St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc. St. George Street. It’s great for kids, with a covered patio and misting fans. It’s in the city of St Augustine Beach, where we stayed at Embassy Suites. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the heart of the St. Augustine Historic District. However, MarineLand’s dolphin encounters are among the most popular excursions for visitors. See Tripadvisor's 16,480 traveller reviews and photos of Saint Augustine Beach attractions for thrifty travelers I love the beaches and charm of St. Augustine. And the name? The city of St. Augustine was given its name because it was discovered on the Feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo…or Hyppo! Can’t wait to go back. Visit top-rated & … St. Johns County Ocean Pier is popular with both tourists and residents, with a pier offering access to the main beach as well as beachside restaurants, shops and more. is part of a large park that spans 100 acres. This park showcases over 15 acres of exhibits including a 16th-century Spanish settlement, historic village site replicas, a planetarium, a Spanish watchtower to climb, and live canon shootings daily. St. Augustine Wild Reserve lies north of the Historic District and is home to many exotic pets that needed new homes. She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new secret locale. Note that though in a charming area, this beach has a steep drop-off, a heavy surf, and a strong current due to its location near the inlet, making it ideal for surfing (when the tide is coming in) and skimboarding…but less attractive to families with small kids. 100% Hampton Guarantee. We didn’t make it to the winery, but we did enjoy a bottle (or three…) while we were there and it is PERFECTION! Opinions here are all my own, as always. It … St. Augustine Beach: Tickets & Tours‎ Farmer's Market at St. Augustine Pier: Tickets & Tours‎ St Augustine Tennis at Treaty Park: Tickets & Tours‎ Lakeside Park: Tickets & Tours‎ OLD House: Tickets & Tours‎ Frank Butler County Park West: Tickets & Tours‎ Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center: Tickets & Tours‎ St. Augustine, FL is known as the nation’s oldest city — the Ancient City. Having opened on May 20, 1893, it is  one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions. The nation's oldest city will come alive for the entire family in St. Augustine. MORE DETAILS: Find more info here in our exclusive post about Marineland. The St. Augustine Wildlife reserve was established in order to care for abandoned or abused exotic animals. is St. Augustine’s best sightseeing tour where you are free to get on and off at any and all attraction stops. Mandy Carter is a freelance travel writer and speaker based in Southwest Florida. Climb up the black spiral staircase to the very top for a fantastic 360-view of the area. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park MUST be on everyone’s itinerary!! Simpler and more picturesque, Fort Matanzas consists of two rooms … South Ponte Vedra Beach sits north of St. Augustine in an ideal spot for little ones, offering wide open play areas and beachfront picnic spots. Our Calendar of Events lists all the exciting things to do in St. Augustine. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Three restaurants tell the history of the city through food: Taberno Dell Caballo is a 16th century, Spanish outdoor tavern, featuring traditional Spanish fare and pan-Latin cuisine. You will be shown new inventions – from the animal-powered washing machine to corn shuckers, bicycles and elixirs. These are the best places for budget-friendly outdoor activities in St. Augustine: "Such attention to detail, awesome customer service, if we come back to St Augustine, we will definitely book the, "This excursion exceeded our expectations!! Admission is included with many of the trolley packages. San Sebastian Winery sits in one of Henry Flagler’s old East Coast Railway buildings. is on St. George Street which is, for most, the main attraction of St Augustine. You tour it at your own pace, climb to the top of the fort where the cannons were shot, and explore inside to see living quarters and more. Taking a tour from guides dressed in period garb gives you a real-life look inside the jail cells, maximum security, weapons, and the sheriff’s living quarters. See Tripadvisor's 16,417 traveller reviews and photos of Saint Augustine Beach … The Old Wooden School House is a small attraction that will only take a few minutes to experience, but is extremely interesting to see. This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. The free tours take place daily and give you a thorough view of how cooking and distilling small-batch gin, vodka, rum and whiskey happens. Located on Anastasia Island, you will not only find 4-miles of pristine beaches, but native Florida hammocks and tons of wildlife too. