The oldest city in America is also one of the most beautiful cities in America. Located along the Florida A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway St Augustine Florida has the perfect combination of history and outdoor fun.

Before planning my solo trip to St Augustine, I took a quick look at some of the attractions in town. Not only are there a ton of things to do in St Augustine but the variety of cool things to do is amazing.

I had a blast in St A!

But how do you decide what to do in St Augustine?

No worries! I put together this list of 50 fun things to do in St Augustine.

There’s a whole lot of history to St Augustine, founded in 1565, it’s the oldest city in the USA. And there’s abundant beauty and wildlife in the northeast Florida region.

We’ll start our list of stuff to do in St Augustine with some fun outdoor activities.

 

 

Things to Do in St Augustine

1. St Augustine Beaches

Florida is known for gorgeous beaches.

And St Augustine has several beautiful beaches for you to enjoy surfing, fishing, kayaking, beachcombing, jogging, or relaxing while watching the waves and working on your suntan.

There are so many beaches in and around St Augustine that I wrote a whole separate blog post to help you find the best beach in St A.

The closest beach to downtown St Augustine is Vilano Beach (Surfside Park) at 3 miles (1.8 km) from the downtown area.

You may also enjoy: 15 Best Small Beach Towns in Florida You Will LOVE!

 

 

 

Outdoor Fun in St Augustine

When you visit the Sunshine State, you’ll want to spend time outdoors enjoying the sunny days on the coast. Fortunately, St Augustine is a great city for walking around and exploring on foot. I love walking when I’m on vacation because I think it’s the best way to get to know a place.

One of the things I loved about St Augustine, especially as a solo female traveler, is that I felt safe walking around on my own.

Since St Augustine is on the coast it makes sense to go exploring on the water too! Whether you are into surfing, fishing, or simply want to get out on the water, St A has something for you.

You may also enjoy: 8 Gorgeous Springs in Ocala

 

 

2. Bridge of Lions

Part of the scenic Hwy A1A the Bridge of Lions connects St Augustine to Anastasia Island. There are pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge. The Bridge of Lions is a draw bridge that opens up to let boat traffic through the Intracoastal Waterway.

Walk across the Bridge of Lions at sunset!

I loved walking across the Bridge of Lions for the spectacular views of old St Augustine and you can see the fort from the bridge too.

St Augustine is one of the most charming places to visit in the United States. It’s a wonderful combination of beautiful scenery and history.

READ MORE: 28 Awesome USA Road Trip Destinations

 

 

3. St Augustine Marina

Does anyone else love visiting marinas? Even though I’m not so much into boating I love walking around the harbors and seeing all the boats, and sometimes some cool birds too!

St Augustine is also on our list of 12 Best Weekend Getaways in Florida

 

 

4. St Augustine Boat Tours

Boat tours are a great way to see St Augustine from the water. I’m not sure how I missed doing a boat tour in St Augustine, but it’s a great excuse to visit again!

If you do an internet search for “St Augustine boat tours” you’ll find a variety of water tours from dog friendly boat tours to Eco-tours and ghost tours on the water.

 

 

5. Fishing

Florida is kind of a fisherman’s paradise so St Augustine will keep the fishing folks super happy! St Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier and Vilano Beach Pier are two great fishing spots in St Augustine.

Remember to buy your fishing license for St Augustine. There’s a a freshwater license or saltwater license or combination license so you’re covered for both freshwater and saltwater.

Visit Florida Fish and Wildlife to purchase your license and read up on fishing regulations in Florida.

 

 

 

6. Wildlife and Bird Watching

Florida is home to dozens of bird species as well as endangered and protected animal species including gopher tortoises, sea turtles, manatees, and the North Atlantic Right Whale.

If you are into nature and getting outdoors you will LOVE St Augustine and Florida in general. When I visited St Augustine in October and November the weather was perfect – not too hot and hardly any rain.

 

 

 

READ MORE: Best Things to Do in Orlando (besides theme parks)
 

7. Surfing

So what if you don’t have a surfboard and don’t know how to surf? You can rent a board and take surfing lessons in St Augustine. You’ll have fun learning to surf the waves!

Check out Surf Station or Pit Surf Shop for surfboard rentals and lessons.

