St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European establishment in the United States. On the Atlantic shore of Florida, Juan Ponce de Leon landed here in 1513. It was settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, and early Spanish architecture dots its historic core. From museums to history to nearby beaches, St. Augustine is a favorite destination year-round. Here are the best things to do in St. Augustine FL.
Should You Visit to St. Augustine?
Absolutely, it is a top family travel destination that appeals to adult travelers too. From its history to its National Park site to its Spanish Architecture, St. Augustine is a favorite.
With its convenient location in Northern Florida, it is an easy stop for road trippers.
Things to Do in St. Augustine FL
Tour the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Visit the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Stroll St. George St.
Walk By the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
Hop Aboard the Old Town Trolley
See the Oldest House in St. Augustine
Tour the Old Jail Museum and the Oldest Store Museum
Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Chase Waves at Anastasia State Park
Take a St. Augustine Scenic Cruise
Visit the Lightner Museum
Take a Ghost Tour
Tour the First Ripley’s Believe It or Not
A Brief History of St. Augustine FL
After its initial discovery, the first Catholic mission was established in 1587. The Castillo de San Marcos entered into service in 1695.
The Spanish, British and finally Americans all occupied the area. The Spanish laid out the town plan. The British destroyed much of the original building during the 1700s.
The Spanish won it back on one of the Treaties of Paris. Then St. Augustine entered another Spanish period before it became part of the U.S, in the Adams-Onîs Treaty.
After the Civil War, railroad and oil tycoon Henry Flagler arrived in the area. He commissioned many of the Romanesque Revival-style buildings, which earned the area the Newport of the South.
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores AL
Tour the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Built between 1672–1695, this is the oldest masonry in the continental U.S. Strategically located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay, the Spanish used the Castillo de San Marcos to defend its settlement and trade route.
During our visit, we took a self-guided tour and explored the different areas of the fort. All visitors enter at the Sally Port; there’s a drawbridge and the portcullis, a heavy sliding door.
As we explored the fort, we saw the 14- to 18-foot-thick walls at the base. Made of coquina stone, each tapers to 9 feet towards the top and about 400,000 stones were used.
There are costumed Park Rangers to explain the significance of the fort. They are in Spanish and English uniforms.
On the gun deck of the fort, we found the cannons, some with a range of over three miles. Rangers also demonstrate historic weapons on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30, 11:30 a.m.,1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m.
The Spanish held this area from 1672 until 1763, when the British occupied the fort until 1784. During the American Revolution, Florida remained loyal to England.
Kids and Pets at Castillo de San Marcos
Traveling with your kids or pets is part of the fun. Castillo de San Marcos is a great stop while in St. Augustine.
There are special activities for kids. Pets are welcome at Castillo de San Marcos.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about National Park sites. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete.
My kids love the badges that the park rangers present them after completing their booklets. This Junior Ranger booklet also includes Fort Matanzas.
BARK Program
Castillo de San Marcos welcomes pets as long as they practice the principles of the BARK program.
B–Bag waste and dispose of it in the trash
A–Always leash your dog for their safety and others
R–Respect wildlife
K–Know where you can go
Located at 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day Pass is $15 for four adults; kids 15 and younger are free. Visitors can use their America the Beautiful Pass. There is a limited amount of parking in front of the fort. During our stay, we parked once and walked to this destination.
From Bird Girl to Ghosts: 19 Top Things to Do in Savannah
Visit Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Along Hospital Creek, the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a 15-acre park. It is home to the Spring House for the fabled spring water.
In 1513, Ponce de Leon landed in a Timucua Village and named the area La Florida.
There are several areas to explore, like the Navigators Planetarium and a Timucua Village. During my visit, the peacocks wandered through the property.
Another popular stop to explore is the blacksmith exhibit with demonstrations. There is also antique weapons demonstrations near the Spanish Lookout area.
Located at 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $22.95, seniors are $20.95 and kids (6 to 12) are $9.95.
Unsoiled Beauty: 17 Top Things to Do on Cumberland Island in Georgia
Stroll St. George St.
A pedestrian thoroughfare, travelers will find ice cream shops, public houses, restaurants and shopping along this historic street. This street is a Colonial-era area with storefronts with wood clapboards and wood shake roofs.
