Best Things to Do on St. George Street in St. Augustine
St. George Street is the premier street in the nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine. Pedestrians can stroll down this historic street that’s chock full of shops, restaurants, attractions and early homes that reflect the rich heritage and culture of the city. A major destination for first-time visitors, I want to take you down this street, show you some of my favorite stops as well as a couple of hidden gems many folks miss or ignore.
10 Best Day Trips from St. Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida, is a charming city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. But if you want to explore more of the surrounding area, you’ll find plenty of options for day trips that will satisfy your wanderlust. Whether you’re looking for nature, history, or fun, this list covers 10 of the best day trips from St. Augustine.
Mortality and Mourning: A Century of Death
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is one of the best-preserved and most authentic Second Spanish Period residential buildings in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. Constructed in 1798 by Spanish merchant Don Andres Ximenez, it later became a boarding house run by several enterprising women. The house museum is filled with fascinating artifacts and stories from different eras of the town’s history.
But what you're about to experience in this video is not your ordinary museum tour. These are highlights from Mortality and Mourning: A Century of Death. It's a specialty tour that explores the death and spiritualism practices of different cultures that lived in St. Augustine from the Second Spanish Colonial Era through the Victorian Era. This spooky but family-friendly tour shows how the residents of this house dealt with illnesses, home remedies, last rites, and mourning rituals. It’s a chance to learn and maybe get a little spooked.
Tour & Review of St. Augustine’s Oldest House Museum
The Oldest House Museum Complex at 14 St. Francis Street in St. Augustine offers a glimpse into the city’s storied past. On the property are several buildings and exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of St. Augustine from the colonial era to the present day. On this episode, I take you on a tour of the Oldest House Museum Complex, providing helpful tips and information along the way to help you decide if it's worth a visit when you're in the Nation's Oldest City.
What You Need to Know
Admission
Family (2 adults & 2 children under 18): $25.95
Adults: $12.95
Children (4 and up): $4.95
Seniors (55 and over): $9.95
Military (with ID): $9.95
Students (with ID): $4.00
St. Johns County Residents (with ID): Half off regular price
Hours
The Oldest House is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tours run every half hour. Reservations for tours are not required.
Location
The Oldest House Museum Complex is located across from the National Guard at 14 St. Francis Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084
10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in St. Augustine
Are you planning a trip to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States? If so, you might be wondering where to stay in this historic and charming destination. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly vacation, or a solo adventure, St. Augustine has something for everyone. On today’s episode, I’m sharing with you some of the 10 best hotels and places to stay in St. Augustine, based on my personal experience and research. These are not sponsored recommendations, but honest opinions from a fellow traveler.
10 Free Things to Do in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is one of those cities you can visit dozens of times and still not see everything. From historic landmarks and tourist attractions to national religious shrines and some of the most exquisite architecture you’ll find in the state.
The nation’s oldest city literally has something for everyone and for every budget. While many of the most popular things to do in town require money, there are a number of great options that are free or operate through generous donations.
On this episode, we’re taking you around town, sharing with you 10 free things to do in St. Augustine.
What’s New in St. Augustine in 2023
St. Augustine is one of our favorite cities anywhere. We make lots of videos on this channel about its history and we love giving you insider tips since it seems like we’re always in town.
The nation’s oldest city is a hot-bed for new business. Mom and pops, small chains, large chains - business owners love to have a presence in St. Augustine. And for good reason. Several million people visit here every year.
If it’s been a while since you’ve paid a visit, you’re planning a trip and wonder if anything has changed since the last time you here, this is the video you have to see. On this episode, we’re taking you around St. Augustine and the beaches to show you what’s new in 2023. Everything from new restaurants and lodging options to a mini museum and a couple of new donut places.
10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine
It is the oldest structure in the nation’s oldest city. Completed in 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos was authorized by the Queen Regent of Spain a century after the founding of St.Augustine. It followed a brutal attack on the city by English pirates that left 60 people dead and the kidnapping of many more residents for ransom.
The masonry star fort overlooking the Matanzas River is made of a stone called coquina (Spanish for “small shells”). Coquina is a type of limestone native to coastal regions around the world. Quarried from nearby Anastasia Island, the stone comprises tiny seashells that have been compressed over thousands of years.
