St Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast – St. Augustine, Florida
A fun Day at Vilano Beach Near St. Augustine
The Best Things to Do in Vilano Beach Near St. Augustine
Located just across the bridge from the St. Augustine Historic District, Vilano Beach offers visitors a refreshing coastal escape with beautiful scenery, waterfront dining, and easy access to many of the most popular things to do in St. Augustine. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or simply looking to spend time along Florida’s Historic Coast, there are plenty of things to do in Vilano Beach throughout the year.
The wide sandy shoreline is one of the area’s biggest attractions. Visitors can spend the morning walking along the beach, collecting shells, watching surfers ride the waves, or enjoying a peaceful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Compared to some of the busier beaches in St. Augustine, Vilano Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing easy access to outdoor recreation and local attractions.
The Vilano Beach Pier remains a favorite destination for visitors seeking scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you enjoy fishing, photography, or simply taking in the surroundings, the pier offers a great place to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the coast. Nearby, Porpoise Point provides panoramic waterfront views where the inlet meets the ocean, and dolphin sightings are common throughout the year. It is also considered one of the most popular sunset spots near St. Augustine.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of additional things to do in Vilano Beach, including kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, and sightseeing cruises. Local operators offer boat tours and dolphin excursions that allow visitors to experience the waterways from a unique perspective. The Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk also provides a scenic setting for wildlife viewing and leisurely walks along the coast.
A Relaxing Stay at One of the Best St. Augustine Bed and Breakfasts
After a day spent exploring beaches in St. Augustine, enjoying waterfront activities, or dining at popular Vilano Beach restaurants such as Cap’s On the Water, The Reef, Beaches at Vilano, Pesca Vilano Rooftop, Aunt Kate’s, and Michael’s St. Augustine, return to the timeless comfort of St. Francis Inn.
Located in the heart of the historic district, our Bed and Breakfast offers elegant accommodations, peaceful courtyards, and thoughtful amenities designed to help guests relax and recharge. Guests can also enhance their stay with local tours, spa services, and getaway packages while enjoying convenient access to both downtown attractions and the coast. Book your stay today and discover why St. Francis Inn remains a favorite destination for a memorable St. Augustine escape.
Birding Spots Along the Florida Coast Near St. Augustine
Discover Spring Birding on the Great Florida Birding Trail
Spring is prime time to explore the Great Florida Birding Trail near St. Augustine, where coastal wetlands, maritime forests, and tidal creeks create reliable habitat for both resident birds and seasonal migrants. This stretch of Florida’s coast is well-suited to an adventure-focused itinerary because you can cover multiple environments in a single day without long drives, then return to town for dinner, history, and an easy evening.
Start with Anastasia State Park, one of the top things to do in St. Augustine. This park is a productive mix of beach, tidal marsh, and maritime hammock, and a worthwhile stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The shoreline and salt marsh boardwalk are strong choices for wading birds, terns, skimmers, and migratory shorebirds, especially when you time your visit around lower tides. Continue south to Fort Matanzas National Monument, another fabulous stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, where estuarine edges and wooded trails can add rails, ibises, and raptors to your list, plus a short ferry ride that makes the outing feel like part nature excursion, part local history.
For open-coast scanning, Ponte Vedra Beach offers classic surf-zone birding with shorebirds along the tide line and pelicans cruising just above the water. If you want a quieter, more secluded stop, head to Pellicer Creek Conservation Area, where freshwater wetlands and shaded hammocks support a different mix of species and a calmer pace, including productive paddling opportunities when conditions cooperate.
The GTM Reserve is another must as you travel along the Great Florida Birding Trail, with broad estuary views and mudflats that reward patience, especially during migration. Round out the day with a change of scenery at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, where formal gardens meet a distinctive coquina shoreline, and bird activity often pairs well with spring blooms.
Stay Close to the Trail at A Downtown St. Augustine Hotel
After your time on the Great Florida Birding Trail, base your stay at St. Francis Inn, steps from historic downtown St. Augustine. Begin mornings at our St. Augustine Hotel with a gourmet buffet breakfast before heading out with binoculars and a field guide. Return for a complimentary social hour with wine, beer, and light snacks, then wind down with courtyard s’mores and evening desserts packaged for you.
