12 Most Fun Things to Do in St. Augustine According to Locals

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum was constructed in 1565 as a watchtower built by the settling founder, Pedro Menéndez. Since that time, the lighthouse has been rebuilt and additions have been made. Today it is a stunning black-and-white spiral structure with a red top that towers 165 feet above the ground. Over 200 steps lead visitors to a tip-top observation deck that affords fantastic views of the area. Maritime exhibits tell the story of the lighthouse’s history both in the lighthouse and the keeper’s house. Recommended by Audra Clemons

Located near historic downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is an oasis of natural beauty and home to miles of unspoiled beaches, wildlife, campgrounds and picnic grounds. For those who’ve always wanted to try paddle boarding, head over and rent one at the watersports vendor within the park. Kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing rentals are also available. While there, take a walk along the beach and look out for the unique seashells the area is known for.

Imagine soaring through the sky in an open cockpit biplane, allowing you to see all of St. Augustine’s most famous sights from the sky. St. Augustine Biplane Rides are offered in a WACO Biplane, an authentic replica of the original 1935 model. The tour transports guests over the Bridge of Lions, Flagler College, the Lighthouse on Anastasia Island, the Castillo de San Marcos and much more. They offer a variety of different tours, including a sunset one, and tours run year round.

The Fountain of Youth Discovery Park marks the spot where the Spanish explorers Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and Ponce de León came ashore. Archaeological digs are on-going, and discoveries at the site include a springhouse, landmark cross, saltcellar and artifacts remaining from an ancient Native American village. Period reenactments, a large gift shop and planetarium also occupy the 15-acre area that memorializes the people who occupied the land so many years ago. Recommended by Audra Clemons

Castillo de San Marcos is a remarkable 17th-century fort built to protect the Spanish settlement in St. Augustine. The fortress is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Boasting walls 12-feet thick and 33-feet high, a moat and a drawbridge, the edifice has never fallen to an enemy during attack and ended all wars in treaties. Made a National Park monument by former President Calvin Coolidge, the castle feature reenactments, complete with musket and cannon firings most weekends and holidays.

Walking tour stop at 4 or more of the city’s most unique pubs and are a fun and refreshing way to learn about the history and traditions of taverns in St. Augustine. Places offer a variety of choices, including premium beers, ales, sangria, and wines. You’ll be on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes and make reservations early as spaces are limited.

For those curious about the paranormal, hop onto the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour. This frightfully entertaining tour explores the most haunted places in St. Augustine including the Old Jail and the St. Augustine Lighthouse grounds. The Ghost Hosts leading the tours will share true accounts of tragedy and mystery surrounding the Nation’s Oldest City and it’s dearly departed.

Lightner Museum Say “I do” in the historic Lightner Museum in St. Augustine—Florida’s oldest city. Formerly the Alcazar Hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the museum houses collections from Tiffany jewels to 19th century decorative art, and makes a grand setting for a memorable wedding. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are available, like the Historic Pool, Grand Lobby, and Outdoor Courtyards, able to accommodate from 50 to 350 wedding guests

Steeped in history, the Fort Matanzas National Monument is a fun and educational outing for everyone. Originally a Spanish watchtower built over 270 years ago, the view from the top is worth the long climb up. Accessed via a ferry ride across the river, stop off at the visitors center on arrival to collect your free boarding passes. Various activities are offered at the fort and in the surrounding park including tours, ranger talks and a ½ mile nature trail that winds around through the maritime forest. Fishing is also available on the river shore.

Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city of St. Augustine in a short period of time. The tour highlights the best attractions in St. Augustine, with 23 stops and more than 100 points of interest. Old Town Trolley Tours has been operating for over 30 years, bringing the best of the city to life through a unique blend of transportation and entertainment.

Tours of Flagler College give a look at the former Hotel Ponce de León, established in 1887 by railroad and oil magnate Henry Flagler. The National Historic Landmark is an outstanding model of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The tour through the college is an educational glimpse into the past of an exclusive, luxury resort. Tourists are able to see the Dining Hall, with its stained glass windows, the Flagler Room, which is home to one of the first publicly-used onyx Thomas Edison clocks, and the Rotunda – host to an exquisite 80-foot domed ceiling. Purchase tickets at the main lobby of the college 15 minutes before each tour. Recommended by Audra Clemons

After years of meticulous renovation, the Villa Zorayda Museum opened to the public, showcasing an impressive example of Moorish Spanish-revival architecture. Constructed in 1883 by Franklin Smith, an architect from Boston, the building was originally called the Zorayda Castle. Smith built the residence as a winter home and designed it to be reminiscent of the Alhambra Palace in Grenada, Spain. His style of architecture, including the use of coquina shells mixed with poured concrete, had a powerful impact on the later buildings constructed in St. Augustine as well. Recommended by Audra Clemons