What to do in St. Augustine, FL today? The best things to do and places to see in America’s Oldest City

Situated on a peninsula between the San Sebastian and Matanzas rivers, St. Augustine is a beautiful historic city that offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Founded in 1565, this picturesque coastal city has been delighting visitors with its charming brick-lined streets, well-preserved architecture, and stunning beaches. Known as “The Ancient City” due to its rich history spanning over four centuries, St. Augustine offers a perfect blend of historical charm, culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Planning on making this slice of the Sunshine State your home? Join us as we uncover what to do in St. Augustine, FL today.

WHAT TO DO IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FL TODAY?

Despite spanning just a little over ten square miles, St. Augustine, FL boasts an abundance of attractions, all of which help make it one of the best places to live in Florida.

Visit the Beaches

St. Augustine, FL, is renowned for its stunning coastline, which means the number one answer to “What to do in St. Augustine, FL today?” will always be a visit to the city’s many beaches.

Chief among these is St. Augustine Beach, a four-mile stretch of golden sand ideal for families. The beach offers a wealth of amenities including a fishing pier, a pavilion, and a slew of nearby restaurants. One of the most popular destinations in the area, this beach is a perfect escape, providing a blend of relaxation and excitement, all with the convenience of free parking and easy access.

Another important beach you should include in your itinerary is Crescent Beach. Located on Anastasia Island, this beach is famous for its pristine white quartz sand and tranquil atmosphere with a touch of Old Florida.

For those seeking more than just sun and sand, Fort Matanzas National Monument Park offers a variety of unique activities. This park features Fort Matanzas, built in 1742, and offers activities like boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, bird watching, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore a 0.6-mile nature trail through a coastal maritime forest and dunes.

For a more local touch, visit Vilano Beach, located north of downtown St. Augustine. The beach is a popular spot for surfing and fishing among locals.

Families or anyone looking for a more secluded and laid-back setting will do well to check out Butler Beach. Situated between St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach, this quieter spot features soft sand and calm waters, ideal for families with young children.

Enjoy Water Activities

As a coastal gem on the Atlantic, St. Augustine offers a diverse array of aquatic adventures for both residents and visitors. This historic city is a paradise for water enthusiasts, boasting activities that cater to all interests and skill levels.

• Fishing and angling

Fishing opportunities abound in St. Augustine. Deep-sea charters depart from the city marina for those raring to reel in marine game fish like grouper, snapper, or even shark.

Closer to shore, the St. Johns and Matanzas Rivers provide excellent freshwater and brackish water fishing. For those who prefer land-based angling, fishing piers like St. Augustine Beach Pier and Vilano Beach Pier offer convenient options.

• Paddling and sailing

  Nature lovers can explore the area’s rich ecosystems by kayak or paddleboard. Anastasia State Park’s Salt Run and the vast Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve provide perfect settings for paddling adventures amidst diverse wildlife. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has also gained popularity, offering a full-body workout while exploring calm inlets and marshes.

  Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy scenic coastal tours or take advantage of the city marina’s excellent facilities.

• Surfing and thrill rides

  Surfing is popular year-round, with St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach offering consistent waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

  Thrill-seekers can opt for jet skiing, with rentals available along the coast for both beginners and experienced riders. For a unique perspective on St. Augustine’s beauty, parasailing tours take visitors up to 800 feet in the air, providing breathtaking views of the coastline and historic city skyline.

• Wildlife and eco-tours

  For those seeking wildlife encounters, eco-tours offer opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and various bird species in their natural habitats. These tours provide an intimate look at the diverse ecosystems that make St. Augustine a natural wonder.

• Underwater exploration

  Underwater exploration is also a highlight, with scuba diving and snorkeling sites featuring vibrant marine life and artificial reefs. Shipwrecks like the Pecks Beach Wreck and Nine Mile Reef provide fascinating dive locations for adventurous souls.

If you’re planning on adding these activities to your itinerary, make sure to book a stay at beachside properties like LaFiesta Ocean Inn & Suites and Beachfront Bed & Breakfast. Both local favorites, these properties are noted for their breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as their amazing amenities.

LaFiesta Ocean Inn & Suites, for instance, is a family-friendly destination best known for its assortment of rental options, including four fully-furnished beachside cottages and two luxurious family estates that each come with private heated pools.

Beachfront Bed & Breakfast, on the other hand, is an intimate spot tailored for couples looking to enjoy quality time together on the beach. This property, located right on St. Augustine Beach, offers different accommodations such as a 4-room main oceanfront beach house and a 3-room cottage. Amenities in this beloved local destination include an outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, award-winning landscaped gardens, and delicious hot, full breakfasts, as well as a friendly ambiance and personalized service.

