35 Best & Fun Things To Do St. Augustine (Florida)

St. Augustine has the unique position of being America’s oldest city.

That means that it’s jam-packed with historical points of interest.

Located along the northeast of Florida, there are many things to see in this city, whether you’re looking for art, history, shopping, nature, activities, or simple exploration.

With so many options, how can you just choose ones that you’ll feel satisfied after visiting?

To help you out, here’s a little travel guide containing our picks for the 35 best and fun things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.

1. Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum is located in the downtown area of St. Augustine, Florida, and is a proud member of the National Register of Historic Places.

Its inclusion is due to the building it lives in: the Hotel Alcazar, an 1887 Spanish Renaissance Revival building on King Street.

The museum is a mix of luxurious and quirky.

The Hotel Alcazar has always been a gorgeous part of Saint Augustine, and now that it’s used for one of the city’s top museums, its beauty is further shared with tourists.

An open courtyard arranged with palm trees, a fish pond with a delightful and whimsical bridge of stone, and other remnants of its history are all wonderful features of the building.

The museum is focused on Victorian period artifacts and items, though Native American artifacts are also visible in certain rooms.

The first floor showcases a Victorian village, a room for musical instruments, and a Victorian Science and Industry Room.

The second floor showcases only glass artifacts, including highly valued Tiffany stained glass.

Finally, the highest floor has sculptures, furniture, paintings, and similar works of art of the period.

Address: 75 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

2. St. George Street

Few can deny that a trip to St. George Street is among the best things to do in St. Augustine.

It’s essentially the central pedestrian passageway, bustling with great eateries, lots of activities and attractions, plenty of historical spots, and other fascinating locations.

St. George Street is simply teeming with Southern charm and unique little places that make for good souvenir shopping and exploration.

Cobblestone streets add even more quintessential St. Augustine charm.

This street is a tourist hit and it’s not one to miss – especially since it’ll take more than one trip to it to see everything it has to offer!

Address: St. George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

3. Castillo de San Marcos

Castillo de San Marcos was built in the 17th century by the Spanish as a fort to protect trade routes.

Now, it’s a must-see historical site in St. Augustine, still standing strong on the shoreline of Florida.

But what makes it so loved as a St. Augustine staple is the fact that it is famous for being unbreakable.

The walls of the Castillo de San Marcos are covered with little holes left by attacks and bullets that failed to take the fort down over the years.

In 1702, it withstood a siege that rained down for two entire months.

The cannonballs used were simply “absorbed” into the stone, many remaining embedded in those walls now.

How is this possible?

Well, it’s due to their special construction of those walls – something only discovered by material engineering scientists years later.

You see, the walls are made from a sedimentary rock known as coquina.

Coquina is formed from the left behind shells of dead marine creatures, allowing the material to shuffle itself around projectiles to absorb impact like foam instead of solid rock.

It can be pretty fun to visit Castillo de San Marcos.

Though it is no longer a protective structure, it can still give you beautiful Matanzas Bay panoramic views and a great glimpse at the city.

It’s also included in a Junior Ranger Program as part of the United States National Park Service.

Address: 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

4. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is the supposed location that the titular Ponce de Leon, a famous Spanish explorer, landed in St. Augustine in the year 1513.

The site itself was opened by Luella Day McConnell, better known as Florida entrepreneur Diamond Lil, in 1904.

It spans 15 acres of citrus trees and expansive grounds.

You have likely heard of Ponce de Leon in the context of the Fountain of Youth.

Oddly, though, he wasn’t associated with the quest for that elusive fountain until biographers wrote of that supposed link after his passing.

Ponce de Leon himself, though, didn’t write about that alleged goal of his in his own journals.

As an enterprising woman, Diamond Lil – a former doctor who found success in the gold rush – purchased this land and decided to convert a well that existed on the property to a “Fountain of Youth”.

She then opened her park to the public, who would come from near and far to this little St. Augustine location.

She also began to uncover and display artifacts that she claimed were from Ponce de Leon, though some seemed suspiciously modern.

You can’t be too sure about what to see here, but the collection of “artifacts” are certainly fascinating, and it’s nice to see what Diamond Lil managed to create here regardless of its genuine value.

Address: 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

5. Colonial Quarter

The Colonial Quarter in downtown St. Augustine is one of the greatest ways to get an authentic, old-fashioned glimpse into this Florida city.

