St. Augustine is one of the best destinations to visit in Florida since there are so many things to do in St. Augustine, as well as quaint places to stay and delicious food to eat.
Military forts, majestic castles, and Gilded Age hotels are among the many things to do in St. Augustine.
Discover a spiraling lighthouse, beautiful natural trails, and peaceful beaches.
Listen to city sounds, such as horse hooves on brick-paved streets and the thunder of cannon fire.
Explore intriguing museums, go on spooky ghost tours, or enjoy historical reenactments.
Summary of the 17 best things to do in St. Augustine
In any case, this picturesque city on Florida’s Atlantic coast has a lot to offer visitors. Check out our travel guide about things to do in St. Augustine before your next vacation to Florida.
1. Nights of Lights
There is no terrible time of year to visit St. Augustine, but some travelers make an annual pilgrimage from mid-November to the end of January to see Nights of Lights, one of the world’s best holiday light displays. Many things to do in St. Augustine have millions of white lights, creating a warm and joyful environment that is stunning to view, and the show is free to experience.
Address:170 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Phone: Not Available
2.Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a Spanish stone castle built in 1695 that provides spectacular views of St. Augustine Inlet. “I love to stand on the ramparts, looking out at the Atlantic Ocean,” Golden said. “I like to picture what it was like to live here in the 1600s, keeping an eye out for approaching pirates or British invasion.
They include boats moored along the groups of dolphins swimming and playing in the bay and kayakers paddling.
The rangers, reenactors, and storytellers here are fascinating, and I learn something new about our past each time I visit.”
Address:11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Phone:+19048296506
3. St. Augustine Beach
While the biggest draw of St. Augustine is undoubtedly its winding cobblestone streets and centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture, its beaches are equally worth seeing.
Nearby St. Augustine Beach is a popular alternative, and the white sands of Crescent Beach and Butler Beach are ideal for relaxation.
Address:Florida 32080 USA
Phone:Not Available
4.St. Augustine Amphitheatre
St. Augustine Amphitheatre is an outdoor amphitheater that can seat up to 4,000 people, making it an excellent venue for seeing some of your favorite bands.
Mizell also recommends visiting on a Saturday morning to browse a farmers’ market with local sellers selling produce, art, and cooked cuisine.
“There’s always live music, and it gives you a real glimpse of the local life and flavors of St. Augustine,” Mizell said. “There’s a featured local artist or author you can chat with and learn more about the Oldest City.”
Address:1340C A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States
Phone: +19042090367
5. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
For a birds-eye view of the Oldest City, walk to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. For a birds-eye view of the Oldest City, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. “Climb 219 steps to the top for the most spectacular view of historic St. Augustine, the surrounding area, and the Atlantic Ocean,” Golden says.
“I enjoy walking the grounds to observe the wooden Boatworks and the local volunteers who work to create authentic replica vessels. My favorite part is the archaeology lab and watching maritime archaeologists identify and restore artifacts discovered on wrecks off our coast, most of which are hundreds of years old.
Address: 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States
Phone:+19048290745
6.Ponte Vedra Beach
“Located north of St. Augustine, this luxury resort town offers beaches, golf, and natural preserves.
“The beaches at Ponte Vedra are unique, and between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra sits the GTM NERR; we refer to it as the GTM Reserve,” said Golden.
“This is the coastal site where Ponce de Leon first sighted land on April 2, 1513, and landed the next day to claim all of Florida for Spain.
There is even a statue of Ponce de Leon in the north beach parking area.
The dunes here tower over the coquina beaches, reaching 40 feet in some places—the highest things to do in St. Augustine.
It’s also an excellent site to look for fossilized shark teeth.
Address:101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, United States
Phone: +19048276950
7.St. Augustine Distillery
The St. Augustine Distillery and upstairs Ice Plant Bar offer a two-for-one deal.
“No visit to the Oldest City is complete without embracing its true spirits,” said Mizell.
“This small distillery is situated within the ancient FPL Ice Plant. They provide free tours with complimentary sampling.
It will make the light drinker very tipsy.
Visit the Ice Plant restaurant and bar upstairs for a cocktail, each with a unique form of ice.
There’s also a gift shop where you can buy the distillery’s drinks and non-alcoholic goodies made by other local businesses.
Address:112 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Phone: +19048254962
8. Marineland’s Dolphin Adventure
Take a 72-mile coastal trip along the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway.
“I like to pack a picnic and head down to the spectacular beaches at Matanzas Inlet, then take the ferry over to our other fort, Fort Matanzas,” he says.
“Paddle the inland waters with Ripple Effect EcoTours to see dolphins and other native animals in their natural habitat, followed by a visit to Marineland Dolphin Adventure to take a deeper dive into the aquatic life here, and — my very favorite — swim with a dolphin and learn to speak their language.”