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the heart of the St. Augustine Historic District. Like all wax museums, this is a great place to practice your selfie skills! You will be shown new inventions – from the animal-powered washing machine to corn shuckers, bicycles and elixirs. The 75-minute, narrated boat ride takes you down Matanzas Bay where you may also see dolphins and birds in their natural habitat. Book now for free breakfast, WiFi, event space, pool and more. Dogs are required to stay on a leash, so you may want to wear your running shoes if your dogs are anything like mine. The Dark of the Moon ghost tour gets you into the tower at night, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse Side Quest is an escape room-type experience in which families, friends, and groups work together to solve a mystery or save the day. Before you go, check their events calendar. Eat Your Way Through History at the Colonial Quarter. It offers a wide sand space, creating a peaceful atmosphere with loads of open play area. Things to Do near St. Augustine Beach • St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park • St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum • St. George Street • Lightner Museum • Ripley's Believe It Or Not; How to Get to St. Augustine Beach Flights to St. Augustine • St. Augustine, FL (UST-Northeast Florida Regional), 5.2 mi (8.4 km) from central St. Augustine ; Read more Read less. I’d love to do the, "Dustin and his awesome crew were attentive and helpful throughout the week, balancing, "The boat ride was awesome and the dolphins was beautiful, "Kayak St. Augustine is a well-run organization, and we had a great time, "Captain Kevin and crew were friendly, professional, and hospitable and gave us the most wonderful. The Houdini Parlor Theater opened in St. Augustine in April of 2018. The town of Vilano Beach is a charming surprise, with its tiled fountains and retro Art Deco look, and this local beach is also a wonderful surprise, and one of St. Augustine's best-kept secrets. My son still talks about how he got to “feed hundreds of alligators.”. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. But since I have read this blog on map update, I have installed all available updates for my garmin device. This museum offers an engaging way to learn about the era of piracy. St. Augustine’s beaches offer surfing, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing, kite surfing, and more. Fishing in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach You know Florida is the fishing capital of the world. Highly rated budget-friendly activities in Saint Augustine Beach: The top cheap things to do. Fun Things to Do in Saint Augustine Beach with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Hotels near St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc. Hotels near St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Hotels near St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, Hotels near Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Hotels near Fort Matanzas National Monument, Hotels near Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Hotels near (JAX) Jacksonville Intl Airport, Dolphin & Whale Watching in St. Augustine, Parasailing & Paragliding in St. Augustine, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in St. Augustine, Fishing Charters & Tours in St. Augustine, Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in St. Augustine, Boat Tours & Water Sports in St. Augustine, Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near (JAX) Jacksonville Intl Airport, Things to do near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Things to do near Fort Matanzas National Monument, Private Guided Historic Electric Cart Tour of St. Augustine, See more outdoor activities in St. Augustine on Tripadvisor, See more outdoor activities for kids in St. Augustine on Tripadvisor, See more outdoor activities for couples in St. Augustine on Tripadvisor, See more outdoor activities for groups in St. Augustine on Tripadvisor, See more budget-friendly outdoor activities in St. Augustine on Tripadvisor. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is on St. George Street which is, for most, the main attraction of St Augustine. Local attractions including the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Marineland Dolphin Adventure are a short drive away. Most tourists don’t know this, so keep in on the down low. My kids were in awe of the number of alligators and crocodiles here. Find more info here in our exclusive post about Fort Matanzas. Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, he added a number of magnificent details, including a number of stained glass windows. St. Augustine boasts 42 miles of beautiful beaches, from the pristine coast of Ponte Vedra Beach to St. Augustine Beach's lively surf and south to the wide sands of Crescent Beach. Loved the atmosphere around St. Augustine beaches. … Find more info here in our exclusive post about Marineland. Board the trolley for a spooky ride through the sinister past of St. Augustine. This reserve rescues wild animals that were living as pets, but then were given up by their owners when they realized that an exotic wild animal is not a great fit for domesticated life. Near the Beach :: The Saint Augustine Beach House – This spot is right across the bridge from Historic St. Augustine and right on a usually empty beach. Cruise out over the waters of St. Augustine in search of pods of bottlenose dolphins on this 90-minute boat tour. Highly rated activities with free entry in Saint Augustine Beach: The top things to do for free. MORE DETAILS: Find more info here in our exclusive post about Fort Matanzas. Attractions in St. Augustine, Florida: See Tripadvisor's 121,910 traveller reviews and photos of things to do when in St. Augustine. There are authentic historical re-enactments, exciting attractions, local festivals and fairs, live music concerts, historic guided tours, and so much more to