With Spanish architecture well-preserved, lots of tours dressed in traditional attire, and lots of stores and eateries, it’s a great place to check out and explore.

Originally opened in 1963, the Colonial Quarter was made to be a living museum, giving visitors a glimpse into life in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries in St. Augustine.

Cannons, musket loading drills, historical buildings, and lots of interesting spots to stop at, the two-acre expanse makes for wonderful touring.

You’ll get to find out just how the city lived in times of Spanish control.

Address: 43 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

Interested in other parts of Florida? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Key Largo & some of the things to do in Fort Myers?

6. Black Raven Pirate Ship

If you’re looking for stuff to do that’s a little unique, head aboard the Black Raven Pirate Ship on Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine.

It’s a great attraction that is jam-packed with activities.

There are few places like St. Augustine, Florida to get acquainted with the ways of the pirate life, after all.

The Black Raven Pirate Ship provides two voyages every day, with extra adult-only voyages called Club 21+ for those aged 21 and above three days a week.

The ship is manned by staff in period attire who lead the way in drinking, dancing, and excitement.

Some voyages serve up “grub” (food) to spice up the trip, and if you’re really keen, you can even charter the ship for your own private events.

Different voyages on the Black Raven Pirate Ship offer different features.

One of the popular ones, Blackbeard’s Treasure Hunt, performs a sea battle between sailors of your ship and another, with cannon fire and sword fights galore!

It’s a thrilling adventure out on the seas.

Address: 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

7. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park on Anastasia Island had humble beginnings as a small exhibition for reptiles in 1893.

Now, it has grown to become an accredited zoo.

Better yet, it is packed with every single one of the 23 biologist-recognized crocodilian species that still exist on the planet!

Take a fun ride down Crocodile Crossing, which is a zip-line that takes you over the entire park so you can take in all the animals on the property from above.

It’s not just crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles here – it’s also lemurs, tropical birds, and more!

Traveling over them allows you to glimpse their wonderful natural habitats without disturbing them up-close.

This family-friendly trip is a great place for animal-lovers.

It’s also one of the many St. Augustine attractions with extra historical value, as it’s the oldest continuously run exhibit in the whole state!

Address: 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States

8. St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach is one of the many amazing places to visit that gives you a taste of what makes Florida the beach destination that it is.

Two miles of beach, accompanied by clear waves, provide a breathtaking vacation experience on this white-sand stretch.

The beach is popular with people of all ages, but families are especially drawn to it for its splash pad, which is safe for children.

Better yet, the beach isn’t particularly crowded, and most days only bring smaller waves that are kid-friendly.

Windier days do allow for watersports, though, like bodyboarding and surfacing.

If you’re seeking a nice walk, go to the north end of St. Augustine Beach to find St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier, which is a part of the beach that’s meant for fishing.

It’s even quieter here and there is plenty of space to do some walking!

If you have more time, don’t forget to check out some of the best things to do in Tallahassee and some top things to do in Pensacola!

9. Pirate and Treasure Museum

St. Augustine truly is the home of the pirate – and that’s why two of its pirate-themed attractions are in our top 10.

The Pirate and Treasure Museum isn’t just one of the biggest collections of pirate artifacts in Florida but in the whole world.

It hosts 48 exhibit spaces full to bursting with fun and authentic remnants of pirate treasure and memorabilia.

Some of the most popular items on display at the Pirate and Treasure Museum are one of the only two genuine Jolly Roger flags left and some pieces of gold found in the Queen Anne’s Revenge, which was Blackbeard’s warship.

Blackbeard’s own blunderbuss is also on display.

You can also see the original treasure chest of Thomas Tew, which is the world’s only currently known genuine pirate chest.

As you explore the exhibits of this St. Augustine museum, you’ll learn about the pirate life and the history of the not-so-noble profession.

Treasure, weapons, art, writing, and life stories tell the tales of those who braved the sea in search of gold and fortune.

If you come with kids, be sure to ask the staff about the museum’s treasure hunt!

Address: 12 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

10. St. Augustine Wild Reserve

For animal-lovers, the St. Augustine Wild Reserve is one of the best of this Florida city’s tourist attractions.

It is a nonprofit care center and animal sanctuary for exotic pets that have been rescued or were unwanted.

First established in 1995, it is home to many different animals that it treats with the utmost care and love.

At the wild reserve, you’ll get up-close and personal with all sorts of fauna, including an African lion that was once owned by Michael Jackson.

