Easy & Fun Things to do St. Augustine, Florida
History, beaches, food, and a dog-friendly vibe you’ll love
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St. Augustine is one of those rare places that appeals to just about everyone. Beach lover? History buff? Foodie? Traveling with kids—or a four-legged friend? You’ll find something here that makes you smile. It’s charming, walkable, full of colorful buildings, and packed with things to do, see, and eat.
Steve and I visit often with our Goldendoodle, Mr. Jax, and he’s always excited to return. This is easily one of the most dog-friendly cities we’ve explored in the U.S.—with plenty of pet-welcoming patios, parks, and even beaches. Just double-check rules before heading out, as some spots have specific leash or access restrictions.
🛑 Travel Tip
The narrow streets of historic St. Augustine can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Peak times are usually spring break, summer weekends, and any holiday week (especially around Christmas). If you can, plan your visit for early mornings or weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
Here’s how we recommend spending a laid-back, memory-filled weekend in the nation’s oldest city:
Popular Things to Do in St. Augustine for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first visit, you’ll quickly see why this city is a favorite for so many travelers. From historic forts to beach days and ghost tours, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in St. Augustine—especially if you like mixing relaxation with a little adventure.
1. Beach Time: Classic Things to Do in St. Augustine
With 40+ miles of sandy coastline, St. Augustine has no shortage of spots to dig your toes into the sand—or let your dog do the same. There’s something incredibly peaceful about a sunrise beach walk here.
Best spots:
- St. Augustine Beach – popular, lively, and close to restaurants
- Vilano Beach – more low-key with a scenic pier
- Crescent Beach – quiet and ideal for long walks
Mr. Jax especially loves Crescent Beach—fewer distractions, more room to run.
2. Paddle or Kayak the Waterways
Want a calm adventure with postcard views? Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the inlets, creeks, and bay areas around St. Augustine. You might even spot dolphins, manatees, or sea turtles cruising by.
Recommended spots: Anastasia Watersports or Latitude 29. Rentals are easy and beginner-friendly.
3. Cruise the City by Bike
St. Augustine is flat and super bikeable, especially around Anastasia Island and the historic downtown. Renting a bike is a great way to explore at your own pace—and skip the parking drama.
Local tip: Island Life Bike Rentals will drop off bikes right at your stay, which we’ve found super convenient.
4. Book a Sailing Tour
One of the best ways to take in the beauty of St. Augustine is from the water. We love hopping aboard the Schooner Freedom—a gorgeous old sailboat that glides through the bay as the sun sets. Peaceful, breezy, and perfect for couples or families.
5. Visit Anastasia State Park
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. This state park is a blend of beach, marsh, and forest—all in one scenic spot. You’ll find hiking trails, birdwatching spots, picnic tables, and even a kayak launch. Leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas too.
6. Stroll Crescent Beach or Drive
This hidden gem of a beach is less crowded than others and perfect for a quiet morning or evening walk. It’s one of those places where you can just breathe and unwind.
Crescent Beach: Peaceful Vibes & Space to Roam
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and soak up some calm, Crescent Beach is a local favorite. It’s quieter than St. Augustine Beach and perfect for long walks, picnics, or letting your pup run off some energy (on leash, of course). The wide, flat shoreline makes it easy to find your stretch of sand—even on busier days.
Mr. Jax loves this spot for early morning strolls, and we love it for its peaceful vibe. Parking is free and easy, and there’s even beach driving access in certain sections if that’s your thing. Just bring sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a beach chair, and enjoy one of the most relaxing things to do in St. Augustine.
See my TikTok for the Crescent Beach Experience!
7. Castillo de San Marcos: Iconic Thing to Do in St. Augustine
No trip to St. Augustine feels complete without stopping at the historic Castillo de San Marcos. Built in the late 1600s, it’s the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. You can walk the ramparts, check out the old cannons, and learn a ton about how the city was defended over the centuries.
8. Snap a Pic at the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
Tiny, quirky, and totally charming, this historic little schoolhouse from the 1700s is fun to see in person. Great spot for a quick photo op—and an even quicker history lesson.
✏️ Travel Note:
The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is one of those quirky spots that feels more like a milestone along your walk through history than a major attraction. It’s less about what’s inside and more about where it sits—tucked into a charming corner of this centuries-old city. Finding it feels like you’ve officially stepped back in time. Snap a photo, soak in the story, then keep wandering—because in St. Augustine, it’s really about the journey.
9. Explore the Lightner Museum
Housed inside what used to be the luxurious Alcazar Hotel, this museum is packed with antiques, art, and curiosities. Even if museums aren’t your usual thing, the architecture alone is worth a visit.
10. Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Ready to burn a few calories? Take on the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast and city. It’s a bit of a workout, but the views make it more than worth it.
More Amazing Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
This historic city has layers of charm, from quirky photo ops to architecture tours and peaceful parks. Here are a few more can’t-miss experiences.
11. Visit the Shrine of Our Lady La Leche
Located near the Fountain of Youth, this peaceful site is home to the Great Cross and has been a spiritual stop for travelers for centuries. Even if you’re not religious, the grounds are quiet and serene—great for a slow-paced stroll.
12. Walk Through Flagler College
Originally built as the opulent Ponce de León Hotel, this campus is one of the most beautiful college settings in the U.S. You can take a guided tour or just admire the stunning architecture on a quiet walk.
13. Wander Downtown
From cobblestone streets to hidden courtyards, downtown St. Augustine is full of character. Browse unique shops, grab a bite at a sidewalk café, and maybe even join a ghost tour once the sun sets. The energy here is a mix of old-world charm and modern fun.
14. Hop on the Old Town Trolley
If you’re not in the mood to walk (or want to rest your legs), the Old Town Trolley is a fun way to see the highlights. It’s hop-on, hop-off style with narration that gives you the city’s story as you go.
Save Money on trolley tickets by booking ahead!
Don’t Forget the Pup 🐾
St. Augustine makes traveling with dogs easy. Many restaurants welcome them on patios, and you’ll find water bowls and friendly faces all around. Mr. Jax gets just as excited as we do when we roll into town—especially when he sees the beach.
Final Thoughts
There are so many things to do St. Augustine keeps tucked away in plain sight—you just have to be willing to explore a little.
St. Augustine is one of those places that feels good for the soul. It’s relaxed, walkable, and full of cool stories waiting to be uncovered. If you’re craving a weekend escape with a mix of beach time, history, and great food, this one’s hard to beat.
Looking for more travel ideas that are fun, dog-friendly, and stress-free? Follow along at EasyUSATrips.com—where travel feels, well… easy.
How about a complete Florida East Coast Road trip!
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