20 Fun Things To Do In St Augustine, Florida

1. Visit The Oldest Masonry Fort In The U.S

Dating back to 1672 and completed by the year about 1695, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the Continental United States. The walls at the fort are made of coquina, a shell stone, and they have been able to repel many attacks throughout history.

People can independently explore the territory, watch the demonstrations based on the fort's live firing of cannons on weekends, as well as learn about the interesting history of the structure with the help of scenic installations. Castillo is not only an archeological location but also an area where you can touch the history.

2. Take A Water Tour

A water tour is one of the best ways of giving a new view of the city and one of the best ST Augustine FL things to do. When cruising through the water, one will get to see great English colonial buildings such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the gorgeous lighthouse.

Most of the tours also present an opportunity to spot dolphins and other wildlife. Another thing you can do is enjoy a sunset cruise. If you love wine, there are wine-tasting tours available as well. With the temperate climate here, you can enjoy these tours all year round at any time.

3. Whetstone Chocolates Store And Tasting Tours

St. Augustine Whetstone Chocolates is a family-run chocolate store founded in 1967. The marvelous shop is lined with fresh chocolates and delightful homemade fudge. Since then, it has grown to many outlets within St. Augustine alone and has now moved to other provinces.

When you visit the place for a tour session that lasts 45 minutes, they guide you through a tasting experience where you'll discover how chocolate is made and even sample some for yourself. The tours are offered every day, and the best thing is to book beforehand since they often get fully booked.

4. Climb The St. Augustine Lighthouse

When visiting this city as a tourist or traveler, it is highly recommended to ascend the St. Augustine Lighthouse. A structure reaching 165 feet in height that offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and the charming town below. As you ascend its 219 steps to the summit, it gives you the sensation of embarking on a treasure hunt.

Do not panic because there are stops on the way that act as resting points, allowing for sightseeing and resting in case of tiredness. To climb them, children must be at least 44 inches tall.

The lighthouse is accessible all year round; however, it is advised to check on the weather first because, during bad weather, climbing is sometimes prohibited.

5. Attend Latest Exhibits First Friday of Every Month

One fantastic way to explore St. Augustine is by joining the First Friday Art Walk held every first Friday of the month from 5 pm to 9 pm. It is an event where you can hop around over 25 galleries showcasing their latest displays of artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, and much more.

This is a wonderful chance to visit local artists and feel the atmosphere of one of the most colorful cities in the world. Moving through the gallery from the King, St. George, to Aviles streets, everyone will have something to see and appreciate.

6. Try Florida-Style Southern Food At The Floridian Restaurant

Being a popular local restaurant, you can try dishes with a special addition of locally sourced fresh ingredients and different flavors. The Floridian has a variety of dishes that are a blend of Southern comfort foods and lighter, healthier options.

The appetizers, such as Cornbread Stack and Pork Belly, are followed by delicious appetizing entrees like the meatloaf sandwich or the shrimp and sausage maque choux. But do not be full; keep some space for a sweet treat as all treats are made in-house.

The beautiful interior design and friendly staff make this place one of the best St Augustine restaurants, for a meal.

7. Get Up Close With Dolphins At Marineland Dolphin Adventure

This historical oceanarium presents several opportunities to extend visitors' contact with dolphins, particularly bottlenose ones. Here you get the opportunity to swim with such wonders or use them to learn to swim, touch them and play ball with them, or get a dolphin artist to paint with them.

Marineland offers people numerous kinds of lively immediate interactions that enrich their lives and touch hearts. It is fun and educational, and you will get to learn about dolphins' behavior, training, and the endeavors made to save them.

Do not forget to see the new attraction in the park, Aqe, who featured in the film Bernie the Dolphin.

8. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

This beautiful 15-acre park provides the visitor with a historical site focusing on the first Spanish settlers and the Timucuan natives. Here one can drink water from the fountain, which was believed to give people eternal youth, and enjoy a delightful stroll along the Founders Riverwalk.

Some of the activities that are within the park include a planetarium and Discovery Globe, which rotates and takes pictures of some early explorers' tracks. Further, it is pet-friendly, and therefore guests are welcome to bring their pets.

With ample car parking space and a picnic area, it perfectly falls within the list of things to do in St Augustine FL.

9. Lifelike Wax Figures At Potter's Wax Museum

When in doubt as to what to do in St Augustine, check up Potter's Wax Museum. This museum displays over 160 cast figures of celebrities taken from history, politics, movies, and other spheres.

Do not be surprised by the level of detail and effort placed into producing these wax figures of presidents including Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Michael Jordan, among others.

Take a trip to the past as you view your surroundings inside the museum, which is located at the Old Drug Store Building.

10. Vist The Only Place In The World To See All 24 Species of Crocodilians

The St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park started welcoming visitors in 1893 as one of the standing attractions in Florida that continues to operate today without interruption. It stands as the park globally where you can observe all 24 kinds of crocodilians, including alligators, crocodiles, caymans, and gharials.

The park also includes mammals, birds, and many other reptiles. The Alligator Farm has many things to do, including the park attractions. You can watch alligators being fed, touch an alligator, and come across rare species such as albino alligators.

