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St. Augustine is a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. This charming city 1.5 hours north of Orlando is renowned for its fascinating history and stunning Spanish architecture. Visiting St. Augustine means being surrounded by beauty.
However, the downside to visiting St. Augustine is that it’s absolutely jam-packed with stuff to do. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. So, I’m here to help narrow down your options and make your trip planning a little easier.
These attractions are some of the most popular, most beautiful, or quirkiest the city has to offer. Here are 10 great things to do when visiting St. Augustine.
1. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos is one of the top things to do when visiting St. Augustine. Its rich history and impressive appearance have drawn visitors for years.
Built by the Spanish in the late 1600s, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. The fort withstood attacks by the British and later served as a prison.
For $15 (or free if you’re under 15), you can explore the fort on a self-guided tour. The exhibits offer insight into the fort’s past, and park rangers are on hand to answer questions.
It’s free to walk around the grounds. I like visiting in the early evening, after the fort has closed for the day. Castillo de San Marcos has a beautiful beachside view.
TIP: Don’t miss the live cannon firings from the gundeck on weekends.
Address: 1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL
2. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is located outside the main historic district. It’s one of the best attractions in town. If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing to the top of a lighthouse, here’s your chance.
Built in the 1870s, the lighthouse served the waters around St. Augustine for many years. With 219 steps to the top, it’s not an easy climb, but the view is breathtaking. (Note that children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the lighthouse.)
Life as a lighthouse keeper was challenging. The exhibits inside and around the lighthouse give a glimpse into their daily lives.
You can also explore exhibits in the historic buildings on the property. These cover topics such as shipwrecks, St. Augustine’s role in World War II, and the life of a Victorian lighthouse keeper.
The museum offers daily demonstrations on boatbuilding, navigation, and more. There are nature trails to wander along. So even if you don’t climb the lighthouse, there’s still plenty to see here.
Address: 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32080
3. St. George Street
St. George Street is the bustling heart of the St. Augustine Historic District. This pedestrian-only street has enough shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep you entertained for hours.
Starting at the City Gates and ending at the Cathedral Basilica, St. George Street is a haven for shoppers. You can buy pretty much anything here, from clothes and jewelry to tacky souvenirs and saltwater taffy.
You can also find the following St. Augustine attractions on or near St. George Street:
- Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
- Colonial Quarter
- Peña-Peck House
- St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum
- Government House Museum
There are public restrooms along the way. And if you need a pick-me-up, there are plenty of places to get coffee or ice cream.
Is St. George Street touristy? Yep. But it’s something you should do at least once if you’re visiting St. Augustine.
TIP: St. George Street gets extremely busy, so get there in the morning when the stores open to avoid the crowds.
4. Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is another classic St. Augustine attraction. The so-called “Fountain of Youth” is the big draw in terms of marketing, and you can actually drink from it. But it’s only a small part of this 15-acre park.
You’ll find a variety of natural and historical experiences here, such as:
- Discovery Globe, a 30-foot-high globe that maps out the travel routes of famous explorers
- Navigators Planetarium, which offers a welcome relief from the Florida heat
- Weapon and blacksmithing demonstrations
- Recreations of a Timucuan village and a mission church building
- A boardwalk with great views of Matanzas Bay and St. Augustine’s inlet
You’ll also find many peacocks wandering around the property. The park definitely has a retro “old Florida” feel.
It’s questionable whether Ponce de Leon actually landed here. However, the park is an interesting way to dive into local history.
TIP: After visiting the Fountain of Youth, take a stroll down Magnolia Avenue. It’s considered one of the prettiest streets in America.
Address: 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
5. Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum is one of the most stunning museums in Florida. It’s housed in the former Hotel Alcazar, a lavish Gilded Age resort built by oil tycoon Henry Flagler. This museum is a must-see for its architectural beauty and and quirky collections.
The museum has preserved many original features of the hotel. Areas such as the showers and steam room have been incorporated into the museum displays.
The founder of the Lightner Museum once described it as a “collection of collections.” Featuring glassware, stained glass windows, Victorian musical instruments, sand art, and even an antique toaster collection, this museum showcases a wide array of unique items.
