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Top Things To Do During Your St Augustine Visit
Visitors enjoy St Augustine for its mix of history, dining, and walkable attractions. You can explore the historic district, visit popular museums, take a guided tour, or spend time along the waterfront. Many enjoy browsing local shops, trying new restaurants, or learning about the city’s past. This list of things to do helps you see the variety of experiences that make St Augustine Florida a favorite destination for guests of all ages.
What to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida is a city unlike any other, where centuries of history sit alongside the modern world in a way that is seamless and unique. As the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, you’ll find endless things to do in St. Augustine. The city invites you to wander its cobblestone streets, explore Spanish Colonial landmarks, and discover a lively arts and culinary scene that’s unlike anything else in the country.
Whether you’re ticking St. Augustine attractions like the Lightner Museum or the St. Augustine Lighthouse off your list, or you’re wandering the battle-tested walls of the Castillo San Marcos and discovering unique finds in the boutique shops and alleries of the St. Augustine Historic District, there are plenty of things to do in St. Augustine, Florida, for every type of traveler. Around every bend in the road, new stories will unfold and spark your curiosity.
Hop on a St. Augustine trolley tour for a stress-free way to see the highlights, or enjoy an evening concert under the stars at one of the city’s many live music venues, including the St. Augustine Amphitheater. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in St. Augustine, the city never disappoints. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic district, sip wine at local tasting rooms, and savor dimly dinners at top-rated St. Augustine restaurants.
Beyond the city’s vast list of attractions, you’ll find endless unique things to do in St. Augustine. The city’s lively calendar of events, from seasonal festivals to live music, ensures there’s always something new to experience together. In the winter, join us for the iconic Night of Lights, or buy tickets to your favorite national performing artists at The Amp and make a weekend out of it.
After a day of exploring, retreat to Casa de Sueños Bed and Breakfast, an intimate adults-only Bed and Breakfast in the St. Augustine History District. Our Inn has been thoughtfully designed for relaxation and connection, offering elevated accommodations and hospitality, as well as a prime location within walking distance of all the top things to do in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine Historic District
When it comes to discovering the best things to do in St. Augustine, there’s no better place to start than the St. Augustine Historic District. The St. Augustine Historic District is the center of America’s oldest city. With its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, this walkable area offers a blend of history, culture, and modern charm that can’t be beat.
This iconic district is home to many of the top things to do in St. Augustine, including its leading historical attractions. From the iconic Castillo de San Marcos to the restaurants, bars, shops, and more on St. George Street and Aviles Street, here are the most iconic things to do in St. Augustine’s Historic District.
- Bridge of Lions
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- Colonial Quarter St. Augustine
- Flagler College
- The Government House Museum
- Lightner Museum
- Lincolnville Historic District
- Old City Gates
- Oldest House & Museum (Gonzalez-Alvarez House)
- Old Jail Museum
- Oldest Wooden School House
- Pena-Peck House
- The Plaza de la Constitucion
- Spanish Military Museum
- St. Augustine National Cemetery
- St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
More St. Augustine Attractions
Beyond the charm of the Historic District, you’ll find an impressive array of St. Augustine attractions that showcase the city’s rich history, coastal beauty, and unique confluence of culture. For breathtaking views of the coastline, climb the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse, then head to Anastasia State Park to explore unspoiled beaches and scenic nature trails.
Those seeking a more adventurous outing can spot dolphins and manatees on a St. Augustine Eco Tour. With so many unique things to do in St. Augustine, the city offers endless ways to make your visit unforgettable. Below, find a list of some of our favorite St. Augustine attractions to add to your itinerary.
- Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- Anastasia State Park
- Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Fort Mose Historic State Park
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Reserve
- Marineland Dolphin Adventure
- San Marco District
- St. Augustine Amphitheater
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
- Washington Oaks State Gardens
More St. Augustine Attractions
Beyond the charm of the Historic District, you’ll find an impressive array of St. Augustine attractions that showcase the city’s rich history, coastal beauty, and unique confluence of culture. For breathtaking views of the coastline, climb the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse, then head to Anastasia State Park to explore unspoiled beaches and scenic nature trails.
