| Attraction | Why We Love It | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
|
Wide, sandy beach perfect for family fun. Offers easy access for driving on the beach (with a permit) and great surfing spots. |
Check tide tables! Vehicle access is allowed on designated portions of the beach with a required fee/pass. |
|
|
A classic fishing pier offering incredible ocean views. It’s a great spot for a morning walk, sunset views, or fishing without a boat. |
Nominal fee for fishing or walking the pier. Check the website for local market times (often Wednesdays). |
|
|
Climb the 219 steps for a stunning panoramic view of the entire area—the Atlantic, the Intracoastal, and the Old City. A true local landmark. |
Great history exhibits and a fantastic children’s play area. Nighttime “Dark of the Moon” ghost tours are popular! |
|
|
The only place in the world where you can see every species of crocodilian. Fun for all ages, with exciting feeding shows and a popular zip line course. |
Located right on Anastasia Island, just a short drive from the beach. Check the show schedule upon arrival. |
|
|
A protected natural gem with four miles of pristine beach, coastal marshes, and maritime hammocks. Perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature trails. |
A great place to rent kayaks or paddleboards. There is a small entry fee per vehicle. |
| Attraction | Why We Love It | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
|
The most iconic landmark. This huge, centuries-old Spanish stone fort is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Great views of the Bay. |
Plan for 1-2 hours. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Check the schedule for cannon-firing and musket demonstrations! |
|
|
A pedestrian-only street that is the heart of the historic district. Enjoy endless unique shops, local restaurants, coffee spots, and fudge/ice cream shops. |
Great for people-watching and souvenir shopping. Can get very crowded in the middle of the day. |
|
|
Two stunning examples of Gilded Age architecture built by Henry Flagler. Flagler College (originally Hotel Ponce de León) offers guided tours of its stunning interior. The Lightner Museum (originally Alcazar Hotel) is across the street. |
Don’t miss the Lightner Museum’s ground floor, where the Alcazar Hotel’s massive indoor pool is now a beautiful café. |
|
|
Explore the site of the original 1565 Spanish landing. Enjoy historical demonstrations, a Planetarium, and, of course, a sip from the legendary spring. |
A fun, interactive way to absorb the city’s earliest history. |
| Attraction | Why We Love It | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
|
See the Castillo, the Great Cross, the Bridge of Lions, and the Lighthouse from the water. It’s a relaxing way to learn history and often spot dolphins! |
Multiple operators (e.g., Victory III, Schooner Freedom). Sunset cruises are highly recommended for the best views. |
|
|
A wonderful way to get oriented on your first day. These hop-on, hop-off narrated tours cover all the major sites in the Historic District. |
Saves you from parking headaches downtown! You can jump off at any stop to explore further. |
|
|
St. Augustine is considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. Choose from walking tours, trolley rides, or even haunted pub crawls for a spooky night out. |
Book these in advance, especially on weekends! Many tours start after dark in the Historic District. |
|
|
A free tour and tasting at a craft distillery housed in the historic ice plant building. Great local spirits and cocktails. |
Tours run frequently throughout the day. Located close to the Historic District. |
These spots are in the heart of the historic district and often feature beautiful courtyards or historic architecture.
| Restaurant | Vibe / Specialty | Local Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|
|
Southern Comfort with a Modern, Local Twist. |
A fresh, farm-inspired café with everything from brunch to supper (plus cast-iron pizzas and low-ABV cocktails by night!) |
|
|
Farm-to-Table in a historic 1920s ice factory (next to St. Augustine Distillery). |
Handcrafted cocktails with house-made spirits and the Blue Crab Beignets. |
|
|
Popular for classic New Orleans/Cajun-Creole. |
Louisiana Style Peel & Eat Shrimp or their signature Jambalaya. |
|
|
Upscale, intimate Peruvian cuisine. |
Ceviche (fresh, zesty) or a nightly special—reservations are essential. |
|
|
Florida’s oldest restaurant (since 1905!) serving Spanish and Cuban food. |
The Original Cuban Sandwich or the famous “1905” Salad. |
These spots are close to the ocean or on the Intracoastal Waterway, perfect for a sunset or casual lunch.
| Restaurant | Vibe / Specialty | Local Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|
|
Stunning sunset views over the Intracoastal. Coastal cuisine. |
Blackened Scallops or fresh catch of the day on their expansive deck. |
|
|
Casual, surf-themed, ocean-view rooftop bar (across from St. Augustine Beach Pier). |
Tuna Poke Bowl or the Fried Shrimp basket. |
|
|
An absolute local institution for classic, no-frills fried seafood. |
The famous, perfectly battered and fried Shrimp. (Cash only!) |
|
|
The most “on the sand” casual beach bar experience. |
Baja Fish Tacos and a cold local craft beer. |
|
|
Caribbean-themed restaurant with unique Tiki Hut dining options over the water. |
Minorcan Conch Chowder and their signature Goombay Smash cocktail. |
These are the specialty spots that define St. Augustine’s unique food culture.
| Type | Place to Go | Why it's a Local Gem |
|---|---|---|
|
Minorcan/Datil Spice |
Various locations |
St. Augustine is the only place the super-hot Datil Pepper is cultivated. Try a sauce or a baked good featuring the local heat. |
|
Breakfast/Brunch |
Southern comfort breakfast/lunch in a cozy setting. Great for classics like biscuits and gravy. |
|
|
Coffee/Aussie-Style |
Authentic Australian-style coffee and their “Pot Pies” are a favorite local grab-and-go. |
|
|
Tacos |
Fantastic, creative tacos with fresh ingredients. Perfect casual lunch after the beach. |
St. Augustine’s signature local ingredient: the Datil Pepper. It has a unique fruity flavor with a serious slow-burn heat. You’ll find it in local hot sauces, Minorcan clam chowder, and even some desserts!