Arctic wolves, bears, leopards, mountain lions, and ligers all wait to be doted on and viewed.

Do note that no photography is allowed here, so you won’t be able to snap selfies – but who needs pictures when you can have this amazing experience?

Address: 5190 Farm Creek Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32092, United States

11. Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park lies just south of the heart St. Augustine, Florida.

Its expanse stretches across 1,600 acres of land with different biomes.

Mangroves, beaches, tidal marshes, and old dunes are littered throughout the State Park, waiting for sightseeing visitors to check it out.

There is so much that can be done at Anastasia State Park.

Go bird watching and try to find rare species.

Go beachcombing or swimming if you love the sun and surf.

Try some watersports with rentable sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Rent a bike to make your trip across the park smoother.

Hike and breathe in the wonders nature if you love greenery.

And, when it’s all over, fill your empty stomach by cooking up a storm at the grill area!

Interestingly, Anastasia State Park also has historical value.

It is here that Spaniards mined stone that they would transport to Saint Augustine to use to build structures and forts.

As a recreational area now, it’s a far cry from its previous life, but still a big slice of history!

Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States

12. St. Augustine Amphitheatre

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre was built in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the city in 1965.

It has since undergone renovations, closing from 2002 to 2007 to complete them, and is now a healthy mix of historical features and modern amenities.

The amphitheater takes up a whopping 16 acres of space.

It has an outdoor location meant for special events and concerts.

Meanwhile, inside, it seats over 4,000 individuals.

Its recent renovations have added spaces for merchandise sales, concession sales, conferences, and even walking trails.

There is also a great plaza to relax in while waiting for shows to start.

If you’ve got free time this weekend, heads up!

The amphitheater offers something special on Saturday mornings – the Old City Farmers Market, which shows up with organic produce, baked goods, fresh seafood, and live entertainment!

No matter when you go, though, a trip to this amphitheater is definitely one of the top things to do in St. Augustine.

Address: 1340C A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States

13. Fort Matanzas National Monument

The Fort Matanzas National Monument is a testament to the history of Florida, which had early European settlers before much of the surrounding area.

In fact, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the entire country!

A lot of the settlements that were first set up in or near St. Augustine remain standing today and now form the lineup of the best, surefire must do hotspots for tourists.

For years, ownership of this state was fought over by the Spanish, French, and British.

Each one took turns occupying the area and confronting each other for the land.

Often, battles for the state would take place in rivers, beaches, or bays.

One such river was the Matanzas River, which featured in a 1565 battle.

That year, the French were caught in a hurricane that destroyed their ships and washed 127 surviving French individuals ashore.

They had no supplies, weapons, or food of any kind.

Up north, Spanish troops had just finished a fight – that they won – against the French and, still bloodthirsty, stormed the defenseless French camp.

Only 16 people were spared.

And guess what?

It all happened again a fortnight later!

This is what eventually gave the river its name: Matanzas, which can be translated to “killings” or “slaughter” to mark its blood history.

But what about Fort Matanzas?

It was built 175 years after these massacres from coquina, the same stuff that Castillo de San Marcos was made from.

It served as a watchtower and only allowed for 7 troops to live in it due to its small size.

Eventually, by treaty, the British took control of the state and the fort, and it fell to ruins in 1821.

In 1924, Fort Matanzas was designated as a national monument, then moved to the National Park Service.

It is now restored to the best of expert ability and the island it is on is accessible by water only.

Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States

14. Old City

Old City is a wonderful place to walk through.

The many historical landmarks set upon cobblestone streets remind you of the historical significance of St. Augustine.

Museums, buildings, shops, eateries, bars, and more make it a great area to explore to your heart’s content.

Many of the locations in Old City will be discussed in the rest of this list.

But if all you want is a general area full of historical places that you can step into one by one at your leisure, then you should add a trip to Old City to your list of what to do in St. Augustine.

Address: St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

15. St. Augustine Distillery

There are few things more fun for adults than activities involving good booze!

The St. Augustine Distillery offers just that.

Located in downtown St. Augustine, it provides tourists with a wonderful way to taste all kinds of craft drinks made right here in the city, from gin to vodka and from rum to whiskey.

The distillery, like many other places in the city, also has a rich history.

The building it is housed in was once an ice factory and dates back a century!

It was when 28 locals decided to purchase the lot to use it to pursue a dream of brewing craft drinks that it grew into the amazing location it is now.

Everything used to make the drinks at the distillery are sourced locally.

