Come Explore the Oldest City in the United States of America!
Situated on the coast of the shimmering North Atlantic Ocean and located within driving distance of the Jacksonville International Airport, the Orlando International Airport, and the Daytona Airport, St. Augustine is a beautiful seaside city with a rich and storied history. After being settled by the Spanish admiral long before the famous British colonization of Roanoke and Jamestown, St. Augustine remains to this day the oldest continually occupied settlement established by Europeans within the borders of the United States.
Downtown St. Augustine
Founded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, St. Augustine is a unique city featuring colonial Spanish neighborhoods, magnificent buildings, and its own historic charm. Walk on cobblestone that lines St. George Street, shop in many distinctive stores, and have lunch at the popular Columbia restaurant, or authentic Florida Cracker Cafe. You’ll also find a host of art and culture to see such as museums and other historic buildings.
Take a chance and drink from the very same Fountain of Youth believed to be discovered by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon! Visit the Castillo de San Marco, which is a 17th-century fortress facing the St. Augustine Inlet that provides breathtaking views of the ocean. Take a tour at the famous Flagler College, formerly the Ponce de Leon Hotel. Visit The Lightner Museum and its beautiful gardens or have lunch in their restaurant that has been converted from a historic indoor pool.
Become a part of an enjoyable Taste of History at the San Sebastian Winery, offering guided winery tours and wine tasting. For those who like the luxury of transportation and like to see it all, check out Old Town Trolley Tours and Sightseeing Train rides. Comprehensive tours are fully narrated by expert conductors and the trains will take you to see the attractions you should never miss while visiting the nation’s oldest city.
Romantic Travel Ideas
In the city, you can shop for antiques and old-world souvenirs in the Historic District, go on a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets, treat yourself to some pampering at Small Indulgences European Day Spa & Salon, or eat a romantic candlelight dinner. If you’re feeling brave, take a ghost tour through St. Augustine’s narrow alleys and mysterious haunted buildings. There are also St. Augustine Sightseeing tours such as Old Town Trolley Tours, the Whetstone Chocolates Tasting Tour, and the St. Augustine Scavenger Hunters that will give you a unique perspective on St. Augustine.
Family-Friendly Activities
Looking for some St. Augustine things to do that are light-hearted and family-friendly? Just ten minutes outside of the Historic District, you’ll find Fiesta Falls Mini Golf, an award-winning landscaped 18-hole course featuring eight waterfalls, multiple caves, and a sixty-five-foot Spanish ship. Try playing on the course at night for a wonderful night sky view, complete with an ethereally-lit course.
Outdoor Things To Do
You’d be hard-pressed to come to St. Augustine without getting a taste of the ocean! Enjoy the sun on any portion of St. Augustine’s forty-three miles of soft, sandy beaches, like St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, Vilano Beach, North Beach (also known as Usina), and South Ponte Vedra Beach.
Discover St. Augustine’s Maritime Past, visit the Lighthouse, and climb 219 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking panoramic view. Directly across from the Lighthouse is the Alligator Farm- Zoological Park. Zipline through the park and see hundreds of exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, and 23 species of crocodiles, including a rare albino alligator and the magnificent saltwater crocodile from Australia, Maximo.
Nearby are also two state parks: Anastasia State Park and Guana River State Park. Take to the waterways on a boat, kayak, or jet ski and snap a picture of the diverse St. Augustine marine life. Go deep-sea fishing and catch yourself a fish for the record books! Additionally, a number of eco-tours, sailing cruises, scuba diving classes, parasailing charters, and fishing charters are all available.
The Ocean Gallery — Your Gateway to the Best Attractions in St. Augustine Florida
At The Ocean Gallery, we recognize St. Augustine’s natural beauty and charming old-world wonders—and we want to share them with you! Our reservation specialists will help you figure out which activities and destinations will provide you with the best St. Augustine vacation experience possible, all while setting you up with comfortable, luxurious vacation rental accommodations. Contact The Ocean Gallery today to learn more and book your next great seaside escape!
