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We recently got another chance to visit St. Augustine, one of the oldest cities in the US. I’ve been fascinated with this Florida city for a long time because it has so much history and was home to some of the central figures in the development of Florida. So, today, I want to talk about some of the best things to see in St. Augustine, FL!
St. Augustine is old, really old, and is a place where lots of historical “firsts” happened. It’s a city full of interesting landmarks, beautiful beaches, good food, and sunny weather.
The St. Augustine area merges old-world American history, Spanish charm, and modern amenities to create a fantastic vacation destination for the entire family. The heart of the city is very walkable. You can visit almost all the major attractions by taking a hop-on, hop-off trolley that stops at the popular locations.
In this post, I’ll cover the best things to see in St. Augustine, FL, and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit!
The Best Things To See In St. Augustine, FL
Visiting St. Augustine is always a lot of fun for our family. You know that walkability is very important to us when we travel. Therefore, it’s no surprise that St. Augustine’s walkability and tourist-friendly layout add much to our experience.
The town is relatively compact, with most major attractions located downtown or nearby. St. George Street is a pedestrian-only street that runs through the old city center. It’s packed with shops, restaurants, and fun attractions.
St. Augustine can get very busy, especially during holidays and weekends, when the city swells with visitors. The streets will get filled with people, and the pace of activity is fast, especially around St. George Street. When you travel, bring good shoes, water, sunscreen, and an adventurous spirit!
The Old Town Trolley Tour in St. Augustine
Before diving into my list, I want to quickly discuss the Old Town Trolley Tour. Throughout the post, I will mention that there is a trolley tour stop near various places. Therefore, it is an excellent activity for first-time visitors who want to get a feel for the area! The trolley tour stops at or passes by many of the best things to see in St. Augustine, FL.
The Old Town Trolley Tour is a hop-on, hop-off trolley that stops frequently at critical locations throughout the city. It comes around often and drops riders off at 21 different stops. You can get on and off an unlimited number of times all day long.
Purchasing an Old Town Trolley Tours ticket also gives you some discounts on local attractions. We used the trolley and enjoyed it. It gave us flexibility and the ability to cover more ground.
In the heat of the summer Florida sun, it’s also a welcome reprieve from walking. The trolleys are not air-conditioned, but they are open-sided. Most stops will probably be busy with people waiting during peak travel times. You may need to wait for the next train. I want to manage expectations and ensure you give yourself plenty of time. However, on our visit, we waited 5-15 minutes, at most, at any stop before boarding.
My best trip would be to take the trolley first thing in the morning. Likewise, you can always buy a two-day ticket!
List Of The Best Things To See In St. Augustine, FL
So, let’s get started and look at some of the best things to see in St. Augustine, FL!
There are a lot of things to do in St. Augustine. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous US. Many attractions tell the story of the original Spanish people who founded the city in 1565.
This list includes some of the most popular things to see in St. Augustine. I’ve focused on locations that are noteworthy as historical landmarks rather than on purely tourist-oriented attractions. If you are using the Old Town Trolley, be sure to research ahead of time to plan where you will get on and off the trolley. Batching your sightseeing by trolley stop will make things easier and quicker and prevent back-tracking later.
#1 Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. This massive fort looks out over the city’s bay. It is fascinating to explore and provides a fun way to engage with the area’s history.
Tickets are required to enter the fort. The interior is filled with intriguing nooks and crannies where you can learn more about a soldier’s life in the fort. The rooftop has many types of cannons and a fantastic view of the harbor.
We recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to visit Castillo de San Marcos, and in my opinion, this tops the list of the best things to see in St. Augustine, FL.
#2 St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is a historic lighthouse built in 1874. Climb the 219 steps to reach the observation deck, which offers an amazing view of the surrounding area. The museum also has a children’s play area and a puppet theatre.
The new Maritime Center offers many hands-on and interactive displays regarding maritime culture, navigation, and transportation. Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the stairs, and tickets are required.
#3 Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum was once known as the Hotel Alcazar, a palatial hotel commissioned by Standard Oil executive Henry Flagler. Flagler was instrumental in the development of Florida in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Flagler Florida East Coast Railway allowed for the development of the Florida Keys, and his grand vision brought prominent visitors from all over the US to experience Florida. At the Lightner Museum, you can tour the iconic building and see the museum’s collection of art and historical pieces. The museum offers an immersive experience of art, architecture, history, and design. Tickets are required.
If this Florida railroad history interests you, you may want to pick up one of my favorite books titled Sunshine Paradise: The History of Florida Tourism
#4 Flagler College
Flagler College is a private liberal arts college in St. Augustine. The school itself was founded in 1968.