 

 

8. Mini Golf

I love mini golf! Near the Bridge of Lions in St A you’ll find one of the coolest mini golf courses – with beautiful views of the bridge and the marina.

 

 

9. Golfing in St Augustine

After warming up your short game on the mini golf greens you can do a round of 9 hole or 18 hole golf at one of the outstanding golf courses in St Augustine.

Check out this list of golf courses in St Augustine to get your tee times sorted out and have a great day on the links.

 

10. Plaza de la Constitucion and First Friday Art Walk

First Friday art walk every month in downtown St Augustine at Plaza de la Constitucion, which is worth a visit any day.

The plaza is the central park of St Augustine – since 1573. Plaza de la Constitucion St Augustine is located on Cathedral Street (next to Cathedral Basilica) near Bridge of Lions.

 

Historical Sites – Museums – Tours

St Augustine is a dream come true to any history buff. Enjoy touring around these museums on your own or sign up for a guided tour in St Augustine to explore the culture and history with a local expert. Tours are often an excellent choice when traveling alone or if you’re looking for fun things to do in St Augustine with kids – they get to do something fun and educational.

You have several options for tours in St Augustine from the roaming rail or trolley tours around town to specific tour sites. Explore historical St Augustine and learn about the rich culture in America’s oldest city.

 

 

11. Castillo de San Marcos

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at the Castillo de San Marcos – I have friends that could spend DAYS here!

The oldest and largest masonry fort in the continental United States, built from 1672 to 1695 out of coquina stone. The fort is over 320 years old!

 

 

12. Flagler College

Flagler College campus is a stunning and attractive college campus. Formerly the Ponce de Leon Hotel, built by railroad magnate Henry Flagler in 1888, the architecture at Flagler College is extraordinary.

Flagler College tours are available to the public, cost is $16 per person and the tour lasts about 1 hour. The historic tours of Flagler College take place daily at 10 am and 2 pm. On the tour you’ll learn about the architecture and history of this former hotel and see gorgeous Tiffany stained glass windows, murals, ornate crystal chandeliers, and more. Get tickets and more info about tours at Flagler College.

You can still go and look around the courtyard and the Frog Fountain at Flagler without signing up for a tour. But a tour of Flagler is a great rainy day activity when you’re looking for things to do indoors in St Augustine.

 

 

13. Lightner Museum

Located at 75 King St, the Lightner Museum is housed in the former Hotel Alcazar, an 1888 Spanish Renaissance Revival style building in downtown St Augustine built by Henry Flagler.

The building features Tiffany stained glass windows and a great collection of art and antiques.

Check the Lightner Museum website for ticket info and hours .

 

 

14. St Augustine Lighthouse and Museum

Want the best view of St Augustine? Go climb 219 steps up the lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of St Augustine. Sunset is a great time to go!

The museum is interesting too! Learn about life as a lightkeeper and tour the lightkeeper’s house.

 

 

 

 

15. St Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum

Do you love pirates? You must go visit the Pirate and Treasure Museum because it’s full of pirate artifacts. Arrrr!

 

16. Fort Matanzas National Monument

Looking for free stuff to do in St Augustine? Visit Fort Matanzas, constructed in 1740 by the Spanish, along the Matanzas River. There is a large salt marsh and barrier islands at the site. Get your (FREE) ticket, from the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center, to ride the ferry.

Free admission + Free ferry ride = WINNING!

Get more info on hours and ferry times at Fort Matanzas from National Parks Service so you can plan your visit.

 

17. Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

Located downtown at 48 King Street, next to Plaza de la Constitucion. The building is constructed of coquina stone and served as the governor’s official residence from 1710 until 1812.

Free admission and the interior recently upgraded with ADA compliant access.

 

18. Potter’s Wax Museum

Located on Orange St, the oldest wax museum in the USA features over 150 wax figures – perfect family outing! Get info on ticket prices and hours here.

 

19. Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

Where was the first free black settlement in America? Find out and learn more on the St Augustine Black Heritage and Civil Rights. Visit the Lincolnville Museum to learn about 450 years of black history and civil rights heritage in St Augustine.

10:30 am – 4:30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday

 

20. Villa Zorayda replica of Alhambra Palace

Located at 83 King Street. Built in 1883 by Boston millionaire Franklin W. Smith as a winter home. The building was inspired by the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, built in the 12th-century.