At the time of completion, the fort featured coquina walls up to 19-feet thick in places and 33 feet high, surrounded by a moat and protected by dozens of cannons mounted at the bastions.
After being decommissioned, the fort was declared a national monument.
Today, this well-preserved piece of history is one of the most popular things to do when visiting St. Augustine. On this episode, I give you some tips if it’s your first time exploring this landmark and run down what you should know before visiting the Castillo de San Marcos.
12 Tips for Visiting St. Augustine Nights of Lights 2022
One of the most popular holiday light displays in America is back for its 29th season. Award-winning St. Augustine Nights of Lights draws visitors from all over the globe who descend on the nation’s oldest city during a more than two month period.
This season’s display runs November 19 through January 31st, 2023, more than ample time for you to make arrangements to see it in-person for yourself. Whether your first time visiting the celebration or a longtime favorite family tradition, we've prepared this guide to help you navigate the popular holiday event.
In this video, we run down 12 tips for visiting St. Augustine during Nights of Lights.
Parking Information
Free Nights of Lights Park & Ride Shuttle
DATES
Saturday, November 19, Light Up! Night
Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
The first 3 Saturdays in December (December 3, December 10, December 17)
Monday, December 26 through Friday, December 30. Shuttle service will not be provided on Saturday, December 31.
TIME: 1-11 p.m.
WHERE TO PARK:
St. Johns County Health Department (all November dates and only Saturdays in December), 200 San Sebastian View
Broudy’s Lot (corner of US 1 and W. King), 198 & 212 W. King St.
DROP-OFF/PICK-UP: Visitor Information Center, 10 S. Castillo Dr.
Light-Up! Night Special Shuttle on Anastasia Island
Only on Saturday, November 19, for Light-Up! Night, free park and ride shuttle services will be expanded to include roundtrip service along Anastasia Blvd., from 4-11 p.m., picking up passengers at the following location:
Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South
Passengers will be dropped off and picked up near the east end of the Bridge of Lions, at the corner of Gerado St. and Flagler Blvd. in North Davis Shores.
Shuttle service on Anastasia Island on Light-Up! Night is provided by Historic Tours of America and Ripley's Red Train Tours.
Lighthouse Illuminations
For a limited time, come see Lighthouse Illuminations at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum!
Discover 21 uniquely themed trees and enjoy seasonally decorated grounds at this special after-hours event. Escape the crowds this winter season and experience Nights of Lights from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse!
Dates: November 23rd, 2022 - January 14th, 2023. Tickets are available on select evenings. Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for more information.
Nights of Pints
2022 Nights of Pints kicks off November 18th! You will be able to purchase your $35 shirt and punch card good for one free pint at each of the three participating breweries, Dog Rose Brewing Co., Ancient City Brewing, and Bootlegger Beach Brewing at Jacksstaug. This year there will be limited quantities.
Venardos Circus
The 300-seat red and white big top goes up again this year at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre where the Venardos Circus will perform 30 shows during a three-week span. This show, which does not have performing animals, is a nod to the traditional circus experience while at the same time mixing things up for a whole new generation. We highly recommend this one.
Villa Zorayda Museum’s 13th Annual “Candlelight Tour”
Tours begin at 5:30pm and 7:15pm on select evenings during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. A limited number of guests will be allowed for each tour. Pre-purchase of tickets recommended.
Enjoy the audio guided tour of the museum and learn about the building’s impressive 139 years of history and its beautiful art and antique collection. At the appropriate time, guests will begin taking their places around the upper and lower balconies of the museum in preparation for the big event. Delight in the beauty of Christmas as the museum goes dark and the dramatic lighting of the Christmas tree begins with each floor in the museum gradually coming back to light. .
Please note: This tour involves standing and walking for the duration of the tour (60 minutes). Due to the historic architecture of the building, there is no elevator inside.
Tickets
Candlelight Tour Adult admission is $22.99. Children ages 6-12 are $12.99. All prices subject to 6.5% sales tax. This tour is not recommended for children 5 and under. For more information, visit the Villa Zorayda Museum website.
10 Things You Must Do in St. Augustine, Florida
If you’re a history buff, St. Augustine is the one city you have to put on your Sunshine State bucket list.
Established by the Spanish in 1565, this town less than an hour drive south of Jacksonville is the nation’s first enduring settlement. It predates Jamestown in Virginia by more than 40 years.
