The Historically Rich City That Locals & Tourists Love
As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is like a fine wine that has only become richer with time! With year-round sunshine and sea breezes, this gem on Florida’s northeast coast is rich in historical sites as well as trendy hotspots. The Spanish colonial architecture gathered alongside the Atlantic Ocean is truly picturesque. This city is the kind of place that you recommend to your friends and family for a get-away that combines expansive beaches, rich history, boutique lodging, and distinctive dining experiences.
With that being said, we are sharing “the best of the best” that St. Augustine offers when it comes to food, lodging, and attractions. We hope that this will inspire you to make a visit to one of America’s most unforgettable cities!
Memorable Dining Experiences
St. Augustine has a diverse food scene that includes agri-tourism, eclectic fusions, and savory comfort food favorites. If you enjoy bohemian vibes, The Floridian offers locally sourced Southern grub in a kitschy setting. For a unique experience, Raintree Restaurant serves steak and seafood in a Victorian home that includes a fireplace and a koi pond. For a taste of history, Michael’s Tasting Room is set within the Buhari House, which dates all the way back to 1764, and features Puerto Rican inspired cuisine created with local ingredients.
Unique Lodging
St. Augustine has unique lodging experiences that go beyond the basic amenities provided by chain hotels. If you love antique-furnished lodging, St. Francis Inn is a romantic bed and breakfast featuring private gardens, balconies, whirlpool tubs, and fireplaces. If you are looking for a more opulent experience, the Casa Monica Resort & Spa features ornate chandeliers, Moroccan frescos, and exquisite tapestries. Do you love ocean breezes and walks on the beach? The Saint Augustine Beach House on Vilano beach offers ocean views from private balconies and raving reviews from guests. For a lodging experience that you will tell all of your friends about, the Pearl of the Sea Luxury Bed & Breakfast is a romantic European mansion offering internationally themed rooms. You can choose to stay in suites modeled after the style of India, Japan, Spain, Italy, or Greece. Located on Anastasia Island, you can stroll on the boardwalk while looking out for turtles or dolphins.
Historical Attractions
If you enjoy walking through historical sites, St Augustine has a bonanza of historical tales and artifacts. Castillo de San Marcos is a large Spanish stone fortress that was built to defend Spain’s claims in the New World. It is a National Monument and clocking in 315 years of age, it is the oldest structure in St. Augustine. Housed in a former 1800s hotel, The Lightner Museum is filled with Victorian-era artifacts and musical instruments. It is a gorgeous building that is open seven days a week and features self-guided tours. The St. Augustine Lighthouse also doubles as a maritime museum. Shipwreck artifacts are displayed within the lighthouse, and lush views are available from the viewing deck. The Bridge of Lions is a scenic drawbridge founded in 1927 flanked by 2 white marble lion statues. Built in the 1920’s, it is an iconic architectural work that connects downtown St. Augustine to Anastasia Island. In the Colonial Quarter, costumed craftsmen demonstrate old-world skills in a re-creation of a colonial Spanish village. This two-acre attraction allows visitors to visit replicas of homes, pubs, and businesses that existed in the 16th and 17th centuries.
