St. Augustine Travel Guide (First Coast/Florida/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to St. Augustine
List of Places to Visit in St. Augustine
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of St. Augustine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Augustine
Best Things to Do in St. Augustine: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for St. Augustine
Food and Drink Scene of St. Augustine
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in St. Augustine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in St. Augustine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of St. Augustine
Best Time to Visit St. Augustine
Do’s and Don’ts of St. Augustine
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in St. Augustine
- Health in St. Augustine
Getting to St. Augustine: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in St. Augustine
Where to Go Next from St. Augustine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to St. Augustine

St. Augustine, located in the First Coast region of Florida, is the oldest city in the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, the city is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, pristine beaches, and outdoor adventures, St. Augustine offers plenty of things to see and do. This comprehensive travel guide will cover everything you need to know to plan your visit to St. Augustine.

List of Places to Visit in St. Augustine

St. Augustine offers a wide variety of attractions and activities to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

St. Augustine is known for its rich history, and there are numerous museums and historical places to explore in the city. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: This historic fort was built by the Spanish in the late 17th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Lightner Museum: Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, this museum features a collection of decorative arts and artifacts from the 19th century.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum: Climb to the top of this historic lighthouse for stunning views of the city and learn about the area’s maritime history.
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum: This historic house, built in 1798, offers a glimpse into the life of the city’s early settlers.
The Oldest Wooden School House: Built over 200 years ago, this wooden schoolhouse is a preserved landmark that offers a peek into the educational system of the 18th century.

Natural Attractions of St. Augustine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

St. Augustine is also home to some stunning natural attractions that are worth exploring. Some of the best places to discover include:

Anastasia State Park: This state park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking.
St. Augustine Wild Reserve: This exotic animal sanctuary houses a range of endangered and exotic animals, including tigers, bears, and primates.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: This popular family destination features a range of alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles, as well as a zip line and other attractions.
The St. Johns River: Take a boat tour of this scenic river, which is home to a range of wildlife and offers stunning views of the city skyline.
The Bridge of Lions: This historic bridge is a landmark of the city, offering stunning views of the waterfront and the St. Augustine Inlet.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Augustine

St. Augustine and the surrounding area offer numerous hiking and biking trails that are perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region. Some of the best trails to check out include:

The Guana River State Park Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Guana River and is popular among hikers and bikers.
The St. Augustine Beach to Anastasia State Park Trail: This scenic trail runs along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Moses Creek Conservation Area Trail: This trail takes you through a beautiful forested area and offers the chance to spot a range of wildlife, including deer and birds.
The Jacksonville to St. Augustine Rail Trail: This 10-mile trail runs along the former Florida East Coast Railway, offering scenic views of the area’s natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in St. Augustine: Activities and Tours

In addition to the attractions listed above, there are numerous activities and tours that you can enjoy while visiting St. Augustine. Some of the best things to do include:

Ghost Tours: Take a guided tour of the city’s haunted sites and learn about the area’s spooky history.
Sunset Boat Tours: Watch the sun set over the water while enjoying a relaxing boat tour.
Brewery Tours: St. Augustine is home to several craft breweries, and taking a brewery tour is a great way to sample the local beer scene.
Food Tours: Take a walking tour of the city’s foodie hotspots and sample some of the area’s best cuisine.
Helicopter Tours: Get a bird’s eye view of the city with a thrilling helicopter tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for St. Augustine

If you’re planning to spend a week in St. Augustine, here’s a rough itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Explore the historic downtown area, including the Castillo de San Marcos and the Lightner Museum.
Day 2: Visit some of the city’s natural attractions, such as Anastasia State Park or the St. Augustine Wild Reserve.
Day 3: Take a boat tour of the St. Johns River and enjoy the scenic views of the city skyline.
Day 4: Explore the beaches of St. Augustine, including St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach.
Day 5: Take a guided tour of the haunted sites around the city.
Day 6: Visit some of the city’s cultural attractions, such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum.
Day 7: Go on a brewery tour or a food tour to sample some of the area’s best food and drink.

Food and Drink Scene of St. Augustine

St. Augustine is home to a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of delicious options to choose from. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Minorcan Clam Chowder: This spicy clam chowder is a local specialty that you shouldn’t miss.
Datil Pepper Wings: These spicy chicken wings are made with datil peppers, which are grown locally.
Fried Catfish: This Southern favorite is a popular dish in St. Augustine, often served with hushpuppies.