St. Augustine features many Spanish architectural elements, so I saw Castillo tile roofs, balconies and stucco exteriors too. The Oldest School is located on St. George Street, too.
Open 24 hours a day and free to visit. Find paid street parking in the area.
Macon Bacon! 15 Top Things to Do in Macon Georgia
Walk By the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
Its actual date of construction is unknown; however, this building appeared on the 1716 tax record. Constructed of wood, Genopoly House has been preserved to reflect the homestead life of the Minorcan Settlers.
Located at 20-30 St George St, St. Augustine. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Adult admission is $7.95, kids (6 to 12) are $6.95, with those 5 and younger entering for free.
Hop Aboard the Old Town Trolley
This is the St. Augustine Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Tour, and it is an excellent way to get around. With parking at a premium, I used the trolley to get from one attraction to another.
With green and orange multi-car trolleys, we rode through the historic section of St. Augustine. The trolley features stops at top attractions like, Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, Mission of Nombre de Dios, Fountain of Youth and St. George Street.
The St. Augustine tour is 8.5 miles long and averages 90 minutes from start to finish.
Adult tickets start at $35.14, and kids (4 to 12) are $17.09 for one-day tickets.
See the Oldest House in St. Augustine
Owned and operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society, the Oldest House is the Gonzales-Alvarez House, dating to about 1723. Designated a U.S. Historic Landmark, the building was renovated over time as Spanish, British and American families lived in the space. The first level is made of coquina, the same as the Castillo de San Marcos.
Admission to the Oldest House Museum Complex includes a guided tour of Florida’s Oldest House, access to the Webb Museum, Surf Culture Museum and the Page Edwards Gallery.
Located at 14 St. Francis Street, St. Augustine. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Adult admission is $12.95, seniors are $9.95 and kids (4 and up): $4.95. Tours depart every 30 minutes.
Fabulously Fun: 11 Top Things to Do in The French Quarter New Orleans
Tour the Old Jail Museum and the Oldest Store Museum
Built in 1891, the most notorious residents of the city were incarcerated in the St. Augustine Old Jail. Imprisoned for everything from drunkenness to murder, the jail was used until 1953.
Now it is a museum where visitors can see the conditions common in jails over 100 years ago. During my visit, I took a guided tour where the guide made the stories come alive.
The Oldest Store Museum is another interactive experience where guests can learn about turn-of-the-century living. Mr. C.F. Hamblen was the proprietor and specialized in selling time-saving machines from 1900.
Located at 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine. Both Tours are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each tour requires its own ticket. Adult admission is $16.24, and kids (4 to 12) are $$8.54, with those 3 and younger entering for free.
Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Standing at the north end of Anastasia Island, this historic lighthouse is 164 feet tall. Built between 1871 and 1874, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a working light and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
During our visit, we explored the campus, like the 1876 Keepers’ House: At Home with the Harns. There is a Heritage Boat Works too.
WRECKED! exhibit tablets with a game about finding a shipwreck and artifacts underwater. Kids will find a boat playscape, a great place for supervised play, while others climb the lighthouse.
For those 44 inches and taller, there’s a self-guided climb up the 219-step spiral staircase. Divided by landings, we climbed on a summer afternoon and were rewarded with views in every direction.
Located at 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission is 17.95, kids (12 and younger) are $12.95 and 44 inches tall. Those under 44 inches tall enter for free (can’t climb the lighthouse).
Chase Waves at Anastasia State Park
With 1,600 acres of white sand beaches, tidal marshes, wetlands and sand dunes, Anastasia State Park is a refuge for wildlife, marine life and people looking for a low-key beach experience. From marine birds to tortoises, wildlife also flourishes at the popular state park.
During our visit, we headed to the beach for a few hours in the afternoon. Lined with beachgoers, families splashed in the waves. I found rinse-off showers, a restroom and a concession stand. During my visit, the restrooms needed attention, as was the case in another Florida State Park site.
Located at 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine. Open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown. Admission is $8 per vehicle.
Take a St. Augustine Scenic Cruise
I recommend you enjoy the scenery from the water on a scenic boat cruise. During my trip, I took the St. Augustine Scenic Cruise, owned and operated by the same family since 1900.