Those seeking a more adventurous outing can spot dolphins and manatees on a St. Augustine Eco Tour. With so many unique things to do in St. Augustine, the city offers endless ways to make your visit unforgettable. Below, find a list of some of our favorite St. Augustine attractions to add to your itinerary.
- Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- Anastasia State Park
- Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Fort Mose Historic State Park
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Reserve
- Marineland Dolphin Adventure
- San Marco District
- St. Augustine Amphitheater
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
- Washington Oaks State Gardens
St. Augustine Concerts & Events
Do you want to add some energy and excitement to your trip? There are plenty of things to do in St. Augustine for just that! The city hosts a busy calendar of concerts and festivals, making it an ideal destination any time of year. Music lovers can catch world-class performances at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, known locally as “The Amp.” It’s a stunning outdoor venue surrounded by oak trees that hosts an impressive lineup of artists, from big-name headliners to intimate acoustic shows.
Throughout the year, St. Augustine hosts a variety of festivals that highlight its rich heritage of the city. The Nights of Lights, held from mid-November through January, transforms the entire city into a sparkling wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and special events. Other annual favorites include the St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival, the Celtic Music and Heritage Festival, and the St. Augustine Art and Craft Festival. For couples, these events offer the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway filled with music, culture, and shared experiences you’ll remember long after your trip.
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos is one of the most iconic things to do in St. Augustine, and it’s a must-see for anyone exploring America’s oldest city. Built in the late 1600s by the Spanish to protect their settlement, the Castillo de San Marcos is a massive stone fortress that is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Its distinctive coquina walls, designed to withstand centuries of battles and storms, tell the story of St. Augustine’s fascinating past.
Walking through its arched corridors and standing atop its battlements offers a glimpse into a time when pirates and colonial powers clashed along Florida’s coastline. Visitors to the Castillo can explore its well-preserved interior, which includes historic cannons, guardrooms, and exhibits detailing the fort’s long history under Spanish, British, and American rule. Don’t miss the breathtaking view from the top of the fort’s walls. It looks out over Matanzas Bay and the St. Augustine Historic District.
For couples, the Castillo de San Marcos adds a touch of adventure and history to a romantic getaway in St. Augustine. Stroll hand-in-hand along the fortress walls, enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawn overlooking the bay, or time your visit for sunset when the golden light bathes the fort and the water in a magical glow. As one of the most recognizable and enduring symbols of the city, the Castillo de San Marcos is more than just a historic site, and there’s little wonder why it persists on every list of things to do in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
If great views and maritime history sit at the top of your wish-list for things to do in St. Augustine, head to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum on Anastasia Island. The Lighthouse is one of the city’s most captivating landmarks. Standing 165 feet tall, this striking black-and-white spiral tower has guided mariners along Florida’s coast since 1874.
Today, visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Matanzas Bay, and the St. Augustine Historic District. It’s one of the city’s must-see attractions. But it’s not just about the climb. The St. Augustine Lighthouse grounds are rich with history and stories of the past.
The museum features exhibits on shipwrecks, maritime archaeology, and the lives of the lighthouse keepers who once maintained the beacon. Visitors can explore the historic keeper’s house, wander nature trails, and even learn about the ongoing preservation work that protects this important piece of St. Augustine’s heritage. For those who enjoy a bit of mystery, the lighthouse is also known for its ghostly legends, with evening ghost tours available for a more haunting experience.
Whether you visit during the day for sunshine and sea breezes or at night for a moonlit ghost tour, the lighthouse is an unforgettable stop and easily one of the best things to do in St. Augustine.
Anastasia Island, Florida
Odds are, as you enjoy the top-rated things to do in St. Augustine, you’ll find yourself on Anastasia Island, Florida. Just across the Matanzas Bay from the Historic District, Anastasia Island offers a beautiful mix of natural scenery, historic landmarks, and coastal charm that makes it one of the best places to explore in St. Augustine. This barrier island is home to some of the area’s most beloved attractions, from pristine beaches and state parks to iconic lighthouses and local dining spots.
