Whether you’re a history buff or a beach bum, you’re sure to find something to enjoy on your trip to sunny St. Augustine. Here are just a few of the attractions that keep tourists coming back to this charming northern Florida city:
If you’re interested in history, we highly recommend taking a St. Augustine tour focusing on the city’s colonial-era past. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, earning it the nickname “the Ancient City.” There are still plenty of centuries-old buildings there, mostly located in the Historic District, and it’s well worth taking a stroll through the neighborhood to take in the colonial architecture. We also recommend taking a trip out to Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fortress that’s now open to the public.
If historic buildings aren’t your bag, there’s still plenty to do in St. Augustine. Many tourists are drawn to the area’s gorgeous sandy beaches, the same ones that drew Ponce de León to shore over 500 years ago. We especially recommend St. Augustine Beach, a laid-back shore featuring everything you need for a relaxing evening, and Vilano Beach, the one-time favorite of millionaire industrialist Henry Flagler and his aristocratic pals.
Looking to get closer to nature on your trip? Check out the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park to get up close and personal with some of Florida’s iconic gators, or take to the seas on one of the city’s many boat tours for sport fishing or diving. When you get back, make sure you take advantage of St. Augustine’s terrific seafood cuisine- we recommend trying something with datil peppers, a local specialty.
To make the most of your trip, check out our St. Augustine Self-Guided Walking Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
