Top 15 Attractions and Activities in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States since 1565, captivates visitors with its charming historical ambiance. The city boasts landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the Colonial Quarter, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich heritage.

St. Augustine offers a remarkable European charm, noticeable through its narrow streets, historic architecture, and numerous museums, all awaiting exploration.

Visitors can delve into various facets of the city’s past, from colonial medicine and pirate tales to military history and the 19th-century revival of its status as a distinguished resort.

Just a short distance from the historical downtown, one can enjoy the stunning Atlantic beaches and state parks that beautifully combine human history with breathtaking natural scenery.

1. Castillo de San Marcos

Source: Nagel Photography / shutterstock

A visit to St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos consistently represents a prominent experience in the city. This grand fort, constructed by the Spanish along the coast in the late 17th century, has withstood numerous historical challenges.

Throughout the following century, it endured two significant assaults by British forces seeking to expand their territory in Florida.

Despite changing hands multiple times, the fort proudly remains in St. Augustine, recognized as one of the finest examples of a star-shaped fortification in the country, exceptionally preserved to this day.

Visitors can traverse the historical ramparts, gaze at the majestic Atlantic Ocean, and immerse themselves in the colonial history of the area.

2. Colonial Quarter

Source: lazyllama / shutterstock

Located beside the fort, the Colonial Quarter serves as another significant landmark in St. Augustine. This area exemplifies preserved Spanish architecture, having recently undergone extensive renovations to maintain its historical integrity.

Formerly referred to as the Spanish Quarter, visitors can participate in guided tours led by individuals dressed in authentic colonial attire. These informative walks provide valuable insights into life from the 16th to the 18th century.

It showcases living history at its finest, where guests can witness musket-loading demonstrations and occasionally observe cannon firings.

3. Lightner Museum

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

The Lightner Museum, housed within the luxurious walls of the former Hotel Alcazar established in 1887, showcases the opulence of the Gilded Age. This grand hotel was the vision of railroad magnate Henry Flagler.

A visit to the museum is an exceptional opportunity to gain further insights into St. Augustine’s vast history alongside an exquisite collection representing Gilded Age elegance.

An intriguing variety of exhibits and artifacts awaits visitors, featuring 19th-century musical instruments, Native American archaeological discoveries, an Egyptian mummy, and a haunting shrunken head.

What captivated me was the stunning 19th-century cut glass collected on the second floor, including pieces crafted by esteemed studios such as Louis Comfort Tiffany.

4. Spanish Military Hospital Museum

Source: Sandra Foyt / shutterstock

A noteworthy historical venue is the St. Augustine Spanish Military Hospital Museum. While it may appear niche, the museum provides fascinating insights into Colonial-era medical practices.

During my visit, exploring the apothecary and observing a reenactment of an amputation revealed the crude realities of medicine in earlier times.

This experience fostered a profound appreciation for modern medical advancements. The museum houses a vast collection of preserved medical instruments dating back to the 17th century.

The building itself is a meticulous reconstruction of the original hospital as it existed in 1790.

5. Old Jail

Source: Vilaimages / shutterstock

For those intrigued by the gritty aspects of history, St. Augustine offers an array of compelling opportunities. The Old Jail serves as another thought-provoking historical site, where one can explore the justice and correctional systems of St. Augustine.

This jail, dating to 1891, features guided tours conducted by actors portraying inmates. The Romanesque Revival structure replaced an earlier facility located on the site of Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel.

For the adventurous, a nighttime tour is available, leading guests through the eerie prison while sharing chilling tales of its notorious past.

Despite the potential for fright, the tours are presented with humor and historical insights, offering a captivating experience.

6. St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

To connect with St. Augustine’s maritime heritage, a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is essential. The historic lighthouse, erected in 1874, reaches a height of 165 feet.

I ascended to the summit for panoramic views extending along the coastline, over the city, and across the Atlantic Ocean.

The adjacent museum provides an enticing exploration of local maritime history, featuring a wide array of exhibits addressing WWII coastal defense, shipwrecks, marine archaeology, and regional boatbuilding.

The grounds also offer a picturesque natural hammock for strolling and a playground for children.

7. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

As the site of the first Catholic parish in the United States, this cathedral has served as a place of worship for over 300 years.

The current edifice showcases a blend of architectural styles, encompassing Spanish Colonial and Renaissance Revival elements, reflective of its tumultuous history, including 18th-century abandonment and several fires.

The last major reconstruction occurred in 1887, partly funded by Henry Flagler.

Internally, I was captivated by the stained-glass windows narrating the story of Saint Augustine of Hippo, along with the exquisite gilded lindenwood statues.