 

 

21. Ghost Tours in St Augustine

Explore haunted St Augustine with one of the St Augustine ghost tours. Have a ghostly good time while getting all the best ghost stories around St A.

 

22. Old Jail Tours

When looking for unique things to do in St Augustine check out the historic jail located at 167 San Marco Avenue – more info on St A old jail tours. You’ll get to go inside the historic St John’s County Jail in St Augustine that is now the Old Jail Museum. Watch as the performers  in period costumes act out scenes and tell stories of the past.

 

23. Visit the oldest house in St Augustine

14 St Francis Street – Gonzalez-Alvarez House is the oldest house in St Augustine.

Open from 10 – 5 daily

Tours run every 30 minutes.

 

 

24. Saint Francis Barracks

Located across the street from the oldest house. This historic structure is built from coquina stone.

Named for St Francis of Assisi. There is a series of plaques honoring military troops from the area.

The building is now home to the Florida National Guard headquarters.

 

 

25. Oldest Wooden School House

The oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States is located at 14 St George Street in St Augustine – check hours and get more info about the old school house in St A.

 

 

26. Colonial Quarter St Augustine

St George Street is a great place to explore old St Augustine – shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and free outdoor concerts every week.

 

 

27. Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

The Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is located at 11 Magnolia Ave. Learn about the Spanish settlers and explore the theme park.

 

28. Old Town Trolley Tours

Take a tour around St Augustine on the Old Town Trolley Tours – get trolley tour info here.

 

 

29. Red Train Tours

Another option for St Augustine tours is the Red Train Tours – more info on St Augustine train tours.

 

 

30. Aviles Street

Visit the oldest street in America! Walk the cobblestone street and visit art galleries or get something to eat/drink at the restaurants and bars.

 

 

Annual Events and Festivals

Who doesn’t love a festival?! St Augustine loves to celebrate. Catch the fun at one of these cool annual festivals in St Augustine.

31. Colonial Night Watch

The St. Augustine Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade takes place in early December and this is a free event in St Augustine.

The parade is from the Castillo to the Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum. And throughout the day the Historic Florida Militia will have reenactment activities at the Colonial Quarter and Castillo de San Marcos.

July 10, 2021 was the 200th anniversary of Florida becoming a United States Territory. A grand celebration took place in St Augustine to commemorate the event.

 

32. Night of Lights – November through January

Over 3 million lights on display in the historic district of St Augustine for the Night of Lights celebration every night from late November to the end of January.

Tour the Night of Lights on foot, via trolley, train, boat or… plane? Sorry, no plane tours but helicopter tours are available.

 

33. Celtic Music and Heritage Festival in March

Celebrate Celtic heritage in St Augustine with Celtic bands, Highland Games, artisans, and Celtic food, plus a St Patrick’s Day parade.

Saturday March 12, 2022

Fun fact – St Augustine hosted the first St Patrick’s Day parade in the world in 1601.

 

34. Music by the Sea from May – September

What’s the best thing to do in St Augustine on a Wednesday in the summer?

Enjoy this free concert series with music on the beach at St John’s County Ocean and Fishing Pier with Music by the Sea. No tickets required – free event. Parking is limited so walk or bike there if possible. Several food trucks provide tasty (and cheap) eats at the concerts.

2022 opening event on Wednesday May 25 from 3 pm – 7 pm

Free beach music (most) Wednesdays from May 25 to September 21, 2022

 

35. Concerts in the Plaza from June – September

What’s the best thing to do on Thursday night in St Augustine in the summer?

Free music in the plaza! Another fine concert series in St Augustine at the beautiful Plaza de la Constitucion between Cathedral Place and King Street, just west of the Bridge of Lions.

2022 opening event on Thursday June 2 from 7 pm – 9 pm

Free music in the park every Thursday night from June 2 to September 1, 2022

 

 

Churches in St Augustine

Whether you wish to attend a church service or simply enjoy the beautiful architecture and historical significance here are 3 churches to visit in St Augustine.

 

36. Memorial Presbyterian Church

A beautiful historic church constructed in 1889, another of Henry Flagler’s contributions to St Augustine. Get more info about the historic church.

 

37. Cathedral Basilica

Historic cathedral and seat of the Catholic Bishop of St Augustine.

