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Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida

Our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast sits in a remarkable location, right in the heart of the oldest part of St. Augustine, in the officially designated St. Augustine Historic District. Step outside, and you are immediately surrounded by narrow brick streets, inviting restaurants, the best St. Augustine museums, local galleries, antique shops, historic sites, and a variety of boutiques, and all the top-rated things to do in St. Augustine.

Our Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home base for anyone planning a St. Augustine vacation. This charming corner of downtown St. Augustine hosts cultural events throughout the year, so every getaway brings something new to experience. Our Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine enjoys an unbeatable address on St. George Street, the main artery through the Old City and one of the most cherished places to see in Florida.

Stroll toward the Old City Gates, and you will enter an 11-block pedestrian-only zone that creates one of the most inviting promenades in the state. With palms lining the walkway and benches placed for relaxed people watching, this area stays lively from morning to night, and is one of the top-rated things to do in St. Augustine, Florida. As you meander down the streets, you will pass original and carefully restored eighteenth-century buildings, now home to historic landmarks, specialty shops, snack spots, and some of the best restaurants in St. Augustine. Wander into nearby side streets to find al fresco dining under jasmine-covered arbors, small artsy boutiques, cozy pubs, and plenty of unexpected gems. It is an ideal setting for couples and families seeking unique things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.

Founded long before Jamestown or Plymouth, St. Augustine holds the title of the oldest permanent European settlement in the continental United States. Its historic core is a National Historic Landmark that spans 144 blocks along the Matanzas River Bayfront, much of it originally enclosed within protective Spanish walls. The scale of the St. Augustine Historic District surprises many first-time visitors, and its sixteenth-century Spanish town plan remains visible in the narrow streets and central gathering place known as Plaza de la Constitucion.

Many colonial-era buildings across the St. Augustine Historic District date from 1703 to 1821. The boundaries stretch from Orange Street on the north to St. Francis Street on the south, with Cordova Street on the west and San Marcos Street and the Bayfront on the east. As you explore these brick-lined streets, you will see remarkable coquina stone structures, some more than two centuries old, that bring the city’s story to life.

A major restoration effort in the 1970s helped preserve this rich heritage, and today visitors can fully immerse themselves in the city’s past. One of the most iconic St. Augustine attractions is Castillo de San Marcos, completed in 1695 and recognized as the nation’s oldest stone fort. You can tour the interior and exterior and join themed guided experiences that explore culinary traditions, art, haunted lore, sailing history, chocolate making, pirate culture, nature, and more. It is easy to tailor your itinerary, whether you are searching for things to do in St. Augustine with kids or unforgettable things to do in St. Augustine for couples.

Within the St. Augustine Historic District

Exploring the Old City by horse-drawn carriage is also a joy, offering a charming way to hear centuries of stories. Evening St. Augustine ghost tours add a fun layer of mystery, hop-on and off trolley tours carry you between major sites, and scenic harbor cruises provide inspiring views of the skyline and waterfront. During your stay, our Innkeepers are always happy to point you toward the best experiences and unique things to do in St. Augustine.

As the oldest permanent city in the continental United States, St. Augustine offers a fascinating blend of cultural influences and historic character, and you will find an incredible mix of things to do in St. Augustine, both within the Old City and just beyond it. Whether you are drawn to famous landmarks, lively districts, or timeless local favorites, this vibrant destination is filled with memorable things to do in St. Augustine for every style of getaway. Within the St. Augustine Historic District, you’ll find the following attractions:

Outside the Old City Area

Outside the Old City area are many other historic sites, attractions, events, and places to visit, such as:

Key St. Augustine Attractions to See On Your Visit

Parks, Monuments & Outdoor Recreation

Anastasia Island

Anastasia Island sits just across the Bridge of Lions over the Matanzas River from the historic Old City and the St. Augustine Historic District, making it one of the most convenient places to see during your St. Augustine vacation. The eastern side of the island is home to Anastasia State Park, which protects more than sixteen hundred acres and four miles of pristine shoreline, plus an additional fourteen miles of wide public beach.

