One of our favorite places to visit is historic St. Augustine. Located on the east coast of Florida between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, St. Augustine holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. Founded in 1565 during an expedition led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine predates the Jamestown settlement by forty-two years.
Although conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon is credited with being the first European to discover Florida in 1513, the Spanish launched six failed attempts to create a settlement in Florida before Menendez de Aviles successfully established the settlement of St. Augustine and took over a French Huguenot colony just to the north in what is present-day Jacksonville.
The settlement faced many challenges from clashes with the British and attacks from pirates over the following centuries. The city changed hands between the Spanish and the British multiple times before Florida eventually became a state in 1845. Today, St. Augustine is a blend of history, Spanish architecture, coastal charm, and modern attractions and receives over two million visitors a year. Read on to discover why this beautiful and unique city is a must-visit destination in Florida!
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MUST-SEE HISTORIC SITES
CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Built to protect Spain’s interests and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest structure in St. Augustine. It has witnessed various historical events over the centuries, and its durable coquina construction has allowed it to withstand cannon fire during attacks. Formerly known as Fort St. Mark when the British took control of Florida in 1763 and then as Fort Marion when Florida became part of the union, Castillo de San Marcos is now a designated National Monument where you can learn about the complicated history of colonialism and military strategy in North America.
This national monument is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The admission cost to visit Castillo de San Marcos is $15 for adults (16 years and older). Children 15 and under are free. There is a parking lot adjacent to the fort which cost $2.50/hour, although on busy days, it may be difficult to find a parking spot in this lot. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility is a 10-minute walk if you choose to park there. The National Park Services offers free admission on six days each year, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
Once inside, you can take a self-guided tour. Learn about the fort’s history by attending a presentation by a park ranger or witness a historic weapons demonstration. Engaging exhibits are available through the fort, as well as brochures and maps to guide your visit. You can also access a self-guided tour by downloading the Castillo de San Marcos app. Kids may enjoy completing the Junior Ranger program, where they complete activities in a booklet to learn about the fort and earn a badge. Our girls did this when they were younger and really enjoyed it!
PONCE DE LEON'S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
The land where Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is located was inhabited by Timucuan people at the time of Menendez de Aviles’ arrival in 1565 and was the site of the Timucuan village of Seloy. In 1587, the Mission Nombre de Dios – the first Catholic mission in what is now the United States – was established at this site. Today, this area is a 15-acre waterfront park where visitors can engage in a variety of experiences to learn about the location’s history.
The park is open daily from 9am-6pm. Admission rates are $22.95 for adults, $20.95 for seniors, and $9.95 for kids 6-12. Children six and under are free. Discounts are available for St. Johns county residents, active military, and AAA members. Free parking is also available next to the entrance.
Once inside, your first stop will be the Spring House, a 60-year-old coquina building that houses the infamous Fountain of Youth. There are cups available if you want to take a sip–but be forewarned, Hadassah and Hannah thought the water tasted gross! (The water is from a natural spring that is high in sulfur.)
After visiting the Spring House, meander along the path to visit other exhibits such as the Navigator’s Planetarium, a recreation of a Timucuan village, and a Timucuan burial ground. You can also witness living history reenactments such as blacksmith demonstrations and cannon firings. The 600-foot Founders Riverwalk and observation tower provide beautiful bay front views, and colorful peacocks freely roam the property. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park supplies plenty of experiential ways to learn about history and is also a fun, family-friendly activity.
LIGHTNER MUSEUM
Located in the former Hotel Alcazar – a hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler and modeled after a Moorish Palace – the Lightner Museum was established in 1948 by Chicago publisher and avid collector Otto Lightner to house his “collection of collections.” The museum today is three floors filled with a variety of antiques and materials that range from decorative arts to vintage furniture and stained glass.
The museum is open daily from 9am-5pm except on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission rates are $19 for adults and $12 for youth (12-17). Children 11 and under are free, and discounted rates are available for seniors, military, students, and St. Johns county residents.
Ongoing exhibits include The Gilded Age: Treasures from the Lightner Museum, which showcases fine and decorative arts representing the rapid industrial growth and resulting cultural changes in the United States during the late nineteenth century. St. Augustine Through the Lens of Henry Jackson displays the photographs of William Henry Jackson, which document the lives of residents in St. Augustine during the 1890’s. The exhibit Riding High: Vintage Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection features a variety of vintage bicycles and cycling memorabilia.
The Lightner Museum is worth visiting for its stunning architecture and its diverse collections which offer an immersive journey through the culture of the Gilded Age. If you plan to visit, allow at least 2-3 hours to see everything.