The bottom floor of the museum used to be the world’s largest swimming pool. It’s surreal to wander around the space and compare it to photos of its former life. The museum café is also located on this level, adding to the uniqueness of the experience.
Address: 75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
6. Flagler College
Flagler College is another architectural stunner built by Henry Flagler. Located across from the Lightner Museum, this private university began life as the opulent Hotel Ponce de Leon.
The intricate details on the buildings, from the ornate Rotunda to the stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows in the dining hall, are truly remarkable. If you’re visiting St. Augustine and have some extra time, it’s worth walking around campus to check out the architecture. Campus tours are available as well.
Address: 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
7. Plaza de la Constitución
The Plaza de la Constitución is the oldest public square in America. It’s located just past St. George Street near the Cathedral Basilica.
Visiting St. Augustine involves a lot of walking, and this is the perfect place to take a break. If you want to escape the crowds of nearby St. George Street, get your food to-go and sit in the Plaza de la Constitución to eat.
Various events take place in the plaza throughout the year. The plaza hosts free concerts in the summer and is decorated for the Night of Lights event in the winter.
Address: 1 Cathedral Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
8. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
If you’re a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is worth checking out. This museum boasts the world’s largest collection of pirate artifacts. It’s a must-see for Jolly Roger fans.
Upon arrival, you’re handed a treasure map to embark on a scavenger hunt through the museum. Inside, you can explore interactive displays. You can even experience the pirate Blackbeard’s final battle in an audio exhibit that was designed by a Disney Imagineer.
The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is popular with families visiting St. Augustine. It’s located across from the Castillo de San Marcos, so you can visit both attractions in one go.
Address: 12 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084
9. Old Jail Museum
Until 1953, the Old Jail Museum was a working prison constructed by Henry Flagler. It housed a variety of inmates, from small-time thieves to dangerous murderers. Now, you have the opportunity to tour the former prison for yourself.
During the tour, you’ll discover the harsh conditions that the inmates endured. You’ll also hear stories of some of the inmates who were once locked up there.
Similar to the Pirate Museum, the Old Jail Museum seems to be popular with families. It’s located in the same complex as the St. Augustine History Museum and the Oldest Store Museum, so you can knock out all three attractions at once.
Address: 167 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
10. Ghost tours
Whether you believe or not, St. Augustine’s ghost tours are a fun way to delve into the spooky side of the city’s history.
During these tours, a storyteller shares the often tragic and chilling tales behind supposedly haunted spots. Popular ghost tour locations in St. Augustine include Tolomato Cemetery, Huguenot Cemetery, and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
There are plenty of ghost tours to choose from when visiting St. Augustine. Options include a walking tour, such as this one, or a golf cart tour. Either way, you’re in for some spooky entertainment.
My Experience Visiting St. Augustine
If you’re visiting St. Augustine and want to see many of the top attractions without the hassle of driving, the Old Town Trolley is the way to go. I found it was the easiest way to tour the historic district and learn about the city.
The trolley leaves from the Old Jail complex. It stops at 22 locations in St. Augustine, including the Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, the Lightner Museum, and the Fountain of Youth. You can hop on and off as much as you want. Plus, you’ll get to learn about the city’s history and famous landmarks along the way.
I’m generally a big fan of hop-on/hop-off tours. They give you some structure while still letting you do your own thing. If something catches your eye at one of the stops, you can hop off and catch another trolley later.
I enjoyed this tour and would recommend it. Admission to the St. Augustine History Museum (AKA the Florida Heritage Museum) is included with your ticket, which is a nice bonus.
Address: 167 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Conclusion: 10 Great Things to Do When Visiting St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s history is full of drama. Pirates! Conquest! Shipwrecks! Fancy hotels! It’s no surprise that this beautiful city is a favorite day trip for both Orlando locals and visitors.
When you’re visiting St. Augustine, you’ll have many activities to choose from. Checking out these attractions will give you a taste of the city’s rich heritage and help you understand why it’s such a popular destination. But no matter what you’re into, you can find something fun to do in St. Augustine.