Visit the City’s Historical and Cultural Landmarks

The Ancient City offers a unique blend of history and culture that makes it an attractive destination for prospective residents.

The city boasts numerous landmarks that showcase its rich heritage, starting with the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress built from resilient coquina limestone. This architectural marvel once absorbed cannonball impacts, and today offers visitors sweeping views of Matanzas Bay. Another site to visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which invites the adventurous to climb its 219 steps for breathtaking vistas and perhaps a brush with the paranormal.

The city’s Gilded Age opulence, meanwhile, lives on in Flagler College, formerly the grand Ponce de León Hotel. Its Spanish Renaissance façade houses a treasure trove of intricate murals, carved wood, and the world’s largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows in their original setting.

Those looking to get a glimpse of the city’s colonial past can check out the Colonial Quarter, a two-acre living museum where three centuries of St. Augustine’s past can be seen in real-time. Residents and visitors can also visit the Lincolnville Historic District, which played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, and the Villa Zorayda Museum, which dazzles with its Moorish Revival design and eclectic collection of antiquities.

Other notable historical destinations include the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where Ponce de León’s legendary quest is commemorated amidst significant excavations and lush, peacock-filled gardens; the humble Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, which provides a glimpse into early American education; and Mission Nombre de Dios, whose towering steel cross commemorates the first Catholic mass in the United States.

Go on Outdoor Adventures

Aside from its near-endless offerings of water activities, St. Augustine also has an abundance of land-based outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

• Hiking and nature walks

  Hiking is a popular activity in St. Augustine, given its abundance of parks and reserves. One popular site for this is Fort Mose Historic State Park, which boasts a nature trail that winds through maritime hammock and salt marsh, providing glimpses of diverse wildlife.

  Another notable outdoor destination in the area is the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve). With over nine miles of hiking trails, the GTM Reserve offers a more challenging experience for hiking enthusiasts. The trails meander through various ecosystems, including coastal scrub, maritime hammock, and salt marsh, providing a unique opportunity to witness gopher tortoises, bobcats, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

  Residents and visitors can also enjoy Anastasia State Park, which boasts a four-mile hiking trail that wanders through maritime hammocks, ancient dunes, and pristine beaches. The diverse landscapes provide excellent opportunities for nature photography and bird watching.

• Cycling

  Given its unique topography and its abundance of green spaces, it’s not surprising that St. Augustine boasts an extensive network of bike trails that are perfect for cycling. The Hawthorne Trail, for instance, is a 17-mile paved path that offers a scenic route through lush Florida landscapes and connects St. Augustine to the nearby town of Hastings.

  In addition to scenic nature trails, residents and visitors can also enjoy a relaxing bike ride in downtown St. Augustine. You can easily rent a bike and pedal your way through the colonial streets at your own pace. This allows you to cover more ground than walking, giving you ample opportunity to admire historic architecture and browse charming shops while enjoying the fresh air and freedom of two wheels.

• Golf

  St. Augustine is a golfer’s dream, with numerous world-class courses in the area. These include World Golf Village, which is home to two championship courses: The King & Bear—the only course co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus—and The Slammer & Squire. These courses offer challenging play amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

  Another top-rated golfing destination in the city is St. Johns Golf Club. A public course, St. Johns Golf Club provides an excellent golfing experience with its recently renovated layout. It features well-maintained fairways and greens and is perfect for both beginners and experienced golfers,

  Residents and visitors looking to get that pro-golfer experience can enjoy a round or two at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Located just a short drive from St. Augustine, this prestigious club offers two 18-hole courses with stunning ocean views. The courses have hosted numerous professional tournaments and provide a true test of golfing skills.

  

  For those with kids looking to get an introduction to the sport, a visit to Fiesta Falls, an 18-hole miniature golf course, is in order. Located next to La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites, this local attraction features waterfalls, caves, a 65-foot-long Spanish ship, as well as a view of the Atlantic Ocean from the mountaintop gazebo.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities



St. Augustine boasts a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions, making it an appealing place to call home. In addition to its historical sights, the city is also home to a unique blend of educational and entertaining experiences that cater to all ages, ensuring year-round enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.

One such destination is the world-famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, which is housed in a historic castle and showcases an eclectic collection of odd artifacts and interactive exhibits that captivate visitors with their peculiarity.

Another educational and entertaining destination is the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, which transports families to the Golden Age of Piracy and features authentic artifacts and engaging hands-on exhibits that bring swashbuckling adventures to life.

A visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is always a fun experience for the entire family. The zoo is home to a unique menagerie of all known crocodilian species and features alligator feedings, interactive experiences, and other special events.