Flash forward to the 21st century and it’s estimated some 2-million people from all over the world visit St. Augustine every year. They come here for the history, the diverse shopping, the quality food options and the natural beauty of the bay and the beaches.
There’s so much to experience here, you might need a little help sorting it all out, knowing where to start, especially if its your first time. We’ve put together this list to make it simple for you.
10 Ways to Beat the Heat in St. Augustine
During warmer months, temperatures in St. Augustine, like the rest of Florida, can easily climb above 90-degrees.
In the summer, visitors from all over the world flock to St. Augustine to experience the city’s rich history.
Even on the hottest days, the city’s time-worn streets can be packed with sightseers. While the intense heat might slow you down a little, it doesn’t have to ruin your vacation. There are plenty good options of things to do here in St. Augustine when the mercury rises.
From activities on the water to indoor places where you can soak up the cool AC and of course everyone’s favorite, some tasty frozen treats.
This episode details 10 Ways to Beat the Heat in St. Augustine.
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Dolphin, Birding and Nature Tour
This tour provides personalized interpretive tours for small groups of 2 to 14 guests. This ensures a dynamic trip as the guide can cater the experience to the interests of the group.
All guides are interpretive naturalists and USCG licensed Captains who will explain the elements of the estuary. Our most popular one and a half hour trip explores the rivers and creeks surrounding St. Augustine and combines dolphin and bird watching with marine ecology, historic sights, and an amazing boat ride.
This trip is guaranteed to excite and educate guests of all ages–our youngest passenger to date was six months old and our most experienced celebrated her 90 birthday on a sunset trip. Our goal is to provide intimate experiences for everyone who wants to get out on the water.
1.5 hour Dolphin & Nature Eco Tour CALL 904-377-7245 and get on the water today!
$45 / Adult
$35 / Kids ages 3-12
$25 / Infants 2 years and youngerCruisin Tiki
Come along with us for an hour and a half (1.5 hours) adventure around Historic Matanzas Bay. See the Castillo, Downtown, The Bridge of Lions and the Lighthouse - all from the water!$50/person 6 max.
Info@cruisintikisstaugustine.com
(904) 980-TIKI (8454)1-877-578-5050
St. Augustine Parasail is the highest rated parasail provider in the St. Augustine area.
(904) 547-9608
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Lightner Museum admission tickets are for general admission any day of the year that the museum is open.
Valid the entire day of your visit.
Adult - $17.00
Senior(65+) - $14.00
College Student - $14.00
Youth (12-17) - $10.00
Child (11 and under) - $0.00
Military - $14.00 -
Tours depart daily from the main lobby (Rotunda) of Flagler College located at 74 King Street.
Guests begin their tour by exploring the courtyard while learning of the hotel's Spanish Renaissance architecture and of the techniques and innovations used to construct Henry Flagler's vision. Next is the grand lobby where they will stare up into a 68-foot domed ceiling supported by eight ornate oak caryatids hand carved with robed women, each slightly different from the next.Guests move on to the dining room where 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany Stained Glass windows stream light onto the beautiful hand-painted murals on the walls and ceiling.
Finally, the Flagler Room, formerly the Women's Grand Parlor, where they will gaze upon handcrafted Austrian crystal chandeliers, a clock containing the largest piece of intact white onyx in the western hemisphere, original hotel furniture and art, as well as personal photos and mementos from Henry Flagler and his family.
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FREE TOURS & TASTINGS - 7 DAYS A WEEK
SELF-GUIDED TOURS AVAILABLE 10:30 AM TO 5:30 PM
No reservation required for tours -
Official info available here
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Ticket info available here
St. Augustine Spring 2022 Special Events Guide
As the nation’s Oldest City, there’s always something to celebrate in St. Augustine, Florida. Festivals and other special events are bigger and better than ever in 2022. It seems like, especially this spring, there’s something to keep you engaged and entertained going on every weekend.
Links to Events Featured in Video Guide
St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
3K Raptor Run at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival
Easter Sunday Promenade - no website available
What You Need to Know About St. Augustine Nights of Lights 2021
No other town in Florida does the holidays bigger than St. Augustine. For two months between November 20th and January 31st, the historic city dazzles visitors from all over the world with more than 3-million lights.
This marks the 28th installment of the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine. The award-winning display has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world.
