Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting?
Are you searching for a place to go on vacation that provides a special fusion of adventure, history, and leisure? You only need to look at St. Augustine, Florida! St. Augustine, which is located on Florida’s northeast coast, is a city full of attractions, including charming beaches, historic forts, and fascinating animals.
With more than 41 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, this amazing location—known as the oldest city in America—will add beauty and enjoyment to your trip! There are many reasons to add St. Augustine to your list of places to visit, whether you’re traveling alone or with family.
To understand if St. Augustine is worth visiting, we cover everything there is to know about the place in this blog post, from local experiences to the best restaurants in town. Continue reading to see why every traveler’s bucket list should include a visit to St. Augustine, Florida!
1. Incredible Attractions & Tours
St. Augustine offers some of the most incredible historical sites, tours, and attractions. Our top picks for must-see tours and attractions are listed below:
- Children and adults alike will enjoy the Fountain of Youth Pirate & Treasure Museum. It also has a lovely gift shop.
- An all-day trolley service with narration is the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour.
- The Lightner Museum
- Built by Spanish settlers, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the United States.
2. The Culture
St. Augustine is renowned for its relaxed, Southern outlook. The city is crowded with beachgoers, sun worshippers, and everyone in between. The historic quarter is home to the charming liberal arts institution Flagler College, which lends St. Augustine an extra dash of edge and creative flair.
3. Delicious Food
There are some excellent restaurants there. This is where we advise going:
- The Ice Plant Bar specializes in locally sourced seafood and expertly mixed cocktails. The restaurant is ideal for a night out with friends because of its laid-back vibe.
- Another well-liked seafood eatery in St. Augustine is The Floridian. The Floridian is renowned for its Southern-style cuisine and delicious, locally sourced fish. The restaurant is a terrific option for a laid-back night out because of its laid-back vibe.
- Cap’s on the Water is one of St. Augustine’s most well-known eateries because of its gorgeous beachfront setting. The restaurant serves a wide selection of wines to go with your meal and specializes in fresh seafood.
- Kava Bar at St. Augustine provides a great way for non-alcoholics to enjoy a good drink to relax the mind.
4. The Events
People flock from all over the world to St. Augustine because of its reputation for some incredible events. The following are the city’s “must-attend” events:
- The most well-known event in St. Augustine is the Nights of Lights, when millions of lights are placed across all of the city’s parks and shops in celebration of the holidays. An exquisite location that occurs annually from mid-November to January 31st.
- Farmers Market at St. Augustine Amphitheatre (weekly event) is a must-visit. Every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., customers walk up and down the aisles lined with vendors at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market, perusing over 100 tents filled with regional vegetables, flowers, baked products, handcrafted crafts, and more. The market is free to enter.
- The Fireworks over the Mantazas on July 4th start at 6 p.m. In addition to one of the greatest fireworks shows in the area, there are live bands.
5. The Shopping
When it comes to St. Augustine shopping, St. George Street is the place You can head to bars, restaurants, and national and local vendors selling just about anything you can think of.
6. Beautiful Beaches
St. Augustine Beach is the ideal location to unwind and enjoy the Florida sun. The beach has plenty of parking, public facilities, and showers, and it’s only a short drive from St. Augustine’s downtown. Activities including fishing, kayaking, swimming, and sunbathing are also available to visitors.
You can spend a day swimming, tanning, and having a picnic at Anastasia State Park. Along with a boardwalk that meanders through a salt marsh, the park features a nature center where guests may learn about the local flora and wildlife.
Those seeking a less congested beach experience will love Vilano Beach, which is situated just north of St. Augustine Beach. Along with a fishing pier, the beach has several small stores and eateries. Surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also available to visitors.
Crescent Beach is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and is situated just south of St. Augustine. In addition, the beach is an excellent location for fishing, surfing, and boogie boarding. Nearby Frank Butler County Park has public facilities and showers for visitors.
7. Rich History
Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain established St. Augustine in 1565, making it the oldest city in the United States. The history of St. Augustine spans around 500 years. A ride on the Old Town Trolley is a must-do for anyone who wants to see everything and experience as much of the city’s intriguing history as possible. With the Old Town Trolley Tour, you may spend as much time as you like at each stop and get off as frequently as you like while visiting all of the most significant historical sites.
Why Saint Augustine Is A Must-Visit Place: Our Take
You’re undoubtedly wondering if St. Augustine is worth seeing. And we’re here to confirm it! Yes, it is! After all, it’s among Florida’s top tourist destinations. The main reason to even consider if St. Augustine is worthwhile is because it is the oldest city in the United States. And just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it’s stuck back in time. You can easily enjoy a healthy sip of Kava at the Green Turtle Kava bar while looking at the gorgeous historic buildings.
Related Questions
What makes St. Augustine unique?
The oldest continuously inhabited European and African-American settlement in the United States was established in 1565 and is known as St. Augustine. The Spanish built St. Jamestown 42 years before the English took over Jamestown and 55 years before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock.
How much does it cost to visit St. Augustine?
The average cost of a one-week trip to Saint Augustine is about $1,365 for one person and $2,730 for two. This covers lodging, meals, local transit, and sightseeing. The average cost of a two-week trip to Saint Augustine is about $5,460 for two people and $2,730 for one.
Is it possible to stroll around St. Augustine?
With warm and welcoming areas in the Old City, St. Augustine is a very walkable neighborhood. There are drawbacks to being a well-known town for motorcyclists.
How many days does the St. Augustine tour need?
A 3-day schedule is all you need to fall in love with St. Augustine if this is your first time visiting the “first city” in the United States. Even when the sun is hot, the sea breeze—especially during the winter months—may call for a jacket.