Ah, fall! It’s just around the corner, and before we know it, the temperature is going to get a little cooler, the wind is going to blow a little harder, and the leaves are going to change to beautiful shades of yellow, red, and orange. Summer is on its way out the door and a beautiful autumn season is on its way in. Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do in St. Augustine during the fall.
Go on a Spooky Tour: Ripley’s Haunted Castle
Castle Warden was originally built as a four-story private home in 1887. It was later purchased by a hotelier and his wife, who turned it into an upscale hotel. Robert Ripley then purchased the property and turned it into the first Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
Staff members have experienced supernatural things and claimed to have encountered apparitions. This has led several ghost hunters to tour the facility at night to set up equipment and capture paranormal events.
Ticketed members receive EMF readers and will take an 80-minute tour of the attics and backrooms of the museum, learning about mysteries, murders, and unexplained paranormal activity.
Tours are only available on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Up to a maximum of 20 people are allowed on each tour, and social distancing will be practiced. Reservations are required for this tour.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
It wouldn’t be fall without some pumpkins! Pumpkins are great for everything, from holiday recipes to decorations and jack-o-lanterns. There are a few fantastic places to find the perfect pumpkin in St. Augustine:
Starting October 3rd, First United Methodist Church offers pumpkins in a variety of sizes. The church is located in St. Augustine’s historic district. It has pumpkins available every day in October from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Sykes and Cooper Farms, located in Elkton, FL, also has plenty of pumpkins for sale during the month of October. You’ll also find sunflowers and other fresh produce here. People of all ages can also enjoy hayrides, a crop maze, duck races, farm animals, and so much more.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
One of the most popular attractions during the autumn months is the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The park is located on 15-acres with a waterfront view. You’ll enjoy lovely tropical gardens, exciting live cannon firings, living exhibits, and so much more. Walk through a Timucuan Village or head over to the Navigator’s Planetarium – there’s always something new to learn! Then head over to the Spring House to take a sip of the Fountain’s eternal water.
Climb up the Lighthouse Steps
The St. Augustine Lighthouse was built in 1849 at the end of Anastasia Island. While many towers have been constructed over the centuries, the lighthouse you see today is the oldest surviving brick building in St. Augustine.
The lighthouse contains 219 steps and rises 165 feet above sea level. Climbing to the top of the tower will provide you with excellent views of the scenery and the city around you. Included in the price of your admission, you can climb the lighthouse, view exhibits, visit the Maritime Education Center, and see wooden boatbuilding in progress! Children will love the hands-on activities both inside and outside, as well as the shipyard play area. If you’re looking to take a stroll through the fall scenery, you can head out on one of the nature trails.
The Museum also offers tours and programs in addition to regular admission. Evening and night programs allow you to tour the lighthouse after dark. Daytime programs give you some one-on-one time with the lighthouse keeper, who will provide you with deeper insight into the lighthouse’s history.
Check Out the Old Jail
Between 1891 and 1953, the Old Jail served as the city’s prison. However, in order to make sure hotel guests felt safe, Ponce de Leon built the jail to look much different than a standard prison. In fact, it resembled more of an elegant Victorian home. That’s not to say the Old Jail didn’t house some of the city’s most dangerous and violent criminals and employ some downright brutal practices.
Today, visitors can take a tour through the Old Jail. Led by costumed actors, you’ll get a close-up look at the cells, the Sheriff’s living quarters, the gallows, and weapons.
If you’re looking for some extra chills, check out the Old Jail After Dark. This 45-minute experience allows visitors to take part in a paranormal investigation of the Old Jail, which is recognized as one of the most haunted buildings in the country!
Go Shopping
If you love to shop, you won’t be disappointed! Head on over to St. George Street to peruse the shops while you enjoy the lovely fall weather. Ready to take a break and grab a bite to eat? There are plenty of restaurants you can sit down at. You can also visit some of the oldest structures in the city here, such as the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.
Looking for some shopping suggestions? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Trendy Souvenir Shopping in St. Augustine.
All in all, there’s plenty of fun things to do in the fall! So, hop on over to St. Augustine to visit our shops, take some spooky tours, learn about the city’s history, and pick up some pumpkins for your homemade pumpkin pie recipe! Fall is the perfect time to visit St. Augustine, it’s breezy and cool, and there are lots of beautiful autumn colors all around. Your next trip to St. Augustine will be a trip to remember!
