8 Most Interesting Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida
February 9th, 2023
Thinking of taking a trip or moving to St. Augustine?
Wonderful!
We’re sure you’ve heard of all the amazing sites in the nation’s oldest city, and you’re probably overwhelmed with the variety of choices for things to do in St. Augustine.
Don’t worry. You can go ahead and pack your bags. We’ve got you covered.
Whether it’s for a couple of days, a week, or full-time, we have selected our topmost interesting things to keep you engaged for your entire stay, ranging from historical sites, museums, beaches, and fascinating streets.
Here are the top picks for the most interesting things to do in St. Augustine.
1. St. Johns County Ocean Pier
St. Johns Pier is the most popular spot on St. Augustine beach, located south of Anastasia State Park.
It offers free beach access. Whether it’s the fresh smell of sea mist or the beautiful sound of waves crashing, it’s never a dull moment at the beach. You can enjoy sightseeing and fishing at the pier.
The pier area offers other free amenities such as:
- A splash park
- Bathroom
- Showers
- Covered pavilion
- Regular and handicapped vehicle parking
Visitors can engage in different sporting games at the pier’s beach volleyball courts and bocce courts, too.
2. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Located on the Western shore of Matanzas Bay, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.
It was built from 1672 and opened in 1695 by the Spanish Admiral, when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire, as a military base to protect commerce activities.
Explore the rich history of the fort and its exhibits by taking a guided tour with the park’s rangers. Brochures and maps are available to guide you around the site, should you consider a self-guided tour.
It takes around 2.5 hours for a complete tour of the fort. In this regard, there are many things to do and see within this thing to do in St. Augustine.
You can also experience living history with rangers in period-dress around the fort. They are willing to pose for pictures, share stories on the experiences of colonialists who dwelt at the fort and answer any questions you may have.
3. St. George Street
St. George Street is a pedestrian-only street, rich with history and lined with beautiful shops, restaurants, attractions such as Old City Gate, the Oldest Wooden SchoolHouse among others.
There’s lots to do and it’s best to reserve an entire day to fully explore this lively street.
This street is best known as a shopping destination for souvenirs with its unique boutiques and shops. As you’re walking down the street, every shop display has beautiful, unique hand-made items ranging from:
- Sunhats
- Jewelry and accessories
- Pocket knives
- Home decor items and more.
Enjoy a variety of delicacies at the restaurants along this street. The top choices include River & Fort, Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila, Colombia Restaurant, Minorcan Chowder, and Pizza Time. If you’re a sweet tooth, there’s a variety of options from cafes, bakeries, casual eateries, candy shops, and ice cream parlors.
4. Colonial Quarter
Formerly known as the Colonial Spanish Quarter, this site opened in March 2013 as the Colonial Quarter after a 3-month renovation and rebranding. It’s a 4-minute walk from Castillo de San Marcos.
It is best known as the city’s premier live music venue with its open picnic table seating and outdoor stage, lit by lanterns and covered with trees. The perfect setting for live performances and local bands perform there nightly.
This quarter captures the essence of St. Augustine’s rich heritage. A visit here will take you back 300 years, offering you the opportunity to engage in different activities and view interesting historic buildings.
Learn more about the history with a tour through the Government House Museum where Spanish governors administered the colony of La Florida and current exhibits feature the city’s amazing past.
Relive history by watching professional costumed historians relive the life of soldiers and their families. Carpenters, candle-makers, blacksmiths, and other tradesmen demonstrate how the settlers lived during the 1740s.
5. San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery was founded in 1996.
Located just a few blocks from historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida, it is known to historians as the birthplace of American wine, dating back to 1562.
Enjoy a wine tasting tour at the winery. San Sebastian stands as one of Florida’s premium wineries and remains a pioneer in the development of complimentary wine, table, sparkling, and dessert wines from hybrid and muscadine grapes.
You can relax at The Cellar Upstairs Wine Bar & Restaurant which is open with modified hours from Thursday to Sunday. Enjoy a variety of mouth-watering sandwiches, meat & cheese platters, and salads, St. Augustine’s very best.
6. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Opened on May 20th, 1893, this is one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions.
According to the National Register of Historic Places, the park covers less than one acre, with one building and one structure.
Enjoy a tour of the park which boasts a variety of reptilian species, mammals, birds, and is the only place in the world where you can see every living crocodilian species. A complete tour takes around 3 hours.
Experience the different wildlife shows hosted at the park that feature different species of the animal kingdom. They are educational and entertaining.
7. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
This is a privately owned park located along Hospital Creek in St. Augustine. It is claimed to be the landing site for Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer.
Explore the saga of Juan Ponce de Leon and his quest for new lands and magical waters.
You can drink from the well at the park, claimed to provide a youthful glow to those who drink from it.
Learn about the Native American history from the Timucua Indian Exhibit and a visit to the Native Timucua Village of Seloy, all within the park. Other sites worth exploring in the park include the Discovery Globe and the Planetarium.
8. Old Town Trolley Tours
A visit to the city of St. Augustine is not complete without an all-round tour.
Take an 80-minute narrated, historic tour around St. Augustine. The trolley tour has 22 stops spanning from the Old Jail, through the Lightner Museum, to the Mission of Nombre de Dios, where visitors can get on and off to dine or sightsee, and shop to their hearts fill.
It’s the perfect way to explore this nation’s oldest city and visit all the hot spots in the shortest time. The Trolleys come by each stop every 15 to 20 minutes.
Here are the different packages of trolley tours.
| Tour | Price |
| 1-day trolley | $29.63 |
| 2-day trolley | $44.50 |
| The Old Jail after dark | $29.63 |
| Ghosts and Gravestones | $23.70 |
| Potter’s Wax Museum | $12.13 |
| The Old Jail | $14.16 |
| St. Augustine history museum | $6.07 |
| Oldest Store museum experience | $12.13 |
*As of July 20th, 2021
9. St. Augustine Amphitheater
Interested in seeing a concert or a comedy show? The St. Augustine Amphitheater is a well-beloved outdoor concert venue with seating capacity for up to 4,000 people, making it a popular location for concerts, festivals, and other events.
Visiting the amphitheater will also give you a chance to explore its beautiful setting. Surrounded by natural beauty, including a lake and wooded area, the amphitheater is located near the historic downtown district so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to also experience the city’s rich history and culture.
In addition to concerts and events, the Amphitheater is also a popular location for community events, such as charity walks and 5K races, and provides a scenic backdrop for weddings and other special events. Whether you’re a music lover, a history buff, or just looking for a unique outdoor experience, the St. Augustine Amphitheater is a place where you can enjoy yourself outdoors and in the beauty of nature.
10. Visiting & Living in St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s exceptionally rich history makes for the perfect destination for those who love being immersed in centuries-old Spanish culture.
Looking for a family-friendly community that offers the best combination of stunning new homes in St. Augustine, a convenient location and awesome amenities?
Shearwater is just what you’re looking for. To learn more about everything this new home community has to offer, join our Interest List.
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