Take the Exit: St. Augustine, Florida Has an Abundance of Things To Do!

Vanlife is about making the most of your journey while on the way to your destination. I took a trip through Florida recently on Highway 95 and was intrigued by signs for St. Augustine. I made a quick decision to take the exit, drive to the Atlantic Coast, and explore this historic gem. What I discovered was that St. Augustine, Florida, has an abundance of things to do.

St. Augustine, located on the northeast coast of Florida, is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, the area had long been home to the Timucua people, who lived in harmony with the land for generations. Today, visitors can explore over 50 attractions and a historic downtown that reflects the rich blend of cultures that have shaped the area over the centuries. Let’s take the exit and see what St. Augustine has to offer.

So Many Sites, Attractions and Activities

Trying to choose what to do with the time you have in St. Augustine can be difficult. There are so many different types of activities that you could easily spend a week here and not see it all.

Do you love history, or are you looking for the best outdoor adventure? Are you craving delicious food, or do you want to shop? How about viewing incredible architecture, taking a tour, or heading to the water? I’ll break down all there is to do so that you can find your perfect adventure.

Step Back in Time – Historical Sites and Museums

To learn the history of the oldest town in the United States, there are a number of places to visit.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

I began my visit with a stop at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and its 20-acre grounds. In the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District sits the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. You can’t miss this massive structure, which is part of the National Park System. Take a self-guided tour to explore the exhibits, see the cannons, and watch as docents shoot a cannon from on top of the fort.

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

To be fully immersed in the founding of St. Augustine, you must visit this incredible park. I was amazed by the items excavated on the property that prove it is the first settlement of St. Augustine. You’ll learn about the Timucua Indians and the European explorers and see historic reenactments. This dog-friendly attraction is a perfect place for families to spend some time.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

I love lighthouses and found this stunning structure and grounds a perfect historical stop. You’ll have to cross the bridge from St. Augustine to climb this beautiful lighthouse, but it is worth the short drive. There are a number of things here to do.

First, plan on climbing the 219 metal steps to the top of the lighthouse for an incredible view. Second, head over and tour the four historic buildings on the property. Third, watch a wooden boat being worked on at the Heritage Boat Works. Next, take a break and let your kids play at the Shipyard playground. Finally, grab a bite to eat at The Tin Pickle.

Historic Buildings

The Historic District also has a large number of buildings that you can tour. I recommend the following.

• Ximenez – Fatio House Museum
• Father Miquel O’Reilly House Museum
• Peña – Peck House
• Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
• Spanish Military Hospital
• The Oldest House Museum and Gardens Complex

Attractions

There are a number of fun attractions and tours that you can take.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum

I found a ton of family fun at this unique and beautiful museum. The stunning architecture of the former Castle Warden Hotel, which houses the museum, first caught my eye. Then, as I stepped into the museum I was awed by the 14 themed galleries of interesting and strange items. I ended my time by playing their 18-hole mini golf course. What an adventure!

Take a Tour

There is a large variety of tours available to help you discover more about St. Augustine. You can go on a walking, historic, ghost, or even a trolley tour. If you want to get on the water, take a boat or eco-tour. There are so many to choose from that I listed a few of my favorites below.

• Old Towne Trolley Tours St. Augustine
• St. Augustine Eco Tours
• Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
• Florida Water Tours

Stunning Architectural Museums

I was truly wowed by the incredible architecture of some of the most iconic buildings in the city. It is a plus that two of them house beautiful museums and the other you can tour.

The Lightner Museum

The former Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age resort, houses an impressive, eclectic museum. I was surprised to see that the interior still holds a lot of the old hotel. The breathtaking indoor pool is now used as a venue space for weddings or other events. The exhibits include lamps by Tiffany, fine art, items of natural history and so much more.

Flagler College

The impressive former Hotel Ponce de Leon is home to Flagler College. This National Historic Landmark building is reminiscent of old European architecture, and those who go to school here are very lucky. Tours are offered and include the dining room with 79 stained-glass Tiffany windows.

Villa Zorayda Museum

The Gilded Age time period added another incredible architectural building to St. Augustine. The Villa Zorayda is a former winter home inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain. The interior is as breathtaking as the impressive original art and antique collection.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Since I had taken the exit to St. Augustine, I continued over the Bridge of Lions to the coast to enjoy some ocean and beach time.

Anastasia State Park

Get in touch with nature at this unspoiled state park. I found stunning white sand dunes, miles of beaches, tidal marshes, and incredible bird watching. Grab a kayak or paddle board from the watersports shop and enjoy some time on the ocean. There are 139 campsites available for your stay, which is a plus.

St. Augustine Beach and Pier

If you are ready to relax and unwind, head to St. Augustine Beach. This beautiful sandy beach has an impressive pier where you can catch a bird’s eye view of the ocean. I saw families enjoying the splash park and sand volleyball courts while others lounged on the sand. If you want more action, rent some gear from the nearby PIT surf shop.

Time to Eat, Drink and Shop

After all of my adventures, I wanted to pick up some souvenirs and eat dinner. The Historic District has one of the best places on the island to do both, and I also found a couple of other interesting spots.

St. George Street Shopping and Eating

I entered this incredibly historic area through the City Gate on the north end of downtown. As I walked the cobblestone streets of this pedestrian-only area, I found all kinds of historic buildings, unusual shopping, and delicious restaurants. You’ll have your choice of all kinds of local cuisine and fun souvenirs to pick up.

San Sebastian Winery

A short walk from downtown led me to the San Sebastian Winery. I took a free tour, had a wine tasting, and enjoyed a variety of wines. After you find your favorite, you can head upstairs to the rooftop wine bar and enjoy some music.

St. Augustine Distillery

Around the corner from the winery, I discovered the St. Augustine Distillery. They have created some mouth-watering spirits that include whisky, gin, vodka and rum. If you haven’t gotten dinner yet, head next door to the Ice Plant Bar and enjoy a cocktail with dinner.

Plan Your Trip to St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a magical, historic place to take the exit to and discover the abundance of things to do. One of these RV Life campground recommendations will put you close to all of the action in the area. Due to its large visitor population, parking can be a little tricky in the historic district. Van parking is easier, but larger RVs will need to research parking areas. Are you ready to discover St. Augustine?