St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in the USA is an off-the-beaten path destination perfect all year for a short getaway
A Spanish settlement, St. Augustine predates Jamestown and any English foray into the development of the east coast.
With this kind of history you'll find fascinating living history museums, centuries-old buildings, hidden courtyards and so much more.
And with 42 miles of gorgeous beaches, a European vibe, and gilded-age hotels, there's something here for everyone.
Food lover? Stroll through the specialty markets, like the Old City Farmers Market, or taste gin, vodka, bourbon and rum from a distillery that was once an ice manufacturing plant. Many excellent restaurants reflect the town’s multicultural heritage.
It's no secret that as the oldest continuously occupied city in the USA, St Augustine’s history is rich and diversified. This off-the-beaten path destination makes a perfect escape within USA borders now or anytime you need to get away!
Our well-balanced 4-day getaway inspiration can be shortened, extended, modified or combined with other destinations to meet your interests and preferences.
Suggested St. Augustine, Florida itinerary: 4 days/3 nights
With this kind of history you'll find fascinating living history museums, centuries-old buildings, hidden courtyards and so much more.
And with 42 miles of gorgeous beaches, a European vibe, and gilded-age hotels, there's something here for everyone.
Food lover? Stroll through the specialty markets, like the Old City Farmers Market, or taste gin, vodka, bourbon and rum from a distillery that was once an ice manufacturing plant. Many excellent restaurants reflect the town’s multicultural heritage.
It's no secret that as the oldest continuously occupied city in the USA, St Augustine’s history is rich and diversified. This off-the-beaten path destination makes a perfect escape within USA borders now or anytime you need to get away!
Our well-balanced 4-day getaway inspiration can be shortened, extended, modified or combined with other destinations to meet your interests and preferences.
Suggested St. Augustine, Florida itinerary: 4 days/3 nights
- 3 nights St. Augustine
Day 1: Arrive St. Augustine
Drive to St. Augustine or fly to Jacksonville, FL and rent a car. Visit one of St. Augustine's oldest historical sites, the Ximenez-Fatio House, the best preserved of the city's colonial buildings. The property was managed by a series of businesswomen who are also an important part of the area’s history. Each room is carefully decorated with textiles, personal decor, and tools that make the house still feel lived in. Join a guided tour through the kitchen, washroom, and guest rooms.
Enjoy a relaxing Sunset Cruise before dinner on historic St. George Street.
Day 2: St. Augustine Wildlife
Today there's no shortage of wet or wild adventures!
Stretching the length of the city and beyond, St. Augustine Beach offers miles of sandy coastline and several public beaches with many options for splashing, sunning, boating, or other water sports.
At the Pirate & Treasure Museum, a costumed guide, animatronics, and interactive exhibits recreate the golden age of piracy.
St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a rescue center for abandoned and confiscated exotic animals. You'll be introduced to each of the species through basic biology facts and individual life stories. You'll have a chance to get up close with most of the animals, including wild cats, wolves, hyenas, numerous bird species, and a very rare golden tabby tiger.
First opened in 1893, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park houses every species of crocodilian, including American alligators and crocodiles. You can explore the park's expansive grounds as you wander through different habitats, including albino alligators, lemurs of Madagascar, and reptiles native to Florida.
At the end of the day, enjoy a nice meal or drink at one of the venues on U.S. Highway A1A, known as "Beachfront Avenue" to locals and visitors.
Drive to St. Augustine or fly to Jacksonville, FL and rent a car. Visit one of St. Augustine's oldest historical sites, the Ximenez-Fatio House, the best preserved of the city's colonial buildings. The property was managed by a series of businesswomen who are also an important part of the area’s history. Each room is carefully decorated with textiles, personal decor, and tools that make the house still feel lived in. Join a guided tour through the kitchen, washroom, and guest rooms.
Enjoy a relaxing Sunset Cruise before dinner on historic St. George Street.
Day 2: St. Augustine Wildlife
Today there's no shortage of wet or wild adventures!
Stretching the length of the city and beyond, St. Augustine Beach offers miles of sandy coastline and several public beaches with many options for splashing, sunning, boating, or other water sports.
At the Pirate & Treasure Museum, a costumed guide, animatronics, and interactive exhibits recreate the golden age of piracy.
St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a rescue center for abandoned and confiscated exotic animals. You'll be introduced to each of the species through basic biology facts and individual life stories. You'll have a chance to get up close with most of the animals, including wild cats, wolves, hyenas, numerous bird species, and a very rare golden tabby tiger.
First opened in 1893, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park houses every species of crocodilian, including American alligators and crocodiles. You can explore the park's expansive grounds as you wander through different habitats, including albino alligators, lemurs of Madagascar, and reptiles native to Florida.
At the end of the day, enjoy a nice meal or drink at one of the venues on U.S. Highway A1A, known as "Beachfront Avenue" to locals and visitors.
Day 3: History & Cuisine
The history of Florida begins at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Explore its storied history and well-preserved military architecture. Walk among its stone walls, or join a guided walk with one of the park's rangers.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum aims to preserve local maritime history. Tour the lighthouse keeper’s house, the historical home of Major William Harn, or learn more about the shipbuilding industry and view artifacts of shipwrecks at the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program Boat Works. We suggest you make the 214-step climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and surrounding coastline.
With it's long history, St. Augustine is rumored to be haunted! So, of course, you must take a Ghost tour! On a walking tour you'll visit multiple haunted spots around the city and enjoy a few spooky stories along the way. Trolley tours are also available.
Taste handcrafted spirits and see the preparation and distillation process at St. Augustine Distillery. The distillery produces small batches of vodka, gin, rum, and Florida's only brand of small-batch bourbon.
Or enjoy a pub crawl, winery visit & tasting, walking food tour, or the Old City Farmers Market. The options are deliciously endless!
Day 4: Depart or Extend
Depart St. Augustine for home today or extend your travels to other regional historic destinations like Savannah, Georgia or Charleston, South Carolina, both easily accessible by car
The history of Florida begins at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Explore its storied history and well-preserved military architecture. Walk among its stone walls, or join a guided walk with one of the park's rangers.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum aims to preserve local maritime history. Tour the lighthouse keeper’s house, the historical home of Major William Harn, or learn more about the shipbuilding industry and view artifacts of shipwrecks at the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program Boat Works. We suggest you make the 214-step climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and surrounding coastline.
With it's long history, St. Augustine is rumored to be haunted! So, of course, you must take a Ghost tour! On a walking tour you'll visit multiple haunted spots around the city and enjoy a few spooky stories along the way. Trolley tours are also available.
Taste handcrafted spirits and see the preparation and distillation process at St. Augustine Distillery. The distillery produces small batches of vodka, gin, rum, and Florida's only brand of small-batch bourbon.
Or enjoy a pub crawl, winery visit & tasting, walking food tour, or the Old City Farmers Market. The options are deliciously endless!
Day 4: Depart or Extend
Depart St. Augustine for home today or extend your travels to other regional historic destinations like Savannah, Georgia or Charleston, South Carolina, both easily accessible by car