With guest rooms, suites, and private cottages, plus thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and sherry in every room and a heated pool for recharging between outings, it is a practical, comfortable home base for spring birding on Florida’s coast. Book directly to plan your next adventure.
Discover the Best Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
Best Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine delivers an experience that blends history, coastal beauty, and modern Southern charm. From centuries-old landmarks to sun-soaked beaches and lively food and drink scenes, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in St. Augustine, whether you’re here for a long weekend or a multi-day escape.
Florida is a year-round destination, but many visitors consider spring and fall the ideal time to explore. Comfortable temperatures make it easy to walk the St. Augustine Historic District, enjoy outdoor dining, or spend time by the ocean. Summer brings beach lovers and a lively energy, while winter offers a quieter pace without sacrificing sunshine.
Start your visit with a guided ride on the Old Town Trolley, one of the easiest ways to learn the city’s story and get oriented. From there, dive into history at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, where coquina stone walls overlook the Matanzas Bay. Nearby, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park offers a fascinating look at the earliest days of European settlement.
When it’s time to slow down, St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park provide wide stretches of sand, scenic trails, and opportunities for kayaking or wildlife viewing. Back in town, stroll along St. George Street to browse local shops, enjoy live music, and sample everything from casual bites to craft cocktails. Wine tastings at San Sebastian Winery and spirits at the St. Augustine Distillery add another layer to the experience.
Where to Stay During Your St. Augustine Vacation
Choosing the right St. Augustine lodging makes all the difference. Staying within walking distance of the Historic District means you can leave the car behind and fully enjoy the city’s rhythm. Our historic St. Augustine Lodging places you steps from top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, while offering a comfortable retreat at the end of the day.
From lighthouse views and ghost tours to alligator encounters and beach days, the best things to do in St. Augustine are as varied as they are unforgettable. Plan your stay, explore at your own pace, and discover why this Southern city continues to captivate travelers year after year.
Discover Unique Museums in St. Augustine
Where to Start With Museums in St. Augustine
St. Augustine wears its 460 years of history well, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its museums. From pirate treasure to Gilded Age opulence, the museums in St. Augustine cover an astonishing amount of ground for a city its size. When guests ask us where to start, we recommend picking two or three, spreading them across your visit, and leaving room for the surprises in between. Some of the best St. Augustine museums sit inside buildings that are attractions in their own right, so even the walk through the front door counts as sightseeing.
The museums in St. Augustine also make a natural starting point for everything else on your list of things to do in St. Augustine. The Lightner puts you steps from the Plaza de la Constitución and some of the best restaurants in St. Augustine, while the Castillo de San Marcos, the most recognizable of all St. Augustine landmarks, borders the bayfront. If you would rather get oriented first, take a trolley tour in St. Augustine or join the best St. Augustine walking tour for stories you will not get from a plaque. Even the quirkier stops sit within a short walk of galleries, shops, and the kind of unique things to do in St. Augustine that make a history getaway here so rewarding.
After a day exploring museums in St. Augustine, you will want to come back to a comfortable place to stay. As a St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast downtown, St. Francis Inn sits in the heart of the historic district, which means most of the museums on this list are a pleasant stroll from our front porch, and the ones that are not are an easy drive.
Museums in St. Augustine
You could spend a full week working through the museums in St. Augustine and still leave things unseen, so consider this list a starting point. These are the six St. Augustine museums our guests mention most at breakfast the next morning, and each one earns its spot for a different reason. Most are within a short walk of downtown, while the sixth is a quick drive across the Bridge of Lions, and together they cover more than four centuries of history.
- Lightner Museum. If you only make it to one of the museums in St. Augustine, make it this one. The building alone justifies the ticket. It is the former Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort commissioned by Henry Flagler in 1888, and publisher Otto Lightner filled it with his “collection of collections” after opening the museum in 1948. Inside you will find Tiffany stained glass, American and European paintings, and Victorian-era mechanical musical instruments, plus oddities like antique bicycles with those enormous front wheels. Plan to stay one to two hours.
