Easy & Fun Things to do St. Augustine, Florida
History, beaches, food, and a dog-friendly vibe you’ll love
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. Check the 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
Looking for the top things to do in St. Augustine, Florida? Start with the beach. There are over 40 miles of sandy shoreline. It’s perfect for a sunrise walk. Or let your dog run free. Just make sure they’re on a leash. The views are peaceful. The breeze is refreshing. The beach belongs on your must-do list.
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
Looking for the best things to do for the outdoorsy type in St. Augustine? Try kayaking or paddleboarding. It’s calm, peaceful, and full of postcard views. Paddle through inlets, creeks, and the bay. You might even spot dolphins, manatees, or sea turtles.
Great places to rent gear: Anastasia Watersports and Latitude 29 on nearby Vilano Beach. Both are beginner-friendly and easy to book.
3. Cruise the City by Bike
Biking is one of the top fun activities in St. Augustine. The city is flat and easy to ride. Anastasia Island and historic downtown are great spots to explore. Rent a bike and cruise at your own pace. It’s a fun way to skip the parking hassle and see more of the city.
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
Looking for romantic things to do in St. Augustine? Take in the views from the water. The Schooner Freedom is a beautiful old sailboat. It glides through the bay at sunset. It’s peaceful, breezy, and perfect for couples. The Schooner Freedom is our favorite sailing excursion in St. Augustine and our favorite way to end the day.
Sail Options & Pricing:
- Sunset Sail: $65 per person. A 2-hour sail with complimentary refreshments. Departure times vary by season:
- Feb 8 – Mar 9: 4:15 PM
- Mar 10 – May 31: 6:15 PM
- Jun 1 – Aug 14: 6:45 PM
- Aug 15 – Nov 3: 5:45 PM
- Nov 4 – Nov 22: 4:15 PM
- Moonlight Sail with Live Music: $55 per person. A 1-hour 15-minute sail featuring live music and complimentary refreshments. Departure time: 9:15 PM. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Sunset Night of Lights Sail: $75 per person. A 2-hour sail during the holiday season to view St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights. Complimentary refreshments included. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Fins & Freedom Day Sail: $60 for adults, $45 for children under 16. A 2-hour educational sail in partnership with Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Includes a future admission voucher to Marineland. Departure time: 1:15 PM. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Location:
Schooner Freedom Charters
111 Avenida Menendez, Suite D
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Located at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, next to the Bridge of Lions.
Parking:
Please allow extra time to find parking downtown. Metered street parking is available and monitored until 9 PM daily. The ParkStAug app can help locate and pay for parking spots.
Reservations:
Highly recommended. Call (904) 810-1010 or visit schoonerfreedom.com to book.
5. Visit Anastasia State Park
Wondering what to do on a hot day in St. Augustine? Head to the Anastasia State Park. It’s a mix of beach, marsh, and forest—all in one spot. Hike shaded trails. Watch for birds. Bring a picnic or launch a kayak. It’s a great place to cool off in nature. Leashed dogs are welcome in certain areas, too.
6. Stroll Crescent Beach or Drive
Looking for a beach you can drive on near St. Augustine? Check out this hidden gem. It’s quieter than most. Perfect for a peaceful morning or evening walk. You can relax, breathe, and enjoy the view. Sometimes, simple is best.
Looking for relaxing things to do in St. Augustine? Head to Crescent Beach. It’s a local favorite and much quieter than St. Augustine Beach. Perfect for long walks, picnics, or letting your pup run (on leash)
Mr. Jax loves early morning strolls here. We love the calm atmosphere. Parking is free and easy. You can even drive on the beach in some areas. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and a beach chair. It’s one of the best spots to unwind.
7. Castillo de San Marcos: Iconic Thing to Do in St. Augustine
Looking for popular places to visit and must-see attractions in St. Augustine? Don’t skip the Castillo de San Marcos. This historic fort was built in the late 1600s. It’s the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.
Walk the ramparts. Check out the cannons. Learn how the city was defended over the years. It’s a must for history lovers and one of the top spots in town.
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
Need a break from the afternoon heat and humidity in downtown St. Augustine? This is one of the popular places to visit and must-see attraction. The Lightner Museum is inside the old Alcazar Hotel. It’s packed with antiques, art, and odd little treasures.
Even if you’re not usually into museums, this one’s worth it. The building itself is beautiful. It’s a great place to cool off, slow down, and enjoy one of the best indoor spots in St. Augustine.
10. Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Feeling adventurous? Climb the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in St. Augustine—and for good reason. Yes, it’s a workout. But the panoramic views of the coast and city are worth it. Just take it one step at a time!
Tip: Go early in the day to beat the heat and the crowds.
Admission: Adults (13+): $17.95; Seniors (60+): $15.95; Children (12 & under and over 44″ tall): $12.95; Children under 44″ tall: Free with parent or caretaker. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
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
Looking for peaceful spots and popular places to visit in St. Augustine? Check out the Mission Nombre de Dios. It’s near the Fountain of Youth and totally free to visit.
This quiet site is home to the Great Cross, which towers 208 feet into the sky. Seeing it up close gives you a whole new perspective. Even if you’re not religious, the grounds are beautiful and calming. A great place for a slow, thoughtful stroll.
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Address: 27 Ocean Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Nearby stop: Pair your visit with the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park—it’s just a short walk away and packed with history.
12. Walk Through Flagler College
Flagler College is one of the most popular places to visit in St. Augustine—and for good reason. Originally built as the lavish Ponce de León Hotel, it’s now a college with some of the most stunning architecture in the U.S.
You can take a guided tour or admire the building on a peaceful walk. On our most recent visit, there was quite a bit of construction happening, but the courtyard was still open and just as beautiful. Worth a stop if you love history and gorgeous design.
Tour Times: Daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Admission: $17.00 per person (ages 4 and up)
Location: 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
13. Wander Downtown
Downtown is one of the most popular places to visit in St. Augustine—and it’s easy to see why. From cobblestone streets to hidden courtyards, this area is packed with charm.
You’ll find fun activities in St. Augustine around every corner. Browse quirky shops. Grab a bite at a sidewalk café. Join a ghost tour after dark if you’re feeling brave.
The vibe is a mix of old-world beauty and modern fun. We discover something new every time we visit, and that’s part of the magic.
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 a 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!
15. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
One of the most beautiful and historic places to visit in St. Augustine is the Cathedral Basilica. It’s right in the heart of downtown and easy to spot with its Spanish-style bell tower and colorful doors.
The inside is just as stunning—think hand-painted ceilings, stained glass, and quiet pews perfect for a peaceful pause. I make a point to seek out historic churches in every city I visit, and this one did not disappoint. It’s worth stepping inside to take in the beauty and history.
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.
🐾 Planning a Trip with Your Dog?
Check out our full guide on How to Travel with a Dog — packed with tips, gear, hotel advice, and a free printable packing list.
Make your next road trip easier, safer, and Mr. Jax–approved!
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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