St Augustine Florida: A Hidden Gem You Need to Visit
This blog post is all about St. Augustine Florida: A Hidden Gem You Need to Visit
St. Augustine, Florida, is a charming coastal city that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. Visitors to St. Augustine will find a wealth of things to do and see, from exploring historic landmarks to enjoying the stunning beaches and natural parks. And when it comes to dining, the city is home to some of the best restaurants in Florida, serving up delicious cuisine from all around the world.
5 Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida:
1. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos
This historic fort was built in the 17th century by the Spanish to protect the city from attacks. Today, visitors to the fort can explore the gun deck, walk along the ramparts, and visit the barracks and storage areas. There are also exhibits that showcase the history of the fort and its role in defending the city. For more information on Castillo de San Marcos, visit their website HERE.
2. Take a Trolley Tour
One of the best ways to see the city is by taking a trolley tour. The Trolley tour is a beautiful ride and will take you down the iconic Magnolia Street which is covered by a whispy tree tunnel. Plus, the tour will take you to all the major sites and landmarks, and you can hop on and off at your leisure. For more information on trolley tours visit Old Time Trolley Tours.
3. Walk along St. George Street
St. George Street in St. Augustine, Florida is a pedestrian-only street that is famous for its historic architecture, unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. The street is located in the heart of the historic district and is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Lined with beautifully restored buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, as you walk along St. George Street, you’ll be immersed in the history and charm of old St. Augustine. In addition to the many shops and attractions, St. George Street is also known for its lively street performers and musicians. You’ll often find musicians playing jazz, blues, and other genres of music, as well as jugglers, magicians, and other entertainers.
3. Explore Alligator Farm
If you are looking for a family fun activity in St. Augustine, Flordia explore the Alligator Farm. It is a zoological park that is dedicated to the conservation and education of reptiles. This park is home to hundreds of alligators, as well as other reptiles and exotic birds. It’s a fun and educational experience.
The Alligator Farm also offers several interactive experiences, including a zip-line adventure that allows visitors to soar above the park and get a bird’s-eye view of the animals below. There’s also a feeding show where visitors can watch alligators and crocodiles being fed and learn about their feeding habits and preferences. Visit the Alligator Farm Website Here for more details.
5. Relax on the beach
St. Augustine, Flordia is home to several beautiful beaches. The main beach in St. Augustine is St. Augustine Beach, which is located on Anastasia Island just a few miles from the historic district.
St. Augustine Beach is a wide, sandy beach that stretches for miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other water sports.
The beach is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the sand, sun, and surf. There are also several beachfront parks with picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms.
One of the most iconic features of St. Augustine Beach is the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. The pier extends 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and offers spectacular views of the beach and the surrounding area. The pier also has a restaurant and a gift shop.
In addition to St. Augustine Beach, there are several other nearby beaches that are worth visiting, including Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, and Anastasia State Park. These beaches offer a variety of amenities and activities, including fishing, kayaking, and nature trails.
5 Sites to see in St. Augustine:
1. Flagler College
This beautiful building was once a luxurious hotel built by Henry Flagler in the late 19th century. Today, it is a private college, but visitors can still admire its stunning architecture.
2. St. Augustine Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse has been guiding ships into the city’s harbor since 1874. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
3. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
According to legend, Ponce de Leon discovered the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine Florida. This park celebrates that history with exhibits, reenactments, and even a sip from the “fountain.” For more information visit FountainofYouthFlorida.com.
4. The Lightner Museum
Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum is a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Inside, you’ll find a collection of art and artifacts from the Gilded Age. Visit their site Here.
5. The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum:
This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in pirates and seafaring history. It features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and even a treasure hunt. For more information go to ThePirateMuseum.com.
5 Great Restaurants in St. Augustine:
1. The Floridian
This restaurant specializes in Southern cuisine, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The menu at The Floridian features a variety of dishes that draw inspiration from Southern, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the shrimp and grits, the fried green tomatoes, and the blackened fish tacos.
The restaurant has a cozy and eclectic atmosphere, with colorful decor, vintage furnishings, and an outdoor seating area that overlooks the historic district. The Floridian also has a full bar that offers a selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails made with fresh ingredients.
2. The Columbia Restaurant
This historic family owned restaurant has been serving up Spanish cuisine since 1905. It is Located in the heart of the city’s historic and filled with a ton of charm.
Some of the best dishes at The Columbia include the 1905 Salad, the paella, and the Cuban sandwich. They also offer a full bar that features a selection of Spanish and Latin American wines, as well as cocktails made with rum and other spirits.
3. The Ice Plant Bar
This trendy bar and restaurant serves up craft cocktails and farm-to-table fare. They name comes from the rich history of the building that was once and ice plant and inside the building they have showcased beautifully the industrial history. Also, One of the standout features of the Ice Plant Bar is its commitment to using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
If you are looking for a place to get a fun cokctail this is your spot! Yet, in addition to cocktails the Ice Plant Bar also has a food menu that features small plates and shareable dishes. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the cheese and charcuterie board, the fish dip made with local catch, and the house-made pickles.
4. Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
This restaurant is one of the most popular in town and is known for its fresh seafood and Cajun and Creole cuisine. The atmospher is lively and casual, boasting with a large outdoor patio that often has live music.
The menu at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill features a wide variety of dishes, including jambalaya, gumbo, blackened catfish, shrimp and grits, and seafood platters. The restaurant also offers non-seafood options, such as grilled steaks and chicken dishes. Or if you get there early they have a great happy hour menu at the bar.
5. Llama Restaurant:
Is a top rated Peruvian restaurant rich in culture and authentinticity. If you are looking for a unique dining experience look no further. However, this restaurant is small and books up fast. So, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
The chef uses traditional peruvian ingridients and provides a fine dining experience like you wont find anywhere else. The food is deliscious and the service is great. I recomend trying the lamb, the surf and turf, the pulpo, and the grilled plantains. Llam restaurant, is turly artistic with their flavor combitnations and their presentations.
St. Augustine, Flordia truly has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach.
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