experience in the nation’s oldest city. Most figures have a short biography next to them to keep you engaged. There are beautiful beaches and more than 100 historic and unique things to do in St. Augustine that will create a memorable vacation on the East Coast of Florida. (This is also where Jade and I spent our Wedding Night) **Special Mention** Here are 33 ways to experience history and entertainment on Florida’s Historic Coast. I did not know the entire benefits of Garmin Map Updates. The Old Jail is located at Trolley Stop #1, which offers free parking, so don’t miss it. The top attractions to visit in St. Augustine are: St. Augustine Distillery. is a unique wax figure exhibit that began in 1947. Find more info here in our exclusive post about the St Augustine Distillery. As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine offers a unique nostalgic charm. The world’s largest collection of real pirate artifacts are exhibited in this beautiful old building. Our behind-the-scenes tour included watching them feed the sharks, watching the trainers work with new dolphins, and learn about its beginnings as an underwater film studio. You tour it at your own pace, climb to the top of the fort where the cannons were shot, and explore inside to see living quarters and more. I am not suggesting all my friends to read this blog and get Garmin map update with this team. Wild dolphins, egrets, pelicans, crabs, snubbills... and throw in some shrimp, "Our tour guide, Casey, I think it was Casey, was so,so Outstanding !!! The most obvious choice for a dog-friendly activity in St. Augustine is a trip to the beach! Beyond just history, this seaside destination has something for everyone. MORE DETAILS: Get more info about Embassy Suites St Augustine in our exclusive post here. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. MORE DETAILS: Find more info here in our exclusive post about the St Augustine Distillery. As you pass all the known haunted spots, the animated guide will share stories of the ghosts and ghouls believed to still wander the streets of the town. lies north of the Historic District and is home to many exotic pets that needed new homes. Don’t miss “A Street” access where cars can drive on the beach and park for a nominal fee between March 1 and Labor Day. The free tours take place daily and give you a thorough view of how cooking and distilling small-batch gin, vodka, rum and whiskey happens. A walk-through, guided tour takes you on a shopping experience with a salesman from the past. was built in 1891 by Henry Flagler to look like a hotel, so the building would blend in with the rest of the city. Amazing pictures. All tours are guided by an experienced wildlife professional and are $30 per person. "Our guide, Andy, was well versed and made our day with his fun and relevant facts about the area from the very beginning to today ... "We would highly recommend John L. and this, "John and John are awesome navigators and a lot of, "I highly recommend St Augustine Parasail for a fun and easy, "relaxing and informative ... Captain Sean is very knowledgeable about both the. You’ll learn fantastic nuggets of knowledge about seemingly mundane spots within the city, which would otherwise go un-noticed. Be sure to visit the historic district and explore the local cafes, shops and bars that line the cobblestone streets. is voted the best ghost tour of St. Augustine. With plenty of history to explore and numerous attractions, the oldest city attracts thousands of visitors each year. Get more info about Embassy Suites St Augustine in our exclusive post here. The most popular things to do in Saint Augustine Beach with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: St. Augustine Beach; Castillo de San Marcos National Monument; Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf; Pit Surf Shop - Surf Camp/Lessons; St Augustine Tennis at Treaty Park; See all kid friendly things to do in Saint Augustine Beach on Tripadvisor $ Ripley’s Believe It or Not in St. Augustine opened in 1950, one year after Ripley founder Robert Ripley passed away. They are not open to the public, however they do offer tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 2 P.M. by appointment only. It offers a wide sand space, creating a peaceful atmosphere with loads of open play area. Outdoor Activities in St. Augustine. is one of the most visited attractions in St. Augustine  – and was another of our favorites. Flagler College was one of the most interesting stories we learned about on the trolley tour. Scenic Cruise is a relaxing way to soak up some St. Augustine history. Top Outdoor Activities in Saint Augustine Beach: See reviews and photos of outdoor activities in Saint Augustine Beach, Florida on Tripadvisor. There are 1.3 million gallons of dolphin habitats here with a number of ways to see and experience the dolphins. We know you’re excited to head to St Augustine now! The St. Augustine Old Jail was built in 1891 by Henry Flagler to look like a hotel, so the building would blend in with the rest of the city. And of course we love their relationship with our very own Georgia Aquarium. Lesli made her way to Atlanta over 20 years ago, after living in Germany, Japan and six U.S. states. here, too. Top Things to Do in Saint Augustine Beach, St. Augustine: See Tripadvisor's 59,653 traveller reviews and photos of 25 things to do when in Saint Augustine Beach. 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