We recently spent a weekend in St Augustine, Florida. and I wanted to share my experience. Mind you this, is not an inclusive list of things to do. For more information on St. Augustine and coupons for the attractions, you can visit the city’s website at www.visitstaugustine.com.
Some quick info About St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the United States. The first settlement was established on September 8,1565, by the Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles.
St. Augustine is located on the on the Atlantic side of the state. The town is 35 miles south of Jacksonville, and about 90 minutes to the northeast of the Orlando area. St Augustine offers a respite for history lovers. Free from roller coasters, turkey legs, and the crowded mayhem of the theme parks.
The Town of St. Augustine has changed national ownership six times in its history. The fortress has stood under the Spanish flag twice, the British flag, the Confederate flag, and the US flag twice. It had its final assimilation under the United States in 1862. This small town of approximately 14,500 has made the most of its history. St. Augustine maintains its’ historical old town, with a mingling of some touristy kitsch.
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
There are many B&B’s and hotels in the St. Augustine area. We stayed at the Hilton Historic Bayfront Hotel, located at 32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
This Hilton is quite unique. With only 72 rooms, it is the smallest Hilton in the world. The Hilton hotel is located on the site of what used to be the Monson Hotel. The hotel ground feature two plaques commemorating Martin Luther King’s presence for protests on the site. These events helped set the wheels in motion for the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Another cool aspect of this hotel is that it doesn’t look like a typical multi-story hotel. Being only two stories tall, the hotel frontage on Avinida Menedez Street looks like a series of Florida beach houses.
The hotel is conveniently located next to the Historic District and provides easy access to all attractions in the city. The hotel also has a beautiful view of the harbor at its doorstep.
FYI: If you do breakfast at the Restaurant, Aviles, the Omelets are ample and not for the petite appetite.
What to do in St Augustine in 2 days
Saint Augustine beaches are close by; however, I am focusing on the Historic district in this post. But to give them note, they are broad, sandy and next to the Atlantic Ocean.
The historic district of St Augustine is flat and very walkable. If you decide to check out the architecture of the neighborhoods away from the touristic center, do watch your step. There are few, or very narrow, sidewalks in some of the neighborhoods, and the streets can be pitched and uneven.
If you’re into vacation kickback mode, or because it’s 90 degrees and you don’t want to be a bi-pedal sweat machine, there is also the Old Town Trolley Tours for $36.55/day.
Castillo de San Marcos.
This fortification on the shore of the harbor was built during the period of 1672-1695. While the fort has changed hands 5 times in its history, it was never taken by force. The Castillo de San Marcos was attacked and besieged several times in its’ history. However, all the changing of flags were the result of treaties addressing Florida as a whole.
Admission to the Fort is $15 for visitors over the age of 16. Children under 15 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. The Tickets are valid for 7 days. The Castillo de San Marcos is operated by the US Parks Service. As such, you can access the fortress without additional charge if you have purchased a Parks Service Annual pass. The Annual pass is also sold on site for $80. As a US Parks location, the Castillo recognizes other federal passes for free entrance, such as interagency Passes and the military.
The Fountain of Youth
The Fountain of Youth is located approximately 1 mile north of the old town on Magnolia Avenue. The fountain of Youth grounds is more than just a destination to pursue Ponce De Leon’s goal of immortality. The location offers venues to learn about the history of the area. There is a live blacksmith demonstration, a native Indian village portrayal, and a cannon & cross bow demonstration. The site mangers are also aware of sensitivity to the environment and have included an elevated walkway into the waterway. The path includes markers that provide some insight into the local aquaculture. There is also a flock of Peacock roaming freely around the grounds that you can feed…they like peanuts (go figure).
Admission fees are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for Senior, kids 6-12 are $9.95, and kids under 5 are free.
Old Town
Historic St. Augustine is about a mile long and 3 blocks wide and lined with bars, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions and historical venues. Some of the latter are kind of melded together.
The historical sites in the district include the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the USA, the colonial quarter, and the majestic Catholic Basilica de St Augustine. The list of museums includes the Lightner Musuem, the shipwreck museum, the medieval torture museum, and Potter’s Wax Museum. “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” is not far away.
For those that want to get their shopping on, there are many opportunities to drop a dime or two. The shops range from exclusive boutiques to stores offering tourist memorabilia and t-shirts. Pay attention as some of the street store fronts are actually an entrance to a galley. These extend back quite a way and may host another 10 – 20 shops and restaurants.
For those that want to get their drink on, there are plenty of bars and the town has decent nightlife. There is also the City Gates Spirits and St. Augustine distilleries and San Sebastian Winery.
Ghosts and Gravestone tours:
Now, a 450-year-old town is bound to have its stories of haunts. St. Augustine offers a journey through its own history of the macabre. The tour is entertaining. It starts out in a creepy antechamber filled with cobwebs, death masks and bookshelves. When the tour is ready, you leave on an equally decorated bus to take the nighttime tour through the town. The host tells stories of murdered widows, executed inmates, and innocents that suffered an accident. These poor souls have all have perished, but their presence is still seen in the town. You’ll visit graveyards, Potter’s Wax Museum, and the Old Jail.
The 90-minute tour costs $32.59/person.
There are other walking tours and the Jailhouse after midnight if you want to pursue more engagement with the hereafter.
St Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Located about a mile from the old town on Anastasia Island is the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. The museum provides a great history of the lighthouse operations and insight into the life of the operators. Currently, there is also an exhibit covering the shrimp industry. To paraphrase the old rap song “shrimpin’ ain’t easy”
Of course, the key attraction is the lighthouse. The climb to the top of the 165-foot tower involves 219 steps up a spiral wrought iron staircase. This little workout rewards you with a beautiful 360-degree view of the harbor and surrounding beaches.
Where to Eat in St. Augustine
There are plenty of restaurants ranging from white tablecloth to pizza by the slice. The three I recommend are:
Meehan’s Irish Pub and Seafood House: 20 Avinida Menendez, St. Augustine.
Service was good, the food was great and traditional Irish fare. The venue was like stepping into a wormhole to bar in Galway, Ireland. Very popular location so you can expect a wait. Dining available indoors and out.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille: 46 Avinida Menendez, St. Augustine.
Service was good. Offering seafood with a Cajun flair, as well as more typical Cajun dishes like red beans and rice. Dining available indoors and out.
Colombia Restaurant: 98 St. George St. St. Augustine FL
Traditional Spanish restaurant that is part chain that dates to 1905. Restaurant offers an extensive bar menu, tapas and Spanish entrees. Touts being on the list of “One of Florida’s Top Restaurants” since 1967.
That’s the Old Man’s take on a weekend in St. Augustine, FL. I hope I’ve given you some tips that you can use in planning your next vacation. Until the next time…
Travel Well! Pursue Experiences
O.M.I.A.H.