St. Augustine's Favorite Attractions

This is a great time of year to visit St. Augustine! The weather is cooler with average temps from a low of 57 to a high of 75 so it’s a great idea to come prepared for cooler and warmer weather. The crowds tend to be smaller as well.

BEST ST AUGUSTINE ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT

THE OLD JAIL

The Old Jail was built by Henry Flagler and served as St. Augustine’s prison from 1891 to 1953. It is interesting to note that due to Flagler’s desire to make St. Augustine the Riviera of the South, this prison was deliberately designed to NOT look like a jail.

While it may not have looked like a jail (also intended to make visitors feel safe), it actually housed some of the most violent and dangerous criminals and was known for severe and sometimes brutal practices. Tours are offered today by reenactors and visitors will visit the men’s and women’s cells, the living quarters for the Sheriff and his family, the gallows, and the weapons collection.

OLD JAIL AFTER DARK

This is a 45-minute paranormal investigation of the Old Jail, one of the most haunted buildings in the country and also veiled in mystery and folklore. There were 7 documented hangings here and other deaths considered unnatural, so you can see why many believe this structure to be an epicenter for paranormal activity and why it attracts ghost hunters from all over the world. 

CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS

It’s a great time to visit the historic fort that is one of St. Augustine’s iconic buildings. It was built to guard the city from foreign invasion and is the largest masonry building of its kind in the United States. The park has just recently reopened to visitors with the following restrictions -open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A maximum capacity of 100 visitors in the historic fort at any time will be in effect. Formal programs and historic weapons remain suspended.  

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH 

The Fountain of Youth is a popular destination during the fall months. There is plenty to explore at this historic site where Ponce de Leon and Pedro de Aviles first explored Florida and claimed it for Spain.

This 15 acre park has beautiful tropical gardens, living history exhibits, cannon and musket firings, a Timucuan Village, the Navigator’s Planetarium, the Spring House where you can sample the water from the fountain of youth, and the popular flock of 30 peafowl who have free reign of the park.

THE COLONIAL QUARTER

This historic two-acre attraction in downtown St. Augustine provides a rich learning experience about the city’s history brought to life in many ways including watching a blacksmith at work, participating in a musket drill with a live firing demonstration and a cannon drill, viewing the original Mesa-Sanchez house built around 1740 and climbing to the top of a reconstruction of a 17th century watchtower.

Not only can you experience the city’s history here, but you can also experience the foods of a bygone era at two restaurants. There are also guided tours available.

THE CITY GATES

A great photo op is the original gates to the city of St. Augustine, built in 1808 and still standing today, although restoration work has been done over the years. These gates are located at the north end of St. George St. in the historic district.

Looking at them helps you imagine a city surrounded by strong walls and what life was like in centuries past. This will provide a great memory of your time here.

ST. GEORGE STREET

This street, only open to pedestrians, is a great place for shopping (window and actual purchases)! There are also wonderful restaurants and places for sweet treats, and you can’t leave St. Augustine without a Caramel Apple! There are also several historic attractions on or near this street.

THE ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE

Located at the end of Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, built in 1874, was preceded by a Spanish watchtower that was first constructed in the late 1500s. Today’s lighthouse is St. Augustine’s oldest surviving brick structure and the museum provides an opportunity to learn its history.

If you wish to brave the 219 steps to the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view. 

SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY

San Sebastian is Florida’s largest winery in a building built by Henry Flagler in 1923. Tours and wine tastings are offered every day (please call for schedule). Also, on the weekends, you can enjoy the beautiful weather at the Cellar Upstairs Wine, Jazz, and Blues Bar sipping on a glass of house wine while listening to live music. 

GHOST TOURS

The city’s most haunted spots are visited by several different tour companies each evening. The cooler weather will make for a pleasant and spooky experience as you hear the ghostly tales of St. Augustine.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

St. Augustine’s renowned Nights of Lights begins November 14 and continues through the end of January. It’s the most wonderful time of year to be in downtown St. Augustine amid the millions of twinkling white lights, the colorful Christmas tree in the Plaza, and beautifully decorated storefronts. 

And what a better way to end your day or evening, back at your oceanfront condo at our beautiful Barefoot Trace Condominiums!