The following is information that will make your trip to St. Augustine, Florida, more enjoyable.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Florida are recognized for their sugar-white sand beaches, while others are famous for their rich history, thriving culinary scene, or abundance of attractions. St. Augustine addresses all of these concerns as well as others. St. Augustine, often known as the "Nation's Oldest City," is located close to the site where the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived in 1513. Juan Ponce de León was purportedly on a journey to find the legendary Fountain of Youth. In 1565, St. Augustine became the first city in North America to be built by European people.
Although it is rather old, St. Augustine is still considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Florida. There is a wide variety of things to see, do, and discover in this city. It may be hundreds of years old, but despite its age, it still maintains its vibrant personality, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Florida.
The Top Attractions and Activities in St. Augustine
Even while you may be quite content just wandering the old streets of St. Augustine, there are many opportunities to go further below the surface of this enchanting city.
Getting your bearings by going on a trolley tour to gain an overview of the area is a great way to get started. Old Town Trolley Tours are only offered in seven of the most historically significant cities in the United States, and St. Augustine is one of those cities. On this tour, you will visit more than 22 stops and 100 points of interest spread out over the city. Some of these areas of interest include Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the Old Jail, the Oldest House Museum Complex, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and many others. You will also hear intriguing tales about the city's history and its current state.
A "frightseeing" tour is a requirement in this 500-year-old city; you can return by night for the Ghosts & Gravestones version of the tour, which is loaded with tales of the scary, macabre, and paranormal; a "sightseeing" tour is not an option.
Another activity that you simply must partake in before departing St. Augustine is going shopping on St. George Street. St. Augustine's historic quarter is, with good cause, the city's most popular tourist destination. There is a central thoroughfare that is exclusively accessible to foot traffic, and it is lined with shops, restaurants, attractions, hipster boutiques, and antiques. You may very well spend a whole day wandering about and getting lost in these wonderful streets.
Giant gator visits posh Florida town in another 'Jurassic' moment https://t.co/S2JR2wqQOr pic.twitter.com/apDeiTqDzE
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You won't be able to avoid seeing the gigantic Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish stone castle that dates back to the 1600s and is located near St. Augustine. Visit us for a tour, to learn some interesting local history, and to take in the stunning views of the St. Augustine Inlet.
Visit the breathtaking Flagler College, which features 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows that illuminate hand-painted murals on the walls and ceiling of the university's dining room, as well as the Lightner Museum, which is housed in the former Hotel Alcázar, a Gilded Age resort that was commissioned by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Both of these attractions are sure to please history buffs looking for more historical eye candy.
Not interested in the past? St. Augustine's lovely Atlantic Ocean beaches, which are not far from the historic city, are favorites of people who enjoy being outdoors. St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach are two of the most popular beaches in the area. Both of these beaches feature grassy dunes and long expanses of windswept sand, but Anastasia State Park, a protected animal sanctuary, is one of the most serene sites in the area.
St. Augustine Hotels
Bed and breakfasts are the most common type of accommodations in St. Augustine. Staying in one of the city's quaint inns is part of the enjoyment, and it puts the entire historic district within easy walking distance. There are chain hotels in the region, which may be a better option for large groups or those on a strict budget; but, for everyone else, staying in one of the city's quaint inns is the best option.
The St. Francis Inn, located on St. George Street, is renowned for its historic allure and romantic elegance; as a result, it is one of the most popular hotels in the area. Along with its 19 elegantly decorated guest rooms and suites, this inn also provides its guests with a walled courtyard garden, a swimming pool, bicycles, inviting living and dining rooms, and, of course, a complete gourmet breakfast each morning.
On Cordova Street, on the outskirts of St. Augustine's Old Town, you'll find another one of the city's top picks: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens. This posh and enchanting inn may be found. While it is possible to walk to all of the major sites from this property, it also provides a tranquil escape from the crowds. It feels like a true getaway thanks to the magnificent courtyard, brick walkways, antiques, bar, pool, and fire pits, in addition to the contemporary yet luxurious suites.
The Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection is yet another breathtaking location that you really must check out during your time in St. Augustine. Casa Monica was initially constructed in 1888 as a tribute to the classic Moroccan splendor, and today it is a St. Augustine landmark in the heart of the historic neighborhood. It features a spa, event space, and an on-site restaurant that serves cuisine from the Mediterranean region.
