Last Updated on November 22, 2023
Whether planning a romantic getaway or a seaside vacation, there are plenty of incredible things to do in St. Augustine.
Located between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville on Florida’s northeast coast, St. Augustine claims the title of the “oldest U.S. city.”
St. Augustine wears its 458-year-old (it was founded in 1565) title well — drawing most travelers because of its rich and layered history.
Once there, you quickly become aware that most folks who live and work in St. Augustine take immense pride in their knowledge of the city’s past.
Reciting facts behind the six historical occupations, from the 1565 First Spanish Period to the 1861 Confederate Period is commonplace.
If you don’t know your St. Augustine history before you visit, you’ll certainly know it before you leave.
What is St. Augustine Best Known For?
St. Augustine’s rich history is well chronicled by the landmarks that attest to the various occupations.
The assortment of historical attractions, such as the fortress-like Castillo de San Marcos and the fabled Fountain of Youth, brings history to life, shedding light on its captivating and colorful past.
No one is sure whether Ponce de Leon really landed precisely at St. Augustine. It is safe to say that he was pretty darn close.
His 1513 voyage is the only “documented” voyage by which the first Europeans landed on what would become the United States. He named the area “La Florida” and planted the Spanish flag to stake the claim for Spain.
But even before the Spanish arrived, native people called the Timucua lived throughout the area, building their capital in what would later be named St. Augustine.
They used an intricate network of waterways and marshes for transportation. They hunted, fished, and gathered shellfish, oysters, and clams for food.
As the original inhabitants, they left their archeological footprints throughout the region, by all means, a beginning to the town’s multi-cultural past.
Fountain of Youth Archeological Park
Consider beginning your adventure at the Fountain of Youth. While the name refers to a place of legend, the park itself yields a glimpse into authentic St. Augustine.
Not far from Old Town, The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood.
With a shady “old Florida” arched entrance, this 15-acre waterfront property may be the original location where Ponce de Leon landed in 1513 and eventually became the site of St. Augustine’s first settlement.
In 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles was charged with creating the first Spanish settlement in Florida.
Archeologists are excavating the property to discover more about this first colony. The property includes the original “spring” or mythical “fountain of youth” and a mix of reconstructed settings that bring St. Augustine’s history to life.
A Franciscan friar priest, Timucuan interpreters, and weapons demonstrators – all costumed re-enactors – share stories and tales of the period.
Be sure to walk through the Timucua family compound that was once part of the Tumucuan capital of Seloy.
Adjacent to that setting, you’ll enter a thatched Mission called Nombre de Dios, complete with a rustic altar, choir loft, and cypress beams.
Then, take the waterfront path by the boathouse, which houses the chalupa, or utility boat.
Continue to the weapons area, where visitors can witness the cannon firing, and see the coastal sentry tower designed for impeding enemy threats and attacks.
As Florida’s oldest attraction, it is, without a doubt, an ideal beginning to your visit.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park Address: 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Old Town & The Colonial Quarter
Take a walk down St. George Street through St. Augustine’s Old Town, where you will find the oldest wooden schoolhouse. It dates back to the 1700s.
Nearby, the Colonial Quarter adds even more living history to 16th, 17th, and 18th-century life.
You’ll see blacksmiths, leatherwork shops, and a soldier’s home while listening to period-dressed guides who provide insight into daily living.
Colonial Quarter Address: 14 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Oldest House is another historic landmark, dated around the 1700s and located south of King Street near the Marina area.
Nearby restaurants and cafes add old-time flavor and a chance to sit and relax amidst the engaging history.
The Oldest House Address: 271 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Castillo de San Marcos
No trip to St. Augustine is complete without a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos.
It won’t take you long to understand why the Spanish built this immense fortress on Matanzas Bay, with a commanding view of the harbor.
During his 15th-century voyages, Christopher Columbus discovered and collected vast treasures of silver, gold, gems, dyes, sugar, and tobacco.
These treasures came from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central, and South America. At this point, Spain was the dominant nation in the world.
But it was Ponce de Leon who ultimately discovered the best route to get the precious cargo home – through the Gulf Stream and past the shores of La Florida.
This made St. Augustine an important northern outpost for Spain’s expanding empire.
To protect Spain’s colonial trade and commerce, the Castillo de San Marcos was constructed. Overall, it took 20 years to build. It was completed in 1695.