The owners have made great deals with farmers in the area for produce such as citrus, corn, sugar cane, and wheat.

They use these ingredients to make their spirits, which adds a great authentic flare to them!

Tours will take you through the St. Augustine Distillery, showing you how the alcohol is made.

Tours are also free of charge, though they are only open to individuals aged 21 and above.

While you’re here, don’t forget to sample some great, creative cocktails!

Address: 112 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

Located a little over 100 miles from St. Augustine Distillery is the beautiful city of Orlando! Be sure to check out some fun things to do in Orlando and some top things to do in Sarasota!

16. The Ponce de León Hotel

Ponce de León has already had quite an impact on St. Augustine, Florida.

It makes sense, then, that the Ponce de León Hotel is one of the city’s many great places to go.

The location is undeniably luxurious, with exaggerated opulence that rests right in the middle of Flagler College.

The Ponce de León Hotel was built in 1888 by railroad tycoon and co-founder of Standard Oil Henry M. Flagler.

It was widely considered the richest and most regal hotel of its time and has an extra air of mystery thanks to many architectural details and secrets.

It is also intentionally built with minor flaws because Flagler wanted to avoid offending God by making the hotel “too perfect”!

Impressively, Flagler was friends with Thomas Edison, which meant that the Ponce de León Hotel actually had electricity from the very start!

Some bulb explosions due to the direct current used, though, forced Flagler to hire staff specifically for turning lights off or on.

When you enter the Ponce de León Hotel, you are immediately struck by its beauty.

Its courtyard has a huge fountain with carved turtles and frogs.

When viewed from above, you’ll see that the fountain is actually a sundial.

Passing through here, you’ll get to the rotunda, which is dazzling with its four elemental goddesses and four exploration stages demonstrated by female figures.

The ceiling is a work of art in itself in gold.

Additional opulence can be found in the dining hall, full of Tiffany stained glass windows that make up the biggest collection of currently used glassworks of its kind globally.

Chair arms are carved with cherubs and the windows are bulletproof.

More luxury is seen in the Ladies Parlor, which has a genuine Edison clock, Austrian crystal chandeliers, and a Tiffany blue ceiling.

It’s no wonder that so many big names have stayed at the Ponce de León Hotel over the years – and that some are believed to still haunt the hotel as ghosts!

Address: 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

17. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum was built in St. Augustine as a house for the Ximenez family in 1798.

It is made from the same coquina material used for Castillo de San Marcos, which became a bit of a fashionable trend at the time the house was built.

Later on, it was purchased by a woman named Miss Fatio and became one of the very first businesses that was run and owned by a sole woman.

Miss Fatio’s Boarding House was a welcoming place for guests, whether they were military officers from the forts on a break, sailors or explorers on the hunt, tourists seeking St. Augustine attractions, or high-minded business people.

It soon grew a great reputation and was known for its excellent clients and very high standards.

The boarding house was operational during the tourist boom of Florida in the early 19th century, and that’s what this building, now a museum, gives you the best look into.

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum makes sure to curate its entire interior, ensuring that it is authentic as it can get.

Even the beehive oven originally used in the 1800s here remains onsite!

Knowledgeable guides will show you around the museum and its rooms, each individual space telling a unique story about a guest who stayed here.

Address: 20 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

18. Potter’s Wax Museum

Before Madame Tussauds became a household name in America and set up a branch in Florida, there was another fun wax museum in St. Augustine: Potter’s Wax Museum.

Opening in 1948, it now houses more than 160 wax figures made in the likenesses of numerous people of renown in history.

This includes royalty like Princess Diana, contributors to history like Albert Einstein, and even fictional characters like Harry Potter.

Potter’s Wax Museum was founded by George Potter, who was inspired by Madame Tussauds in London.

Though it has not the same fame that its inspiration does, it’s still one of the most interesting places to visit in this little Florida city.

Address: 31 Orange St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

19. Castle Otttis

It’s a little hard to believe that Castle Otttis is intentionally spelled with 3 letter “t”s, but it is.

The castle, inspired by Irish castles dating back a millennium, was built from the years 1984 to 1988.

The creators were Rusty Ickes and Ottis Sadler who envisioned an open landscape structure of 50 feet in height.

The creators’ goal with Castle Otttis was simply to make art – and, arguably, as a site recognized by the American Institute of Architects, they succeeded.

They never planned for it to be one of the points of interest known for its sights and wonder in St. Augustine.