You will find soft sand, gentle waves, a maritime hammock, and rolling dunes topped with sea oats that catch the ocean breeze. This is a perfect spot for classic beach time, whether you prefer sunbathing, beachcombing, biking along the shoreline, or building sand castles with the kids. Watersports are everywhere, including swimming, fishing, surfing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, boating, and paddleboarding, and rentals are easy to find on the island. Keep an eye out for shorebirds, beautiful shells, and the occasional pod of bottlenose dolphins or migrating right whales just offshore.

Anastasia Island is also home to the striking black and white St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, the public Beach Fishing Pier with volleyball courts and a weekly farmers market, and is close to Fort Matanzas National Monument, Fiesta Falls miniature golf, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Marsh Creek Country Club, and a long list of locally owned shops and restaurants. St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a modern performance venue for more than 4,000 guests and hosts the Saturday Old City Farmers Market, as well as concerts, festivals, and cultural St. Augustine events throughout the year. From A Street and Ocean Trace Road, you can even drive and park on the sand for a fee. Ron Parker Park on Anastasia Island offers two public tennis courts and a dog park, giving you even more options as you plan what to do in St. Augustine.

St. Augustine Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful in the world, and Anastasia State Park protects some of its best stretches of sand. Within Anastasia State Park, you will find four miles of unspoiled beachfront and more than sixteen hundred acres of coastal habitat that supports a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can follow a self-guided nature trail, visit the historic coquina quarry, and enjoy swimming, surfing, beachcombing, fishing, bird watching, and shelling.

Picnic areas with grills and playgrounds make this a favorite option for Things to do in St. Augustine with kids, while rentals for bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, sailboats, and canoes appeal to active travelers. A casual grill area with wifi, a small gift shop, and a snack bar round out the amenities, making this one of the most relaxing St. Augustine attractions for both day trips and longer stays.

The Bridge of Lions stretches across Matanzas Bay, part of the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting the historic Old City with Anastasia Island along scenic State Road A1A. Walking across this bridge is one of the most iconic things to do in St. Augustine. This graceful double-leaf drawbridge carries cars, cyclists, and pedestrians and has become one of the most photographed landmarks for anyone planning a St. Augustine vacation.

At the western end of the bridge, you will see the famous Carrara marble Medici lion statues, named Firm and Faithful, which were inspired by sculptures in Florence, Italy. They were commissioned by Dr Andrew Anderson, a friend of Henry Flagler, and created by the Romanelli Studios in Florence, the same studio that had produced two smaller lions for his home at Markland House, now part of Flagler College.

The Bridge of Lions replaced an earlier ferry and wooden toll bridge built in the late nineteenth century and was designed to function as both transportation infrastructure and a work of public art. By the late 1990s, the bridge had deteriorated and was declared structurally deficient, sparking years of debate about how to preserve it. Ultimately, the state invested in a major restoration project that required a temporary bridge and several years of careful work. The current structure retains the look and charm of the original, including the restored marble lions, which returned to their posts in 2011. Today, the Bridge of Lions carries two lanes of traffic and wide sidewalks on both sides, offering lovely views of the bayfront and skyline. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a favorite route for evening strolls and sunset photos.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is one of the most iconic things to do in St. Augustine, and a must-see for anyone interested in the story of early America. As the oldest masonry fortress in the continental United States and the only surviving seventeenth-century military structure of its kind in North America, the Castillo de San Marcos brings centuries of conflict and culture to life.

After founding St. Augustine in 1565, Spanish settlers faced repeated attacks from British and French forces. A raid led by Sir Francis Drake burned much of the early wooden settlement and its fort, and several more wooden forts followed. In response to ongoing threats and the founding of Charleston, Spain began constructing the stone Castillo in 1672.

The fort’s massive coquina walls, quarried across the bay on Anastasia Island, have endured sieges, changing flags, and evolving weaponry. Through a series of treaties, the site shifted from Spanish to British control and back again, then eventually to the United States as Florida became a territory and later a state. Over time, it played a role in the War of 1812, the Patriot Revolt, the Second Seminole War, the Civil War, when it was called Fort Marion, and even the Spanish-American War, when it served as a prison. It was later used to detain Native American prisoners and was finally abandoned by the Army in 1900 before being declared a National Monument in 1924.

