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If you're looking for a long weekend getaway that combines rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, St. Augustine, Florida, should be at the top of your list.
I have been wanting to visit this city for a while but somehow it kept getting pushed in the back burner for other places that I would like to travel to. Known as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine offers a perfect blend of well-known attractions and hidden gems. Here's a detailed guide that we did that I am sure would help you make the most of your three days in this charming city.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration at St. Augustine
Arrival and Lunch at Village Inn (11:25 am - 1:00 pm) Having flown from St. Louis, MO we landed in Jacksonville around 11:00 am we took an Uber to get to St. Augustine around 1:00 pm which we thought was the perfect time to arrive in St. Augustine. Flying in the morning somewhat reduces the chances of delayed flights that had accumulated during the day so if you can find one that leaves in the morning that would be great!
Should I Rent a Car when I visit St. Augustine?
Depending on where you stay. We stayed somewhere that was super close to St. George St. where most of the attractions were so we did not. Also, we bought a day pass for the trolley which we can talk about later. The traffic is somewhat horrible and parking seems to be tight so I do not recommend renting a car. But if you do rent a car you can use this link
Lunch or Breakfast at St. Augustine
We went to the Village Inn for a hearty lunch. Known for its classic American diner fare, Village Inn is the perfect spot to fuel up for your adventure. We like having breakfast for lunch!
Should I stay at a Hotel or Airbnb in St. Augustine?
Again this is personal preference. Most hotels are close to the downtown area where the tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars are which can be great but you also have to consider that these entertainment destinations can go for very long. We opted for Airbnb because it is a good blend of quiet and distance to the attractions we have planned on going. If you do decide to stay in a hotel, clicking the link below will help you book a hotel and help us out at no extra cost to you.
Check-in at your accommodation of choice and After lunch, check in to your hotel or AirBnB around 2:30 pm this is usually the check-in time. Once you’re settled, make your way to the Old Jail House by 3:00 pm.
Visit the St. Augustine Old Jail House (2:30 pm - 3:00 pm)
Cost: $17.99
This historical site offers fascinating insights into the life of inmates in the early 20th century. The guided tours are both educational and entertaining, setting the tone for your historical journey through St. Augustine. When you purchase your trolley tickets, you can buy tickets to the Old Jail House too. If you bundle them you get a discount
Discover the Fountain of Youth (4:00 pm)
Cost: $22.95
Next, head to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park at 5:00 pm. This attraction isn't just about the legendary spring – the park also features beautiful grounds, peacocks, and informative exhibits about the area's early inhabitants. Don’t forget to take a sip from the fountain!
Explore the Old Senator Tree and Villa 1565 (6:00 pm)
Cost: FREE
Just a short walk from the Fountain of Youth is the Old Senator Tree, an ancient live oak that’s over 600 years old, located near Villa 1565. This majestic tree is a living testament to the passage of time and is a must-see for nature lovers.
Dinner at De Leon Latin Cocina (7:00 pm)
After a day of exploring, head to De Leon Latin Cocina for dinner at 7:00 pm. Do not be fooled that this hotel restaurant would be your average fair. This local favorite offers delicious authentic Columbian food. We had to wait a bit to get seated but looking around people's food made us truly drool. Everything looked good. When we finally got our food, we were not disappointed.
Evening Ghost Tour: Ghostly Encounter Tour (8:00 pm)
Cost: $25
End your first day with a spine-tingling ghost tour at 8:00 pm. The Ghostly Encounters Tour takes you through some of St. Augustine's most haunted spots, providing a thrilling mix of history and supernatural lore. It’s a fun way to wind down your evening with a bit of adventure. You do not have to believe in ghosts to be part of the ghost tour, getting the history of the area is well worth the cost of the tour.
Day 2: St. Augustine Historical and Cultural Exploration
Morning Walk to Mission Nombre de Dios (8:00 am)
After you've had your breakfast it is good to start your second day with a peaceful morning walk to the Mission Nombre de Dios at 8:00 am. This historic site is where the first Catholic Mass in the United States was held. The serene grounds and the Great Cross are perfect for a morning stroll and reflection.
Stroll to the St. Augustine City Gates (10:00 am)
Depending on how long you stay in Mission Nombre de Dios, you'll want to grab a trolley ticket and take the trolley to the historic City Gates. Built in 1808, these gates once protected the city from invaders and now serve as a picturesque entry point to St. Augustine’s historic district. There is not much left to the walls of St. Augustine but what remains is very well preserved. Remember that this is considered very old at least from the US history perspective.
Visit the St. Augustine Lightner Museum (11:00 am)
At 11:00 am, with your trolley ride explore the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. Designed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style, was a luxurious retreat for wealthy northerners, featuring a casino, spa, and the world's largest indoor swimming pool at the time. By the mid-20th century, the hotel's popularity declined, and it eventually closed. In 1947, Otto C. Lightner, a Chicago publisher, bought the building to display his vast collection of Victorian-era artifacts. The Lightner Museum opened to the public in 1948, showcasing fine and decorative arts within the hotel's grand rooms
Lunch at Ancient City Brunch Bar (12:00 pm)
When it’s time for lunch at 12:00 pm, head on to Ancient City Brunch Bar provides a cozy atmosphere and delicious brunch options. Either choice is perfect for refueling before more exploring.
