There are very few cities in America that provide people with such a unique historical and cultural travel experience as St. Augustine does. When you visit the nation’s oldest city, you can expect to find a wide array of activities, attractions, historical landmarks, restaurants, inns, tours, and so much more. No matter what time of year you visit St. Augustine, there’s always something new to be explored and a new adventure to be had!
Exciting Attractions and Adventures
Are you looking for something fun to do that the whole family can enjoy? Hop on over to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. The zoo is located on Anastasia Island and has every species of crocodilians alive in the world today. The park also houses a variety of other animals such as birds, lemurs, snakes, and more. They have daily wildlife shows and fossil discoveries as well. If you’re looking to see the zoo from a different view, they offer a zip-lining and obstacle courses that’ll take you climbing and flying through the zoo.
Can you believe it?! When you tour Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, you’ll see over 800 exhibits of everything from just a little weird to incredibly rare and exotic on display. This museum is perfect for audiences of all ages! Visitors can see, explore, and interact with tons of amazing illusions and collections from Ripley’s adventures around the world.
St. Augustine has everything from pristine beaches and military forts, to museums, and even ghost tours. All of the attractions in St. Augustine will have you coming back time and time again. And what’s best of all? Many of the attractions here are family-friendly, fun, and educational. There’s always something exciting to do in this old city!
Rich Culture to Explore
Take a walk through St. Augustine’s Colonial Quarter to get a glimpse of the city’s rich heritage. The Colonial Quarter brings this history to life. You’ll learn about the lives of the colonists who once called St. Augustine home. Take a stroll and watch as costumed historians reenact the lives of Spanish soldiers and their families. You will find candle-makers, blacksmiths, carpenters, and other tradespeople demonstrating how the settlers lived during the 1740s. Visit the Government House Museum, where Spanish governors used to administer the colony of La Florida, to learn about the city’s incredible past.
Argh, matey! If you’re one to seek adventure, you won’t want to miss taking a visit to St. Augustine’s Pirate and Treasure Museum. This old and beautiful building offers a look into the exciting and bloody era when piracy was thriving, and ships were plundered for treasures. The museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of real pirate artifacts and treasures. There are also several interactive exhibits, such as Blackbeard’s last battle!
St. Augustine has been home to natives, colonials, pilgrims, soldiers, pirates, merchants, industrialists, and so much more. As you tour the city, you’ll find areas with historic reenactments that take you back in time. You’ll see artifacts of the past that open your eyes to the culture of this beautiful place. St. Augustine is an old city with a rich culture and history that’s just waiting to be explored and appreciated.
Grab a Bite of Some Delicious Cuisine
In the mood for some seafood? Take your crew and head on over to Catch 27! Located on Hypolita Street in Old St. Augustine, this restaurant offers delectable selections such as flounder, mahi-mahi, triggerfish, black drum, clams, shrimp, and other fresh and tasty catches from the local fishermen. Everything is prepared from scratch with fresh and seasonal produce from local vendors.
Need to cool off on a hot summer day while you’re perusing the streets of St. Augustine? Hop over to The Hyppo. This little shop has more than 450 flavors of popsicles, and there are new combinations every day. These popsicles are all-natural, made with seasonally available fruits and vegetables. Besides some spices and cane sugar, there are no additional ingredients, GMOs, artificial colors, or preservatives. Remember getting so excited for the ice cream truck as a kid? These popsicles are pretty much healthier alternatives of childhood favorites, and they’re just as good!
You’ll find everything you can think of here in St. Augustine, from seafood delicacies and milkshake bars, to natural markets, pizzerias, Italian cuisine, breweries, bistros, Irish pubs, and so much more! There’s something in this city for every palate.
Take a Step Back Through History
Castillo de San Marcos is one of the most popular attractions in St. Augustine. The Spanish built the Castillo between 1672 and 1695 as a way to fortify what used to be a tiny garrison town. This fort is now a National Monument that you and your family can explore. You’ll find actors in period costumes who reenact the lives of the colonists and do demonstrations of historical weapons.
Another fun and educational activity both kids and adults can enjoy is the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. This towering lighthouse that rises 165 feet above sea level was built in 1874, with 219 steps to the top. When you make it to the top, you’ll see beautiful views of the ocean and the city below. The lighthouse offers daily programs, activities, and nature trails, a playground, and Heritage Boatworks.
St. Augustine is a city filled to the brim with educational and interactive museums and historical landmarks. There are also a variety of tour services that provide deep and thoughtful insight into all of the facts and legends that make St. Augustine the incredible vacation destination that it is today.
Outdoor Recreation the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Just a few miles east of St. Augustine is Anastasia State Park. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, dense mangroves, and tidal marshes. The park is 1,600 acres of rich ecosystems that are full of wildlife. You can spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming, bird-watching, hiking, or just enjoying the lovely scenery. The state park has 139 campsites for those who wish to spend the night, has a grill area for a lunch or dinner cookout, and offers kayak, sailboat, paddleboard, and bike rentals.
If you want to have some fun out on the water, check out Ripple Effect EcoTours. This outdoor adventure company is located just south of St. Augustine, in the town of Marineland at the Marina. They offer guided boat tours, fishing charters, and kayak tours along Florida’s coastal waterways, where you can see manatees, dolphins, birds, and other wildlife.
St. Augustine offers a ton of outdoor recreational activities for families. From beach-going, hiking, camping, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, charter boat fishing, golfing, parasailing, and nature preserves, there’s so much to do and see. St. Augustine is the place to have fun in the sun, whether you’re going as a couple, as a family, or are just looking to hang out with some friends.