They simply wanted to showcase their inspiration, making use of self-purchased or self-made masonry and never once using additional labor.

Several paperwork errors led to the designation of Castle Otttis as a garage.

Suffice to say, it certainly isn’t one.

7 million pounds of concrete, reinforced steel rods, ramparts, split-face blocks, 88 no-glass windows, and more make it clear from the exterior that this is much more than just the fanciest garage in St. Augustine.

Meanwhile, the interior, designed and made fully by Lee Carpenter, took three years to finish until 1991.

It boasts eight very fancy staircases, pews, an altar, a bishop’s chair, a pulpit, and a choir loft, mostly made from heart-pine and cypress.

Address: 103 3rd St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

Located about 359 miles from Castle Otttis is Destin! Here are some fun things to do in Destin!

20. Old Town Trolley Tours

Want to explore the glory of Old Town in St. Augustine, Florida without the hours of walking and the head-scratching as you try to figure out your map?

Hop onto an Old Town Trolley Tour!

Each tour lasts 90 minutes and is a hop-on-hop-off type of trolley that brings you to all the tourist attractions in this part of St. Augustine.

Stops are varied and fun, from factories to museums and from eateries to historical locations.

Old Town Trolley Tours are a wonderful way to get your bearings in this part of the city, and many different kinds are available.

Daily packages for tours are available at affordable rates and there are even ghost tours at night!

Address: 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

21. Old Jail

The Old Jail was built in the year 1891 to house criminals of Saint Augustine, Florida.

It was funded by Henry Flagler – who has already been mentioned on this list! – and designed specially to blend in well with the rest of the St. Augustine scape.

It bears design elements of a Roman Revival style, which is certainly rather interesting for a prison.

The Old Jail closed its doors in 1953.

A year later, it was opened as an attraction, and in a few decades, it would land itself a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Now, it’s one of the best unusual but fascinating locations to tour in the city.

Guides, dressed up in period costumes, lead tours in informative and engaging ways.

These tours let you peek into the lives of prisoners and the conditions they lived in.

Address: 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

22. World Golf Hall of Fame

For golfers, a trip to the World Golf Hall of Fame is one of the most fun things to do in St. Augustine!

Technically, it is close to the city of St. Augustine, located just northwest of it in the central hub of golf: on 1 World Golf Place in the World Golf Village!

The World Golf Hall of Fame has 35,000 square feet of floor space.

Its permanent collection honors and celebrates famous golfers in history.

Rotating temporary exhibits add variety and cover a wide range of different topics.

A trip here will teach you about the sport’s history, some of the biggest names in golf, the standard equipment and dress for golfers, and how courses are designed.

As for activities, you’ll also get to watch an IMAX film about golf and even play on the 18-hole course!

If you like, educational programs are available to further immerse yourself in the world of golf. Who knows – you might get to improve on your swing!

Address: 1 World Golf Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32092, United States

23. Diane’s Natural Market & Café

For over three decades, Diane’s Natural Market & Café has been a must-see shop in St. Augustine, Florida.

It is a cafe and an organic produce store, and it even stocks up on some great health products.

Its items are all of the highest quality, and the natural supplements have received many votes for awards and lists over the years.

Even if you’re not interested in organic produce or health supplements, you can still stop at Diane’s Natural Market & Café for great picnic items.

Sandwiches, fresh soups, smoothies, and fresh juice are all a part of the rotating menu.

Eat at the bistro itself or bring everything back with you for a feast in the comfort of a picnic blanket or hotel room!

You might even find some books about nutrition, or perhaps some healthy pet items!

Address: 841 S Ponce De Leon Blvd Unit #6, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

Jacksonville is located a little over 40 miles from Diane’s Natural Market & Café, so if you plan on visiting, here’s what to do in Jacksonville!

24. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Looking for unique things to do while you’re in St. Augustine, Florida?

What could be more fun and quirky than a trip to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not?

This location of oddities has many branches across the world, and one such branch is in St. Augustine.

The branch here opened its doors a year after the passing of Robert Ripley, so it’s been in existence since 1950.

It is actually the first permanent collection of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and lives in an old building dating back to 1887.

The building is Castle Warden and its age adds even more to the mind-bending atmosphere of Ripley’s exhibits.

The most unusual things you may find in this branch of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not are displayed in the Odditorium.

Items here include shrunken heads, an International Space Station model made, to scale, from matchsticks, and a motorcycle fashioned out of bones.

