Things to do/see around St. Augustine, Fla

[gregintenn]

I've never been there, but am told I'm going. Not a golfer. I'd love to hear some suggestions. You guys haven't let me down yet.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Contact member wood714. That is Kevin's back yard.

 

[wood714]

I lived in the historic section of St. Augustine for about a year, and on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine for 2 years.

If you're into history you'll love it. St. George Street, the fort, The old Spanish hospital, the Colonial Quarter, the old jail, the Lighthouse. and some of the churches. The whole town is full of history. The smaller Fort Matanzas located at Matanzas Inlet is really cool too. They have a sailboat tour and a double decker boat tour that's OK.

If you're not really into history, there are dozens of high end restaurants in the historic section. And you can just hang out at the beach. If you have 4 wheel drive you can drive on the beach at A street and all the way to the south inlet. If you just want to hang out on the beach the Pier or Anastasia Park are your best best. The pier is best, and free if you can find a empty spot in the parking lot.

I could go on a long time about cool things to do.

A few pics I've taken over the years at St. A.

St. Augustine - Kevin-Fair

Henry Flagler and his wife's tombs are at Memorial Presbyterian Church. It's located at the Town Square...they use to sell slaves there.

Churches - Kevin-Fair

 

[Telecaster]

The Alligator Farm is fun, too. Or just park somewhere and walk St. George Street.

 

[transit]

Catch-27 on Charlotte is a "do not miss" if you like seafood.

Burger Buckets on Cordova.

The courtyard at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, go in off Charlotte.

A sidewalk table at La Hernancia Cafe on Aviles.

Are you sensing a theme here?


The beaches are great, always keep an eye on the dunes for Gopher Tortoises! More to do on St. Aug Beach than on Vilano.

The 'Old Senator' a 600 year old Live Oak tree, located oddly enough, in the parking lot of the Howard Johnson's. Pretty sure the tree was there first!

Bill's Die Cast on San Marco has every kind of die cast model car, plane, tank, etc. you can imagine, if you think that kind of thing is fun. I had my eye on a Millennium Falcon like I had when I was a kid, but never grabbed it.

The trolley tours that run you all around the historic district really can be worth it to get an overview. Then, wear good shoes and get lost in the place.

It's a great city.

 

[Jon651]

I've never been there, but am told I'm going. Not a golfer. I'd love to hear some suggestions. You guys haven't let me down yet.

One of our favorite places for "local" camping trips with our travel trailer. We go 2-3 times per year.

If you are using an RV or travel trailer, we recommend North Beach Camp Resort.
North Beach Campground

If you want to do the bed-and-breakfast thing, we have always enjoyed the Kenwood Inn.
The Kenwood Inn

* St. George Street is the primary walking area full of shops.
* For parking, there is a city-run multi-level garage on the north side of the historic district.
* For the "touristy historic" - the Castillo de San Marco is the fort on the river.
* For "unusual museum" experience - the Medieval Torture Museum.
* For wine snobs - the San Sebastian Winery.
* For "educational museum" - either the City Museum or the Lightner Museum.
* For the "typical touristy" bit - Ripley's Believe it or Not.
* For local seafood - Schooner's Seafood House.
* For ethnic food (Cuban, in this case) - The Columbia Restaurant (on St. George).
* For relaxing - St. Augustine Scenic Cruise (or the schooner sailing cruise if it's running). Look for coupons in the many booklets at all the accommodations or online.

I'm just hitting the highlights here but above all else - wear comfortable shoes and a hat to keep the sun off your head (trust me on this one...).

 

[Tom Kent]

As the others have pointed out, there is a lot to see. Many of the houses and buildings still in use, though modernized, date to the 15-1600s. If you are a history freak as I am, you will love it.

 

[Badger Matt]

The fort, of course, and there's a nice little rum distillery in town too.

 

[Telecaster]

I've been meaning to try Bill's Die Cast, but I'm afraid it may be more dangerous for my wallet than a gun store!

 

[gregintenn]

I am a history buff. You all make it sound interesting. Thanks.

 

[Telecaster]

If they do tours, Flagler College was the Flagler Hotel, a spectacular example of the gilded age. Built by Henry Flagler of Florida East Coast Railroad fame.

 

[Greyman50]

Eat at Osteen's on Anastasia Blvd, excellent shrimp. They change their cooking oil every day. Plan on a wait as there is always a line. I live 30 minutes away, long time friend lives there so go often. More history than one can see unless spending a week.

 

[wood714]

Harry's was my ex and daughters favorite place to eat. They opened the bay front balcony just for us on my daughters 21st. birthday. We went there a lot thou.

Scarlett O'Hara's on the west end of Hypolita was my all time favorite place to eat. I think they were both owned by the same people.

 

[shell627]

My wife says to go to the chocolate factory.

 

[johngross]

Don't forget The Fountain of Youth. I've been there, and plan on living forever. So far, so good!

Fountain of Youth – St. Augustine Historical Attraction

 

[wood714]

My wife says to go to the chocolate factory.

I love the smell of it from outside while walking down St. George St.

They must have a fan blowing it out.

 

[SMSgt]

I've been dragged there a few times and the parking situation stinks. Too many tourists, etc. Other than the San Sebastian Winery, there's nothing there for me.

 

[wood714]

I've been dragged there a few times and the parking situation stinks. Too many tourists, etc. Other than the San Sebastian Winery, there's nothing there for me.

I use to score the super secret places to park. Others found out thou. Parking is tough. If you find a spot the meters will eat you alive. Best to just pay the 10 to 15 bucks for all day parking.

I've never parked in the newish garage they built, never liked having to take a shuttle to and from my car.

Traffic is a nightmare too. I lived 3 miles from work and sometimes it took a half hour to get there. The light at Riberia and King St. would let about 3 cars thru at a time. Sucks getting caught by The Bridge of Lions when it lifts to let boats thru too.

 

[16thVACav]

A few pics I've taken over the years at St. A.

St. Augustine - Kevin-Fair

Nice photos!

 

[transit]

I've been dragged there a few times and the parking situation stinks. Too many tourists, etc. Other than the San Sebastian Winery, there's nothing there for me.

I use to score the super secret places to park. Others found out thou. Parking is tough. If you find a spot the meters will eat you alive. Best to just pay the 10 to 15 bucks for all day parking.

I've never parked in the newish garage they built, never liked having to take a shuttle to and from my car.

We've used the new big garage (Downtown Parking Facility.)

Found it easy, clean, always room, and never a problem distance-wise (for us) walking the entire historic district. It would be different if you had any mobility challenges. I think it's about a mile north-south. Much further than that you'd probably be wading out from Linconville, anyway.

Never had any trouble parking at the beach either.