Today, the Castillo de San Marcos is one of the top things to do in St. Augustine for both history buffs and families. You can follow a self-guided tour through its rooms and ramparts, listen to ranger talks, watch a short orientation film, and enjoy weapons demonstrations, cannon firings, and historical reenactments on select days. Special events and living history programs take place throughout the year. Entry fees are valid for several days, certain national park passes are honored, and parking is available nearby along the bayfront and at the city parking garage. Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring, often returning for another visit during their St. Augustine getaway. The fort sits on the waterfront, just north of the Bridge of Lions.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is one of the most iconic things to do in St. Augustine, and a must-see for anyone interested in the story of early America. As the oldest masonry fortress in the continental United States and the only surviving seventeenth-century military structure of its kind in North America, the Castillo de San Marcos brings centuries of conflict and culture to life.

After founding St. Augustine in 1565, Spanish settlers faced repeated attacks from British and French forces. A raid led by Sir Francis Drake burned much of the early wooden settlement and its fort, and several more wooden forts followed. In response to ongoing threats and the founding of Charleston, Spain began constructing the stone Castillo in 1672.

The fort’s massive coquina walls, quarried across the bay on Anastasia Island, have endured sieges, changing flags, and evolving weaponry. Through a series of treaties, the site shifted from Spanish to British control and back again, then eventually to the United States as Florida became a territory and later a state. Over time, it played a role in the War of 1812, the Patriot Revolt, the Second Seminole War, the Civil War, when it was called Fort Marion, and even the Spanish-American War, when it served as a prison. It was later used to detain Native American prisoners and was finally abandoned by the Army in 1900 before being declared a National Monument in 1924.

Today, the Castillo de San Marcos is one of the top things to do in St. Augustine for both history buffs and families. You can follow a self-guided tour through its rooms and ramparts, listen to ranger talks, watch a short orientation film, and enjoy weapons demonstrations, cannon firings, and historical reenactments on select days. Special events and living history programs take place throughout the year. Entry fees are valid for several days, certain national park passes are honored, and parking is available nearby along the bayfront and at the city parking garage. Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring, often returning for another visit during their St. Augustine getaway. The fort sits on the waterfront, just north of the Bridge of Lions.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is one of the most iconic things to do in St. Augustine, and a must-see for anyone interested in the story of early America. As the oldest masonry fortress in the continental United States and the only surviving seventeenth-century military structure of its kind in North America, the Castillo de San Marcos brings centuries of conflict and culture to life.

After founding St. Augustine in 1565, Spanish settlers faced repeated attacks from British and French forces. A raid led by Sir Francis Drake burned much of the early wooden settlement and its fort, and several more wooden forts followed. In response to ongoing threats and the founding of Charleston, Spain began constructing the stone Castillo in 1672.

The fort’s massive coquina walls, quarried across the bay on Anastasia Island, have endured sieges, changing flags, and evolving weaponry. Through a series of treaties, the site shifted from Spanish to British control and back again, then eventually to the United States as Florida became a territory and later a state. Over time, it played a role in the War of 1812, the Patriot Revolt, the Second Seminole War, the Civil War, when it was called Fort Marion, and even the Spanish-American War, when it served as a prison. It was later used to detain Native American prisoners and was finally abandoned by the Army in 1900 before being declared a National Monument in 1924.

Today, the Castillo de San Marcos is one of the top things to do in St. Augustine for both history buffs and families. You can follow a self-guided tour through its rooms and ramparts, listen to ranger talks, watch a short orientation film, and enjoy weapons demonstrations, cannon firings, and historical reenactments on select days. Special events and living history programs take place throughout the year. Entry fees are valid for several days, certain national park passes are honored, and parking is available nearby along the bayfront and at the city parking garage. Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring, often returning for another visit during their St. Augustine getaway. The fort sits on the waterfront, just north of the Bridge of Lions.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a specialized accredited zoo and a long-standing favorite for things to do in St. Augustine. It began as an alligator attraction and has grown into a conservation-focused facility that showcases every recognized species of crocodilian, along with lemurs, pythons, native Florida reptiles, exotic birds and mammals, and fascinating fossil exhibits. Daily wildlife presentations highlight reptiles, snakes, rainforest ecosystems, and more, providing both entertainment and education.