Whether you want to attend mass in St Augustine or simply learn about the history of the Cathedral Basilica you will get to do so in a beautiful church. You can get info about mass times, gift shop hours, and more at Cathedral Basilica.

 

38. Mission Nombre de Dios Museum

A Spanish Catholic mission set in beautifully landscaped grounds. You can visit the chapel, learn about the history of the mission and walk around the gardens. A peaceful and meditative place.

Admission to the museum is free and they have a small gift shop with cards, souvenirs, Easter gifts, and lots of other gift items. You can get more info about the mission here. 

 

 

State Parks near St Augustine

Visit one of Florida’s amazing State Parks. St Augustine is home to 7 of Florida’s state parks.

 

39. Anastasia State Park

On Anastasia Island across Matanzas Bay from downtown St. Augustine visit the beautiful beaches, tidal marshes, sand dunes, and the Spanish Coquina Quarries site.

There are 139 campsites (for tents and RVs) at the Anastasia campground. You can rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, standup paddle board, or a sailboat.

The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail is an easy and family friendly hike. Info panels along the trail provide facts and names of the local flora and fauna.

Bring a picnic lunch or eat at the Island Beach Grill restaurant

 

 

 

40. Faver-Dykes State Park

Enjoy biking, hiking, paddling, camping, picnicking, popular site for birding – over 100 species.

Visit the Pellicer Creek and hike the nature trails.

Faver-Dykes State Park Campground has 30 campsites

 

41. Fort Mose Historic State Park

This national historic landmark is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African slave settlement.

Just two miles north of St Augustine it’s a good choice for a day trip.

Along with the museum there is a salt marsh, kayak launch boardwalk, birding boardwalk, and picnic areas.

Museum is open 9 am -5 pm from Thursday to Monday

 

42. Guana River State Park

Escape the city for Guana River State Park and enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and beautiful nature trails.

 

43. Matanzas State Forest

Explore the woodlands and wetlands at Matanzas State Forest. Visit the salt marsh for birding, wildlife viewing. Go biking, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing.

Matanzas State Forest is close to Crescent Beach and north of Faver-Dykes State Park.

For overnight stays you can book a campsite at Cedar Creek Campground.

 

44. Ravine Gardens State Park

National Register of Historic Places

Ravine Gardens State Park features 2 ravines up to 120 ft deep, with steep banks up to 45 degree angle. Hike the Azalea Trail and enjoy the fountains, ponds, suspension bridge, and maybe see some alligators.

There is a spring-fed creek and picnic tables.

For peak flowering time go during azalea season, January to March

 

45. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River the Washington Oaks Gardens State Park features gorgeous formal gardens with lots of azaleas and other blooming plants. Beautiful fountain features make for great photography opportunities.

After you walk the gardens be sure to visit the beach with amazing coquina rock. There is a small parking lot and the admission fee to Washington Oaks Gardens includes this shoreline area.

 

 

Food – Drink – Entertainment

If you really want to get to know a place you have to immerse yourself in the culture. That means you must eat the local food and sample the local booze in order to fully embrace St Augustine.

 

 

46. Seafood

St Augustine is on the Florida coast, with some of the best fishing in the USA, so you must try the seafood.

For some of the best seafood restaurants in St Augustine check out Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, O’Steen’s Restaurant, and St Augustine Fish Camp.

 

47. San Sebastian Winery

Visit the winery at 167 King Street for a tour and wine tasting – check the winery website for more info.

 

48. St Augustine Distillery

For small batch whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka. Take a free tour at the distillery and learn about the process of making booze.

 

49. St Augustine Amphitheatre

Built in 1965 to commemorate St Augustine’s 400th birthday the St Augustine Amphitheatre is a performing arts center. Updated in 2002 the venue capacity is 4,100 people – check St Augustine Amphitheatre website for upcoming events in St Augustine.

 

50. St Augustine Farmers Markets

Visit the Old City Farmers Market at 1370 – 1380 Hwy A1A on Saturday mornings (at the Amphitheatre parking lot) or the Wednesday market at 350 Hwy A1A from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

And that completes the best of St Augustine activities and cool stuff to do.

Bookmark this page for future reference when you’re looking for stuff to do in St Augustine.

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