Address: 9600 N Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States
Phone: +14075634701
9.Saint Augustine Sailing
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are excellent ways to get a different view of St. Augustine.
“I feel safest with minimal boat traffic, paddling in front of the Castillo de San Marcos, on Salt Run, or at Matanzas Inlet,” he says.
She also suggests sailing charters for all the salty fun without any of the work.
“One of my favorites is St. Augustine Sailing for a Sunset Sail—it transports me to a Christopher Cross song.
They also offer entertaining-themed sails, such as breakfast, Magic on the High Seas, and dinner cruises with a private chef.
Address: 442 Ocean Vista Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States
Phone:+19048249725
10.Nighttime bioluminescent kayaking tour
“Want to get out on the water with no SPF?”One of my other favorite activities at the GTM Reserve is a night paddle with Geo Trippin,” Golden says.
“They take people to Guana Lake and paddle into the night to witness the bioluminescent jelly combs. It’s like magic to see the sparkles that appear around your paddle in the water, and your guide will explain how this natural phenomenon has existed since the dawn of man and how important it is to our ecosystem.
Unlike in other regions where biolumes are seasonal, they are present on Guana Lake.”
Address:Not Available
Phone: Not Available
11.Magnolia Avenue
Magnolia Avenue possesses blooming magnolias but live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. This gorgeous boulevard is one of America’s most photographed.
“It also has a great photo opportunity in front of the Fountain of Youth sign.”
Grab a freshly squeezed lemonade from The Fountain of Juice to drink while you stroll.
Address:St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Phone:Not Available
12. Anastasia State Park
The tranquil Anastasia State Park, located less than ten minutes by drive from historic downtown St. Augustine, includes 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammocks, and ancient dunes where visitors can swim, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, and camp.
The park is among the best things to do in St. Augustine, which also features a complete calendar of programs, including guided paddle experiences, bird walks, trail hikes, and coffee with a park ranger.
It’s a vacation inside a vacation, right in the thick of things.
Address:300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States
Phone:+19044612033
13.Whetstone Chocolate Factory
Golden suggests visiting the Whetstone Chocolates factory.
“Free samples come with this tour that tells the story of chocolate (one of my favorite things in life), including the Spaniards introducing it to the rest of the world, how artisan chocolates are here, and the right way to eat fine chocolate,” she said.
Address:139 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Phone:+19042170275
14.The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Alligators and Florida go together like beaches and sunshine, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park offers an up-close (but safe) encounter and educational programming.
“My favorite experience is the Crocodile Crossing, a zipline and ropes course over the crocs and gators,” Gold says. “It’s a workout and a fun way to see the park’s inhabitants.”
Another favorite is the rookery, where hundreds of wading birds nest annually between February and June. “The sight is amazing,” Golden adds.
“If you love birding, this is the spot — roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons of all kinds, and more here.”
Address:999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States
Phone:+19048243337
15.Colonial Oaks Music Park
According to Mizell, one of the hidden gems of historic St. George Street is Colonial Oak Music Park, where visitors can “listen to live local music under a 300-year-old oak tree streamed with lantern lights.”
What could be better? The unique venue offers improv comedy nights, where guests can watch, laugh, or participate as audience volunteers.
“In September, the Colonial Oak hosts artists during St. Augustine’s annual Sing Out Loud Festival and features national music acts,” she said.
“The best news is that most events have free admission, so you can pop in for a song or hang out for the whole evening.”
Address:21 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Phone:+19043422857
16. Colonial Quarter
The Colonial Quarter, located in St. Augustine’s historic neighborhood on St. George Street, brings history to life.
It is one of the best things to do in St. Augustine.
Learn about blacksmithing from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, watch a live musket demonstration, and climb the 35-foot watchtower for panoramic views of St. Augustine’s bayfront and the iconic Castillo de San Marcos.
Address: 14 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Phone: +19043422857
17.Old Town Trolley Tours
It may be touristy, Mizell concedes, but riding with Old Town Trolley Tours is a terrific and quick way to get around St. Augustine, and you’ll learn historical facts about the 458-year-old city as you go.
Furthermore, Mizell points out, “It’s a free sober ride around town—and most of the local distilleries, wineries, and breweries offer free tastings.”
There’s also a connection to the Old Town Trolley Beach shuttle, allowing you to go around without a car.”
Address:167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Phone:+19048293800
Final words
St. Augustine is known for its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks, including a 17th-century stone fortification and picturesque lighthouse.
Whatever you discover, timeless stories from past times emerge while exploring the oldest city in the United States.
Aside from history, things to do in St. Augustine offer a variety of activities such as bike rides, boat cruises, fishing expeditions, ghost-themed tours, and leisurely days of swimming and sunbathing on almost 40 miles of beaches.