Just One Day in St. Augustine
Another location in Florida Travel Blog’s One Day Series. This time highlighting things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.
You may be on a cruise. You could just be traveling through. Or maybe you come down for a day trip to St. Augustine from Jacksonville. Whatever the reason we have you covered for the next 12 hours!
Good Morning!
We try to be very honest when recommending places to eat. Attractions are subjective, but good food is universal! In two consecutive trips to St. Augustine, finding a great breakfast downtown has been challenging. We are not Starbucks fans, but maybe coffee and a bagel will work until noon. There are two locations. We like the one in the Casa Monica Hotel.
You are in the oldest city in America. There are many things to do in St. Augustine. We have just one day.
To start your day take a walk through the narrow brick lined streets. You will see Spanish influences that eventually become English influenced in the late 19th century. Let your walk take you to the bayfront where Rt. 1 runs along the bay. There you will find horse-drawn carriages. Bargain for one to take you to the most historic areas of old town.
Most drivers of the carriages are excellent tour guides. Give them some direction as to what you want to see. Historical sites? Classic architecture? Shops and restaurants? Attractions? Most drivers will accommodate your requests. We suggest a 90-minute tour. That will cover the things you will come back to see.
Since breakfast was questionable, we suggest an early lunch at O.C.Whites. The building is a replica of living in a mansion in the 1800s. The food is darn good too!
After lunch take a walk south along the waterfront (Avenida Menendez St.). The marina and Matanzas Bay will keep your attention un till you reach St. Francis St. about four blocks south. About two blocks west is the Oldest House Museum Complex. See and learn about living in a coquina block house as it survived for almost five centuries. You can easily spend one or two hours there.
One more ‘must see” of things to do in St. Augustine is the Lightner Museum. This once was a hotel in the Henry Flagler empire. We don’t want to give away all the sights, but you may be having a refreshment in the bottom of a pool at the Lightner!
By this time in the early evening, you must experience St. George Street. This narrow old street has been closed to vehicle traffic. The focus is on shops and restaurants in a setting of period buildings that became storefronts. You can start the walk on St. George from the Cathedral Basilica just off the downtown square.
Most people by now are thinking about dinner. You have two choices to finish your day. First is on St. George St. It is called the Prohibition Kitchen. There are no prohibitions here when it comes to classic food and drink! And PK has entertainment most evenings. Check out their Bourbon Milkshake!
Your second choice for dinner is The Old City House. The building was once a stable for the Flagler hotels. It has been converted into a quaint, but elegant restaurant. The mood is relaxing and calm. Service is the best you will find in St. Augustine. Try the veal meatloaf or any of the local shrimp entrees. You could call this romantic and serene compared to the rest oy your day.
Those are our favorite things to do in St. Augustine, Florida. Drop us a note if you find some other options.
Check out our other One Day Series –
Just One Day in Key West – Things to do
Just One Day in Clearwater Beach – Things to do