It is considered the most well-preserved and oldest masonry fort from the Spanish colonial period anywhere in the United States.
Castillo de San Marcos Address: 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
History of Castillo de San Marcos
Its notable heritage and the panoramic view of the Matanzas River, the city of St. Augustine, and the Bridge of Lions make it very popular.
The fort is made of a porous limestone rock called coquina, created from thousands of years of shells and sand compressing into geological sediment.
It was the only type of rock available and proved to be an excellent building material.
Brought from a nearby quarry, coquina provided the building blocks for creating the defensive structures, homes, and buildings during the period.
The massive coquina walls of the fort absorbed enemy cannonballs rather than allowing them to destroy the fort.
The fort also has a star shape with a hollow square within four diamond-shaped bastions.
This configuration allowed for numerous firing positions for cannons while minimizing the possibility of a direct hit by enemy fire.
Entry to the fort is across a moat, another defense feature. When you cross it to tour the fort, you get the feeling that you are walking into history.
Adventures in St. Augustine
If you are ready to be a Florida rambler and adventure beyond the historic sites, there is plenty to do.
In particular, consider exploring the area by bike, join a local eco-tour, or take a beach trip to Anastasia State Park, perhaps with a stop at the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
St. Augustine Eco-Tours
St. Augustine Eco Tours offers a variety of experiences including kayaking, eco boat tours, and catamaran sailing. The tours are led by trained experts who provide fascinating information on marine ecology.
Popular options include:
- Dolphin, Birding & Nature Eco Boat Excursion: Ideal for viewing dolphins and other wildlife. Features underwater microphones to listen to marine life, small nets for up-close views, and binoculars for bird watching.
- Salt Marsh Kayak Adventure: A two-hour tour offering a unique perspective of the salt marsh habitat, with views of historic landmarks. Great for first-timers and experienced kayakers.
- Authentic Sailing Experience: A relaxing sail into habitats of dolphins and wading birds.
For more information, check out the official St. Augustine Eco Tours website.
One of the most memorable things to do in St. Augustine is to travel under the majestic Bridge of Lions, past the historic Spanish Fort, and along the Fountain of Youth waterfront.
We saw and photographed wading birds in the salt marshes while dolphins quietly swam by.
Our guide, Zach, is also one of the most knowledgeable Florida naturalists around. It’s no wonder that Florida biologists have tapped him for research projects including a dolphin population study.
St. Augustine Eco-Tours Address: 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Anastasia State Park
After visiting St. Augustine’s attractions, you may be ready for a walk on the beach. Anastasia State Park has one of the best spots in Florida for a beach stroll.
Known as South Beach to the locals, the miles of gorgeous, wide-open beaches are accessed by long, wooden walkways across towering sand dunes.
It’s a perfect and picturesque place to take in a view of the vast blue Atlantic Ocean while you breathe in the fresh salt air.
There is a tidal salt marsh, called Salt Run, and an upland hammock to observe coastal birds and wildlife.
Camping and windsurfing are also popular here too.
Additionally, near the park entrance, there is the Old Spanish Coquina quarry site. Here, rock was mined to create the Castillo de San Marcos and other buildings.
Anastasia State Park Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Overall, something about lighthouses delights us with their towering shapes, their history, and the unique stories of dedicated light keepers trudging up steep, winding steps to keep the light burning to protect and warn ships.
And particularly the St. Augustine Lighthouse with its huge lens atop a tower of spiraling black and white stripes enhances our continuing love affair with these maritime treasures.
When the first Spanish settlers arrived in St. Augustine, a wooden sentry watchtower was built on the Matanzas Inlet to serve as a lookout for hostile ships.
This lookout became the first tower on U.S. soil to aid navigators, which also became a predecessor for the lighthouses we know today.
Centuries later, during the 1700s, a new coquina tower was built at the same location, becoming the first official St. Augustine Lighthouse. But it collapsed into the sea after more than a century of service.
Construction began on a new tower in 1871, which is the current St. Augustine lighthouse still standing after 147 years.
Overall, a journey up the St. Augustine Lighthouse is well worth the 219 steps that take you to the top of the tower 165 feet high. Without a doubt, the payoff is the surrounding vista and ocean view of the Atlantic.