FLAGLER COLLEGE
Originally built in 1887 by Henry Flagler as the Hotel Ponce de Leon, Flagler College is now a respected liberal arts institution. The main building, Ponce de Leon Hall, is a registered National Historic Landmark. Daily tours are offered to highlight the fascinating architecture and history of the building. Tours are at 10am and 2pm and cost $17 for everyone four and older.
Hidden gem tip: According to legend, there is a tile in the rotunda of the former Ponce de Leon hotel that bears an image with a striking resemblance to Henry Flagler’s face. We have seen this tile and must say that it was strange how different it was from the other tiles around it – it did bear an uncanny similarity to a face. We had trouble finding the tile on our own, but when we asked the tour guide knew exactly what we were talking about and pointed it out. If you tour Flagler College, take a peek at this mysterious tile and decide for yourself if the legend is true!
THE OLDEST WOODEN SCHOOLHOUSE
The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse Historic Museum and Gardens showcases the former homestead of Juan Genopoly, built in the 1700’s. Made from rustic cypress and red cedar, this building has never been reconstructed. Here you can take a self-guided tour of an authentic schoolroom with period artifacts and learn about the daily lives of colonial school children. The property also includes other historic buildings such as a kitchen and an outhouse.
The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is open Sunday-Thursday from 10am-6pm and Friday-Saturday from 10am-8pm. Admission rates are $7.95 for adults and $6.95 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free.
HISTORIC OLD JAIL
The historic Old Jail in St. Augustine is both an educational and entertaining activity. The jail was originally constructed in 1891 by Henry Flagler, who designed the exterior of the building to look like a hotel in order to blend in with the rest of the city and not unsettle his hotel guests. The jail was known as site for capital punishment, with prisoners being hung from gallows on the property. This prison was eventually closed in 1953 due to its inhumane conditions, such as overcrowding and a lack of sanitation.
The Old Jail was converted into a museum just a year after closing, and in 1987 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, a costumed tour guide will give you an interactive tour of the jail which showcases the harsh lives of the prisoners during the 19th and early 20th centuries. You can step inside a jail cell, learn about the living conditions for the inmates, and view a collection of artifacts and weapons.
Guided tours last thirty minutes and are offered daily from 9:00am-4:30pm. Tickets start at $16.14 and reservations are recommended. We did not have reservations when we visited the Old Jail and did not have a problem obtaining tickets, although we did have to wait about twenty minutes for a later tour because the earlier one was already full.
Because the Old Jail is known as one of the most haunted spots in St. Augustine, they also offer paranormal night tours where you have the chance to become a ghost hunter. We have not done this tour, but the Old Jail recommends it for ages 13 and up due to the eerie subject matter. Two tours are offered (a thirty minute tour and a two hour tour) and tickets begin at $94.99.
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE AND MARITIME MUSEUM
The current lighthouse in St. Augustine began operations in 1874 and continues offering navigational aid today. At the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, you can not only climb the lighthouse but also view various engaging exhibits to learn about the life of a lighthouse keeper and the maritime history of the area.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is open daily from 9am-6pm in October-February and 9am-6:30pm in March-September. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Ticket prices for adults and children 13 and older are $17.95. Tickets for children 12 and under are $12.95. However, children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the lighthouse, so children under 44 inches receive free admission regardless of age.
There are a plethora of activities to enjoy at the lighthouse, but our favorite is climbing the lighthouse itself. The lighthouse contains 219 steps to reach the observation deck at the top and has eight platforms along the staircase where you can stop and rest. The climb may be daunting but the stunning view at the top is worth it! The panoramic view allows you to take in all of the city of St. Augustine as well as the coastline and ocean.
Other exhibits include visiting the Keeper’s House, where you can learn about the life of a lighthouse keeper as well as the history of the shrimping industry in St. Augustine. The Maritime Education Center has an Artifact Conservation Lab, stories about other lighthouses, and a great play area for kids that includes a puppet theater! The girls enjoyed putting on their own puppet show during our visit.
At the WWII Home Front Exhibit, you can learn about St. Augustine’s role during World War II, and at Heritage Boatworks you can witness a volunteer creating an old-fashioned wooden boat. The Natural Maritime Hammock provides a peaceful area to connect with nature, and the pirate ship playground gives kids the opportunity to use their imaginations as they sail the open sea!
We highly recommend checking out St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for fun, educational, and family-friendly activities. If you visit, plan to allow 1.5-2 hours if you want to enjoy all the exhibits.
ST. AUGUSTINE PIRATE AND TREASURE MUSEUM
The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a fun stop for those interested in the Golden Age of Piracy! This museum contains an extensive collection of rare pirate relics and introduces visitors to the history of piracy in St. Augustine and Colonial America. Many of the exhibits are multi-sensory, and there is a scavenger hunt for kids that the girls really enjoyed. We even got to the see the oldest known treasure chest in the world!