Families looking for an adrenaline rush can opt for an airboat trip. Offered by several local companies, these exhilarating tours take guests on a freshwater adventure through the tributaries of the historic St. John’s River. Passengers can catch a glimpse of the area’s wildlife including American alligators, West Indian manatees, gray herons, and bald eagles, all while enjoying the unique thrill of gliding across the water’s surface.

Explore St. Augustine’s Dining Options



St. Augustine offers a refreshing alternative to typical Florida vacations. Instead of theme parks, visitors are drawn to its charming historic downtown, which features an ancient Spanish fort made of coral and several other important cultural sights.

Much like its attractions, the city’s food scene has evolved beyond touristy fare, with its current generation of chefs reimagining local cuisine through farm-to-table menus showcasing fresh seafood and produce from nearby farms.

Among the standout restaurants is Lotus, where Chef Barry Honan applies techniques honed at renowned establishments like Le Bernardin and Alinea to create Asian-influenced dishes like tuna sashimi, garlic noodle mazemen, and Japanese carbonara and caviar. A local favorite, Lotus takes great pride in using only the freshest ingredients, including seasonal bounties from local farms and exquisite products flown in directly from Japan. Do note that Lotus is a reservation-only restaurant, which means interested diners will have to book their tables in advance.

Another exciting dining destination in St. Augustine is Llama Restaurant, which elevates Peruvian cuisine with visually stunning presentations and flavors to match. Helmed by Marcel Vizcarra, Llama boasts an impressive menu which features dishes like the ceviche lima with Key limes, the octopus carpaccio with olive aioli, and the arroz con mariscos, a creamy risotto with Andean peppers.

Those looking for a romantic dining experience will want to check out Old City House Inn, whose in-house restaurant offers Latin and Mediterranean dishes in a 19th-century inn setting. Considered one of the best restaurants in the city, Old City House Inn serves made-to-order entrees, all of which use only the freshest seafood, pasta, beef, lamb, and pork.

Residents and visitors with a hankering for seafood will do well to drop by Catch 27. Located in the heart of St. Augustine, Catch 27 uses only locally sourced fish and other seafood in their Southern-inspired menu, which includes items like deviled eggs with crispy fried oysters and bacon, delicate crab cakes, and salmon with crawfish-andouille creole sauce.

Another restaurant where one can enjoy the Atlantic’s bounty is The Conch House. Located on Comares Avenue, Conch House provides a Caribbean twist on fresh-caught fish, with its outdoor seating area offering magnificent views of Salt Run.

Go on a Shopping Spree at St. Augustine’s Retail Hotspots



St. Augustine offers visitors a blend of pristine beaches and historical attractions—as well as diverse shopping destinations that cater to every shopper’s taste.

St. George Street in the Historic District stands out as a pedestrian-only haven of eclectic stores. This vibrant coquina-paved thoroughfare hosts an array of clothing boutiques, art galleries, and artisan gift shops, interspersed with restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots.

Another wonderful shopping destination in St. Augustine is Uptown, which boasts a collection of antique shops offering unique treasures from estate jewelry to vintage furniture. A favorite spot for St. Augustine’s artsy crowd, the area comes alive on the last Saturday of each month during Uptown Saturday Night, which features live music performances and artist showcases.

Those looking to get their hands on local, handmade goods should pay a visit to the Plaza de la Constitucion in downtown St. Augustine, which is home to a sprawling public market. Aside from its many shops, visitors can also enjoy local events at the plaza, including the Summer Concerts in the Plaza series and the Nights of Lights during the holidays.

For those seeking brand-name bargains, the intersection of I-95 and SR 16 is home to St. Augustine Premium Outlets, a popular shopping destination that features an impressive lineup of designer stores from top brands like Coach, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Aeropostale, Nike, and Kate Spade, offering fashionable finds at relatively affordable price points.

Find The Perfect St. Augustine, FL Property with Rich O’Brien

If you’re looking to get a home in St. Augustine, FL, make sure to give Rich O’Brien a call.

A seasoned professional, Rich brings a wealth of local market knowledge to the table and offers invaluable insights for both buyers and sellers. Rich’s personalized approach sets him apart as he tailors his expertise to each client’s unique needs, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned property investor.

His track record speaks volumes, with numerous sales awards attesting to his exceptional performance. But it’s not just about the accolades; Rich’s integrity and commitment to client success truly shine through. He navigates the complexities of real estate transactions with finesse, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.

In addition to assisting clients looking to buy or sell homes in the area, you can count on Rich in case you find yourself wondering what to do in St. Augustine, FL today, thanks to his intimate knowledge of the city and its surrounding areas.

Ready to get started? Give Rich a call today at 904.814.2080 or send him a message here to schedule an appointment.