First-Time Visitor’s Guide to St. Augustine

What kind of St. Augustine vacation do you want? There’s something for everyone in America’s Oldest City, but if you’re not sure where to start keep reading our St. Augustine visitor’s guide.

Most Popular Tours in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is an iconic place to visit. Beach vacations in St. Augustine often revolve around fantastic, illuminating, and whimsical tours in and around the historic streets and beaches.

Hit the streets by trolley with one of two trolley tour providers. The first is Old Town Trolley.

The team carries you on as many trips as you like with a day pass from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alternatively, the Red Train guides you through the historic district, on the lookout for top attractions, like the Lightner Museum and Flagler College. You can spot all the historic sights, like the Fountain of Youth, the Old Jail, and the Castillo de San Marcos fort.

Finally, embrace the spooky side of St. Augustine with a ghost tour. There are tours by foot and by trolley. Exploring St. Augustine at night with the Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley is one of the most fun things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.

Can’t Miss Historical Attractions

If you opt-out of taking a tour around the city and want to hit the main spots on your own time. Here are a few of the more notable stopping points.

As a first-time visitor, you can’t miss the giant fort resting along the Matanzas River. The Castillo de San Marcos is in a huge, open field bordered by water and has been around since the 17th century. This fort is one of the most popular historical sites in the city, and you’ll see images on most tourist brochures. It is open for tours, and cannon demonstrations occur daily.

Stroll down St. George Street, and you’ll find several great spots along the road. Make an afternoon stop over to the Old Jail and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse to understand more about life in the city’s early history. You’ll also be within walking distance of other downtown attractions like the Spanish Military Hospital and the Cathedral Basilica.

With so many cultural influences, there are plenty of ways to

The Great Outdoor Attractions

If you need a slower day away from the downtown area where parking can sometimes be a chore. Head outside to enjoy nature and simple activities that are both relaxing and fun!

Try your hand at fishing on a local charter on a thrilling ocean getaway. St. Augustine was originally settled because it was an ideal port for settlers and traders. That means there are plenty of ways to enjoy the high seas.

If you aren’t keen on finding your sea legs, there are plenty of walking to be done at Anastasia State Park where you can hike through over 1,600 acres of diverse ecosystems including tidal marshes, hammocks, and untouched beaches. Spend some time on the scenic trails and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.

Family Vacation Ideas in St. Augustine

Bringing your kids with you to St. Augustine? There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do that will keep them entertained.

Without a doubt, one of the most popular attractions is the Alligator Farm where you can watch them being fed and marvel at albino alligators. Visitors can zip line over gators, get up close and personal with some creepy crawlers, and learn more about the local wildlife of Florida.

Kids can’t get enough of the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. The museum contains one of the only authenticated and proven pirate treasure chests ever discovered. Get a guided tour through the rooms and gaze at authentic pirate artifacts and items collected through the decades.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not is a fun stop for all the oddities throughout history. It’s a bizarre look at the underbelly of human culture, from the tallest to the oldest, rarest to the most puzzling.

Romantic Vacation Ideas in St. Augustine

With its charming architecture and dazzling attitude, St. Augustine stands as one of the most romantic escapes in Florida. The city embraces its lovely romanticism, from its street décor to its many events. Many come for beach vacations in St. Augustine to experience the majestic wonder of Flagler College, the many historic attractions, and the quaint cobblestone streets of St. George Street.

If you want a more romantic experience, consider a tour of St. Augustine by horse carriage. You simply head on over to the bayfront and request the horse of your choice. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine as if you were dropped into the earliest years of St. Augustine.

Plan Your Visit!

If you’re visiting St. Augustine for the first time, there are plenty of experiences to try for the first time! Book your St. Augustine

You can come any season. Nights of Lights is an astonishing and romantic winter event. Visit St. Augustine any time from late October to February and find the historic streets and trees coated in bright white lights. It blankets the town in a rich glow.

Romance is everywhere, and not just in the historic downtown. You are sure to find a little bit of romance at the beach, especially as you admire the pristine northern Florida ocean views.

At the end of all your adventures, what is more romantic than a rental on the beach? Use the Jacuzzi tub. Relax in the walk-in shower. Cozy up in bed. Romance is in the air, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.