The laid-back vibe and stunning views of Anastasia Island make it a perfect spot to get away from the crowds a bit. One of the highlights of Anastasia Island is Anastasia State Park, a 1,600-acre coastal preserve where visitors can walk nature trails, paddle through salt marshes, or relax on four miles of unspoiled beach. Anastasia Island is also where you’ll find some of the top things to do in St. Augustine, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.
Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or savoring a quiet moment by the ocean, Anastasia Island adds a touch of natural beauty and relaxation to any St. Augustine getaway.
The Lightner Museum
Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum is one of St. Augustine’s most elegant and fascinating landmarks. Built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the building is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture, featuring soaring ceilings and stunning courtyards. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic collection of fine art, antiques, and curiosities ranging from Tiffany glass to Victorian-era musical instruments.
The museum is more than just a collection of objects. Take the time to wander hand in hand through the light-filled spaces, admiring rare finds, and pause in the romantic courtyard café for a coffee or a glass of wine. This unique cafe sits in what used to be the pool of the Alcazar hotel, and is one of the most unique places to eat in the city. With such a unique blend of history on display, it’s easy to see why the Lightner Museum is one of the best things to do in St. Augustine for adults.
Bridge of Lions
There are few things to do in St. Augustine that are more iconic than walking across The Bridge of Lions. This famed, architecturally stunning bridge is a symbol of St. Augustine’s enduring legacy. Originally constructed in the 1920s, this beautiful drawbridge is flanked by two marble Medici lions that guard the entrance to the St. Augustine Historic District. Whether you walk or drive across, the bridge offers stunning views of the waterfront, the marina, and the iconic skyline of America’s oldest city.
Don’t miss the view from the Bridge of Lions at sunrise or sunset when the sky reflects off the water and sailboats drift lazily below. Couples will love taking a leisurely stroll across the span, stopping to snap photos with the majestic lions and soaking in the romantic ambiance.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
For a quieter glimpse into the history of St. Augustine, head to Fort Matanzas National Monument, a hidden gem just south of downtown St. Augustine. For history buffs, this is one of the most unique things to do in St. Augustine. Built in 1742 by the Spanish, this small coquina stone fort once guarded the southern entrance to Matanzas Bay and protected St. Augustine from surprise attacks.
Today, visitors can take a free ferry ride across the water to explore the fort and learn about its fascinating past. Surrounded by pristine marshlands and coastal scenery, the Fort Matanzas National Monument feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. Once there, you’ll find peaceful trails and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Fort Matanzas is a wonderful complement to the larger Castillo de San Marcos.
St. Augustine Tours
With so many unique things to do in St. Augustine for couples, the city can feel overwhelming. If you want to ensure you’ve seen the best of the best, consider taking one of the many St. Augustine tours on offer. From the water to the streets, these guided adventures offer something for every type of traveler. St. Augustine Scenic Cruise takes you along Matanzas Bay for stunning views of the city skyline, historic landmarks, and even dolphin sightings, while St. Augustine Eco Tours offers private sailing and kayaking experiences where you can spot manatees, native birds, and learn about the area’s unique ecosystem.
On land, the ever-popular St. Augustine Trolley Tours make sightseeing effortless with their hop-on, hop-off style. They continue to rank as one of the best things to do in St. Augustine, and for a good reason. For those seeking a little more intrigue, consider one of the many St. Augustine Ghost Tours, including the Haunted Pub Crawl, which blends spooky stories with stops at local bars, creating a lively, adults-only night out in the historic district.
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Perfect location in Old Town St. Augustine.
Easy stroll to everything. Top quality B and B with everything one expects. Wonderful historic building, small number of rooms, quiet, on-site parking, happy hour drinks and snacks, a real breakfast, dessert each eve, passes to attractions, bicycles, inn keeper always there to help.