The Historic Sevilla House, the Old Powder House Inn, the Casa De Solana Bed and Breakfast, the 44 Spanish Street Inn, and the Bayfront Marin House Historic Inn & Cottages are some of the other top-rated bed-and-breakfasts in St. Augustine. The Bayfront Marin House Historic Inn & Cottages is located directly across from Matanzas Bay (and is arguably the best waterfront hotel in St. Augustine), but it also has off-property beach cottage
When to Go to St. Augustine for the Best Weather
There is never a poor time to pay St. Augustine a visit. Because of its location in the state's extreme northeast corner, the city is subject to a wider range of seasonal shifts than other regions of Florida; yet, there are compelling reasons to visit at any time of the year.
Visit during the summer to find less people in the historic area, but be prepared for the beaches to be crowded; this is also the height of the Atlantic hurricane season, so bear in mind that the weather could throw a wrench into your plans. The weather is pleasant, there's a little breeze, and a ton of celebrations take place during the springtime.
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Because of the return of children to school in the fall, there is less travel by families during this time of year; as a result, you may be able to find some nice deals and watch the leaves change color. It is the ideal time of year to stroll among the city's various stores and boutiques as well as attend cultural festivals because the weather is pleasant, there is less chance of rain and humidity, and there are fewer people.
However, winter is one of the greatest times to visit, not only because the weather can become downright chilly — a wonderful change of pace from the hot and sunny Florida — but also because it is when the city is all done up for Nights of Lights, which is one of the top Christmastime attractions in Florida.
This annual display, which won an award last year, is responsible for lighting up the city with more than three million lights from the middle of November to the end of January, dazzling tourists and locals alike and spreading holiday cheer. Nights of Lights is one of the most popular events of the year, so expect to encounter significant crowds if you go. However, if you stay away from the event on holidays and weekends, you should have no trouble getting in.
Where to Get Something to Eat and Drink
St. Augustine is an excellent location to sample regional specialties typical of Florida, such as fresh seafood prepared with a Latin flavor. The many tourists and young people who enjoy the city's combination of ancient and modern architecture have contributed to the vibrancy of the city's dining and drinking scene.
Ice Plant Bar, which serves farm-to-table cuisine and specialty cocktails in a building that was refurbished in 1927, is situated only on the outside of the historic center, but it is quite popular with tourists. A1A Ale Works is a restaurant that serves food that is popular with the general public and has a second-story patio that provides breathtaking views of Matanzas Bay. The restaurant is known for its root beer, which is another drink that leaves a lasting impression.
The New Orleans-inspired Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille (get a table in the stunning courtyard), Prohibition Kitchen gastropub, and Catch 27, which serves local seafood and seasonal fare are also popular restaurants in the historic district of St. Augustine. Columbia Restaurant is a long-standing local chain that dates back to 1905 and serves traditional Spanish cuisine. Other popular restaurants in the historic district include The Floridian, which serves regionally inspired southern fare; Catch 27, which serves local seafood and seasonal fare;
Gypsy Cab Company is a laid-back residents' place located a little bit outside of the old downtown area. They provide a flavorfully broad menu that draws inspiration from numerous sorts of food from all over the world, as well as a peanut butter pie that will haunt your dreams for the rest of your life.
It's hard to make a bad choice when it comes to getting a table in St. Augustine; the city is one of the best gastronomic destinations in Florida because to its abundance of highly rated restaurants that feature incredible ambiances on top of their scrumptious menus. No matter where you dine, it's hard to go wrong when you grab a seat in St. Augustine. Make a reservation and get ready for some meals that you won't forget anytime soon because almost each restaurant you go to will live up to your expectations.
Getting to That Point
Once you are in St. Augustine, you can easily get there by automobile; however, once you are there, you should plan to leave the wheels behind and explore the ancient district on foot. If you need to cover more ground in the city, you can use the trolleys, although walking is the best way to view most of the city's top attractions.
Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and Orlando are among the major cities that can be reached within a span of less than two hours from this region. Savannah, Georgia, can be reached a little less than three hours to the north along the coast. Because of this, it is simple to reach from either the north or the south through Interstate 95, United States Route 1, and the picturesque Florida Highway A1A.
The nearest major airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is located around 50 minutes north of St. Augustine. However, Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST), which is located only 10 minutes from the historic area, is also an option for those who aren't flying on commercial airlines.
Other notable airports include the Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), which can be reached by driving south for approximately 50 minutes, and the Orlando International Airport (MCO), which can be reached by driving southwest for approximately 90 minutes.