Living It Up All Day in America’s Oldest City
From the sandy, sun-kissed shores to every historic brick in downtown, spend one day in St. Augustine and you’ll see why people have been drawn to this city for over 450 years.
With fantastic food and spectacular sights, any time spent in St. Augustine is a treasure.
Not sure where to start?
No problem.
We’ve taken the liberty of building your perfect day in America’s Oldest City, from breakfast by the beach to ghost tours at night with enough history, fun, and festivities for everyone in between.
Before we begin, we fully admit that there are so many incredible experiences to explore in St. Augustine that this list barely scratches the surface. Let us know if we missed any of your favorite spots!
Greet the Sun in St. Augustine Beach
If you want to make the most out of a day in St. Augustine, you’ll need to get started early. With breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, there are few places quite as special at sunrise as St. Augustine Beach. Make sure to set an alarm for morning yoga or just to feel your toes in the sand before the crowds arrive. We get it, we get it, sometimes you just want to hit the snooze button, but trust us, it’s worth it. In fact, you just might see us catching waves out in the break or taking a quiet walk with our golden retriever, Louie!
Grab a cup of java from The Kookaburra Beachside, a local favorite , to fuel up for the rest of your jam-packed day. Time your visit for a Wednesday and stop by the weekly Farmers Market at St. Augustine Pier Park.
Lunch and Learning in Lincolnville
Hop in the car for a quick drive and work your way over to Lincolnville. This historic neighborhood was founded in 1866 by freedmen and has been a pillar of St. Augustine ever since. You’ll find bustling local businesses along these streets, perhaps none busier than the Blue Hen Café, a delicious diner . Now, the Blue Hen doesn’t take reservations, so put your name down for a table and take a stroll over the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center while you wait.
After lunch, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’d like to keep the education train rolling, take the short walk to the Lightner Museum, on the edge of Lincolnville and downtown. The eclectic collection of Otto Lightner is housed in a Gilded Age masterpiece designed by Carrère and Hastings. If your inner gourmand is calling, head in the direction of Dog Rose Brewing Co., a local brewer . You’ll find food trucks idling in the parking lot and local bands rocking out in the taproom.
Chill Out in Vilano Beach
Now it’s time to head to one of the most beautiful spots in the entire city: Vilano Beach. Everyone has their favorite spot on the beach, but it’s hard to deny the views from Vilano Point. This beach provides a unique vantage point of downtown St. Augustine, the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Salt Run, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
When you’ve caught enough rays, pack up your gear and head over to Pesca Vilano, the newest offering from chef Michael Lugo. Pull up a barstool and soak in the panoramas of Vilano and St. Augustine while noshing on Caribbean inspired flavors.
Award-Winning Food and Music in Davis Shores
You’ve been eating a lot, but make sure to save room for dinner, because Llama Restaurant is a culinary experience you will never forget. Chef Marcel Vizcarra brings the food from his native Peru to St. Augustine in inventive (and always tasty) ways. Tables book up fast at this award-winning restaurant, but you can try to snag a day of reservation if there are any last-minute cancellations by calling after they open.
Ringo Starr. Kacey Musgraves. The Beach Boys. Billy Strings. These are just a handful of the artists that have performed at The Amp , one of the greatest outdoor music venues in the state–nay, the country–nay, the world. Turn up and sing along to global icons and stars of tomorrow at this uniquely St. Augustine affair.
Downtown After Dark
After night falls, you’ll want to head back downtown to put a perfect bow on your perfect day in St. Augustine. Order a scoop of Queen Salted Caramel or Cloud 9 from Mayday Ice Cream and stroll the cobblestone streets.
Those feeling extra brave might want to sign up for a chilling ghost tour through St. Augustine’s haunted hotels and graveyards. Hey, after all the fun you’ve had in the Ancient City, it’s not hard to understand why these spirits have wanted to stick around long into the afterlife!
