St. Augustine

Day Trips

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the Historic District, savoring freshly baked pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of St. Augustine's Historic Center, where you'll discover the rich history and architecture dating back to the 16th century. Visit landmarks such as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, immersing yourself in the stories of the past.

After lunch at a charming bistro, continue your exploration with a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Spend time wandering the fortifications, learning about its history and enjoying spectacular views of the Matanzas Bay. Conclude the afternoon with a stroll down Aviles Street, the oldest street in the U.S., lined with art galleries, shops, and quaint eateries.

As the sun begins to set, make your way to a waterfront restaurant for dinner, enjoying fresh seafood and stunning views of the bay. After dinner, take a ghost tour through the historic district, discovering the eerie tales and legends that haunt this ancient city. Wrap up your evening with a nightcap at a local bar, soaking in the ambiance of St. Augustine's vibrant nightlife.

Begin your second day with a hearty breakfast at a beachside café, enjoying ocean views and the sound of waves. After breakfast, head to St. Augustine Beach for a morning of sunbathing and swimming in the warm Atlantic waters. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline from a different perspective.

After a refreshing morning, grab a casual lunch at a beachfront restaurant, indulging in fresh fish tacos and tropical drinks. Spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, building sandcastles, or playing beach volleyball with locals and fellow visitors. If you prefer a bit of exploration, take a walk to the nearby St. Augustine Beach Pier for stunning views of the coastline.

As evening approaches, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the sunset, capturing the moment with beautiful photographs. For dinner, enjoy a seafood feast at one of the popular restaurants along the shore, where you can taste the local flavors and enjoy live music. End the night with a leisurely stroll along the beach, feeling the cool sand beneath your feet.

Fuel up with breakfast at a popular local diner before heading to the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel. Spend the morning exploring the unique collection of art, antiques, and historical artifacts that tell the story of St. Augustine and its cultural heritage. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful courtyard gardens that offer a peaceful retreat.

After a delightful morning at the museum, grab lunch at a nearby café and then make your way to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Here, you can learn about the history of the area and the Indigenous cultures that once thrived, as well as enjoy the scenic grounds and the legendary fountain. Take time to relax and reflect on the history you’ve absorbed while strolling through the park.

In the evening, dine at a restaurant that serves traditional Spanish cuisine, reflecting St. Augustine's rich heritage. After dinner, enjoy a live performance at a local theater or music venue, where you can experience the vibrant arts scene of the city. Finish your day with a nightcap at a historic tavern, soaking in the atmosphere and local stories.

Start the day with breakfast at a café specializing in organic and locally sourced ingredients, fueling up for a day of adventure. After breakfast, visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, where you can see a variety of alligators, crocodiles, and exotic birds. The morning is perfect for watching feeding shows and learning about wildlife conservation efforts.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery before heading to the Anastasia State Park for an afternoon of outdoor activities. Here, you can hike trails, spot local wildlife, and relax on the stunning beaches surrounded by nature. Rent a bike to explore the park’s beautiful landscapes or go for a refreshing swim in the ocean.

As the sun sets, return to the city for dinner at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table dishes. After your meal, take a leisurely sunset cruise on the Matanzas River, enjoying the breathtaking views and perhaps spotting dolphins in the water. End your day with a quiet walk along the waterfront, reflecting on your day in nature.

Enjoy breakfast at a quaint café known for its artisan breads and homemade jams before heading out to explore St. Augustine's local shops. Spend the morning browsing unique boutiques and galleries in the Historic District, where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to local art. Engage with local artisans and learn about their creative processes.

After a morning of shopping, stop for lunch at a charming eatery that features a menu focused on local ingredients. Continue your afternoon by visiting the St. Augustine Art Association, where you can admire rotating exhibitions of local artists and perhaps purchase a piece to take home. Don’t miss a stroll through the historic Plaza de la Constitución, where you can enjoy outdoor performances and local events.

For dinner, choose a restaurant that showcases regional cuisine in a cozy setting, allowing you to unwind after a busy day. After your meal, take a leisurely walk down St. George Street, where you’ll find street performers and lively nightlife. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local ice cream shop, treating yourself to a sweet dessert before turning in for the night.

Start your day with breakfast at a local café, then set out to visit the Fort Matanzas National Monument, a short drive from downtown. Tour the historic fort and learn about its strategic significance in protecting St. Augustine from invasions. Enjoy the beautiful coastal views from the fort, soaking in the serene surroundings.

After exploring Fort Matanzas, head back to the city for lunch at a waterfront restaurant with a view of the harbor. Spend the afternoon visiting the Castillo de San Marcos again, perhaps taking a guided tour to delve deeper into its fascinating history and architecture. Explore the surrounding area, including the scenic waterfront pathways.

As dusk approaches, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant, taking in panoramic views of the city as the sun sets. After dinner, join a historic pub crawl, visiting some of St. Augustine's oldest bars and learning about their haunted histories. End your evening with a nightcap, sharing stories from your day with fellow travelers.

Start your day with breakfast at a local diner before heading to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Climb the 219 steps to the top of the towering lighthouse for breathtaking views of the city and coast. Explore the museum's exhibits on maritime history and the significance of the lighthouse.

After descending from the lighthouse, enjoy lunch at a nearby café and then spend the afternoon visiting the nearby beach for some relaxation or fun in the waves. Consider a guided kayak tour around the nearby coastal waters, where you can spot wildlife and learn about the local ecosystem. Alternatively, take a bike ride along the scenic coast to soak in the stunning views.

For dinner, return to downtown St. Augustine and dine at a restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine. After your meal, take a stroll through the historic district to admire the unique architecture illuminated at night. Conclude your day with a visit to a local brewery, sampling craft beers and mingling with locals.

Kick off your day with breakfast at a trendy café known for its artisanal coffee and breakfast bowls. Afterward, join a food tour to explore the culinary scene of St. Augustine, sampling local delicacies and learning about the city's diverse food culture. Visit local markets and specialty shops, tasting everything from locally made chocolates to unique hot sauces.

After an enriching morning, enjoy lunch at one of the trendy eateries you discovered on your food tour. Spend your afternoon visiting local wineries and distilleries, experiencing tastings and tours to learn about the production process. Engage with the staff and perhaps purchase a bottle to take home as a souvenir.

As evening falls, indulge in a gourmet dinner at a fine dining restaurant that highlights local ingredients and flavors. Consider attending a cooking class to learn how to prepare a signature dish from the region, guided by a local chef. End your culinary adventure with a dessert tasting at a popular bakery, savoring sweet treats crafted with love.

Begin your final day with breakfast at a local café, fueling up for a day filled with festivities. Check the local event schedule to see if any festivals or markets are happening, and plan your morning accordingly. Stroll through the streets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and engaging with local vendors.

Grab lunch at one of the food stalls or local restaurants participating in the event, enjoying a taste of St. Augustine's culinary offerings. Spend the afternoon exploring the festival, taking part in workshops or demonstrations, and enjoying live music or performances. Engage with local artists and craftspeople, perhaps picking up a souvenir to remember your trip.

As the festival winds down, enjoy a final dinner at a restaurant that captures the essence of St. Augustine’s culinary scene. Join in the closing festivities, celebrating with locals and fellow visitors as the event wraps up. Conclude your trip with a nighttime stroll through the historic district, cherishing the memories you've made in this beautiful city.