As the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine’s charm is steeped in history. But locals know there’s way more to this city than history. Scratch the surface and you’ll discover pristine beaches, state parks, quaint side streets, educational experiences, a vibrant culinary scene, a lively nightlife and much more. Explore the local hot spots and activities below to discover all that the area has to offer!
Where to Stay
Book your next stay at the award-winning Holiday Inn Express St. Augustine Vilano Beach. Spacious balconies in every room. Just steps from beach access, walking distance to local restaurants, and an exceptional complimentary breakfast experience.
Located on the picturesque, pedestrian-only St. George Street, the St. George Inn encompasses both the east and west side, with two courtyards overlooking the imposing Castillo de San Marcos and City Gate and rooms with captivating views of the city’s many landmarks. Located downtown, St. George Inn is a short walk to Francis Field.
Escape to Southern Oaks Inn, St. Augustine's premier desination for relaxation and exploration. Their spacious, pet-friendly accommodations are just 1.5 miles from historic downtown and feature a delicious complimentary breakfast, sparkling pool and free shuttle services around St. Augustine including a stop next to Francis Field!
Jalaram Hotels in St. Augustine include the Hilton Historic Bayfront, Hampton Inn Historic, The Renaissance Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn and Suites, Best Western Bayfront, Best Western Historic and Best Western Seaside St. Augustine Beach.
An oceanfront hotel just steps from the sand, with balcony views of St. Augustine Beach. Downtown attractions like Castillo de San Marcos are 10 minutes away. Enjoy water sports and family-friendly activities, plus cabanas and a bar for poolside sipping.
The Local is a digital boutique motel nestled between the historic district and the beach. With its retro Florida feel, flamingo pink facade, palm frond wallpaper, onsite bike rentals, relaxing pool and more, no wonder it was recently named Best Motel in the US by USA Today 10 Best.
What to Do
Enjoy the “Spirit of Florida Bourbon Experience” where you’ll learn about the history of bourbon, the St. Augustine Distillery production process and enjoy a guided tasting of 4 of their premium bourbons.
Spend the day with hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, other exotic creatures from around the world and hundreds of wild coastal birds.
Step back in time to explore 500 years of European History! Learn how the colonial Blacksmith worked hard at the forge, climb 35 feet to the top of a Spanish Watchtower and witness a live cannon firing! Experience colonial life in St. Augustine on the Colonial Experience tour.
With nearly 500 years of history, including rule by Spain, Britain, and the U.S., St. Augustine is full of sights and attractions that entertain and educate. For over 30 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided St. Augustine sightseeing tours highlighting the best of the city.
Climb the 150-year-old Lighthouse Tower while learning about local maritime history and shipwrecks. Feeling brave? Book the Dark of the Moon Night Ghost Tour!
Enjoy a unique perspective of St Augustine from the water with Sabrage St Augustine Boat Tours & Charters. Sabrage St Augustine is a 63' foot custom commercial vessel that offers daily boat tours, sunset cruises, eco tours and more.
Boat Drinks is a state of mind, where the only thing frozen is their drinks. The cocktails are tropical, balanced and a frosty escape in a glass. The kitchen and raw bar focuses on fresh, thoughtfully sourced seafood. Embark on a tropical cocktail and culinary journey... come sail away!
Drifters is a delivery-based beach equipment and bike rental business. With free deliveries and pickups, they make it simple and effortless to be ready to hit the beach or to take a bike ride into town.
The Villa Zorayda Museum is a historic Gilded Age masterpiece built in 1883 by Franklin W. Smith as his winter home. Smith implemented the Moorish Revival style of architecture inspired directly by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.
Fort Mose is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. In 1738, an estimated 100 Africans made Fort Mose their home and sanctuary in seeking liberation from English enslavement amidst a large-scale power struggle between European powers in the New World. In 1994, Fort Mose was designated as a Historic National Landmark.
The famous lantern lit walking tour that started it all. Explore the narrow streets and dark, haunted alleys of St. Augustine with your guide in period dress who will relate true stories of actual encounters with otherworldly phenomena.
Interact with some of Florida’s most beautiful marine species and touch invertebrates, feed the sharks or dig for shark teeth! For the adventurous, snorkel up close and personal with sea life in a natural Florida reef environment. Hand feed fish, rays or both while snorkeling!
Craft Cocktails & Culinary Fusion. Odd Birds is a local's favorite full restaurant, bar and event venue, where the rule is oddness in a relaxed and chill environment. Located at 200 Anastasia Boulevard in St. Augustine, Florida.
Discover the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, listed as a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1888, the Ponce is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture and was one of the most exclusive resorts of its day.
Epic adventure and rivalry awaits. Embark on an incredible journey through the charming streets and rich history of St. Augustine, the Oldest City in the United States. The Key to the City Scavenger Hunt will immerse you in the captivating stories and hidden treasures of this remarkable destination.
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.
With more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammocks and ancient sand dunes, Anastasia State Park is a haven for visitors and for wildlife. Visitors can observe wildlife along the beach from a canoe or kayak, or on the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail. The park’s 139 campsites are also just a short stroll from the beach.