Fall Outdoor Activities in St. Augustine
October 19th, 2023
St. Augustine, Florida, a city steeped in history, charm, and natural beauty, offers abundant outdoor activities to suit every interest and age group, and we are proud to call it home. Whether exploring this enchanting city with your family, seeking adventure with friends, kindling romance with your significant other, or indulging your passion for history or nature, St. Augustine has something special in store. If you’ve been considering joining the Shearwater community, you’ll love the year-round adventures that await in our hometown. From educational excursions and thrilling adventures to romantic evenings and immersive historical journeys, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered in this captivating coastal gem.
What are the best outdoor activities in St. Augustine for families?
Bring out the kids and explore the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). This 76,000-acre reserve in northeast Florida, spanning from Ponte Vedra Beach to Palm Coast, is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the country and home to some of the best hiking trails in St. Augustine. Plan a day trip to experience its environmental significance and be enchanted by its research, education initiatives, and conservation efforts.
For something a bit more exciting, set sail on a family adventure with an exhilarating airboat ride along the St. Johns River. Zoom through shallow waterways, spotting alligators, manatees, birds, and more. Dive into history with tales of a sunken pirate ship. Enjoy the captain’s engaging commentary via personal headsets.
Take part in a wild family adventure at The Alligator Farm Zoo. Enjoy daily wildlife shows featuring thrilling alligator feedings and interactive experiences. Take a daring journey on the Crocodile Crossing zip line, soaring among tropical birds and reptiles. Kids of all ages can explore Florida’s diverse habitats with Florida’s Forest Friends. It’s an unforgettable day of fun and learning!
What are the best outdoor activities in St. Augustine for adults?
For an authentic ghostly adventure in St. Augustine that you can leave the kids at home for, join in on the city’s ghost tours. Avoid the usual daytime crowds and embrace night-time paranormal phenomena like sightings, eerie sounds, and more. Brace yourself each night for unpredictable thrills through the town’s creepiest spots, from haunted houses to cemeteries, lighthouses, and even haunted pubs!
If you prefer pubs without phantoms, indulge in a captivating evening of exploration with friends and loved ones on a spirited bar-hopping journey through St. Augustine. The adventure could begin at The Ice Plant Bar, nestled in a historic 1927 industrial building, where artisanal cocktails are meticulously crafted using locally sourced ingredients and spirits. Next, step back in time to the Prohibition era at Prohibition Kitchen, a retro-chic gastropub offering delightful cocktails, gourmet pub fare, and live entertainment. Continue your escapade at The No Name Bar, boasting casual vibes, live music, and picturesque patio views of Castillo de San Marcos. Elevate your night at Forgotten Tonic, an intimate cocktail lounge known for its modern twist on Southern hospitality and cuisine. Lastly, savor the allure of The Tini Martini Bar, renowned for its martinis and a waterfront verandah offering captivating bay views.
What are the best outdoor activities in St. Augustine for couples?
Are you bringing love to Shearwater? Find your romantic getaway with evening beach walks in St. Augustine. As the sun sets, the coastline transforms into a tranquil, starlit haven. Hand in hand, you’ll create lasting memories amidst the gentle sound of waves and the St. Augustine ambiance. With the moon as your guide, let the night serenade your love story on this enchanting stroll.
Get swept away by the magic of a sunset cruise for a more romantic night. Witness breathtaking views over the bayfront, capturing picture-perfect moments. Sip on your favorite drink as you embrace the allure of starry skies. Listen to captivating tales of the city’s history after dark, blending ancient navigation and celestial wonders.
After sunset, take part in an intimate dinner at The Floridian in St. Augustine, where innovative fare unites omnivores, herbivores, and locavores alike. The menu, ever-evolving with the seasons, pays homage to Southern tradition while embracing vibrant, creative dishes. It’s a culinary adventure that couples at Shearwater can get into!
What are the best outdoor activities in St. Augustine for history buffs?
Calling all history buffs! Dive into the rich past at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine. This ancient fortress, constructed in the 17th century, guards the city’s legacy. As part of Shearwater’s outdoor adventures, explore its storied walls and discover centuries of history in the Florida sun.
You can also pay a visit to Plaza de la Constitucion in St. Augustine. Founded in 1573, it’s one of the oldest public spaces in the country. Stroll under ancient oaks, explore the historic architecture, and soak in the rich heritage.
Enrich your journey through the plaza at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine. Part of the plaza, this architectural marvel founded in 1565, is one of the oldest churches in America.
Finish the visit by exploring centuries of history at The Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum in St. Augustine. This site, dating back to 1598, housed colonial governors under Spain, Britain, and then back to Spain. Its legacy is fascinating from its time as a courthouse to a Capitol.
What are the best outdoor activities in St. Augustine for nature lovers?
Nature lovers, immerse yourself in the beauty of Washington Oaks Garden State Park in St. Augustine. Explore natural showcases of native and non-native plant species, picturesque oak hammocks, and coquina rock formations along the Atlantic beach. Picnic, fish, hike, bike in this haven, and return for monthly garden walks, plant sales, and annual events.
When you’re tired of land, embrace the outdoors at sea! Paddle forth, kayaking St. Augustine’s pristine waters. Paddle through winding waterways, witness diverse wildlife, and embrace the tranquility of Florida’s natural beauty. Explore the marshes, creeks, and estuaries that make our region unique. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and live the active, adventurous lifestyle we cherish.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a novice socialite, Shearwater invites you to embrace every moment in the comfortable autumn weather of St. Augustine. Are you ready to join us and explore what lies just outside of Nature’s Playground in St. Augustine? Contact us and see what’s available now!