For visitors seeking more adventurous Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida, the Crocodile Crossing zip-lining course sends guests gliding over 7 acres of habitats and wetlands. The park’s Bird Rookery is a major attraction for birders, with wild herons, ibis, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks nesting in trees above the boardwalk each spring. The experience offers incredibly close views of wading birds raising their young, all while you are safely on elevated walkways.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a specialized accredited zoo and a long-standing favorite for things to do in St. Augustine. It began as an alligator attraction and has grown into a conservation-focused facility that showcases every recognized species of crocodilian, along with lemurs, pythons, native Florida reptiles, exotic birds and mammals, and fascinating fossil exhibits. Daily wildlife presentations highlight reptiles, snakes, rainforest ecosystems, and more, providing both entertainment and education.

For visitors seeking more adventurous Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida, the Crocodile Crossing zip-lining course sends guests gliding over 7 acres of habitats and wetlands. The park’s Bird Rookery is a major attraction for birders, with wild herons, ibis, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks nesting in trees above the boardwalk each spring. The experience offers incredibly close views of wading birds raising their young, all while you are safely on elevated walkways.

At the northern end of St. George Street, the Old City Gates provide a dramatic entrance into the heart of the old city and offer a tangible reminder of St. Augustine’s strategic Spanish defenses. Although St. Augustine was founded in 1565, it took more than a century of attacks for the Spanish to invest in substantial city walls. A devastating siege in 1702 by a large English force destroyed much of the settlement, though residents found refuge behind the walls of Castillo de San Marcos until reinforcements arrived by ship from Havana. The English failed to capture the Castillo, and in response, the Spanish began constructing the Cubo Line, a defensive earthen wall supported by palmetto logs, to protect the northern approach to the city.

The Cubo Line stretched from the Castillo west toward the San Sebastian River, forming the northern boundary of the town. The main coquina entry gate, now known as the Old City Gates, was completed during a later reconstruction in 1808. A second defensive barrier, the Rosario Line, ran south along the city’s western edge and back toward the bay. These systems successfully protected St. Augustine from later attacks, including those by General James Oglethorpe in 1740 and during the Second Seminole War.

Although the original earthworks and timber deteriorated over time, archaeologists have uncovered sections of the lines, and a portion of the old wall is reconstructed on the Castillo grounds. Today, you can walk through the Old City Gates at the top of St. George Street and imagine the fortified town that once stood here. It is an excellent photo stop and a meaningful starting point for exploring the St. Augustine Historic District on foot.

The Colonial Quarter is a two-acre living history attraction that brings centuries of St. Augustine’s past into one compact site and is a fantastic choice when you are deciding what to do in St. Augustine. Guided tours and self-guided exploration walk you through four key eras, including the sixteenth-century Spanish founding period, the seventeenth-century fortified town, the eighteenth-century Spanish garrison, and the eighteenth-century British colony. You will learn how Native Americans, Minorcans, Spanish, British, and African Americans all shaped the city.

Climb the replica seventeenth-century watchtower for an impressive view of the bayfront and Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the Flags Over St. Augustine boardwalk, and admire an ongoing handcrafted shipbuilding project. Hands-on archaeological activities, demonstrations, and interpretive exhibits fill the site with sights, sounds, and even scents of daily life in colonial times. The Colonial Quarter also features two on-site restaurants, including a casual pub and a candlelit tavern inspired by the eighteenth century, making it easy to linger over a meal and reflect on all you have seen. It’s truly one of the most remarkable things to do in St. Augustine!

San Sebastian Winery, founded in 1996, is one of Florida’s premier producers and a popular stop for wine enthusiasts, and one of our favorite things to do in St. Augustine for couples. Located in one of Henry Flagler’s former East Coast Railway buildings, the winery is known for table, sparkling, and dessert wines made from hybrid bunch grapes developed for Southern climates, along with red and white muscadine grapes. Complimentary tours explain the winemaking process and end with tastings, usually offered daily except on major holidays.

The rooftop Wine and Jazz Bar is one of our favorite things to do in St. Augustine, especially on weekends when live music accompanies San Sebastian wines and light appetizers. Guests can enjoy both indoor and open-air seating with views of the city. The wine shop sells bottles, ports, sherries, and thoughtful wine-themed gifts so you can bring a taste of St. Augustine home.

