10 Best Things to see in Saint Augustine (Florida) 2023
This list of the best things to see and do in St. Augustine, Florida, will help you discover all the treasures of the oldest city of European origin in the United States.
Located in the north of the Florida peninsula, in the beautiful Matanzas Bay, this city, founded in 1565 by the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, keeps its historic center full of colonial buildings intact and has several tourist attractions such as the San Marcos fortress or the San Agustín Lighthouse that will surely not leave you indifferent.
During a route through Florida by car, it is usual to spend about three hours getting to know all the points of interest in San Agustín and eating a typical fish dish in the restaurants of the port, and then continuing towards the Orlando Parks or going back and going to the Center Kennedy Space Center, both located two hours away by road.
Based on the experience of the morning we spent in this town during our trip to Miami and the best of Florida, we have made this list of the ten essential places to visit in St. Augustine. Let’s start!
1. Magnolia Avenue
One of the best things to do in San Agustín before starting your visits to the historic center is to drive to Magnolia Avenue, one of the most beautiful streets in the United States.
Located a 25-minute walk from the center, this street is flanked by two rows of imposing oak trees over 100 years old and covered in moss that intertwine in the middle of the road, letting in a few sun rays.
Without a doubt, this is one of those images that stay in mind… It is also a perfect option to take a walk and see the daily life of the local people.
2. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, one of the things to do in San Agustín.
After leaving the car in one of the downtown car parks, you can start the route through San Agustín in one day with a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, built in 1672 by the Spanish in a strategic position in the Bay of Matanzas to protect the city. of the attacks by a sea of the English pirates.
This star-shaped fortification is characterized by being made with coquina, a substantial variety of limestone, making it indestructible over 300 years of existence. At present, it has been declared a National Monument.
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3. Entrance doors
Even though the fortress of San Marcos was impregnable, the British continued to attack and loot the houses of the town, so in 1704, it was decided to protect them by building a wall of which currently only the Entrance Gates remain, which are another of the important places to see in St. Augustine (Florida).
These two three-story high pillars, built in coquina and located at the entrance of Saint George Street, welcome the historic center of San Agustín.
If you do not have much time or prefer to have the explanations of a guide, you can book the fun tourist trolleybus of San Agustín or this nocturnal ghost trolleybus.
4. Saint George Street
Strolling down the cobbled street of Saint George, lined with colonial-style buildings, is like going back three centuries, and how could it be otherwise? It is considered one of the best things to do in Saint Augustine and Florida.
During the walk, you will see numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes as well as historical buildings from the Spanish period, such as the oldest wooden school in San Agustín, the Triay House, and the Peña-Peck House (residence of the royal treasurer Juan Esteban de Peña).
On this street is also the Museo del Barrio Colonial, where you can learn about the history of the city and the way of life of the Spanish settlers in a recreation of a villa from that time.
5. Constitution Square
Saint George Street will take you directly to Constitution Square, built during Spanish colonial Florida and considered the oldest square in the United States.
Inside the square, you can see a kiosk, four original cannons from the Castillo de San Marcos, the statue of the Spanish explorer Ponce de León (discoverer of Florida), and an obelisk that commemorates the Spanish Constitution of 1812 and which gives its name to the square.
Among the historic buildings surrounding the square, the residence of the Spanish governor and the cathedral-basilica of San Agustín stand out, which we will discuss in the next point.
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6. Cathedral Basilica is another of the places to see in San Agustín.
Built between 1793 and 1797 by the Spanish colonists, the Cathedral Basilica is the oldest Christian church in the United States and another of the important places to visit in San Agustín.
Declared a National Historic Monument, this religious temple is characterized by its facade that combines the Spanish mission and neoclassical styles, in which a Spanish Renaissance-style bell tower was later added that houses the oldest bell in the United States.
7. Aviles Street
Strolling down Aviles Street, quieter than Saint George and considered the oldest street in the country after shards of pottery from the early 1600s were discovered beneath the brick pavement, is another thing to do in Saint Augustine.
This pedestrian street is part of the city’s artists’ district and features several historic buildings home to the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and the Father O’Reilly House Museum.
8. Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum, located inside the old Hotel Alcazar, a hotel complex built in 1888 by the railway magnate Henry Flagler to attract tourists and the center of social life in the town until it closed in 1931, is another of the buildings to see in Saint Augustine.
The museum that occupies the rear, with the City Hall at the front, offers an immersive experience of art, architecture, history, and design. However, the real gem is the building, which features an open courtyard with palm trees and a stone arch bridge over a pond.
9. Lighthouse is another of the places to visit in San Agustín
You can stop to eat a good fish downtown along the promenade. A delicious lime pie, typical of the South Florida area, at Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille, one of our favorite restaurants in the town, then take the car and cross the Puente de los Leones until you reach the San Agustín Lighthouse.
Climbing the more than 200 steps of this 50-meter-high lighthouse decorated with black and white stripes, which has continued to guide ships since 1874, will allow you to enjoy incredible views of the city and its surroundings.
10. Beaches of San Agustin
To complete this list of things to see and do in St. Augustine, we suggest you take a refreshing swim at one of the best beaches in Florida, such as Saint Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach, both located at the ends of Anastasia State Park.
These wide sandy beaches with long wooden piers are perfect for spending a relaxing morning or with the family as they have all the services and restaurants nearby and can see fantastic sunrises.
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What is Saint Augustine Florida best known for?
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St.
Is Saint Augustine worth a visit?
Image result for Things to see and do in St. Augustine (Florida)
Being a St Augustine local is such a treat. The oldest city in the United States, Saint Augustine has endless things to do. With unique tours, activities, pristine beaches and wonderful things to eat, you’ll love visiting St Augustine.
How do I spend a day in St. Augustine?
One day in St. Augustine Itinerary
Start with coffee and breakfast on St. George Street. …
Check out the pirate museum. Yes, the pirate museum! …
Visit Castillo de San Marcos. Now, this really is a must. …
Sit down for a nice lunch. …
Climb the St. …
Hit the beach. …
Treat yourself to an evening drink. …
Jacksonville.
What is the best month to go to St. Augustine Florida?
Most people agree that the best time to visit St. Augustine is from March to May, but with festivals and pleasant weather year-round, it can be hard to know what time is right for you.