By all means, it’s hard to fathom a lighthouse keeper carrying heavy buckets of kerosene up hundreds of steps to keep the light burning each day.
St. Augustine Lighthouse Address: 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080
The Legacy Tour, Flagler College
Built by oil magnate and railroad baron Henry Flagler firstly as the Hotel Ponce de Leon, it now houses Flagler College.
Formerly developed as a high-end luxury hotel, it was designed to attract well-heeled tourists to St. Augustine when it opened in 1888.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it remains without a doubt one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
The student-led “legacy” tour is one of the best in St. Augustine. The tour contains Flagler history while being led through the Courtyard, gardens, gilded domed Rotunda, and the “Hogwarts-style” dining room with Tiffany windows.
Flagler College Address: 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Your Visit to St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s cultural and historical tourism dominates the local economy and yet its endearing quality is also its commitment to preservation.
Small businesses thrive, Starbucks is well hidden and cell phone service is erratic due to the absence of nearby towers.
And we do wonder if Coquina Walls could talk how many more stories could be told about this fascinating place?
Dining in St. Augustine
There are plenty of great restaurants in St. Augustine. Fresh seafood is a specialty and very popular.
As usual, we went to directly to the locals to find out their favorites. We took their recommendations and give our seal of approval to the following St. Augustine restaurants.
Saltwater Cowboys
Saltwater Cowboys is a must if you want an authentic Florida meal. The setting adds a special touch to the experience.
The bloody Mary is famous from this location. It comes with a great selection of fresh seafood.
Locals suggest a ordering a variety of menu items to share so that you can try out more food items.
Saltwater Cowboys Address: 299 Dondanville Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Osteen’s Restaurant
O’Steen’s Restaurant is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Expect to wait as reservations are not allowed.
You can try a variety of options. However, the locals will all tell you that the fried shrimp is where it’s at. We agree!
O’Steen’s Restaurant Address: 205 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Barnacle Bills
Barnacle Bills is a local favorite. It has moved locations but many say it still brings amazing flavor at an affordable price.
Locals recommend trying the datil fried shrimp or the fish dinner. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu though.
Barnacle Bills Address: 1302 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Conch House
They have an amazing selection of appetizers, fresh seafood, sandwiches, and salads. Their conch fritters are what dreams are made of.
It’s worth waiting for a tiki hut. We recommend going on an off hour when you won’t have to wait.
The Conch House Address: 57 Comares Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Places to Stay
The Local Inn St. Augustine
The Local Inn in St. Augustine is a cozy, family-owned inn that is conveniently located just over the bridge from the historic downtown area.
It offers comfortable accommodations at competitive rates and lots of old-school and modern surprises!
To learn more, visit Old Florida Meets the Digital Age at St. Augustine Motel.
The Local Inn St. Augustine Address: 512 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
St. Francis Inn
The St. Francis Inn in St. Augustine is a historic bed and breakfast that offers cozy accommodations and delicious food.
It has been serving guests since 1791, making it one of the oldest inns in Florida. It’s very popular, so make reservations way in advance.
St. Francis Inn Address: 279 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Bayfront Marin House
Bayfront Marin House is a beautiful waterfront hotel located in historic St. Augustine, Florida.
It offers stunning views of the Matanzas Bay and is conveniently situated close to many attractions in the city.
Bayfront Marin House Address: 142 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Jaybird’s Inn
Jaybird’s Inn in St. Augustine is a charming bed and breakfast located within walking distance of the city’s historic downtown area.
With its beautiful Victorian-style decor and attentive staff, it is the perfect place to experience the beauty and history of this iconic coastal town.
Jaybird’s Inn Address: 2700 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
St. Augustine Favorite: Minorcan Clam Chowder
If you want a taste of St. Augustine, check out our recipe for Authentic Minorcan Clam Chowder Recipe.
While in Northeast Florida, check out these other recommendations:
I love reading your email blog! Today was a fun and historical review of St Augustine – how perfect!
I tried to open the recipe but couldn’t. The message said that my request looked a lot like spam email! I’d love to read it and possibly make that delicious looking red Chowder. Can you give me a better link?
Thanks so much for all your work on this wonderful, educational blog!
Hi Carol! Glad you enjoy our website. Here’s a link to the clam chowder recipe: https://authenticflorida.com/articles/authentic-minorcan-clam-chowder/