Nicknamed the Ancient City and considered to be America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida is naturally filled with a historical undercurrent. Here there are many sites rife with history.
Though there is no way to catch them all in one outing, you can’t leave without checking out the Old Jail or the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The list is long, but let’s unpack 5 Exciting Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.
#1 St. George Street
St. George Street is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare that cuts through St. Augustine. As such, it is lined with great restaurants and eclectic shops and attractions. If you start at the Old City Gate you can stroll down St. George Street all the way down to Plaza de la Constitucion.
And, though the pedestrian-only part of the street ends there, it’s worth it to continue south a bit to the Lincolnville Historic District. Like many other places in St. Augustine, St. George Street has enough to keep you and the family entertained all day long.
#2 St. Augustine Distillery
St. Augustine Distillery is situated on Riberia St, in a fully restored circa-1907 icehouse. If you’ve got a taste for whiskey, then you’re going to get a kick out of this place. Founded in 2013 by several local families St. Augustine Distillery is making whiskey on-site every single day.
If you don’t like whiskey though, never fear. They also produce gin, bourbon, vodka, rum, and more. Also, the cost of tasting is surprisingly free and you’re able to tour the facility on your own and not bogged down by a tour.
#3 The Colonial Quarter
Also on St. George Street, The Colonial Quarter is another of Downtown St. Augustine’s historic gems. As you stroll through the Quarter, you’ll catch glimpses into the lives of 16th, 17th, and 18th-century residents.
The historic district is split up into four separate areas that each address a different moment in time. There is the 17th Century Spanish Fortified Town, 16th Century Spanish First City.
Also in the Quarter are the 18th Century Spanish Garrison Town, and the 18th Century British 14th Colony. You’ll witness, in each section, activities like a ship being constructed, musket drills, and cannon firing demonstrations to name a few.
#4 St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Located on Red Cox Drive, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a fully operational lighthouse. Further, the lighthouse that stands now, built between 1871 and 1874, sits at the northern end of Anastasia Island.
Visitors say that the best part of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is climbing the stairs to the top of the lighthouse. So, bring a camera because you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views of Salt Run Lagoon and St. Augustine.
#5 St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Located on Anastasia Blvd, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is one of the Sunshine State’s oldest running attractions. They opened their doors on May 20, 1893. The park makes a home for alligators, snakes, lemurs, sloths, and several types of birds.
The Alligator farm is reportedly known as the only facility on the planet to house all 24 existing crocodile species. You can check out the place on your own or take in some interactive wildlife shows and animal feedings.
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