The museum is open daily from 10am-7pm and is closed on Christmas Day. Ticket prices are $18.99 for adults and children 13 and older and $9.99 for children 5-12. Military rates and discounted rates for residents of St. Johns County are available.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
ANASTASIA STATE PARK
Located on the barrier island of Anastasia Island, just east of downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park provides a peaceful respite from the busyness of the historic district. This parks features four miles of white sand beaches bordered by ancient sand dunes, dense woodlands, and vast tidal marshes. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, an array of birds, and even the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse. This park is also unique in that it is home to historic Spanish coquina quarries, the primary source for the coquina that was used to build Castillo de San Marcos.
We visited Anastasia State Park on Labor Day weekend and were surprised at how uncrowded it was. There were plenty of cars in the parking lot, but with four miles of coastline to spread out, the beach felt very secluded and tranquil. We walked for about two miles and enjoyed seeing pipers scuttling along the sand and pelicans skimming the water. After the beach, we headed over to the Ancient Dunes trail, a shaded nature trail that winds through an ancient dune system. After hiking, we visited the site of the old Spanish coquina quarries.
Anastasia State Park is open 8am to sundown every day. The cost to enter is $8 per vehicle. We highly recommend making a stop here to enjoy the peaceful solitude and Florida’s natural beauty.
ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH
Also located on Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Beach is a wide, sandy beach with plenty of amenities. The waves are perfect for boogie boarders, surfers, and paddle boarders, and PIT Surf Shop provides rentals so you don’t have to bring your own equipment. There is a large beachfront park by St. Johns County Ocean Pier with amenities like concessions, a playground, and volleyball. Leashed dogs are allowed and you can even drive on the beach in designated areas. There are also plenty of dining options available within walking distance.
ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM ZOOLOGICAL PARK
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a great destination if you want to learn more about Florida’s state reptile, the American Alligator, as well as other species of crocodilians and animals such as lemurs, sloths, and a variety of birds. This park offers daily feedings and educational shows, interactive programs, and even Crocodile Crossing, an aerial adventure course where you can zipline over the crocodilian habitats! We love that St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is also actively involved in conservation efforts and partners with other zoos and organizations to help protect endangered species.
This zoological park is open daily from 9am-5pm with extended hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tickets cost $21.99 for children 3-11 and $36.99 for adults and children 12 and over. Discounted rates are available for AAA members, seniors, and military.
FOOD AND DRINK SCENE
Another aspect of St. Augustine that we love is that in addition to having a plethora of historic sites and natural beauty, St. Augustine is a foodie paradise! This beautiful city is a gastronomic hotspot where fresh, local ingredients merge with tradition and different cultures to create a diverse culinary scene. While there are a profusion of delicious options to choose from–everything from award-winning fine dining and local seafood to traditional Southern comfort food and international dishes–below we share a few establishments we’ve personally tried and enjoyed.
THE KOOKABURRA COFFEE
An Australian-American coffee shop, The Kookaburra Coffee first opened in 2012 in downtown St. Augustine and has since expanded to offer nine locations in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Their mission is to create a community hub where customers can enjoy top quality, ethically sourced coffee and baked goods. We visited the Beachside storefront on AIA before our trip to Anastasia State Park. I enjoyed their signature lavender latte, and the girls were very excited to find they have vegan, gluten free pumpkin donuts! The service was excellent and the options plentiful and delicious. We highly recommend starting your day with a stop by Kookaburra Coffee.
THE MODERN ROSE
The Modern Rose is a vibrant and eclectic brunch cafe and tea house. They have an amazing selection of boutique drinks and an extensive menu with delicious options for every palate, including multiple vegan and gluten free dishes. The ambience was cozy and colorful and the service top notch. I didn’t even get to finish the delectable Ultraviolet Boba that I ordered because the girls kept wanting to “try it.” Located on Cuna Street in the heart of Historic Downtown St. Augustine and open daily from 9am-4pm, The Modern Rose is your must-stop destination for breakfast, brunch, or lunch!
BUENA ONDA CAFE
Located on West King Street, Buena Onda Cafe is a plant-based cafe open for breakfast and lunch. This contemporary restaurant has a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, all made from scratch with fresh, wholesome ingredients, as well as specialty coffees, teas, and drinks such as Golden Milk Latte and Hibiscus Cooler. We usually visit during lunch hours and especially love their mushroom veggie burger and buffalo cauliflower burrito! They are open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9am-2pm.
PURPLE OLIVE RESTAURANT
Located on Anastasia Island, Purple Olive Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant focused on delivering flavorful, authentic dishes with high-quality ingredients. Jonathan and I tried this restaurant recently for dinner and were impressed with the attentive service, quiet atmosphere, and wide range of menu options. We chose to order from the Prix Fixe Special Menu, where we got to choose a soup or salad, main entree, and dessert for $25. The ambience was perfect for our date night and the food delicious. We highly recommend having dinner at Purple Olive and then strolling the nearby beach!
SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY
We love companies that showcase products made from native Florida produce, and San Sebastian Winery does just that. San Sebastian Winery is the sister winery of Lakeridge Winery in Clermont, and both focus on producing quality wine from Florida’s native muscadine grape. Known as the “Super Fruit of the South,” muscadine grapes have a very high antioxidant content. Because they are native, they are naturally pest-free, which means the wineries do not need to use pesticides in the vineyards.
Located on King Street, just a few blocks from Historic Downtown St. Augustine, San Sebastian Winery offers tours where you can learn about the winemaking process and also taste some of the different wines they offer. They also have a shop with a variety of unique wine gifts and accessories.
HOT STUFF AND THE KEY LIME SHOP
We sought out Hot Stuff and the Key Lime Shop on our last visit to St. Augustine because I love all things key lime! Tucked away on Treasury Street in the historic district, Hot Stuff and The Key Lime Shop is two shops in one. On one side, you can celebrate the long history and culinary significance of citrus in the state with a plethora of key lime goodies such as dressings, cookies, and seasonings. You can even buy a bottle of authentic key lime juice to bring home.
The other side of the store is Hot Stuff, which is the oldest hot sauce store in Florida and provides a wide variety of unique sauces. We weren’t planning on purchasing any hot sauce, but we were intrigued to learn that they specialize in sauces made from Florida’s native datil pepper. We loved that Hot Stuff offers tastings so we could try the different sauces we were interested in before purchasing. We settled on the Florida hot sauce, which blends datil peppers with citrus and garlic and is the perfect combination of spicy and savory. Our bottle is already almost gone so we will need to plan another trip to St. Augustine soon to restock!
WHERE TO STAY
St. Augustine offers an abundance of excellent accommodations ranging from bed and breakfasts and historic inns to beachside resorts and family-friendly hotels. The following is far from a comprehensive list but a guide to some options in each category.
BAYFRONT WESTCOTT HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST
Bayfront Westcott House Bed and Breakfast is in an ideal location for exploring historic downtown due to its walkability. This captivating bed and breakfast offers comfortable beds, a gourmet breakfast, and scenic water views as well as a variety of amenities including jacuzzi tubs and private balconies.
CARRIAGE WAY INN BED AND BREAKFAST
Carriage Way Inn Bed and Breakfast is also an excellent choice that is centrally located to many historic sites. This bed and breakfast includes exquisitely appointed rooms with luxury linens, private fireplaces, and a daily homemade breakfast. Only for guests 21 and older, this accommodation is perfect for couples looking for some quiet time together.
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON ST. AUGUSTINE OCEANFRONT RESORT
Embassy Suites has a prime beachfront location, friendly staff, and spacious and comfortable rooms. Other amenities include a pool and complimentary breakfast. Located only ten minutes from downtown St. Augustine, this hotel is a great option for those who want to both enjoy the historic sites as well as relax at the beach.
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORIC DISTRICT
DoubleTree by Hilton offers a convenient location to historic sites as well as spacious and comfortable rooms. It is walkable to many of the sites but also close to a trolley stop to make sightseeing even easier. This family-friendly hotel also has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS
The best times to visit St. Augustine are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons bring fewer crowds and pleasant weather with lower humidity. If possible, we recommend avoiding the peak travel season during the summer months. Not only will St. Augustine be more crowded, but the heat and humidity are very high and afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, which can put a damper on sightseeing.
The historic district of St. Augustine is very walkable, which is fortunate because parking is not free and can be difficult to find, especially during peak seasons. On our recent visit over Labor Day weekend, we almost missed our lunch reservation because we could not find parking. Some sites that are further from the center of the historic district, such as Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, have their own parking, but for most of the downtown area it is better to park in the main garage or a metered parking spot and walk. The main garage is $20/day, and metered spots are usually $2.50/hour.
Old Town Trolley Tours is a great option for getting around downtown and seeing different sites without extensive walking. With tickets starting at $35, you can take a narrated hop-on, hop-off tour with stops at popular sites such as the Old Jail, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Lightner Museum. Some tickets options also provide service to St. Augustine Beach. Depending on your budget, the trolley tours can be a great option to get around downtown St. Augustine without dealing with congested traffic and the stress of finding parking.
With its perfect blend of history, culture, outdoor experiences, and natural beauty, St. Augustine is one destination that we find ourselves visiting again and again. We hope that you have the chance to come experience all that the Nation’s Oldest City has to offer!
Looking for more things to do in North Florida or day trips from St. Augustine? Check out our North Florida page here!
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