Many boats later, the Usina family guides passengers around the Matanzas Bay. During the 75-minute narrated sightseeing cruise, passengers can enjoy the scenery and possibly spot wildlife or marine life. The boat serves beer, wine, bottled water, soft drinks and small snacks at its cash bar. It is also pet-friendly.
Departing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina at 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. Summer cruises (April 1 to September 1) depart at 11 a.m., 1, 2:45, 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. From early September to mid-October, the boat enters dry dock. The Winter cruises (mid-October to March 31) depart at 11 a.m., 1, 2:45, 4:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $28.50, seniors $23 are and kids (4 to 12) are $12.50.
Visit the Lightner Museum
In the historic Hotel Alcazar building, the Lightner Museum features Gilded Age antiques, like furniture. It also includes antique typewriters and American Brilliant Era cut glass.
Commissioned by Standard Oil executive Henry Flagler, the 1887 Spanish Renaissance Revival style building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located at 75 King St, St. Augustine. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $20, seniors are $16, teens (12 to 17) are $13 and kids 11 and younger enter for free.
Tour the First Ripley’s Believe It or Not
This is the location of the first permanent Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Opening in 1950, it is housed in the Castle Warden, built in 1888. The three-story castle inspired Robert Ripley, the founder.
Guests will wander through the displays to discover oddities from around the world. There are also rare artifacts and hands-on experiences.
Located at 19 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 p.m. on Saturdays). Adult prices start at $24.99 and kids ( to 11) are $14.99
Take a Ghost Tour
I was in St. Augustine for two minutes before I realized ghost tours are super popular in town. As the oldest city in the U.S., spirits float in and around the old historic core.
From the Old Jail to the lighthouse to the cemetery, ghost tours share the stories of the people behind the apparitions. From trolley tours to walking tours, travelers can find a ghost tour that fits their itinerary.
Most Haunted Cities in the U.S.
Where to Eat in St. Augustine FL
PK’s Roosevelt Room
If it’s a getaway, do brunch. At the Roosevelt Rooms, diners will find brunch classics in an elegant space with exposed brick from 1914, a 100-year-old tin embossed ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and a grand staircase.
During my visit, I sampled the Brulee French Toast with a torched sugar topping on the sourdough bread, peach melba, vanilla cream cheese and drizzled with orange blossom honey. The Birria Breakfast Tacos are a trio of corn tortillas with braised beef, black bean salsa, local eggs, lime crema and cheese.
Another stand-out is the Banana Bread served. The mimosa selection is impressive with options made with pomegranate, grapefruit and cranberry. Sparkling wine, beer and wine are served, plus barista coffee drinks.
Located at 121 St. George St. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner served from Thursday to Monday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Reservations accepted.
Pizza Time
This hole-in-the-wall pizza joint usually has a line into the street. Diners can select from the pies in the front windows (that’s what lured us inside). The staff will pull off a slice of its New York-style pizza and slide it into the oven.
During our visit, we found classics like Grandma’s Pizza, White Pizza, Margherita, Sicilian, and the list goes on. There’s also garlic knots, salads, calzones, plus wine, beer and drinks.
Located at 124 St George St, St. Augustine. Open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cash Only.
DJ’s Clam Shack
For a quick bite of seafood, DJ’s Clam Shack has a storefront in St. Augustine. The restaurant got its start in 2009 in Key West.
It serves a mix of fried fish, like Conch Fritters and Clam Strips. It also steams Little Neck Clams. Diners will find both Mahi Mahi and Fried Shrimp tacos on its menu.
Located at 21 Hypolita St, St. Augustine. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ford’s Garage
Out on Interstate 95, there’s a Ford’s Garage, a 1920s-style service station casual dining restuarant. Featuring many vintage Ford vehicles, it is a must for automotive enthusiasts.
Its menu offers burgers, like the Model A or the High Octane. Its Giant Funnel Tower of Jumbo Piston Onion Rings is also a standout. There are salads, sandwiches and American comfort food on the menu.
Located at 550 Outlet Mall Blvd, Ste 200, St. Augustine, located next to the Bozard Ford and Lincoln dealership. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
Disclosure:
This destination hosted the writer. This article contains affiliate links.
Comments are closed.