Local Beverages

Datil Pepper Beer: Several local breweries make beer infused with datil peppers, which give them a spicy kick.
Sangria: This refreshing Spanish drink is a popular choice in St. Augustine, with many restaurants serving their own unique recipe.
Key Lime Margarita: Made with fresh lime juice and local rum, this tart and refreshing cocktail is a must-try.

Where to Stay in St. Augustine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St. Augustine offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Here are some top picks:

Casa Monica Resort & Spa: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of downtown and offers a range of amenities, including a spa and an on-site restaurant.
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens: This upscale inn features beautifully appointed rooms and lush gardens.
The Pirate Haus Inn: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the heart of downtown and offers private and shared rooms.
Bayfront Marin House: This charming bed and breakfast is located on the waterfront and offers stunning views of the bay.

What to Buy in St. Augustine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

St. Augustine offers plenty of opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some top picks include:

Datil Pepper Sauce: This spicy sauce is made with datil peppers, which are grown locally and is often used in local cuisine.
Coquina Rock: This unique rock is a type of shellstone that is native to the area and can be found on the beaches around St. Augustine.
Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets: These handmade baskets are a traditional craft of the Gullah people and make a beautiful and unique souvenir.
St. Augustine T-Shirt: Show your love for the city with a souvenir t-shirt that features iconic landmarks and symbols of St. Augustine.

Local Culture and Customs of St. Augustine

St. Augustine has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its traditions, festivals, and cuisine. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind while visiting:

Respect for History: St. Augustine takes great pride in its history, and visitors are encouraged to show respect for historic landmarks and traditions.
Spanish Influence: The city was founded by Spanish explorers, and you’ll see traces of Spanish influence in the architecture, cuisine, and language of the area.
Festivals and Celebrations: St. Augustine hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Nights of Lights festival and the St. Augustine Celtic Festival.

Best Time to Visit St. Augustine

The best time to visit St. Augustine is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be chilly. No matter when you visit, be sure to check the calendar of events to see what festivals and special events are happening during your stay.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. Augustine

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting St. Augustine:

Do:

Explore the historic downtown area.
Take a boat tour of the St. Johns River.
Try some local cuisine and beverages.
Respect historic landmarks and traditions.

Don’t:

Litter or damage historic landmarks.
Ignore warning signs at the beach.
Overlook the city’s natural attractions.
Fail to tip your servers and hospitality staff.

Safety and Health

St. Augustine is a very safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions to ensure your safety and well-being while visiting.

Safety in St. Augustine

Be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.
Lock your doors and windows at night.
Keep your valuables in a safe place.
Follow the rules and regulations at the beach.

Health in St. Augustine

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the Florida heat.
Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Be aware of venomous snakes and insects when exploring the natural areas around the city.

Getting to St. Augustine: Transportation Options and Logistics

St. Augustine is easily accessible by car, plane, and bus. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near St. Augustine

Jacksonville International Airport: Located about an hour north of St. Augustine.
Orlando International Airport: Located about two and a half hours south of St. Augustine.

Bus Stations Near St. Augustine

Greyhound Station: Located in the heart of downtown.

Other Options

Rental Car: A rental car is a great way to explore the surrounding areas around St. Augustine.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in the city.
Uber/Lyft: Ride-hailing services are available in St. Augustine.

How to Get Around in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is an easy city to navigate on foot, but there are also several transportation options available.

Trolley Tours: A great way to get around the city and learn about its history.
Bike Rentals: Rent a bike to explore the natural areas and scenic routes outside of the downtown area.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in the city.
Uber/Lyft: Ride-hailing services are available in St. Augustine.

Where to Go Next from St. Augustine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Florida, there are several nearby destinations and excursions worth considering.

Daytona Beach: Located about an hour’s drive south of St. Augustine.
Orlando: Located about two and a half hours south of St. Augustine.
Jacksonville: Located about 45 minutes north of St. Augustine.
Savannah, Georgia: Located about four hours north of St. Augustine.

Conclusion

St. Augustine offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all interests. With its range of attractions and activities, vibrant food and drink scene, and stunning natural areas, St. Augustine is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the First Coast region of Florida.