- Castillo de San Marcos. The most photographed of all St. Augustine landmarks earns its reputation. The Spanish began building this coquina fortress in 1672, and it is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. British forces attacked it repeatedly and never managed to take the city by force, which tells you something about those walls. Cannon firing demonstrations are frequently scheduled on Fridays through Sundays. There is a small admission fee for everyone but children, who can enter for free, and the fort no longer accepts cash, only credit or debit cards.
- Villa Zorayda Museum. This is one of the St. Augustine museums that most first-time visitors miss. Boston architect Franklin Smith built this winter home in 1883, replicating architectural details from the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, using a then-novel method of poured concrete and crushed coquina. The self-guided audio tour runs 45 to 60 minutes, and the strangest artifact in the house is the Sacred Cat Rug, believed to be more than 2,400 years old. It sits on King Street a few doors from the Lightner, so do both in one morning.
- Oldest House Museum. This one requires the least planning of all the museums in St. Augustine, because it sits on St. Francis Street just steps from our front door. The González-Alvarez House dates to around 1723, making it the oldest surviving Spanish colonial residence in Florida, and its coquina walls carry visible traces of the city’s Spanish, British, and American chapters. Admission includes a guided tour of the house, plus the Webb Museum, ornamental gardens, and the unexpected St. Augustine Surf Culture Museum.
- Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. Set inside the 1925 Excelsior building, the first public Black high school in St. Johns County, this museum tells a side of the city’s story the colonial attractions barely touch. Exhibits include the original Woolworth’s lunch counter where the St. Augustine Four were arrested in 1963 and the fingerprint card from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 arrest here. The museum sits in Lincolnville, a neighborhood founded in 1866 by formerly enslaved people, a 10- to 15-minute walk from our front door.
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. A short drive over the Bridge of Lions puts you on Anastasia Island, where the 1874 lighthouse, one of the most iconic St. Augustine landmarks, stands as the town’s oldest surviving brick structure. Climb the 219 steps for the best view in the city, water on one side, the old town skyline on the other. Admission covers the Keepers’ House and the Maritime Archaeology Center. Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the tower.
Stay at a St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast Downtown
A day of wandering museums in St. Augustine is better with the right home base for your history getaway. St. Francis Inn sits at the quiet end of the historic district, which means most museums in St. Augustine are an easy walk from our front door. Guests receive complimentary admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, discounted admission to the Oldest House Museum just steps down our street, and free passes to the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center.
Fuel up first at our breakfast buffet, served daily with two hot homemade entrees that change every morning, then head out to explore. Come back for our daily social hour with local wines, take a swim in the pool, then claim your boxed homemade dessert. Our rooms and suites carry the same sense of history you explored that day, many with fireplaces or jetted tubs, and each stocked with plush robes, fresh flowers, and a decanter of sherry.
Book Your History Getaway Today
As a St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast downtown, St. Francis Inn has spent more than two centuries perfecting the art of the welcome. Book your stay and start exploring the museums in St. Augustine today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best museums in St. Augustine?
The Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, Villa Zorayda Museum, Oldest House Museum, Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum are among the top museums in St. Augustine.
When was Castillo de San Marcos built?
The Spanish began building Castillo de San Marcos in 1672, making it the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
How tall is the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
Visitors climb 219 steps to reach the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and its oldest surviving brick structure, built in 1874.
Where should you stay for a St. Augustine history getaway?
Downtown St. Augustine’s historic district makes the most convenient base, with St. Francis Inn placing guests within walking distance of most of the city’s top museums and landmarks.
Find the Ultimate December Getaway for the Holidays
Best Christmas Getaway in December
A December escape to St. Augustine brings together warm Southern charm, festive energy, and a holiday calendar unlike anywhere else in the country. A St. Augustine Christmas is defined by glowing streets, historic architecture dressed in lights, and seasonal experiences that turn every evening into something special. From the famous St. Augustine Night of Lights to waterfront celebrations, this city offers one of the most memorable holiday trips in the South.
Christmas lights in St. Augustine transform the historic district into a walkable wonderland. Millions of white lights illuminate centuries-old landmarks, the Bridge of Lions, and the bayfront, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and joyful. Riding the Night of Lights trolley is an easy way to enjoy the display while learning about the city’s history. Boat cruises across Matanzas Bay provide another perspective, letting you see the lights shimmer across the water.