Flagler College’s centerpiece building is the Ponce de Leon Hotel, which was built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. The hotel is a gorgeous example of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture and was one of the first buildings in the world wired for electricity. Flager’s friend, Thomas Edison, provided the power with his new DC generator.
Henry Flagler established an art colony at the hotel and built an artist’s studio building to the rear of the hotel. The Ponce de Leon Hotel is home to the most extensive collection of Luis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. Visitors are frequently in awe of the incredible dining room!
Paid historic tours of the campus and buildings are available.
#5 Gonzolaz-Alvarez House (The Oldest House)
The Gonzolaz-Alvarez House is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial house in St. Augustine. Construction began around 1723, and the house was in its final form by 1790. Evidence of St. Augustine’s diverse history of occupation by Spanish, British, and American forces can be seen at the house.
The Oldest House Museum Complex offers guided tours, a museum, a colonial kitchen, an ornamental garden, and a museum store. Tickets are required. Guided tours are available every half hour. The St. Augustine Surf Culture and History Museum is located in the same complex, and admission is included with the Oldest House Museum admission.
#6 Fountain of Youth Archeological Park
The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park is a fun museum and park for the whole family. It plays off the famous legend of the “Fountain of Youth” – a spring of waters that would grant drinkers immortality.
When Ponce de Leon arrived in 1513, he found a local native tribe called the Timucua. He and his men traded with the Indians before relationships became hostile. The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park showcases the fascinating lives and culture of the Timucua people. You can see the Timucua Indian exhibit, a great interactive learning experience, a planetarium with a show about maritime navigation, and explore the park.
The park is 15 acres with venerable oak trees, an observation platform over marshes, native peacocks, and other birds. Tickets are required.
#7 St. George Street
St. George Street is the bustling main street that runs through the center of old St. Augustine. In the early days, it was the city’s main street, and today, it is the center of tourist attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars.
This area includes a vibrant, busy, pedestrian-only street lined with attractions of every kind. It’s fun to walk down the street and see all the cute shops, galleries, and restaurants. I recommend coming here for lunch or dinner, as there are many great places to eat.
The City Gate, Oldest House, and Cathedral Basilica are located along St. George Street. Be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at Whetstone Chocolates, a local confectionary in business since 1967!
#8 Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is the oldest Catholic church in the city, and the Parish of St. Augustine is the oldest Catholic parish in the country. The first Catholic mass in the continental United States took place here.
The Cathedral’s Spanish Mission architectural style is beautiful, and the interior is adorned with exquisite murals, stained glass windows, sculptures, and artifacts. The Cathedral is open to the public, and guided tours are available.
#9 National Shrine Of Our Lady Of La Leche at Mission Nombre De Dios
The Shrine Of Our Lady Of La Leche was built in 1609 in honor of Our Lady of La Leche – a Marian apparition popular with early settlers. It’s considered the oldest shrine in the US. The complex consists of The Chapel of Our Lady of La Leche, the Great Cross (a really tall cross), the Rustic Alter, and a beautiful Rosary garden.
President John F. Kennedy once called it the “Most sacred acre in America.” Admission to the National Shrine Of Our Lady Of La Leche at Mission Nombre De Dios is free, and self-guided tours are available.
#10 Gates of St. Augustine
The Gates of St. Augustine are located at the very north end of St. George Street. It’s a historic landmark built by St. Augustine residents in 1808 and used as a gate to defend the city. The gate is made of coquina, a locally abundant limestone sedimentary rock comprised almost entirely of sand-sized fossil debris.
The gates are an excellent place to take pictures and memorialize your visit to St. Augustine! They also signify the start of St. George Street and entry into the historic district.
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So Many Things To See In St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a fantastic destination for families looking for many options in a relatively small area. There are so many things to see in St. Augustine. The downtown is packed with things to do, and the surrounding city blocks contain numerous museums, landmarks, and interesting locals.
This list only shares 10 of the best things to see in St. Augustine, FL. However, there is so much more to do and see while visiting this charming Florida coastal community. I recommend browsing Trip Advisor’s Things To Do in St. Augustine page for even more fun activities.
For us, the trip was a perfect mix of archeology, educational immersion, and fun nightlife. If you’re interested in the history of Florida or just want to have fun in the sun, it’s a required trip!
Looking for a hotel in St. Augustine? Check out what’s available on Booking.com!
Love Florida Travel? You May Enjoy These Related Posts
If you enjoyed any of the items on my list of the best things to see in St. Augustine, FL, you will probably enjoy some of the other Florida communities we visit. Here are a few posts that may pique your interest!
- Swimming With Manatees in Florida
- The Greek Town of Tarpon Springs
- Florida: What is 30A?
- Visiting Shell Island Near PCB
- Tastings at the St. Augustine Distillery
- The Fascinating History of Key West
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