Florida is such a diverse state, there are so many different cities to see. Each city offers such a unique experience that it is impossible to come to visit one city in this state and assume you have experienced all of Florida or gotten a full taste of Floridian lifestyle.
St. Augustine is one of those cities that is a “must see” if you’re visiting or vacationing, especially if you’re a history buff like I am.
Every building, bridge, road, hotel, college, and even fort has its own story and fortunately for the tourists, the history of each monument is posted next to it.
To me traveling has never been about having an itinerary mapped out or a timeline, but more of a wandering experience, in hopes I will get lost in the beauty of a new city. My wish came true the moment I crossed the draw bridge in to St. Augustine.
I’m going to list a couple places that you should really make time for, and while you’re visiting these places, you’ll most certainly discover some venues that interest you. Now I only had one day , but I definitely made the most of it. So if you happen to only have a day or two to spend in St. Augustine, not a problem, you can still experience a lot of what the city offers. Here we go!
1) Castillo De San Marcos
I could have easily spent the entire day here. They have tours throughout the fort and the view of the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean is mesmerizing.
2) Lightner Museum
It’s a great example of 19th century Renaissance style architecture and walking throughout the museum really makes you feel like you’ve actually travelled back into that time period.
$10 Adults
$6 Military
$5 College Students and ages 18-12
3) Ripley’s Haunted Castle Adventure or Ghost Train Adventure
This is just a fun walk through or train ride. You hear some pretty great ghost stories/experiences that have been witnessed in St Augustine. Whether you believe all the rumors and myths is up to you.
$7 children
BUT Prices vary per day and they have bundle packages, plus discounts online too
4) El Galeón
A replica of a Spanish galleon which carried over 800 colonists to St Augustine whom established the first permanent European settlement in the United States in 1565. Seeing this boat and walking along it makes you feel like you’re in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”. It’s as authentic as they come.
Also it is important to know that it is only docked in St. Augustine until late June 2015. Then the crew sets sail to their next destination.
$8 kids 12-5
$2 off for veterans and county residents.
5) St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoologicial Park
This place is a blast for all ages. Also, don’t worry, there’s more to see there then just alligators. Plus, if you’re really daring, they have a zip line over the alligators, but don’t worry, after a being in business for 100 years they said only a few people have fallen in (haha).
Open Sun – Sat 9:00AM- 5:00PM
Ages 12 and up: $21.95
Ages 3 – 11: $10.95
Now, if you have a full day and no plans, I spoke with the men and woman at “Red Train Tours” and they are a very nice group of people who offer a tour of the entire city and are very informative on all historical sites, restaurants, bars, sightseeing, and shops.
ALSO, if any of you all have ever been to St. Augustine and would like to add any awesome places I didn’t mention, definitely feel free to share!
– Andrew
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