The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine

Why St. Augustine Belongs on Your Weekend Escape List

Whether you have a weekend or a full week, you will quickly discover there is no shortage of things to do in St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, the nation’s oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the continental United States packs more than four and a half centuries of history into a compact, walkable downtown. The list of things to do in St. Augustine includes centuries-old landmarks, beautiful waterfront views, museums, beaches, and some of the most unique attractions in Florida. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for another weekend escape, the attractions in St. Augustine, Florida offer something new to discover every time.

One of the best parts about deciding what to do in St. Augustine is how much sits within walking distance of the historic district. Many of the best things to do in downtown St. Augustine are completely free, including strolling St. George Street, relaxing in the Plaza de la Constitución, or admiring the famous Nights of Lights during the holiday season. Cross the Bridge of Lions, and you will discover even more things to do near St. Augustine, from climbing the historic lighthouse on Anastasia Island to paddling through the tidal waters of Anastasia State Park. Couples come for the romance, history lovers come for the landmarks, and everyone finds another reason to return.

All of it is easier from the right home base. Casa de Sueños, our Bed and Breakfast St. Augustine visitors love, sits in the middle of the historic district, placing most of the best places to visit in St. Augustine within an easy walk of your room. Start each day with a homemade breakfast, spend the day exploring, then return for our complimentary evening social hour before heading back out to experience the nation’s oldest city after dark.

The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a city built for wandering, and the things to do in St. Augustine for adults range from museums and wineries to waterfront strolls and historic landmarks. It is also one of Florida’s most romantic destinations, with countless things to do in St. Augustine for couples, from sunset walks along Matanzas Bay to horse-drawn carriage rides beneath centuries-old oak trees. If you are wondering what to do in St. Augustine, these are the experiences we recommend most often.

1. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Construction on this Spanish fort began in 1672, making it the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Built from locally quarried coquina stone that absorbed cannon fire rather than splintering, the Castillo was never taken by force during a military siege. Admission includes seven consecutive days of entry, while the grounds surrounding the fort remain free to explore.
2. St. George Street. The pedestrian-only heart of the historic district is lined with restaurants, galleries, boutiques, museums, and historic buildings, making it one of the best free things to do in St. Augustine. Wander from the Old City Gate toward the Plaza de la Constitución while exploring side streets filled with hidden courtyards and local shops. It is only about a five-minute walk from Casa de Sueños.
3. Old Town Trolley Tours. If it is your first visit, the hop-on, hop-off trolley is one of the easiest ways to see the city’s major attractions while learning its history. During the holidays, special Nights of Lights tours are among the most popular things to do in St. Augustine at night.
4. The Lightner Museum. Located inside Henry Flagler’s former Alcazar Hotel, the museum showcases Gilded Age collections, including Tiffany glass, fine art, Victorian decorative arts, and mechanical musical instruments. Before leaving, enjoy lunch at Café Alcazar, located in what was once one of the world’s largest indoor swimming pools.
5. San Sebastian Winery and St. Augustine Distillery. Just a few blocks from the inn, San Sebastian Winery offers tours and tastings for guests 21 and older, with rooftop views at The Cellar Upstairs. Nearby, St. Augustine Distillery offers tours inside a beautifully restored former ice plant.
6. St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Climb 219 steps to the top of the 1874 lighthouse for views of the Atlantic Ocean, Matanzas Bay, and the historic city skyline.
7. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Open since 1893, this Anastasia Island attraction is the only zoological park in the world exhibiting every living species of crocodilian.
8. Anastasia State Park. Just across the Bridge of Lions, Anastasia State Park protects approximately 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammock, and more than four miles of shoreline.
9. The beaches. Vilano Beach, Butler Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and Crescent Beach each offer wide stretches of sand for swimming, shelling, walking, or simply enjoying the Atlantic.
10. Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. This waterfront site marks the area where Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established St. Augustine in 1565.
11. A ghost tour. Frequently ranked among America’s most haunted cities, St. Augustine offers several excellent walking and trolley ghost tours throughout the year.
12. A horse-drawn carriage ride. Few romantic things to do in St. Augustine compare to a carriage ride through the historic district, with holiday rides during Nights of Lights especially popular.
13. Nights of Lights. From late November through late January, millions of tiny white lights illuminate the historic district, creating one of the country’s most celebrated holiday displays, and Casa de Sueños sits right in the middle of it all.

Stay at Our Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine

However you spend your days, the evenings belong at Casa de Sueños. Our Mediterranean Revival home, built in the early 1900s, features graceful archways, Palladian windows, open balconies, and a classic tile roof. Each of our seven guest rooms offers its own personality, and several include private balconies and jetted tubs, making our inn an excellent choice for couples looking for a romantic weekend escape.

Every morning begins with two hot homemade breakfast entrées, fresh fruit, baked breads, homemade granola, coffee, tea, and juices. In the evening, unwind during our complimentary social hour with wine and snacks before heading back out to experience St. Augustine after dark.

Book Your Weekend Escape Today

Add free off-street parking and a walkable location near nearly every attraction on this list, and it is easy to see why our lodging is a favorite Bed and Breakfast St. Augustine visitors return to year after year. Book your stay at Casa de Sueños and start planning your weekend escape.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Augustine known for?
St. Augustine is known for being the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the continental United States, along with landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the annual Nights of Lights display.

When was St. Augustine founded?
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, making it the oldest city of its kind in the continental United States.

How far is St. Augustine from Jacksonville?
St. Augustine sits about 40 minutes south of Jacksonville, making it an easy day trip or weekend escape destination from the city.

What is there to do in St. Augustine in December?
December brings the Nights of Lights, when millions of white lights illuminate the historic district from late November through late January, along with holiday carriage rides and seasonal trolley tours.