The Plaza de la Constitucion is the oldest public park in the United States and has served as a civic and social center for St. Augustine since the sixteenth-century Spanish period. Established in 1573 according to Spanish Royal Ordinances, it was designed as a central gathering place for government, church, and community life. True to Spanish tradition, the Plaza extends from the waterfront, is aligned with the compass points, and is proportioned with a length roughly 1.5 times its width.

Historic public and religious buildings surround the Plaza, including the Government House, constructed in the early nineteenth century and now home to exhibits about the city’s past, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, built in the late eighteenth century and still the seat of the local Catholic diocese. Within the Plaza itself, you will find an old public well, a historic marketplace structure, war memorials honoring veterans of several conflicts, Civil War-era cannons, a gazebo used for performances, and the Foot Soldiers Monument, which commemorates civil rights activists. A nineteenth-century obelisk celebrates the Spanish Constitution of 1812.

The Plaza sits at the heart of the St. Augustine Historic District and is surrounded by museums, historic sites, restaurants, shops, and striking architecture, making it one of the best central spots to start a walking tour of downtown St. Augustine. During the famous Nights of Lights celebration, the Plaza glows with countless white lights draped among the trees, making it one of the most romantic Things to do in St. Augustine for couples during the holiday season.

Fort Mose Historic State Park represents a vital chapter in American history and is a meaningful stop for visitors who want their list of things to do in St. Augustine to include deeper stories. Established in 1738, Fort Mose was the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement within what would eventually become the United States. About one hundred formerly enslaved Africans who had escaped from British colonies to the north were granted freedom by the Spanish and settled here as part of a broader defense strategy for St. Augustine.

The residents of Fort Mose built homes and farmed the surrounding land, and many served in the local militia. During a British attack led by General James Oglethorpe, the Spanish evacuated the community into the city and later launched a surprise assault that recaptured the fort, which was destroyed in the battle. A second fort was completed in 1752 and remained home to free Black residents until 1763, when Spain ceded Florida to Britain, prompting many inhabitants to relocate to Cuba. The site was gradually reclaimed by marsh and largely forgotten until archaeological work in the twentieth century confirmed its location.

Today, Fort Mose Historic State Park encompasses more than forty waterfront acres of tidal marsh and offers a quiet boardwalk with views of the original settlement site. Birders will appreciate opportunities to spot Bald Eagles, herons, ibis, and other species. The visitor center features interactive exhibits, artifacts recovered from excavations, and powerful storytelling about the community that lived here. The grounds are generally open daily, and the museum operates most days with a modest admission fee.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park occupies a striking location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River, combining formal gardens with coastal habitats. On the river side, visitors can wander along shaded pathways lined with azaleas, roses, native and exotic plantings, and a dramatic live oak estimated to be two to three centuries old. Koi ponds, a picturesque hammock of oaks and palms, picnic areas, a playground, and an inviting visitor center make this a peaceful escape from busy downtown St. Augustine.

Hiking and biking trails lead through diverse ecosystems where you can watch birds and other wildlife, cast a line for fish, or simply enjoy the natural setting. Across A1A, the oceanfront portion of the park features a quiet beach with wave-worn coquina rock formations that create tide pools and unique photographic opportunities. Throughout the year, the park hosts garden tours, photo events, music programs, classes, and yoga sessions, making it easy to build a full day around this scenic spot.

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve protects more than seventy-three thousand shoreline acres and is one of the region’s most important natural areas. It preserves salt marshes, mangroves, dunes, maritime forests, and estuarine waters that support a rich array of plants and animals. Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of nature trails and old roads suitable for hiking and biking, scenic coquina sand beaches, high dunes, and convenient boat ramps.

Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, horseback riding on weekdays, picnicking, and simply enjoying the sun and coastal breeze. An Environmental Education Center features exhibits on natural and cultural history, aquariums, a small theater, and a nature store. Regularly scheduled guided walks, talks, and special events help visitors understand the ecological significance of this expansive reserve, making it a rewarding option for eco-minded travelers compiling their list of Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers memorable encounters with dolphins along a pristine stretch of the Atlantic coastline. Various interactive programs let guests meet, touch, or even swim with dolphins in both shallow and deeper water, while remaining focused on animal care and conservation. Advanced reservations are recommended, especially during busy travel seasons.