There are also various exhibits about African vultures, monkeys, as well as exotic birds.

11. Savor Seafoods At St. Augustine Fish Camp

St Augustine Fish Camp is a known seafood eatery with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning vistas of the San Sebastian River. The menu features a range of options, including oysters and shrimp platters prepared in various delectable ways.

With seating available for accommodating larger groups of diners, it is nestled in the downtown area. Operating daily from 11 am to 9 pm. Advance Reservation is highly recommended on busy days. This is yet one of St Augustine Florida best restaurants.

12. Relax or Enjoy Water Activities At St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach is one of the greatest places where a visitor can either take time and enjoy the views or partake in water activities. One can simply sunbathe, conduct sand sculpture, or even swim on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

For adventure lovers, you can go surfing or even paddle-boarding and kayaking. Also, there are beach parks that one should not overlook since they have spaces for holding picnics and playgrounds for children.

Temporary lifeguards are dedicated to watching over people, thus providing you the opportunity to have fun. Check out some of the St Augustine beach restaurants, such as Sunset Grille and World Famous Oasis Restaurant, for a delicious treat and live music.

13. Enjoy Wine Tastings And Tours In San Sebastian Winery

In San Sebastian Winery, wine tastings and tours are free and are offered all the days of the week. The friendly personnel will take time and show you how the wines are made while telling you more about their wines made from Muscadine grapes that won many awards.

Once you are through with your tour, head to La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs, where you get to be entertained by live gigs while at the same time enjoying the beautiful view throughout the city. It should also be noted that they have a gift shop with wine accessories as well as gourmet baskets for special occasions.

14. Indulge In Nights of Lights During Winter Visit

The Nights of Light festival makes the downtown area extremely beautiful during the winter season. Outshining all cities, the entire city turns into a winter wonderland from November to January with over 3 million lights.

Children can move from one street to the other and sample delicacies such as hot chocolate while observing the holiday mood. However, those who want something special can opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride or a boat ride in the bay.

Not only that, but free shuttle services also get around with ease in exploring without the concern of parking fees.

15. Interact With Marine Life At St. Augustine Aquarium

St Augustine Aquarium is an ideal exotic place where you get to interact closely with the marine creatures endemic to Florida. There is the Shark & Ray Cove, where sharks and rays can be touched and fed. As well as other marine vertebrates such as starfish, sea urchins, and horseshoe crabs can be seen.

And, for a deep dive in the sea, book one of the snorkeling trips to swim with hundreds of Florida reef fish and rays. All the equipment you need is supplied by the aquarium, including wetsuits, masks, and snorkels.

16. Scenic Ferry Ride Around Fort Matanzas National Monument

Undoubtedly, one of the best and most fun ways to get to know this St Augustine Fort Matanzas National Monument is on the sightseeing boat across the Matanzas River. This is a free, 5-minute boat ride that enables guests to move from the mainland to the historic Rattlesnake Island fort.

All through your ride, you can view the attractive marshes and wildlife. Look out for dolphins, wading birds, and in some areas, alligators. The ferry operates for half an hour through the period between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm, from Wednesday to Monday.

Every individual needs to have a pass, and they are provided on a first-come, first-served basis from the visitor center.

17. Explore Old Town By Trolley

Exploring Old Town by trolley is a fantastic way to explore some historical sites of this place. The trolley travels 7 miles in a loop and stops at 22 points. One can alight at any stop to make a detour, and then board the next trolley to continue the tour.

The tour is completely accompanied by professional guides, who tell interesting facts about the history of St. Augustine. Part of the trail is the spectacular Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, and the historic downtown district.

18. Tour The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse In The United States

This charming schoolhouse, from the 18th century, offers a glimpse into yesteryears with its intricate red cedar and cypress walls adorned with wooden pegs and iron spikes.

Once you enter, you will be welcomed by a humanoid teacher and student and learn a lot of interesting facts about this unique structure. Learn about the co-educational feature of the school under which boys and girls were educated together, which was quite rare during the 19th century.

19. ACCORD Civil Rights Museum & Freedom Trail

The ACCORD Civil Rights Museum & Freedom Trail teaches the audience about the city's significant participation in the Civil Rights Movements. The museum can be found at 79 Bridge Street, and it tells the stories and presents the items of ordinary people who contributed to the movement.

There is an astonishing documentary that tells a story of successes and difficulties faced by people who fought for their rights and equality, such as Crossing in St. Augustine. The Freedom Trail itself comes with 31 historic markers all over the city, and it shows you where the important civil rights history took place.

20. Tour Historic Flagler College With Flagler's Legacy

Visiting the college is the most recommended activity when in St. Augustine. This stunning structure used to be a hotel called the Hotel Ponce de Leon, created by Henry Flagler in 1888 to cater to wealthy travelers. The architecture of the building follows a Spanish Renaissance style.

It boasts the world's most extensive assortment of Tiffany-stained glass windows, within its walls. You have the option to join the tour scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm.

If you're interested in joining because spots are limited, it is advisable, to book tickets early. To make your visit more enjoyable, get a bite to eat or do some shopping at the restaurants and shops after the college tour.