The country’s oldest city is full of exciting activities for the whole family. From the white sandy beaches of Anastasia Island to the charming, historic downtown— there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Here are the top 5 don’t-miss-’em things to do.
Old Town Trolley Tour
Ding ding ding! Listen for the charming clang of the trolley car bells as you stroll through the city. If it’s your first visit to St. Augustine— or your 15th!— the Old Town Trolley Tour is the perfect place to start. It’s an informative and fun sightseeing tour that doubles as public transportation— dropping you off at all the hot spots and attractions, then picking you back up and re-starting the tour where you left off.
The trolley makes stops at 22 different locations throughout St. Augustine and your tickets are good for three days of riding. Throughout the 70-minute ride, you’ll learn fascinating facts about seemingly mundane places that you may have missed by simply strolling along.
Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
This “farm” will top your kid’s list of fun things you did in St. Augustine. The Alligator Farm opened in 1893 and is one of the country’s oldest continuously running attractions! You’ll have an awesome close- up view of the alligators and crocodiles— really allowing you to see the huge differences in the two. You can even feed them! There’ also sloths and peacocks and lemurs— oh my! If you want to create a memory that your children will talk about for years— visit the Alligator Farm.
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
This one is a must for anyone’s St. Augustine itinerary. Named after St. Augustine’s most famous former resident, the park covers over 15 acres. Take a peek inside a 16th-century Spanish settlement and a historic village replica. Climb the watchtower and view live daily canon shootings. There’s even a planetarium!
St. Augustine Lighthouse
This iconic, striped structure is a must-see when visiting St. Augustine. You’ll recognize it instantly when you see it— from the hundreds of photos and paintings that capture its famous facade. Climb up the black spiral staircase and ooh and ahh at the panoramic view of the city and the sea beyond. Guided tours run every hour from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Better yet, take their Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour that allows you to explore the tower at night. There’s also a romantic Sunset Tour that includes appetizers and champagne.
St. Augustine Distillery
This unique distillery is located in an old ice factory. They offer free tours that showcase how they cook and distill the small batches of gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey. Upstairs is the Ice Plant, that offers cocktails and delicious dining. Sip on some Brown Sugar Bacon Bourbon or Tangerine Rosemary Gin Fizz. Leave the kiddos at home for this one!
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