If you like the wacky and weird, you’ll definitely love Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Address: 19 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

25. Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is actually a part of the aforementioned Anastasia Island very close by to St. Augustine.

It’s often quite serene, with very little crowds, and the coast stretch is one of the best you’ll find in Saint Augustine at all.

Being active is easy on Crescent Beach.

Walk along miles of dunes, swim along coves, or explore the boardwalk.

Surf, swim, or boogie board your way through the waters bordering St. Augustine.

Bike or walk through nature.

Rest on the boardwalk to watch the sunset.

These are all great options at this relaxing getaway!

By the way, the beach is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend along if you can.

26. St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum are two attractions in one, so if you’re looking for things to do in Florida or where to go in this Florida city, here’s a great place to kill two birds with one stone.

The lighthouse, completed in 1874, is the oldest brick structure that remains standing in St. Augustine.

Reaching 165 feet into the air, it boasts an impressive 219 steps.

It’s a prominent part of ghost tours as well, as it is believed that it is haunted by past keepers of the lighthouse and two young children who passed away at the lighthouse in the 1800s.

If spooky things are your idea of fun, the lighthouse can offer plenty of that!

But even if that’s not what you’re after, getting to the highest floor of the lighthouse offers gorgeous views of the lagoon of Salt Run.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Museum is a little simpler.

It offers interesting artifacts related to the sea and the ocean.

Items left behind from shipwrecks and similar artifacts are displayed within the wooden boat building.

Do note that the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum are not reachable via standard transportation; you have to go on foot for the last stretch, which makes for a fun walk!

Address: 81 Lighthouse Avenue (use 100 Red Cox Road for gps, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States

27. Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area

Looking for St. Augustine attractions that are a little closer to nature?

Check out the Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area.

It’s relatively near to the center of St. Augustine but still offers stretches of natural landscape and hiking trails.

The Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area is a pretty good glimpse into what the city looked like before the arrival of the Spanish.

So if you’re wondering what St. Augustine looked like centuries prior, the swamps, creeks, and green here will give you a great idea of that!

Address: 440 International Golf Pkwy, St. Augustine, FL 32095, United States

28. The Hyppo

Did you know that one of the best places to visit to get popsicles in Florida might be in St. Augustine?

That’s because the cute joint doesn’t make typical ice pops.

They’re all gourmet and hand-crafted, made with seasonally available fresh produce and no added ingredients – unless you could some species and cane sugar!

More than 450 scrumptious flavors are available at The Hyppo, with new ones available daily as they rotate in and out.

The flavor combinations can be unique, but they also make sense, and you’ll wonder why you’ve never seen that combination before.

The variety means that there’s something for just about every mood.

For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to add The Hyppo to your itinerary as you tour St. Augustine!

Address: 48 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

If you have more time, Tampa is located a little over 180 miles from The Hyppo and Gainesville is about 75 miles from The Hyppo. Be sure to check out some of the best things to do in Tampa and some top things to do in Gainesville!

29. Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse of St. Augustine, Florida is among things to see that may bring back memories for those who attended school in very old buildings.

It contains all the parts of an elementary school of the 18th century that are lost to time now.

Think of the privy in the back, the dunce caps worn by naughty students, and the schoolmaster with lodgings above the classrooms.

The building was the first co-ed school not just in Florida, but in all of America.

It dates back as far as 1716 and was originally just a one-room, one-story building of cypress wood and cedarwood.

It was only converted into a school when the soon-to-be schoolmaster got married and, eventually, had his own children.

Though not a fun concept, one of the most interesting parts of the St. Augustine Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is the “dungeon”.

It’s a little cupboard underneath some stairs that was used for detention.

It might give you some Harry Potter vibes!

Aside from that, the building has become a museum of sorts.

Animatronics, textbooks, unfinished projects, artifacts, and more decorate the exhibits, each with a hidden story to tell.

Address: 14 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

30. San Sebastian Winery

If you weren’t interested in the rum or whiskey of St. Augustine’s distilleries, then you ought to check out San Sebastian Winery.

Wine-lovers will love what is largely regarded as the best winery that St. Augustine has to offer throughout the city.

Its reputation makes it not just a successful business but one of the more colorful tourist attractions of this Florida city.

The winery grows many different grape varieties, so they produce a ton of different kinds of wine.

Tours and tastings are often free and you can watch the wine production process on your way.

