Spending the Weekend in St. Augustine? Here Are Some of the Best Things to See and Do.

Here are some of the area’s unique attractions that you can enjoy with your significant other, or happily en familia!

Would you like to get away, if only just for a weekend, to a place like no other in the Sunshine State? A place with all the flavor and charm of old Europe, but with the warmth of the Florida sun, and bathed by the Atlantic’s azure waters? 

Then St. Augustine, located about an hour south of Jacksonville and approximately 90 minutes from Amelia Island and the Georgia state line border, is your perfect destination. 

Founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menéndez de Aviles of Spain, St. Augustine is considered  the “Nation’s Oldest City.” And that’s where the old continental charm we talked about comes into play. 

Dotted with independently owned boutiques, fine restaurants, colorful cafes, and fascinating museums, the city also has historic landmarks and natural attractions not to be missed!

The Castillo de San Marcos

Still standing after more than 300 years, this magnificent edifice made from coquina, a locally sourced stone-like compound made of shell and limestone, is positioned strategically on Matanzas Bay, where it stands sentry over the city. 

The fort was built by the Spanish to protect the town from pirates, the British, and other attackers, and is the most often visited historic site in St. Augustine. The incredible 360-degree views are part of the experience, especially for history aficionados, who will be wowed! It’s no wonder that in 1924, the Castillo was declared a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge. 

Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The Colonial Quarter

Did we say that history buffs would be wowed by this fascinating city? Well, when it comes to the two-acre Colonial Quarter, that is a huge understatement. Offering an immersive look at four separate eras of the town’s history thanks to living history demonstrations, vivid storytelling, themed exhibits, period restaurants and more, visitors to the Colonial Quarter can take an interactive journey through 16th Century First City, 17th Century Spanish Fortified Town, 18th Century British 14th Colony, and 18th Century Spanish Garrison Town. Here you can watch colonial craftsmen demonstrate their trade, see a musket drill, and later discuss these experiences over a pint at an old-world pub. 

Of course, there are many other treasures to discover nearby! For example? Just north of the Colonial Quarter is the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, established in the late 1700s. For a more contemporaneous experience, you can visit the art galleries on historic Aviles Street.

The Fountain of Youth

Does the idea of capturing eternal youth appeal to you? Although physical youth is not promised, a visit to the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine can rejuvenate your spirit with its scenic grounds, and pique your curiosity with its fascinating history. 

This is the site where legend says Ponce De Leon discovered the magical waters that maintain a person’s youthful appearance. Again: this comes with a huge disclaimer! Of course, you can drink from the spring’s waters and discover the 15-acre Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park’s many enchantments, including a Discovery Globe, Planetarium, Timucua Indian Exhibit, and a Native Christian Burial Ground Exhibit.

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and general admission tickets cost $19.95 for adults; $17.95 for seniors; $9.95 for children 6-12 $9.95. Children 5 and under free. Parking is free and tickets include all exhibits. More good news? The park is pet-friendly!

Fun for the Whole Family   

Among other family-friendly activities is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, which will leave you slack-jawed and marveling at the unusual artifacts and stories from many countries, eras and cultures found there.                                        

And Potter’s Wax Museum lets your kids rub shoulders with wax versions of Harry Potter, Frankenstein, Hollywood celebrities and political leaders.

All That, and Miles of Beaches!       

If you’re looking for inspiration, relaxation, reflection, and recreation, St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra’s more than 42 miles of beaches are a joy to explore. There are beaches with walkable dining and shopping options nearby, but if you are more nature-inclined, you can spot birds and wildlife in more remote beach settings. Would you like to see the pristine white sands of St. Augustine from a sea bird’s point of view? Then climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for a vista you will not soon forget.

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