Beyond the dolphin encounters, Marineland offers guided kayaking and eco tours, behind-the-scenes facility visits, live animal exhibits, and educational presentations. It is a wonderful choice for families or couples who want unique things to do in St. Augustine that combine marine life, science, and natural beauty.

Vilano Beach and its town center sit just north of the St. Augustine inlet and offer a lively yet easygoing seaside community feel all year round. When a newer bridge diverted traffic away from the original route, residents worked together to reinvent the area as a pedestrian-friendly district. The former drawbridge approach became a wide fishing pier, and the surrounding blocks gradually filled with restaurants, shops, lodging, and a large supermarket that serves both locals and visitors.

Art deco-inspired details, a beach pavilion, and a boardwalk over the salt marsh create a distinctive sense of place. Several restaurants provide al fresco dining along the Intracoastal Waterway, making Vilano a lovely option for sunset cocktails or dinner. Regular fun runs and first Saturday sunset celebrations add to the festive atmosphere. It is an easy side trip from downtown St. Augustine and a great addition to your list of coastal things to do in St. Augustine.

Key St. Augustine Attractions to See On Your Visit

Museums, Architecture & the Arts

The Oldest House Museum

Officially known as the Gonzalez Alvarez House, the Oldest House Museum is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial residence in Florida and a fascinating stop for anyone interested in the layers of history that define this city. Admission includes a guided tour of the house, its ornamental garden, a detached colonial kitchen building, an exhibit gallery, and a museum shop. The property showcases evidence of the first and second Spanish periods, British occupation, and the American era in St. Augustine.

Docents share stories of daily life, from architecture and building materials to food, family traditions, and local culture, helping visitors picture the people who lived here over the centuries. The Oldest House opened as a museum in 1893 and is operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society. It typically welcomes guests daily from late morning through late afternoon, with tours beginning every half hour, making it easy to fit into a full day of Things to do in St. Augustine.

The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the United States is a charming, compact structure more than three centuries old and a favorite among the many historical and unique things to do in St. Augustine. Originally built as a bachelor residence, it was later converted into a school when the owner, Juan Genoply, married. The couple moved their living quarters to the upper level, and the ground floor became a classroom, with the kitchen located in a separate building, as was common at the time.

Today, you can take a self-guided audio tour featuring animated figures in period clothing, including a schoolmaster and students who describe a typical day in the classroom. Historic textbooks and school artifacts are on display, and visitors can explore the kitchen building, outhouse, old well, tropical garden, and courtyard. A massive pecan tree, authenticated as more than two hundred fifty years old, still bears nuts on the property. Guests often leave curious about the heavy chain wrapped around the exterior of the building, and can learn the story on site. The schoolhouse stands near the Old City Gates on St. George Street and is typically open daily except for Christmas.

The Old Jail Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the most unique things to do in St. Augustine. It offers a very different look at St. Augustine’s past. Built in 1891 by Henry Flagler, the jail operated for more than six decades and could house up to seventy-two prisoners. Today, costumed guides portray deputies and jailers as they lead visitors through maximum security cells, the gallows area, the warden’s quarters, and displays of historical weapons and artifacts.

The storytelling is lively and immersive, making this one of the more unique things to do in St. Augustine for visitors who enjoy offbeat history. The Old Jail is also a popular stop on evening ghost tours and trolley routes, adding another dimension to your St. Augustine getaway.

The Peña Peck House, a historic residence turned museum, offers free guided tours and a glimpse into centuries of St. Augustine history. Built around 1750 for Royal Treasurer Juan Esteban de Peña, the first level is made of native coquina stone and remains largely unchanged from its original First Spanish Period design. In the 1830s, Dr Seth Peck purchased the property, added a wooden second story, and used the first floor for his medical practice while his family lived upstairs.

After nearly one hundred years of family ownership, Anna Gardener Burt, the last descendant, left the house to the city in 1931 with the request that it become a museum. She had helped found The Women’s Exchange of St. Augustine, a nonprofit that now maintains the property. A grant funded major renovations in the nineteen sixties, and today volunteers from the Women’s Exchange guide visitors through elegantly furnished rooms and gardens. Many of the pieces on display are original Peck family antiques. Proceeds from tours, shop sales, and special events such as weddings and luncheons support the ongoing preservation of the house.

