The coastal city of St. Augustine, Florida, is overflowing with old-world ambiance and amazing amount of pure romantic charm. If you are seeking a casually elegant destination in a sub-tropical location, this gleaming jewel-by-the-sea features numerous arts-and-crafts festivals, picturesque bed-and-breakfast establishments, art galleries and year-round community events such as pub crawls, nightly walking tours, and art walks. Known as the Ancient City, St. Augustine has some of the oldest buildings in the U.S. - including the oldest house in the state of Florida.
Things to do in St Augustine include visiting Anastasia State Park and renting kayaks, attending the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, if you happen to be fortunate enough to be visiting during the month of April, and enjoying Concerts in the Plaza every Thursday evening in the summer. If you are a clam chowder lover, the Great Chowder Debate happening annually in November is one of the St Augustine activities you will not want to miss.
The Fort Mose Historic State Park is another of the must see attractions in St Augustine. This is one of the most historically significant spots in FL because it is the site of the first settlement of free black people in the U.S. A trip to the Fort Matanzas National Monument is also among the St Augustine excursions history buffs can't go without seeing at least once. Built in the 1740s, this watchtower was built by the Spanish to guard the entrance to the area from those who might come by sea.
St Augustine is one of the best places in the country to simply wander the streets and soak up the unique ambiance. It's not unusual to accidentally wander into local places that are off the beaten tourist track and immediately feel as if St. Augustine is your own home town. Although there is an abundance of scheduled St Augustine tours, guests of the city can pick up a map at the local visitors' center and create their own personalized walking tours. From the historic Old City district to a walk along a breezy sunlit beach, you will find much to explore here.
Contacting our offices here at Expedia in advance of your stay is the best way to ensure you have a top experience during your visit to this charming city by the sea. We can make sure you don't miss any of the attractions in St Augustine, and that you take sparkling memories with you when you leave.
