Restaurant offers Continental and American cuisine with elegant indoor dining and beautiful outdoor garden seating. Popular menu items include fresh seafood, steaks, duck, and gourmet desserts.

St. Augustine Fish Camp

Located along the San Sebastian River, St. Augustine Fish Camp specializes in locally caught seafood, oysters, shrimp, fresh fish, and Lowcountry-inspired dishes while providing beautiful waterfront views.

O'Steen's Restaurant

O'Steen's has been serving some of the area's best fried shrimp for decades. This casual family-owned restaurant is a true local favorite and is well worth the wait during busy hours.

Cap's On the Water

One of the area's most scenic waterfront restaurants, Cap's On the Water overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and offers fresh oysters, local seafood, steaks, and spectacular sunset views beneath towering oak trees.

The Reef

The Reef is one of the few oceanfront restaurants in St. Augustine, serving fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, and brunch with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Salt Life Food Shack

Located near St. Augustine Beach, Salt Life Food Shack is a favorite for seafood, sushi, burgers, tacos, tropical drinks, and rooftop dining in a fun beach atmosphere.

Sunset Grille

Just steps from St. Augustine Beach, Sunset Grille is known for generous portions of fresh seafood, fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and casual outdoor dining after a day at the beach.

Mango Mango's Caribbean Grill & Bar

Mango Mango's serves Caribbean-inspired cuisine featuring tropical seafood dishes, island cocktails, jerk chicken, fresh fish, and colorful beachside décor that perfectly matches the laid-back atmosphere.

Pizza Time of St. Augustine

Frequently recognized as one of Florida's best pizza restaurants, Pizza Time serves authentic New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie. The casual eatery is a must-stop while exploring Historic Downtown.

Burrito Works Taco Shop

A local favorite for casual dining, Burrito Works offers fresh tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and homemade sauces, making it an excellent choice for a quick and affordable meal.

The Blue Hen Café

One of the city's favorite breakfast restaurants, The Blue Hen Café serves homemade biscuits, pancakes, shrimp and grits, omelets, and hearty Southern breakfasts prepared with fresh ingredients.

Beachside Diner

Located near St. Augustine Beach, Beachside Diner is a longtime favorite for breakfast and brunch, serving pancakes, omelets, waffles, fresh coffee, and traditional American breakfast classics.

Shopping

Shopping opportunities range from locally owned boutiques and artisan galleries to antique stores, specialty food shops, beachwear stores, farmers markets, and the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. St. George Street remains the city's premier shopping destination for unique gifts, artwork, handmade jewelry, and local crafts.

Annual Events

Throughout the year, St. Augustine hosts numerous festivals celebrating history, culture, music, art, and food. The internationally recognized Nights of Lights holiday celebration transforms the Historic District into one of America's most spectacular holiday destinations. Other popular events include the St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival, art festivals, music festivals, Celtic celebrations, and historic reenactments.

Where is St. Augustine?

Located on Florida's northeast Atlantic coast, St. Augustine sits approximately 40 miles south of Jacksonville, 55 miles north of Daytona Beach, and about 110 miles east of Orlando. The city is part of Florida's Historic Coast and is easily accessible via Interstate 95, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways, road trips, and extended beach vacations.

History of St. Augustine

Founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine predates Jamestown and Plymouth by decades. For centuries, it served as the capital of Spanish Florida and played a significant role in European exploration, military defense, trade, and colonial history. Today, visitors can walk the same streets that have witnessed more than four centuries of American history while exploring beautifully preserved landmarks and historic neighborhoods.

Best Time to Visit

Spring offers pleasant temperatures, blooming gardens, and excellent sightseeing weather. Summer brings warm ocean water, lively beaches, and family vacations. Fall provides comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds, while winter offers mild weather and the spectacular Nights of Lights celebration that attracts visitors from around the world.

Few Florida destinations offer the remarkable combination of history, culture, beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation, exceptional dining, shopping, and family attractions found in St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach. Visitors can spend the morning exploring centuries-old landmarks, the afternoon relaxing on pristine Atlantic beaches, and the evening enjoying fresh local seafood while watching the sunset over the water.

Whether you're interested in history, architecture, photography, beach vacations, romantic escapes, outdoor adventures, or unforgettable family experiences, St. Augustine delivers one of Florida's most complete travel experiences. Rich in heritage, surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with endless things to see and do, America's oldest city continues to captivate visitors from around the world and remains one of the Sunshine State's premier vacation destinations.

Suggested Three Day Itinerary

Day One

• Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Explore Historic Downtown
• Walk along St. George Street
• Tour Flagler College
• Enjoy dinner overlooking Matanzas Bay

Day Two

• Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse
• Visit the Alligator Farm
• Spend the afternoon on Anastasia Island
• Relax at St. Augustine Beach
• Watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean

Day Three

• Explore Anastasia State Park
• Visit the Lightner Museum
• Shop along St. George Street
• Take a dolphin or sunset cruise
• Enjoy a beachfront dinner

Why Visit St. Augustine?

St. Augustine offers one of the most unique travel experiences in Florida. Few destinations combine over 450 years of history with beautiful beaches, exceptional dining, outdoor recreation, family attractions, and vibrant culture quite like the Ancient City. Whether you're exploring centuries-old forts, climbing a historic lighthouse, relaxing on Atlantic beaches, enjoying fresh seafood, shopping charming streets, or simply soaking in the city's timeless atmosphere, St. Augustine promises memories that will last a lifetime. Rich in history and full of modern-day adventures, America's oldest city remains one of Florida's most rewarding destinations for travelers of every age.

Map of St Augustine Florida

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