Miles of pristine beaches, and exceptional lodgings and resorts are just part of what makes the Floridian city of St. Augustine such a special place to visit.
The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway passes along the St. Augustine coast (Photo: Provided by FloridasHistoricCoast.com)
Laying claim to being the oldest city in the U.S., St Augustine’s long and illustrious heritage can still be seen in the eye-catching Spanish colonial architecture that is dotted throughout its main boulevards and public squares. But this is also a city teeming with more modern attractions, including plenty of coastal amenities that make its idyllic Atlantic beaches ideal for fun-packed family days out. Suzanne Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, shares 7 great reasons to visit St. Augustine below.
Take a scenic road trip
There are few American road trips that offer a window so deep into US history than the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway. Spanning some 72 miles of picturesque roadway, the route traverses landscapes of raw natural beauty and tranquillity dating back almost five centuries, featuring views of the Atlantic Coast, historic sites, old forts and spectacular inlets. Starting in St. Johns County, you’ll pass the seaside resort town of Ponte Vedra Beach before meandering through St. Augustine itself, before finally reaching in Flagler County at the Gamble Rogers Memorial Park on Flagler Beach to bring your memorable drive to a close.
Visit an alligator farm
One of Florida’s oldest attractions, having opened back in 1893, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is home to more than 24 species of alligators and crocodiles. A big hit with families, the multi-award-winning attraction also features a wide variety of other Florida native reptiles, along with mammals and tropical birds. Within the park are also several informative exhibits, while visitors can also watch interactive animal performances and educational demonstrations.
999 Anastasia Boulevard / Mon-Sun 9am-5pm / www.alligatorfarm.com
A sign welcomes visitors to St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (Photo: Provided by FloridasHistoricCoast.com)
Embark on a sailing adventure
The waters off the coast of St Augustine make for delightful cruising grounds and visitors can explore them for themselves during a fun-packed sailing adventure. Among the area’s most popular sailing spots is Matanzas Bay, with its enticing combination of beautiful views, refreshing ocean breezes, and abundance of seabird and dolphin-spotting opportunities. Tours vary in duration and can also be timed for you to witness a mesmerising St Augustine sunset from the glistening waters.
You can book a St. Augustine sailing tour at GetYourGuide
Sailing boats on the waters surrounding St. Augustine (Photo: Provided by FloridasHistoricCoast.com)
Enjoy live-fire dining
There’s no shortage of great places to eat in St Augustine, but few restaurants can offer the drama and thrills of Asado Life. The Argentinian-themed eatery on the banks of the San Sebastian River is renowned for its Asado-style BBQ fare, all cooked up on live fires in front of a captivated audience of diners looking on at the flickering flames and crackling embers as they await their feast. Along with the top-notch fare, diners can mix and mingle in the venue’s spacious waterfront lounge, making it a truly social experience.
173 Shipyard Way / Tues-Sun 11am-3.30pm Closed Mon / www.asadolife.com
Marvel at Gilded Age architecture
The area west of downtown St. Augustine is dotted with opulent architecture and museums from the Gilded Age of the late 1870s to the late 1890s, many of which owe their presence to the efforts of the late Oil Tycoon and Railroad Baron, Henry Falger. Over the course of three decades, Falger stamped his mark on the city like no-one else before or since and his influence remains visible on St Augustine’s urban landscape to this day. Among the buildings that he built are Flagler College (the former Hotel Ponce de Leon) and Lightner Museum (the former Alcazar Hotel), along with a wide number of resorts both in Jacksonville and beyond, leading to him gaining the moniker of the “Father of Modern Florida”.
Eye-catching architecture in St. Augustine (Photo: Provided by FloridasHistoricCoast.com)
Learn about the first Spanish settlers at a historic park
Step back in time to where first America began at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. One of St Augustine’s most important historical landmarks, it is here where the landing of Pedro Menendez and more than 800 colonists took place, all of whom went on to live among the native Timucuan Indians, becoming the first successful European settlement in North America. Visitors can delve into the area’s folkloric history by exploring its scenic grounds and drinking from a spring containing waters that legend has it boasts the power to capture eternal youth.
11 Magnolia Avenue / Mon-Sun 9am-5pm / www.fountainofyouthflorida.com
Take a food tour
There are so many great restaurants in St. Augustine that tell the story of the city’s rich culinary heritage. From mouth-watering chocolates (introduced by Spaniards passing through from South America to Europe) to Greek, Spanish, Minorcan, Irish, and many other influences, the sheer diversity of delicacies and dishes on offer make for a tantalising experience for food lovers visiting the city. One of the best ways to get a taste of St Augustine’s food scene is by booking a guided tour that takes you to some of the city’s dining hotspots to sample some of the local fare while listening to fascinating foodie stories and insights.
You can book a St. Augustine food tour at GetYourGuide
Sweet treats on display in a St. Augustine store (Photo: Provided by FloridasHistoricCoast.com)