Don’t forget to sample some of the most delicious wines that San Sebastian Winery has to offer at their bar, especially accompanied by provided chocolates and cheeses.

Address: 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

31. Whetstone Chocolate Factory

The Whetstone Chocolate Factory on King Street, Saint Augustine spans 10,000 square feet and has been in existence since 1984.

It is a local favorite to this Florida city and its pride and joy are likely its fun tours!

The Whetstone Chocolate Factory offers what it calls the Original Chocolate Tour.

On this guided walk through the factory, you’ll learn about chocolate’s history, how it got to the factory, and how the chocolate is made.

As you walk, you’ll be treated to samples of chocolate of all kinds, from white to milk to dark.

You’ll even get to try some cocoa nibs as the knowledgeable guides tell you how to tell the chocolates apart and what makes them all different and unique.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, this one of the most exciting places to visit!

Address: 139 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

32. Fort Mose Historic State Park

It’s hard not to recall the Spanish colonial background of St. Augustine, but did you know you might be missing on its African history?

Here at Fort Mose Historic State Park, the very first sanctioned, completely free settlement for Africans was established.

This was in 1738 when Spain was still governing the city.

The Spanish did keep slaves, but their laws on them were lax and many gave their slaves legal rights.

As such, slavery was used more as a political tool than anything else by the Spaniards.

The first in question was built in 1738, abandoned in 1740, and then rebuilt in 1752.

Over time, though, the fort has become lost, and it no longer stands now.

Currently, the Fort Mose Historic State Park is good for sightseeing and is one of the best things to do and one of the best places to visit in St. Augustine that mixes fun, a somber atmosphere, and history, mostly through earning a title as a National Historic Landmark.

For those seeking things that you can do, you can go geocaching, birdwatching, kayaking, and more.

Keep your eyes open for rare birds!

Address: 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

33. Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone

The Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone is a rather interesting mark on the very end of the auto highway of the Old Spanish Trail in St. Augustine, Florida.

Once upon a time, this road linked San Diego to St. Augustine.

It was built in the early 20th century to link the south to the southwest, with efforts starting in 1915 and completing in 1929.

The name “Old Spanish Trail” is a simple tribute to the Spanish missions and heritage that both the southwest and south share.

It now reaches a dead end, but getting to that dead-end is a must-do for hikers and adventurers who want to best hidden gem spots to tick of their bucket list.

The market for the Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone is made from coquina shells – and yes, they are the coquina that broke down over time to make first and buildings almost indestructible.

The monument is spherical and is partially obscured by underbrush, but if you look for it, you’ll spot the fun little tribute in no time.

Address: Old Spanish Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

If you have more time, check out some best things to do in Key West and if you want more thrill, here’s what to do in Fort Lauderdale! If you’re in Miami, don’t forget to check out some of the fun things to do in Miami!

34. The Love Trees of St. Augustine

Looking for what to do that’s romantic in this Florida city?

The love trees of St. Augustine will likely do the trick!

A number of different love trees actually do live in St. Augustine thanks to the temperate coastal climate that this part of Florida offers.

But what, exactly, are love trees?

They refer to any instance of two different tree species growing in a way where they intersect.

They may grow through, in, or even on each other.

It can be pretty fun to try and spot them.

Plus, the love trees carry with them a tradition!

The legend states that, if lovers kiss beneath any of the love trees that make for St. Augustine attractions, your romance will become everlasting.

Yes, it’s a bit corny, but many couples have still enjoyed the sentiment of it.

Besides, who doesn’t want everlasting love?

Address: 25-39 Bridge St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

35. Spanish Military Hospital Museum

The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is one of the more unusual sites in downtown St. Augustine.

After all, its covered subject is very specific!

What it does give you, though, is a glimpse into the common colonial medical practices.

Some of these practices might completely shock you.

A lot of them appear almost inhumane in form, so you might walk away with a new appreciation of modern medicine!

This St. Augustine museum offers tours that teach guests about the surgeries, operations, and patients who may have once occupied the space within.

Address: 3 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To St. Augustine

Termed as one of the most beautiful places in America, St. Augustine, Florida is a charming city teeming with activities of historical value.

Despite how old-fashioned many of its spots are, it’s a surprisingly enticing city to explore!

From nature to theatre and from history to the bizarre, there really is something for everyone in this surprisingly small city.

Whether you’re going there tomorrow, this weekend, or further into the future, you can be sure that the city will grow on you.