Potter’s Wax Museum, the first wax museum in the United States, is a fun and slightly quirky addition to your list of Things to do in St. Augustine. Founded by George Potter in 1948, the collection began with figures crafted in London and is now displayed in the historic Old Drugstore building, which dates to the late nineteenth century. Visitors can walk among more than 160 life-size wax figures depicting a mix of real and fictional characters.

The lineup includes historical leaders, political figures, entertainers, scientists, athletes, and famous movie characters. You might find yourself standing face to face with the Founding Fathers, Civil War generals, astronauts, Winston Churchill, King Henry the Eighth and his wives, beloved actors, or icons from science fiction. Each figure features realistic details such as individually applied human hair and expressive eyes that seem to follow you as you explore, making this one of the more unique things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.

The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum combines authentic artifacts with immersive storytelling and is perfect for families and anyone fascinated by the Golden Age of piracy. The museum’s more than 800 artifacts are woven into an interactive experience that takes guests above and below deck, as they learn about pirate legends, surprising historical facts, and life at sea. Audio animatronics, sound effects, and hands-on exhibits bring Captain Kidd’s last voyage and other tales to life.

A scenic courtyard and deck overlook the Matanzas River and Castillo de San Marcos, and the Treasure Shoppe offers books, jewelry, clothing, toys, and pirate-themed gifts. This engaging attraction is often at the top of lists for Things to do in St. Augustine with kids and makes a fun stop on a broader tour of downtown St. Augustine.

Facing the Plaza de la Constitución on its western side, the Government House has anchored civic life in St. Augustine for centuries. Built in the early 1800s, it originally housed the Spanish governor and served as the administrative center for the Florida colony. Over time, the building has been adapted for many uses, including a courthouse, customs house, post office, and offices for the United States Department of Agriculture.

Today, the Government House functions as a museum and gallery where visitors can learn about its storied past and central location. A permanent exhibition on Spanish colonial history, often titled First Colony or a similar theme, examines the city’s origins and multicultural heritage. The St. Augustine Garrison regularly performs a Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the building on the last Saturday of the month, weather permitting. The event includes a short presentation about eighteenth-century life, followed by a march back to Taberna Del Caballo on St. George Street, with the public invited to walk along and ask questions. The property is owned by the State of Florida and managed by the University of Florida.

The Ximenez Fatio House Museum, built around 1798, offers another intimate window into St. Augustine’s past. Andres Ximenez, originally from Ronda, Spain, settled in St. Augustine before 1790 and married Juana, a young woman from a local Minorcan family. After operating a store in a wooden house at the corner of present-day Aviles and Cadiz Streets, he purchased the corner lot across the street and built a coquina-block house with two warehouses and a separate kitchen building. His general store occupied the ground floor, while his family lived upstairs in a traditional Spanish-style house.

Today, the property is restored and furnished to represent a fashionable boarding house during Florida’s Territorial Period in the mid-1800s. Guided tours, usually offered Tuesday through Saturday on the hour, lead visitors through rooms that once hosted travelers from across the world. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is located on charming Aviles Street, often described as one of the most atmospheric corners of downtown St. Augustine.

Housed in historic Castle Warden, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium brings together hundreds of strange, surprising, and just plain fun exhibits that appeal to both kids and adults who enjoy quirky St. Augustine attractions. Castle Warden itself was built in 1887 as the winter residence of William G. Warden, a business associate of Henry Flagler and John D. Rockefeller, and it showcases an eye-catching Moorish Revival architectural style. It later became the first permanent Ripley’s museum in the United States.

Inside, you will find nineteen themed galleries on three floors filled with more than three hundred items, from shrunken heads and intricate matchstick models to the largest working Ferris wheel made out of an Erector Set. A gift shop, Red Train tour headquarters, and evening Ghost Train tours round out the experience, making this one of the more unusual Things to do in St. Augustine during your stay.

On the first Friday evening of each month, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine host the First Friday Art Walk, one of the most popular recurring St. Augustine events and a favorite of locals and visitors. From early evening into the night, galleries across the city open their doors for new exhibitions, artist receptions, and a relaxed night out. Many provide complimentary refreshments and live music.

Dozens of galleries are within easy walking distance of each other, and some are just a short drive away, so it is simple to design your own route. During most of the year, free trains and trolleys run continuously through downtown to help guests move between stops. You will see a wide range of work, including paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, art glass, woodwork, jewelry, fiber art, mosaics, and folk art. Many artists are present to discuss their pieces, making the First Friday Art Walk a fun and social way to experience the creative side of St. Augustine.

The St. Augustine Art Association, often referred to as the city’s arts center, has promoted excellence in visual arts since the 1920s and remains a cultural hub for the community. Its gallery hosts monthly juried shows that feature works by emerging and established artists from the region and beyond. In addition to exhibitions, the association offers workshops, lectures, children’s programs, concerts, and special arts events.

A permanent collection and an online archive focused on the St. Augustine Lost Art Colony highlight the city’s long relationship with painters and sculptors who were drawn to its light and architecture. Each Thanksgiving weekend, the association presents an annual Art and Craft Festival at Francis Field, a beloved local event for more than fifty years and a highlight on the calendar of St. Augustine events.

Flagler College is a small private residential college with approximately 2,500 students and a campus that doubles as one of the most striking St. Augustine attractions. Founded in 1968 as a tribute to Henry M Flagler, the influential industrialist, oil magnate, railroad pioneer, and cofounder of Standard Oil, the college offers strong programs in selected liberal arts, business, and pre-professional fields.

The centerpiece of the campus is the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a National Historic Landmark and the first of Flagler’s grand resort hotels in Florida. Its Spanish-inspired architecture combines a variety of European influences, with ornate hand-carved woodwork, imported marble, ceiling murals, and exquisite Tiffany-stained-glass windows. Surrounding grounds include additional historic buildings, a library, student center, auditorium, gymnasium, art museum, laboratory space, radio station, and residence halls.

Located in the heart of the nation’s oldest city, the college benefits from the mild coastal climate, proximity to the beach, and easy access to historic landmarks and downtown St. Augustine. Public tours of the historic hotel and campus are offered seasonally, and the school hosts lectures, art exhibits, theater productions, and community events that give visitors another reason to explore this unique blend of education and history.

A short drive from St. Augustine, the Florida Agricultural Museum introduces visitors to the state’s rural heritage and makes a worthwhile addition to a broader list of Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida. The museum features restored farm buildings, an eighteen nineties pioneer homestead, and a collection of heritage livestock breeds. Guided wagon rides and walking tours explain how early farmers lived and worked, while exhibits highlight wildflowers, crops, and tools from generations past.

Guests can visit a recreated dry goods store, meet farm animals, and enjoy picnic tables near the barn. The museum also offers guided horseback rides through fields, woods, and around a lake, as well as riding lessons and summer camps. It is a relaxed, hands-on way to experience a very different side of Florida.

The Lightner Museum is frequently listed among the best St. Augustine attractions and is an easy favorite for culture lovers wondering what to do in St. Augustine on a given afternoon. Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the museum holds one of the country’s finest collections of nineteenth-century fine and decorative arts. Otto C Lightner opened the museum in 1948 after acquiring remarkable “Gilded Age” collections that once belonged to wealthy American families, many of whom sold their lifelong treasures during the Depression.

Today, you can wander four floors of the Lightner Museum, filled with everything from cigar labels and shell art to Tiffany glass, early typewriters, porcelain, sculpture, furniture, and important paintings, all beautifully displayed within the grand architecture of the historic hotel.

The building itself is part of the joy of visiting the Lightner Museum. In the late 1800s, affluent winter guests enjoyed the Alcazar’s ballroom, lounging rooms, sulfur baths, gymnasium, bowling alley, and one of the largest indoor swimming pools in the world, which now serves as a dramatic gathering area for a cafe and shops. The interior courtyard still feels like a lush urban oasis with semi-tropical plantings and soothing fountains. Although the hotel closed in 1932, Otto Lightner purchased and preserved the property, and restoration has continued over time. Today, visitors can tour galleries, attend special exhibits and events, and get a vivid sense of Gilded Age luxury right in downtown St. Augustine.

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Perfect location in Old Town St. Augustine.

Easy stroll to everything. Top quality B and B with everything one expects. Wonderful historic building, small number of rooms, quiet, on-site parking, happy hour drinks and snacks, a real breakfast, dessert each eve, passes to attractions, bicycles, inn keeper always there to help.

- TripAdvisor Guest

This is where to sty in St. Augustine