Things To Do
in St. Augustine Shores
St. Augustine Shores is a residential seaside neighborhood on the southern end of St. Augustine, Florida, sitting just inland from St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island. It offers easy access to quiet beaches, marshland waterways, and the historic sights of downtown St. Augustine a short drive away. The area blends suburban calm—with parks, golf courses and waterfront access—with the tourism and history that define the greater St. Augustine region.
Visitors will find a relaxed beach-town atmosphere, good base facilities, and quick access to outdoor recreation and the city’s colonial-era attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in St. Augustine Shores and settle into your accommodations. Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy beaches to unwind after your journey. Enjoy the ocean breeze as you soak in the stunning coastal views.
Grab a beach picnic lunch from a local café and find a cozy spot by the shore. Enjoy swimming or sunbathing while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Spend some time searching for seashells or playing beach games.
As the sun sets, head to a nearby beachfront restaurant for a delicious dinner. Relish freshly caught seafood while enjoying panoramic views of the water. End the day watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors.
Start your day with breakfast at a classic diner before heading to the Castillo de San Marcos. Explore this historic fort, which offers fascinating insights into the early days of St. Augustine. Take your time walking the grounds and enjoying views of the surrounding harbor.
Stop by the nearby Historic District for lunch at a quaint café. Spend your afternoon visiting local shops, art galleries, and museums to learn about the city’s rich history. Don't miss landmarks like the Flagler College and the Lightner Museum.
Enjoy a ghost tour in the evening to delve into the city's spooky past. Listen to thrilling tales of haunted locations while walking through historic streets. Conclude the night with hot chocolate or a nightcap at a local bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $5-8 |
| 🚕Short rideshare/taxi | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet residential feel with quick beach access and proximity to historic downtown St. Augustine.
- Abundant outdoor activities—beaches, kayaking, fishing and state parks—within a short drive.
- Mild winters make it an attractive year-round destination for visitors and seasonal residents.
- Can be busy during peak summer and holiday seasons; parking and traffic increase near the beaches and downtown.
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer big-city amenities—a car is helpful for getting around the area.
Places to Visit in St. Augustine Shores
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic red-and-white lighthouse on Anastasia Island with panoramic coastal views, historic buildings and dramatic sunset opportunities.
Historic bridge and waterfront vistas are great for sunrise/sunset shots, boat activity, and reflections on the Matanzas River.
The colonial Spanish fort offers textured coquina walls, moody historic scenes and sweeping views of the bay—especially photogenic in golden hour light.
Long pier out into the Atlantic ideal for sunrise shots, surfers, and silhouettes against the open ocean.
Diverse coastal landscapes—dunes, maritime hammock, salt marsh and shorebirds—excellent for nature and wildlife photography.
Food in St. Augustine Shores
St. Augustine Shores Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught shrimp and grouper are often served grilled, blackened or fried; look for a grouper sandwich or grilled grouper plate at beachside restaurants and seafood shacks.
Must-Try!
A spicy tomato-based chowder with influences from St. Augustine’s Minorcan community — check downtown restaurants and historic eateries for their versions.
Classic coastal fried snacks available at casual seafood joints and beach bars; ideal to try at family-run spots and local fish houses.
A zesty citrus staple in Florida—served at cafés, bakeries and many restaurants around the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers markets in the city sell local produce, baked goods and prepared foods—great for picnic supplies and seasonal specialties.
Scattered around Anastasia Island and the beach area, food trucks and small shacks offer tacos, seafood sandwiches and casual bites—check social media for locations and hours.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally friendly and informal—polite greetings and small talk are common. A relaxed dress code prevails, especially near the beach.
St. Augustine places high importance on preserving historic landmarks—follow signage, avoid climbing on ruins, and respect restricted areas.
Follow posted beach rules, turtle-nesting season guidelines (do not disturb nests or hatchlings), and observe wildlife from a distance in marshes and preserves.
Safety
Tipping in St. Augustine Shores
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or $2–5 for table service, and 10–15% for taxis/rideshares if not included. Tip hotel housekeeping (a few dollars per night) and tour guides or drivers when service is good.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases, farmers’ markets or tips; ATMs are readily available but may charge fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and busy with beachgoers; afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bring sun protection, lightweight clothing, and plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours.
Warm and pleasant through early fall with diminishing crowds; hurricane season runs through November, so monitor weather forecasts and be flexible with plans during any storm activity.
Mild and comfortable—daytime temperatures are often pleasant while nights can be cool; this is a popular season for retirees and snowbirds, so expect steady tourism but fewer crowds than peak summer.
Comfortable temperatures, blooming coastal flora and increasing visitor numbers for spring break and events; book accommodations early during busy weeks.
St. Augustine Shores at Night
Hiking in St. Augustine Shores
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trails through maritime hammock, dunes and salt marsh with boardwalks and nature viewing—great for short hikes and birdwatching.
Extensive protected estuarine lands with walking trails, observation points and guided nature programs highlighting local ecosystems (check visitor center for trail maps and access points).
Short nature trails and boardwalks near the fort and ferry landing that combine historic interest with marsh-edge scenery and birdlife.
A bit south of St. Augustine, this park offers paved and unpaved paths through coquina rock gardens, shoreline vistas, and formal garden areas ideal for leisurely walks.
Airports
How to reach St. Augustine Shores by plane.
Major commercial airport about 45–60 minutes north by car, offering wide domestic and some international connections; car rentals and rideshares are readily available.
Smaller general aviation and charter airport serving private planes and some local aviation needs—useful for charters and private flights.
Major airport approximately 2–2.5 hours south by car; an option for international flights or when seeking more flight choices.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable portion of the local population are retirees and seasonal residents who come for the mild winter climate and coastal amenities.
Year-round families live in suburban neighborhoods, attracted by schools, parks and proximity to the beach.
St. Augustine’s historic attractions and beaches draw a steady stream of domestic tourists, especially in summer and holiday periods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Numerous courses in and around St. Augustine draw golfers year-round—mild winters make golf a popular pastime.
Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are common along the coastline and estuaries, with rental outfitters nearby.
Recreational inshore and offshore fishing and pleasure boating are integral to local leisure and tourism.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting St. Augustine Shores.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many cafés and a few restaurants—look for vegetable-forward plates, salads, and sides; ordering ahead or asking servers for modifications helps in smaller seafood-focused spots.
Vegan options exist but are more limited; downtown gastropubs and health-conscious cafés typically offer vegan salads, grain bowls and plant-based sandwiches—call ahead for the best choices.
Many restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests (grilled proteins, salads, and certain sides); if you have celiac disease, confirm cross-contamination controls before ordering.