ULTIMATE VACATION TIPS
GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH
From the moment you arrive, you’ ll simply want to walk around and take in the Spanish Renaissance, Moorish and Baroque architecture of Henry Flagler’ s grand hotels that dot the Historic District. Just north of downtown, the Uptown District will draw you in with quaint shops, art galleries and fine restaurants.
You can take a trolley or walking tour to learn more about the civil rights events that took place in the historic Lincolnville community at the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center. While in the neighborhood, explore classic French fare at La Nouvelle Bistro, enjoy dining at Catch 27, sip a craft cocktail while taking a tour at the St. Augustine Distillery or chill out at The Ice Plant.
You can’ t miss the iconic Castillo de San Marcos on the bayfront. But there’ s another Spanish-built fort just south off A1A. Take a short ferry ride to Fort Matanzas and enjoy the view as well as walking trails and picnic areas at the park.
The TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse is open for the public to discover and enjoy.
Crossing the famed Bridge of Lions lands you in the Anastasia Boulevard corridor. New restaurants, shops and art galleries have sprung up in this vibrant area between the Historic District and beaches.
Of course, there’ s more than history to explore in and around the ancient city. The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine showcases an impressive collection of vehicles from the 1890s to today’ s sports cars— plus fun memorabilia for car lovers of all ages. At the St. Augustine Aquarium, families can dive into hands-on experiences such as feeding and swimming with sea life. Don’ t miss the Treasure Chest Museum, where visitors can experience 1700s St. Augustine life with hands-on crafts, games and Minorcan history.
Love the outdoors? Explore the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, a coastal sanctuary off the scenic A1A & Historic
Coastal Byway between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. Then venture inland to St. Johns Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve in Hastings for tranquil trails and vibrant gardens.
The St. Johns River Region features riverfront Alpine Groves Park, a restored 19th-century homestead that’ s a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, and wildlife sanctuary Beluthahatchee Park“ where all unpleasantness is forgiven and forgotten.” Plus, experience the backwaters of Old Florida with an airboat ride from Sea Serpent Tours.
I’ VE ARRIVED!
The friendly staff at the Visitor Information Center can answer your questions, provide maps, offer discounted or bundled tickets and much more.
WHERE DO I PARK?
St. Augustine’ s walkability lets you park at your hotel and explore on foot. Trolleys, trains, bicycles, pedicabs and shuttles offer convenient options. Use the Historic Downtown Parking Facility for all-day or overnight parking at one price. On-street and metered lots are available. Save time with the ParkStAug app or visit citystaug. com / parkingspotfinder to view parking options and availability.
Embark on a downtown adventure in St. Augustine with the free Downtown STAR Circulator Bus! It operates daily from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m., starting its loop from the Visitor Information Center and making two stops along the way. See page 12 for details.
Sip, savor and soak in twilight at 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop
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