Parking
Historic Downtown Parking Facility - Garage
1 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Adjacent to Official St. Augustine Visitor Information Center
1,200 spaces
$15 per vehicle, per entry
Free Holiday Park & Ride Shuttle
Only available peak dates
Friday & Saturday Thanksgiving Weekend
Every Saturday in December, except Christmas Day, including the five days following Christmas, December 26 through December 30.
Shuttle service not in operation New Year’s Eve.
Shuttle Parking Lots
St. Johns County Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View
The San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Ave
Broudy’s Lot (corner of US 1 and W. King), 198 & 212 W. King St.
Guided Tours
Other Holiday Events & Tours
Facts You Didn’t Know About the Father of Modern Florida
Henry Morrison Flagler is a Florida icon. More than anyone else, the oil and railroad tycoon is single-handedly responsible for the development of the great state we all know and love today. And while you probably see his name everywhere you travel in Florida, you might not be so familiar with his bio. Here’s a list of 11 interesting things you might not know about the father of Florida, Henry Flagler.
Flagler decided to leave the family farm in western New York at the age of 14 and go work with his half-brother, Daniel Harkness, in Ohio. He worked on a small boat to pay his way. During the rough three-day trip across Lake Erie to Sandusky, Flagler became very seasick and couldn’t wait to reach dry land.
Flagler experienced a horrible business failure during the Civil War years. He had started a salt mining business in Michigan with his brother-in-law in 1862. But the company collapsed when the ongoing conflict undercut demand for salt. Flagler ended up losing more than $100,000.
Flagler got to know John D. Rockefeller while working in the grain business. At the time, Rockefeller was a commission merchant in Cleveland who handled most of his company’s shipments. The friendship would greatly benefit Flagler a few years later when he moved to Cleveland.
Flagler became a partner in Rockefeller’s petroleum business in 1867. A couple years later, the two decided to incorporate their holdings in the Standard Oil Company. Rockefeller always credited Flagler with coming up with the idea of incorporation.
Flagler initially traveled to the Jacksonville area with his ailing first wife in the winter of 1878. Doctors had recommended the couple spend time in Florida because of its warm climate. On a second trip to the state, Flagler visited St. Augustine and was charmed by the city, but frustrated by the lack of amenities like hotels and transportation. Seeing Florida’s potential to attract tourists, Flagler decided to pour his oil fortune into the state’s development.
Flagler’s first major project in Florida was construction of the 540-room Hotel Ponce de Leon. Realizing the need for transportation to his new showplace, he started buying up existing railroads. This was the beginning of Flagler’s railroad and hotel empire.
Hotel Ponce de Leon, St. Augustine
Flagler purchased the existing Hotel Ormond north of Daytona Beach and enlarged the property to accommodate 600 guests. It became known as one of the best-known hotels in the world and a playground for the rich and famous, including John D. Rockefeller. Hotel Ormond was razed in 1992. The only thing that remains is a rooftop cupola, which is now the centerpiece of a park overlooking the Halifax River.
Flagler’s southern expansion included two opulent hotels in Palm Beach, the Hotel Royal Poinciana and The Breakers. In 1897, Flagler opened his only hotel in Miami. The Royal Palm was a six-story rambling wood structure painted “Flagler Yellow,” and for many years, was the only reason for Miami’s existence. It was eventually deemed a fire hazard and demolished in 1930.
Flagler was responsible for building streets and instituting the first water and power systems in what is today Miami. He also financed the town’s first newspaper, the Metropolis. When the town incorporated in 1896, residents wanted to name the city after Flagler, but he persuaded them to use an old Indian name, Miama, for the settlement instead.
Flagler embarked on extending his railroad to Key West, Florida’s most populous city in the early 1900s. Known at the time as “Flagler’s Folly,” the Overseas Railroad encountered numerous construction delays including three hurricanes. The line eventually opened in 1912 and would later become the foundation for the Overseas Highway to Key West.
Whitehall, Palm Beach
Flagler built a 55-room mansion in Palm Beach that he dubbed Whitehall in 1901. He and his third wife used the Beaux Arts style showplace as their winter home and it rivaled the extravagant mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1913, Flagler fell down a flight of marble stairs at Whitehall and never recovered from his injuries. He died on May 20th at the age of 83. He’s buried at the church he built in St. Augustine, Memorial Presbyterian.