Beyond the lights, St. Augustine Christmas events fill December with variety. The St. Augustine Christmas parade brings families together downtown with music and festive floats. The Holiday Regatta of Lights highlights decorated boats gliding through the harbor. Candlelit museum tours, holiday markets, concerts at the amphitheater, and seasonal celebrations at the lighthouse all add depth to your stay. There are countless things to do in St. Augustine at Christmas, whether you prefer history, entertainment, or relaxed evenings under the lights.
Where to Stay During Your St. Augustine Christmas Getaway
Choosing the best place to stay in St. Augustine at Christmas time makes all the difference. St. Francis Inn is a historic, centrally located St. Augustine bed and breakfast that allows you to walk to Night of Lights displays, dining, and seasonal events without worrying about parking. Staying close to the historic district gives you the flexibility to enjoy daytime sightseeing and return easily for evening festivities.
This well-appointed bed and breakfast enhances the holiday experience with thoughtful amenities, inviting guest rooms, and warm hospitality. Features like complimentary bikes, private parking, daily breakfast, evening treats, and comfortable gathering spaces create a true home base during December travels. After a full day of St. Augustine Christmas events, it’s a relief to return somewhere calm, welcoming, and close to everything.
If you are planning a December getaway filled with lights, history, and festive Southern charm, a St. Augustine Christmas delivers an experience worth repeating year after year.
Get Your Tickets for a Show at the St. Augustine Amphitheater
Best St. Augustine Amphitheater Concert Guide
From nationally recognized performers to lively community events, the St. Augustine Amphitheater is one of the best places to experience live entertainment on Florida’s coast. Located on Anastasia Island, just minutes from Historic Downtown St. Augustine, this outdoor venue combines outstanding acoustics with an intimate atmosphere, making every concert memorable. Whether you are planning a summer getaway or a fall escape, attending one of the many concerts in St. Augustine is a great addition to your itinerary.
The venue accommodates more than 4,000 guests while maintaining excellent sightlines throughout the amphitheater. In addition to major touring artists, visitors can enjoy the popular Front Porch area, home to seasonal farmers markets, night markets, local food vendors, and pre-show gathering spaces. Arriving early allows time to enjoy the atmosphere, explore nearby Anastasia State Park, or dine at one of the area’s locally owned restaurants before the show begins.
Throughout the summer and fall, the St. Augustine Amphitheater hosts an impressive lineup of country, rock, folk, blues, and contemporary artists. From Vince Gill and Dierks Bentley to James Taylor, The Black Keys, Alabama, and The Avett Brothers, there is something for nearly every music fan. With such a full concert calendar, planning accommodations early is recommended, especially during popular performance weekends.
Stay at a Historic St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast
After an evening of live music, unwind at the St. Francis Inn, a historic St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast located only about ten minutes from the St. Augustine Amphitheater. Dating back to 1791, the inn offers easy access to the city’s most popular attractions while providing a peaceful retreat away from the busiest areas.
Each guest room features its own unique character along with modern comforts designed for a relaxing stay. Guests also enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning, an evening wine and snack reception, and refreshments available throughout the day. Staying at the inn places you close to the Historic District, Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, and Anastasia Island, making it easy to experience many of the best things to do in St. Augustine during your visit.
If you are planning to attend one of the exciting St. Augustine concerts this summer or fall, reserve your accommodations early. Combining outstanding entertainment with comfortable St. Augustine lodging near The Amp creates the perfect coastal getaway.
St. Augustine Historic District: What to See, Do, and Know Before You Go
Walking Through the St. Augustine Historic District
The St. Augustine Historic District packs more than 450 years of history into a stretch of downtown you can cover on foot in an afternoon. Brick-paved streets run from the Old City Gate toward the Castillo de San Marcos, and the pedestrian stretch of St. George Street lines the way with colonial-era buildings, hidden courtyards, coffee shops, galleries, and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. Old Town St. Augustine keeps that coastal, unhurried pace even as the history piles up around every corner.
The district preserves the heart of the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. The St. Augustine Town Plan National Historic Landmark District still follows the narrow streets, small blocks, and central plaza laid out under Spanish colonial planning centuries ago. Walk from the Old City Gate down St. George Street to the Plaza de la Constitución, then continue south toward Aviles and St. Francis streets, and you’ll pass through several distinct layers of historic St. Augustine in a short walk.