8. Anastasia State Park

Source: Nicole Glass Photography / shutterstock

In my enthusiasm for St. Augustine’s rich history and culture, I overlooked the astounding natural beauty that lies just beyond the city limits.

Located on a peninsula across the bay from downtown, Anastasia Island offers an exceptional environment to explore, combining historical interest and scenic attractiveness.

It is historically significant as the site where the Spanish extracted coquina stone for the construction of St. Augustine. A trail meanders through one of the preserved quarries—though a low-key attraction, the historical narrative is undoubtedly compelling.

The coastal section of the state park features four miles of pristine beaches, enveloped by the Atlantic surf and adorned with rolling dunes.

Visitors can experience this stunning environment along the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail, where one may observe roseate spoonbills, ospreys, eagles, and various other avian species.

9. Vilano Beach

Any visit to St. Augustine ought to encompass a sojourn across the Tolomato River to Vilano Beach. This beach has been a cherished retreat for over two centuries and is particularly renowned for its captivating sunsets.

The west-facing Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, which extends into the Tolomato River adjacent to the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge, offers the ideal vantage point from which to appreciate the sunsets.

On the Atlantic side, the beach is subject to the power of the elements, lauded for providing the finest surfing opportunities in the St. Augustine area. Surfside Park is the most accessible public entrance, celebrated for its shell hunting, sea glass, and the discovery of shark teeth.

10. Fort Mose Historic State Park

Source: QualityImagePro / shutterstock

Located just a few miles from the city lies one of Florida’s paramount historical sites. Fort Mose was established by the Spanish in the 18th century, initially intended as a settlement for freed enslaved individuals.

It stands as the first settlement of its nature in what would eventually become the United States, as Spanish authorities welcomed individuals who had escaped enslavement from British colonies to the north.

Fort Mose is a site of significant historical interest. I discovered details about a battle that transpired in 1740 involving Spanish forces and a black militia, leading to the British retreating back to Georgia.

Beyond its historical importance, Fort Mose offers a serene natural retreat, featuring a kayak/canoe launch and a birding boardwalk with an observation area.

11. Pirate and Treasure Museum

Source: getyourguide.com

Within St. Augustine’s selection of historical museums is the engaging and enlightening Pirate and Treasure Museum.

What stands out about this establishment is its immersive environment, transporting visitors back to the 18th century in Port Royal, Jamaica.

This venue is a treasure trove for pirate enthusiasts, brimming with artifacts and archaeological relics acquired from diverse locations worldwide.

Noteworthy items include a pistol allegedly owned by the infamous privateer Blackbeard and several pieces of plundered gold, alongside an extremely rare surviving Jolly Roger flag, one of only three in existence.

12. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Source: Ovidiu Hrubaru / shutterstock

Another noteworthy excursion in St. Augustine involves exploring Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park.

This archaeological site is claimed to be where Juan Ponce de León (1574-1621) first landed in the Americas, as he sought the legendary Fountain of Youth in the early 16th century.

The park has transformed into a somewhat unusual tourist attraction; while the veracity of its archaeological claims may be questionable, it remains a unique place to visit, even allowing individuals to partake from the purported Fountain of Youth.

13. St Augustine Distillery

Source: Cheri Alguire / shutterstock

For a refreshing departure from the museums and historical sites, consider visiting the St. Augustine Distillery.

This establishment specializes in producing gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey, alongside a diverse range of cocktail mixers.

The venue itself is set within a historic converted ice plant built in 1917. Guests can participate in guided tours that demonstrate the distillation process and enjoy samples afterward.

Alternatively, visitors may opt for a self-guided tour, which features informative signs covering topics from the transformation of the ice plant to ingredient sourcing and the overall distilling process.

14. San Sebastian Winery

Source: ~Ealasaid~ / Flickr

Housed within a historic structure originally built for Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway, the San Sebastian Winery emerges as one of the premier wineries in the state.

Established in 1996, the winery has specialized in crafting wines derived from Muscadine grapes, garnering close to 800 awards over the years for its Muscadine wines and other varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Guests can explore the winery throughout the week, gaining knowledge about the winemaking process and sampling a variety of wine selections.

One highlight of the winery is The Cellar Upstairs Bar, which opens only on weekends and offers stunning views of St. Augustine accompanied by live music.

15. Black Raven Pirate Ship

Source: Bob Pool / shutterstock

If your family includes young pirate enthusiasts, you have certainly found the ideal destination. A standout activity in St. Augustine is the cruise aboard the Black Raven Pirate Ship.

This fully themed pirate experience features an authentic replica ship, offering onboard entertainment in the form of a pirate-themed show.

Complete with music, refreshments, and food, the event encourages singing, dancing, and features a crew dressed in period-appropriate pirate costumes.

The entire experience is primarily tailored for children, yet offers sufficient amusement for adults as well.