What Makes St. Augustine, Florida Worth Visiting?
You’ll love St. Augustine if you want a Florida trip that combines history, architecture and beaches. Founded in 1565, the city is the oldest city in the United States. It has Spanish colonial roots, a centuries-old fort, narrow historic streets, and beaches. I chose this city as a day trip from Orlando when I was searching for something less commercialized. I liked it so much I’ve been back several times.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Why Visit St. Augustine, Florida?
Nestled along the Atlantic coast and founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest U.S. city. So, you know this city has some amazing stories to tell.
Flaunting its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and beautiful coastline, St. Augustine is one of the city for history buffs or nature enthusiasts.
History | Architecture | Forts | Beaches | Nature | Museums | Weekend trips
How to Get to St. Augustine
On one visit we flew into Jacksonville, Florida, rented a car and drove about an hour south to St. Augustine. Other times we flew into Orlando, rented a car and drove about two hours north to St. Augustine.
How Long Should You Spend in St. Augustine?
One day: Enough for the historic core and Castillo de San Marcos
Weekend: Enough for the historic core, Castillo de San Marcos, and a visit to the beach.
3+ days: You can explore downtown, Castillo de San Marcos, the beach & lighthouse, and other attractions
Historic St. Augustine Florida
The historic district is the oldest part of St. Augustine and home to buildings dating back to the 1700’s. There is plenty of shopping, restaurants, and attractions for the whole family. Stop by the St. Augustine Visitor Center to find out all the fun things to do here.
Where to Park in Historic Downtown
St. Augustine is a walkable city-most of the popular sites are within 2 miles of each other. So put on your walking shoes, park your car and explore the streets of St. Augustine. There is a large parking lot off of Florida State A1A & West Castillo Drive behind the Visitor’s Center.
Things to do in St. Augustine’s Historic Downtown
On your way to the downtown shopping area check out the milestone and fountains.
Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone
This milestone marks the end of the Old Spanish Trail from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. It is a near the St. Augustine Visitor’s Center.
Fuente De Los Canos De San Francisco
Near the St. Augustine Visitor’s Center is the Fuente De Los Canos De San Franisco . A beautiful fountain with multi spouts represents the relationship between Aviles, Spain and St. Augustine, Florida. Spain gave the masks to St. Augustine.
Old City Gate
Opened in 1739, the old city gate was the only access point for the north side of Spanish St. Augustine. In 1808 the gate’s pillars were constructed of coquina. Today, they mark the entrance of St. Augustine’s historic district.
See the oldest wooden school house in the USA. Built in 1702 . Tours are available. For information on the tours
Aviles Street
Take a stroll down the oldest street in the nation’s oldest city. Aviles Street is lined with art galleries, cozy cafes, and a vibe that feels like you took a step back in time.
Pirate & Treasure Museum
If you’re traveling with kids or simply enjoy unusual museums, the Pirate & Treasure Museum is one of the more offbeat stops in the historic district.
Worth it if: you like interactive museums and pirate history.
→ Pirate & Treasure Museum: What to Expect
Castillo de San Marcos
If you find history fascinating, the Castille de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. It was built in 1672 to protect fleets and keep pirates from stealing provisions.
Worth it if: you like old forts and historical places.
→ Castillo de San Marcos: What to Expect
Flagler College
A college is not normally something I visit on a trip, but Flagler College has historical roots in this city and the grounds are beautiful.
Worth it if: you like architecture and historical places.
→ Castillo de San Marcos: What to Expect
Villa Zorayda Museum
The most surprising place we found on one of our visits was Villa Zorayda Museum. This Moorish inspired building was built in 1883 and served as wealthy merchant, Franklin W. Smith’s , summer home.
Worth it if: you like architecture, historical and offbeat places.
→ Villa Zorayda Museum: What to Expect
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Looking for the Fountain of Youth? If the stories are true you just mind find it in St. Augustine, Florida. According to the legend, Ponce de León was searching for a mythical spring that restores your youth when he landed at this site in 1513. You can drink from this fountain within the Archaeological Park.
Worth it if: you like nature and historical places.
→ Fountain of Youth Park
The Old Jail
St. Augustine’s most hardened criminals were sent to the Old Jail. Hear stories about the people who were imprisoned here and those sent to the galleys. Take a guided tour of The Old Jail and step inside the maximum security cells.
Worth it if: you like historical places.
→ Uptown District St. Augustine
Anastasia State Park or St. Augustine Beach
If you need a nature fix head over to the island to for some sand and sun at Anastasia State Park or St. Augustine Beach.
Worth it if: you like nature and beaches
→ Anastasia Park & St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
St. Augustine Tours
Adventurer At Heart
Amber is the writer behind Adventurer At Heart, sharing practical travel advice based on more than 25 years of exploring Arizona and traveling beyond it. She looks for places with a story, from desert trails and historic sites to scenic drives and towns worth your limited vacation time. When she’s not traveling, she’s gardening.
