St. Augustine
St. Augustine - Vacation Briefing
St. Augustine, located in northeastern Florida, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. This picturesque city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the cobblestone streets lined with Spanish colonial architecture, visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the city. St. Augustine is also known for its beautiful beaches, like Anastasia State Park, where you can relax and enjoy the sun. With a vibrant dining scene, art galleries, and boutique shops, there is always something new to discover in St. Augustine.
Popular Sights in St. Augustine
Things to do during your St. Augustine vacation
St. Augustine, located in the United States of America, is a historic city that offers a range of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. Explore its rich history, breathtaking architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Here are some of the top things to do in St. Augustine:
- Visit Castillo de San Marcos: Explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and learn about its history.
- Discover St. George Street: Take a leisurely stroll along the charming pedestrian-only street and browse through the shops, galleries, and restaurants.
- Experience the St. Augustine Lighthouse: Climb 219 steps to the top of this historic lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and coastline.
- Relax at St. Augustine Beach: Unwind on the sandy shores, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or enjoy water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
- Tour the Flagler College: Marvel at the grandeur of this former luxury hotel turned college, known for its Spanish Renaissance architecture.
- Explore the Lightner Museum: Discover a collection of art, antiques, and curiosities housed in a historic Gilded Age hotel.
- Embark on a Ghost Tour: Join a guided tour and hear intriguing stories about St. Augustine's haunted history.
- Visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: Step back in time and learn about the legendary Fountain of Youth while exploring historical exhibits and beautiful gardens.
- Enjoy a Sunset Cruise: Sail along the scenic Matanzas Bay and witness breathtaking sunset views while onboard a boat.
- Visit the St. Augustine Distillery: Take a guided tour of the distillery and learn about the craft of making fine spirits while enjoying tastings.
- Experience the Alligator Farm: Get up close and personal with alligators and other reptiles at this unique attraction and wildlife park.
Why you should visit St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a historical and cultural destination with some drawbacks.
The destination has an average level of safety, with occasional petty crime.
St. Augustine is rich in history and culture, with numerous museums and historical sites to explore.
The nightlife in St. Augustine is limited, with only a few bars and clubs.
The destination offers some adventure activities like sailing and kayaking, but options are limited compared to other destinations.
While there are some relaxing activities like strolling along the beaches, it can get crowded and noisy.
Best time to visit St. Augustine
St. Augustine offers a charming experience all year round, but for the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, visit between October and December.
A guide To your first day of St. Augustine vacation
morning
- Start your morning with a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This historic fort offers breathtaking views of the city and is a great place to learn about the area's history.
- Explore the beautiful St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the coast and learn about the area's maritime history.
afternoon
- Take a leisurely stroll along St. George Street, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Browse the charming shops, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
- Visit the Lightner Museum, housed in a historic hotel building. This museum features a wide range of unique collections, including fine art, antiques, and even musical instruments.
evening
- Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Matanzas Bay. Take in the beautiful views of the city skyline and the ancient city gates as you cruise along the water.
- Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at one of the city's waterfront restaurants. Try local specialties like shrimp and grits or freshly caught fish.
night
- Experience the haunted side of St. Augustine with a ghost tour. Walk the dark streets and hear spooky tales of the city's paranormal activity.
- Visit one of the local breweries or bars for a taste of St. Augustine's craft beer scene. Sip on unique brews while enjoying live music or a friendly game of pool.
How to get to St. Augustine
By Plane
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the most convenient option for reaching St. Augustine. It offers frequent international flights and is well-connected to the city via a 55-minute drive. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is another major hub within a 2-hour drive from St. Augustine, providing a broader range of flight options.
By other means
While public transport options are limited in St. Augustine, Amtrak's Palatka Station is approximately 30 miles away, offering train services to various U.S. cities. The local bus system, Sunshine Bus, provides transportation within the city and neighboring areas, making it a convenient option for exploring St. Augustine.
Tips for Booking Your Trip
Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.
Flights: How to Score the Best Deal
First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.
Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot
For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.
Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!
Flights
Accommodation
Best for travelers who are ...
History enthusiasts, beach lovers, and culture seekers
How long to stay in St. Augustine?
A minimum of 3 days is recommended to fully experience the history and charm of St. Augustine, but longer stays are highly encouraged to explore all that the city has to offer.
Similar destination to St. Augustine, United States of America
Because St. Augustine is known for beach,history,architecture,food and shopping these destinations might be a good fit for you: