Explore St. Augustine, America’s Oldest City
April 27, 2022
Whether you’re seeking sun, sand, and surf, a romantic rendezvous, the nostalgia of ancient history, or a getaway with shopping, world-class food, live music, and an abundance of activities – St. Augustine, Florida ticks all the boxes as an all-round and year-round vacation destination for all types of travelers.
Founded by Spaniards in 1565, the ancient city of St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continually occupied city in the US with a rich multicultural heritage, old-world charm, and an abundance of centuries-old historical landmarks for visitors to step back in time to the beginning of American history.
Boasting 42 miles of uncrowded Atlantic beaches, tranquil waterways (including the San Sebastian, Matanzas, and Tolomato rivers), and year-round sunshine, the coastal Florida town of St. Augustine is also a waterfront paradise that tops the charts for a nature and beach getaway!
Where to Play in St. Augustine
Beach Adventures & Activities
Ocean and beach lovers have 42 miles of beaches along the Atlantic shoreline to sunbathe, swim, play, and soak up the warm Florida sun. Our favorite St. Augustine beaches are on Anastasia Island with 2 miles of wide, white-sand beaches on St. Augustine Beach up to St. Johns County Ocean Pier with a beachfront park for picnics, volleyball courts, a kid-friendly splash pad and fishing, farmers markets, and music concerts on the Pier.
Anastasia State Park lies to the north with over 1,600 acres of untouched white sand beaches, nature trails through the marshes and dunes, and eco-experiences for wildlife viewing, birdwatching and escaping into nature.
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US but it’s far from sleepy! If your vacation itinerary includes overindulging in shopping, wining, dining and dancing, St. Augustine will not disappoint. Take a stroll through the narrow lanes and alleys of the historic old city and along A1A Beach Boulevard with boutiques, art galleries, world-class eateries (and fun food trucks!), gastropubs, wineries, and live music spilling onto the streets.
There’s no better way to end a day of beach adventures than fresh seafood, sundowners, and a vibrant Florida sunset over the Intracoastal Waterway.
St. Augustine Trolley Tours
St. Augustine is a small city that is pedestrian-friendly and extremely walkable! While wandering the historic streets opens up new experiences, the best way to discover the history, heritage, and charm of St. Augustine is on a hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour, voted the best-guided tour in St. Augustine!
The St. Augustine Trolley Tour covers 22 stops around the city including the top historic attractions, local distilleries and wineries, and St. Augustine’s fascinating and frightening haunted attractions.
Florida is the top state in the US for a golf vacation, so pack your clubs and bring your A-game for a golf getaway in the Sunshine State. Our favorite St. Augustine golf course is located only minutes from St. Augustine’s historic district – the 18-hole Royal St. Augustine Golf Course is one of the more challenging golf courses in St. Augustine with well-maintained fairways, exotic wetlands, large lakes, and four different tee positions for players of all levels and abilities.
The charming and casual clubhouse features a practice facility, a fully stocked pro shop for all your gear, and a full-service bar and lounge to reward yourself after a round of challenging play at Royal St. Augustine.
Meet Florida’s Famous Reptiles
The famous St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is Florida’s oldest gator attraction and one of the oldest tourist attractions in the state. Founded in 1893, the Alligator Farm is home to exotic birds and mammals, snakes, sloths, and rare albino alligators – and is the only place in the world with all 24 crocodile species (including Maximo the resident 1,250-pound saltwater croc!).
Browse the adventurous exhibits or up your wild adventures with an interactive wildlife show, up-close animal encounter, behind the scenes tour, or thrilling aerial adventure ziplining through the treetops over Crocodile Crossing.
Eco-Experiences in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is bound by the San Sebastian, Matanzas, and Tolomato rivers and the vast Atlantic Ocean offering visitors endless opportunities for unique eco experiences, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and photo opportunities of Florida’s natural landscapes. St. Augustine Eco Tours offers guided eco-tours for every outdoor adventure – from boat excursions and salt marsh kayak tours on the inland waterways to dolphin experiences on a luxury catamaran cruise.
Play with Pirates
If you’re traveling to St. Augustine with kids (or fascinated by pirate relics!) the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a must-do on your St. Augustine vacation itinerary. This exciting and educational museum features high-tech interactive displays, a replica pirate ship, and the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts dating back to the 1600s.
The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is home to over 800 rare pirate artifacts including the world’s oldest “Wanted” poster, the world’s only verified pirate treasure chest, and one of two surviving 17th century skull and crossbones pirate flags.
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
The Collector Luxury Inn
The Collector Luxury Inn is rated one of the “10 Best New Hotels in America” by USA Today. Nestled on the edge of St. Augustine’s historic old town, this art-filled inn features nine historic buildings beautifully restored with original fireplaces, stained glass windows, a brick courtyard with cozy fire pits and gardens, a heated outdoor pool, and a restored amphitheater with live music. A vacation at The Collector Luxury Inn promises a unique guest experience immersed in the rich heritage of St. Augustine, FL.
St. Augustine Ocean and Racquet Resort
Stay oceanfront on Anastasia Island at St Augustine Ocean and Racquet Resort, a condo complex in St. Augustine Beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The resort offers the finest in island living with luxury resort amenities including outdoor pools and hot tubs, sports courts, fishing ponds, outdoor grill areas, and private walkovers to miles of sandy Atlantic beaches. A prime location for a family-friendly vacation in St. Augustine.
Private St. Augustine Vacation Rentals
If your dream vacation includes visions of a private, home away from home for a true beach escape – Xplorie partners with iTrip St. Augustine and CondoRental.com to offer guests a private and pet-friendly place to stay in St. Augustine, FL. From vintage cottages close to the downtown attractions to classic surf homes steps to the beach and sunrise penthouses in laid-back Vilano Beach – you’ll find the perfect St. Augustine escape with Xplorie.
Wherever you choose to stay & play in St. Augustine, our Xplorie vacation packages include complimentary tours, attraction admissions, and free fun for each day of your stay in St. Augustine, Florida!
