Top 7 Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida!
Many people told me I would love St. Augustine since I am not the biggest fan of Florida. And I must say, I was genuinely captivated by this historic city. Below are some of my favorite unexpected places and activities I enjoyed while exploring—bonus points because the locals picked out some of the things I did!
Alligator Farm
I wasn't planning to visit this place. Honestly, I've seen plenty of alligators before and wasn’t eager to pay the $30 entry fee to explore. However, after some locals recommended it, I decided to give it a shot.
I have to say, I really enjoyed the tour. You walk along the boardwalk, observing albino and regular alligators, various bird species, lumurs (which were honestly adorable!), and more alligators. Each area of the farm offers insights into different species.
There are also a few spots to grab a drink or snack. I recommend arriving at 9 am, as I did, because by the time I left around 10:30 or 11, the parking lot was already full! There's a live gator feeding at noon, which I didn’t stay for, but the great part is that your ticket allows you to return later in the day if you want to avoid the Florida heat.
Ghost City Tours: St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl
On my first night in St. Augustine, I visited Barley Republic, where the bartender suggested I try a Ghost Tour because the city is well known for its haunted history. While enjoying my beer, I booked the Original Haunted Pub Tour with Ghost Augustine. The two-hour tour includes stops at 4-5 different bars. Our guide, Taylor, was excellent, sharing history, personal ghost stories, and entertaining a group of 8-12 adults while answering questions. It's a fantastic way to explore the city at night! Some of us even hung out after the tour!
Walk the Historic District
Exploring St. Augustine’s historic district on foot immerses you in centuries of history, charming architecture, and lively local culture. Visitors can stroll cobblestone streets lined with unique shops, cozy cafés, and notable landmarks like St. George Street, the Castillo de San Marcos, and Flagler College. Hidden gardens, art galleries, and vibrant street life add to the city’s enchanting atmosphere. Ghost tours and live music complete the experience, bringing the city’s storied past and creative spirit to life.
Golden Gypsy
Explore this charming boutique located along St. Augustine’s historic streets. It was one of my favorite discoveries while exploring the area. Upon entering, they’ll offer you a mimosa as you browse. The store offers handcrafted jewelry, vibrant tapestries, and gifts from local and international artisans.
I also tried a tarot card reading there, something I love doing, especially when life feels hectic. This spot provides a peaceful atmosphere, and the staff was excellent. They even suggested Chakra Shoppe, knowing my interest in Chakras.
Chakra Shoppe
Step into the Chakra Shoppe, a peaceful sanctuary nestled within St. Augustine’s historic district. Here, visitors find a vibrant selection of crystals arranged by the colors of the Chakra, along with incense and holistic treasures curated to promote balance and well-being. Just like the Golden Gypsy, the staff here was amazing, answering all my questions about which sage I should buy for my house.
St. Augustine Beach
Located on Anastasia Island, this beach is just a 10-minute drive from downtown. Enjoy complete relaxation while surrounded by soft white sand, gentle waves, and a laid-back atmosphere. It was much-needed time, laying out and catching up on a thing called reading and letting the sun shine on my body to recharge it after weeks of traveling and work stress.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Constructed from coquina stone in the late 17th century, its sturdy walls have endured sieges, pirates, and shifting flags. Today, visitors can stroll through historic battlements, explore echoing chambers, and enjoy reenactments that showcase the essence of old Florida.
The fort’s expansive views and intriguing history make it a top destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers, and if luck is on your side, you'll even witness an authentic cannon firing demonstration.
Let me know which place you like best and where I should visit on my next trip to St. Augustine!