Things to Do in the St. Augustine Historic District
Within a few blocks, you can find so many of the top things to do in St. Augustine. You can explore a Spanish fort, walk through a Gilded Age hotel, and step into a museum housed in another of Henry Flagler’s grand resorts.
Castillo de San Marcos, construction of which began in 1672, is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States, built from coquina quarried on nearby Anastasia Island. Historic weapons demonstrations with cannons or muskets take place on select dates, so check the National Park Service calendar before a visit. Flagler College occupies the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, Flagler’s 1888 Gilded Age hotel, where guided tours take you through the Rotunda, Courtyard, and Dining Hall, the last known for its 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows. Across King Street, the Lightner Museum fills the former Hotel Alcazar with fine and decorative arts and Gilded Age furnishings, including the building’s original indoor swimming pool.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, home to the oldest Catholic parish in the United States, dates its current church building to 1793 through 1797. The Colonial Quarter offers a living-history look at daily life in the colonial era, with blacksmithing demonstrations and a 35-foot watchtower replica for views over the bayfront. Plaza de la Constitución remains a shaded gathering spot at the district’s center, and after dark, ghost tours wind past old cemeteries and historic streets tied to the city’s best-known legends.
Where to Stay: A Bed and Breakfast in the Middle of Old Town
For a historic getaway that puts all of this within walking distance, our Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine sits directly on brick-paved St. George Street, in the quieter southern end of Old Town. The inn dates to 1791 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with 19 individually decorated guest rooms and suites spread across five historic buildings. Select rooms feature fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, or private balconies, and every stay includes a daily breakfast buffet.
The details add up after a day spent exploring. A complimentary wine-and-beer social hour runs every evening, cookies come out fresh daily, and the courtyard fire pit is set up for s’mores after dark. Complimentary bicycles make it easy to cover more ground, and guests receive complimentary admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum along with a 50% discount at the Oldest House Museum. Back at the inn, a solar-heated pool, shaded garden courtyard, and private guest parking round things out.
Book your stay at the St. Francis Inn and experience the St. Augustine Historic District right outside your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the historic district in St. Augustine?
The St. Augustine Historic District encompasses the downtown core, stretching from the Old City Gate along the pedestrian stretch of St. George Street to landmarks such as Castillo de San Marcos and Plaza de la Constitución.
Where to stay in the St. Augustine Historic District?
Staying directly on St. George Street, such as at the St. Francis Inn, puts you within walking distance of the fort, museums, restaurants, and the district’s historic streets.
When was St. Augustine founded?
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, making it the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States.
What is the oldest fortification in the historic district?
Castillo de San Marcos, construction of which began in 1672, is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States.
Book your stay at the St. Francis Inn and make the St. Augustine Historic District part of your next historic getaway.
St. Augustine Lighthouse: A Complete Visitor’s Guide
The St. Augustine Lighthouse at a Glance
The St. Augustine Lighthouse has guided ships along this stretch of Florida coast since 1874, its black-and-white spiral rising 165 feet above Anastasia Island. Built between 1871 and 1874 to replace an earlier Spanish watchtower lost to erosion, it remains an active aid to navigation today, maintained by the nonprofit St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Climbing the tower is only part of the visit. The grounds also cover shipwreck archaeology, wooden boatbuilding, and the history of the families who once lived at the light station.
Climbing the Tower
There are 219 St. Augustine Lighthouse steps between the ground and the observation deck, with eight landings along the spiral staircase where you can pause and let others pass. At the top, a 360-degree gallery takes in the historic district, Anastasia Island, and the surrounding waterways.
Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb and must be able to complete the climb on their own; carrying children in the tower is not permitted, and there is no elevator. Visitors who skip the climb can still explore the main floor of the Keepers’ House, the World War II Garage, and the Maritime Education Center, all of which have ramp access.
