St Augustine is a small beach town on the east coast of Florida, located just thirty minutes from Jacksonville. It is a popular destination for families, weddings, and spring breakers. Explore the Old City with friends and family or visit for a romantic getaway. If you are looking for an affordable, walkable explore place with tons to do, you can’t go wrong with visiting Saint Augustine, Florida. It is definitely a touristy place, but you don’t need to worry about safety the way you would in a big city.
Finding a Hotel in St Augustine, Florida
Like with any vacation spot, you will want to find a hotel first. There are a wide variety of hotels in Saint Augustine from affordable chains to luxurious bed and breakfasts. Another popular option for vacationers is renting a beach house in Saint Augustine. These are usually large, privately owned homes that are rented by the week. Many offer direct access to the beach and amenities you won’t find a hotel like private pools, large kitchens, and tons of space.
Shopping & Dining in St Augustine
St George Street is the most popular shopping district in the city. This is a wide open pedestrian only street filled with live music and locally owned shops and restaurants. This is where you want to go for souvenirs like specialty soaps, small batch hot sauces, and microbrew beers. Restaurants in the area offer pizza, tacos, burritos, burgers, and more. For being a highly touristy area, prices aren’t bad at all.
If you are in the mood for a cold drink, duck into St. George’s Tavern – a little smoky, but a local favorite with great drink prices. To find live music, good burgers, and a great view head over to No Name Bar. A little hard to find, but so worth the search! For the best fudge in town, check out Fudge Buckets, they sell their handmade fudge in convenient little tubs with spoon for easy munching. And it’s delicious!
If you get out of the Old City, head to the St. Augustine outlet malls. There are tons of brand name stores selling their goods for super cheap.
Attractions in Saint Augustine
There are a million reasons to visit the Old City. It is full of history, charm, and fantastic shopping. Popular attractions include the Castillo de San Marco (often just called “The Fort”), the ghost tours, the beaches, and the Pirate Ships. If you get off the beaten path, the Alligator Farm is a great way to spend the day. You can zip line through the entire park, just out of reach of the alligators! There is also a beautiful river walk with a great view of the Bridge of Lions and all the docked sailboats. When you are ready to dip your toes in the sand, head across the Bride of Lions and follow the signs!
St Augustine is a charming town with tons of history to explore. There is an active night life, but the area is also very popular with families. Hotels get expensive during peak season which includes Christmas time, for the lights, spring break, and a much of the summer. Also, late spring is wedding season and hotels can be hard to come by. Plan accordingly and enjoy your Florida vacation!
