Are you looking for a vacation spot that offers a unique combination of history, adventure, and relaxation? Look no further than St. Augustine Florida! Located on the northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine is packed with attractions like historic forts, quaint beaches and captivating wildlife. Known as the oldest city in America and home to over 41 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, this remarkable destination will bring beauty and fun to your vacation experience! Whether you’re traveling solo or with family there are plenty of reasons why St. Augustine should be added to your list of travel destinations! In this blog post we cover all things Saint Augustine- from local experiences to the best restaurants while in town so that planning your next trip is easier than ever. Read on to find out why visiting St. Augustine Florida should be at top priority on every traveler’s bucket list!
1.) Amazing Tours & Attractions
St. Augustine has some of the most amazing tours, attractions and historic sites to checkout. We recommend visiting our St. Augustine TourPass page which includes over 30 of the city’s best tours on one pass where admission is 100% paid. Below you’ll find our Top-rated must do tours/attractions:
- Fountain of Youth
- Pirate & Treasure Museum – great for kids and also adult. Has a nice gift shop as well.
- Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour – narrated all day trolley service.
- Lightner Museum
- Castillo de San Marcos – Oldest masonry fort in the United States built by the Spanish Settlers. Also a National Park.
- Tour Pass St. Augustine – includes admission to the top tours/attractions
2.) The Culture
St. Augustine is known for it’s easy-going Southern laid back style. The city is full of sun lovers, beach goers and everyone in-between. The picturesque Flagler College, a liberal arts school, is located in the historic district which gives St. Augustine an additional edginess and artistic flair.
3.) The Food & Nightlife
St. Augustine has some top-notch restaurants. Here’s what we recommend:
- The Ice Plant Bar – is a popular restaurant in St. Augustine that specializes in locally-sourced seafood and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, making it perfect for a night out with friends.
- The Floridian – is another popular seafood restaurant in St. Augustine. The Floridian is known for its fresh, local seafood, as well as its Southern-style dishes. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for a casual night out.
- Cap’s on the Water – is one of the most popular restaurants in St. Augustine, thanks to its stunning waterfront location. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, and offers an extensive wine list to accompany your meal. Cap’s on the Water also has a beautiful outdoor patio, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal on a warm day.
- Catch 27 – Serving sustainable seafood with a mid to upper priced menu. The atmosphere is upper casual with a great wine list and bespoke cocktails that won’t disappoint.
4.) The Events
St. Augustine is known for some amazing events and people travel from all over the world. Here are the “can’t miss” top events in the city:
- Nights of Lights – St. Augustine’s most popular event where all businesses and parks are lit up with millions of lights for the holidays. A beautiful site that takes place from mid-November through January 31st every year.
- St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market (weekly event) – From 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Saturday morning, shoppers stroll up and down the vendor-lined pathways of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market, browsing more than 100 tents loaded with local produce, flowers, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Admission into the market is free.
- The Players Championship PGA Golf Tournament at TPC Sawgrass – also of note…the World Golf Hall of Fame in located in St. Augustine.
- Fireworks over the Mantazas – On July 4th and festivities begin at 6 pm. There are live bands and one of the best fireworks displays around. This is a free event.
5.) The Shopping
St. George Street is where it’s at when it comes to the mecca of St. Augustine shopping. Find Local Vendors and national retailers with everything you could imagine along with bars and restuarants.
6.) The Nightlife
There are plenty of amazing nightlife locales in St. Augustine.
7.) The Beaches
- St. Augustine Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the Florida sun. The beach is located just a short drive from downtown St. Augustine and offers plenty of parking, public restrooms, and showers. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
- Anastasia State Park is a great place to enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The park also has a nature center where visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as a boardwalk that winds through a salt marsh.
- Vilano Beach is located just north of St. Augustine Beach and is a great spot for those looking for a less crowded beach experience. The beach is home to a number of small shops and restaurants as well as a fishing pier. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.
- Crescent Beach is located just south of St. Augustine and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches. The beach is also a great place for surfing, boogie boarding, and fishing. Visitors can find public restrooms and showers at nearby Frank Butler County Park