What Else Is on the Grounds
General admission covers far more than the tower. The 1876 Keepers’ House explores Victorian-era life at the station, and the Wrecked! exhibit examines a British shipwreck that sank off St. Augustine in 1782. The Artifact Conservation Lab shows recovered pieces being studied and preserved, and Heritage Boatworks lets volunteer boatwrights demonstrate traditional wooden boatbuilding. Younger visitors have a ship-themed playground, and the Tin Pickle snack shop serves hot dogs and fudge inside the historic garage.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum Tickets and Hours
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum tickets and hours change by season, so check the museum’s official ticket page before you go. The site typically opens at 9 a.m. year-round, with later closing hours in spring and summer than in fall and winter. The lighthouse is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and closes early on Christmas Eve.
Arriving near opening on a weekday is the best way to climb the spiral staircase without a crowd. Late afternoon tends to bring good light for photography over St. Augustine and Matanzas Bay.
A Bed and Breakfast With Complimentary Admission
St. Francis Inn sits at the quiet, residential end of St. George Street, dating to 1791 and offering 19 individually styled guest rooms with private baths. Select rooms add fireplaces, jetted tubs, or private balconies. Guests staying here receive complimentary general admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, one of several amenities built around exploring the city on foot rather than by car.
A hot breakfast buffet is included each morning, and an evening social hour brings out wine and light snacks before dinner. Between outings, the walled courtyard, heated pool, and complimentary bicycles make it easy to fill an afternoon without leaving the property. For a beach getaway that still puts the historic district and lighthouse within walking distance, book a stay at our Bed and Breakfast in the St. Augustine Historic District.
Beyond the Lighthouse on Anastasia Island
Once you’ve climbed the tower, Anastasia State Park is a short drive away, with more than 1,600 acres of beach, tidal marsh, and maritime hammock along four miles of Atlantic shoreline. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm sits nearby as well, and history-minded travelers can continue toward Fort Matanzas National Monument or back downtown to the Castillo de San Marcos.
St. Augustine Lighthouse FAQ
How many steps are in the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
There are 219 steps from the base of the tower to the observation deck, with eight landings along the way.
How tall is the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
The tower stands 165 feet tall and has served as an active aid to navigation since 1874.
Can kids climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
Yes. Children must be at least 44 inches tall and able to climb on their own; carrying children in the tower is not permitted.
Is admission included if I stay at St. Francis Inn?
Yes. Guests receive complimentary general admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum as part of their stay.
What to Do in St. Augustine?
Best St Augustine Tours to Explore Top Attractions
St. Augustine offers history, coastal scenery, and walkable charm, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway in Florida. As the oldest city in the United States, it features cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and landmark sites. Choosing St Augustine Tours is one of the best ways to experience the city, with guided insights that add context to every stop.
There is no shortage of things to do in St Augustine. Visitors can spend time at St. Augustine Beach, browse shops along St. George Street, or explore historic sites like Castillo de San Marcos. These St Augustine attractions provide a strong foundation for your itinerary, whether you are visiting for a full weekend or a shorter stay.
St Augustine Tours range from flexible city overviews to specialized experiences. Old Town Trolley Tours St Augustine offers a convenient way to navigate more than 20 stops, including major landmarks and cultural sites, with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
For those interested in the water, St Augustine boat tours provide a different perspective of the city. Cruises along Matanzas Bay highlight landmarks like the Bridge of Lions and St. Augustine Lighthouse, often with opportunities to spot dolphins. Options range from sightseeing cruises to wine-focused experiences that combine views with curated tastings.
Culinary tours add another dimension to what to do in St Augustine. Guided tastings through the historic district introduce guests to local flavors and notable dining destinations. Evening tours often include multiple stops, pairing small plates with wine in an intimate setting.
For a different pace, St Augustine ghost tours explore the city’s longstanding paranormal history. These guided experiences visit historically significant locations and focus on well-researched storytelling. Visitors can also choose active options such as kayaking tours, which combine coastal wildlife viewing with historical narration.
With such a wide range of St Augustine Tours available, the hard part about planning your getaway will be narrowing down what to do in St. Augustine.
Where to Stay in St Augustine
After a day of sightseeing, staying in the historic district keeps everything within easy reach. The St. Francis Inn offers a Bed and Breakfast St Augustine experience with amenities such as a daily gourmet breakfast, weekend brunch, and an evening social hour with light refreshments. Its central location allows guests to transition easily between tours, dining, and local attractions.