Tour the Villa Zorayda Museum (2:00 pm)
At 2:00 pm, visit the Villa Zorayda Museum. This lesser-known gem features unique collections and a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of St. Augustine’s past residents. Constructed in 1883 by Franklin W. Smith as his winter residence in St. Augustine, Florida, stands as a notable example of Gilded Age architecture. Smith drew inspiration from the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, incorporating the distinctive Moorish Revival style into the design of this historic building.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine (3:00 pm)
Head to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine at 3:00 pm. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, completed in 1797, is the oldest Catholic church in continuous use in the United States. Built in the Spanish Colonial style, the basilica stands as a testament to the city's rich religious heritage and its early Spanish settlers.
Spanish Military Hospital Museum (4:00 pm)
By 4:00 pm, explore the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. The Spanish Military Hospital Museum in St. Augustine, Florida, is located on the site of a hospital that served the city's Spanish colonial garrison during the Second Spanish Period (1784-1821). The museum offers insights into 18th-century medical practices, showcasing authentic surgical instruments and treatments from the era. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of early medical care in colonial America.
St. Augustine Old Wooden School House (5:00 pm)
Next, at 5:00 pm, visit the Old Wooden School House. The Old Wooden School House in St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest wooden school building in the United States, dating back to the early 18th century.
Dinner at St. Augustine Seafood Company (6:00 pm)
Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at St. Augustine Seafood Company at 6:00 pm. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The crab cakes and shrimp are local favorites.
Day 3: Everything in the Sea
Visit Castillo de San Marcos (9:00 am)
Start your day at the Castillo de San Marcos at 9:00 am. The Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, completed in 1695 by the Spanish to defend against British attacks. Built from coquina, a unique limestone, the fort has withstood sieges and remains remarkably well-preserved. Today, it is a national monument, offering insights into colonial military history and architecture. Be sure to catch the 10:30 am weekend cannon firing for a memorable experience. The fort offers stunning views of the city and the water.
Explore St. George Street (11:00 am)
After the fort, take a leisurely walk around St. George Street. This pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of St. Augustine.
Lunch at Harbor View Cafe (12:00 pm)
When it’s time for lunch at noon, head on to Harbor View Cafe. This cozy little restaurant offers both classic breakfast and lunch, I would say with a little bit of a St. Augustine twist! There was a little bit of a wait when we visited but the food was surely worth the wait.
Bonus Feature: The Nao Trinidad docked in St. Augustine
We were lucky that when we visited St. Augustine a replica of the Nao Trinidad was docked in St. Augustine and was available for tours. The replica of the Nao Trinidad, a historic carrack from Ferdinand Magellan's 16th-century expedition, is currently sailing around the world as a floating museum. This replica recently stopped at St. Augustine, offering visitors the chance to explore the ship and learn about its pivotal role in the Age of Exploration. The Nao Trinidad provides a unique, immersive experience of maritime history and Magellan's groundbreaking voyage.
St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum (2:00 pm)
The St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum, located on Anastasia Island, is centered around the historic lighthouse built in 1874. This iconic structure offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. The museum features exhibits on maritime history, shipwrecks, and the lives of the lighthouse keepers, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the region's nautical past.
There are 219 steps to get to the stops but the views are worth it!
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum (4:00 pm)
The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum showcases the rich history of piracy in the Caribbean and along the Florida coast. Opened in 2010, the museum features an extensive collection of authentic pirate artifacts, including treasure chests, maps, and weapons. Interactive exhibits and immersive displays bring the golden age of piracy to life, offering a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.
We were told that there are only 2 Jolly Roger flags left in the world and one is in the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Dinner at Columbia Restaurant (6:00 pm) Finish your day with dinner at Columbia Restaurant at 6:00 pm. This iconic restaurant has been serving delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine since 1905. There was not a single dish that we ordered that we did not like. I do recommend making reservations as there looks to be a long wait to get a table.
Things to do if you have extra time in St. Augustine
Our flight was not until 4:00 pm and our Airbnb host was nice enough to let us check out late so here are a couple of things you can do if you have a free morning
Old Store Museum at St. Augustine
The Old Store Museum in St. Augustine, Florida, offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century life with its authentic recreation of a general store from that era. Featuring original products, equipment, and displays, the museum showcases a wide array of goods that would have been available to the community. Interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides make it a captivating experience, illustrating the daily life and commerce of historic St. Augustine.
Lunch at Mayita St. Augustine
Before leaving for the day I recommend that you try Mayita in St. Augustine. We had brunch but they served authentic Mexican food
There you have it!
St. Augustine, Florida, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and adventure, perfect for those seeking an enriching getaway without the typical beach scene. From exploring ancient forts and historic landmarks to delving into pirate lore and enjoying delectable local cuisine, this charming city offers a diverse array of experiences. Whether you're uncovering the secrets of the Old Jail House or marveling at the beauty of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, there's something for every adventure traveler.
What historical site in St. Augustine are you most excited to visit? Have you ever experienced a ghost tour before? If so, what was your favorite part? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
So pack your bags, embrace the journey, and let "A Non-beach Go-er's Adventure Travel Guide to St. Augustine, Florida" be your roadmap to an unforgettable escape. Happy travels!
TTYL
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