Location: St. Augustine
Top Things to do in St. Augustine
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5 Sacred & Religious Sites in St. Augustine That You Shouldn't Miss
Saint Augustine is a luxurious, romantic vacation spot—you’ll find classic hotels and intimate restaurants. Those can be a dime a dozen, though. What sets Saint Augustine apart is its history—it’s the oldest European settlement in the U.S. And nowhere else in the world can you taste the waters of the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (where Ponce de Leon may have landed). Who knows, if you vacation here, maybe you won’t need that Botox!
Restaurants in St. Augustine
1. The Blue Mantle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Eclectic and contemporary Catholic Christian retail and book shop Supporting Catholic artisans local and international. Come in for a unique and unique shopping experience! One of a kind items to help you share your faith!
2. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,798 reviews
Reviewed By KateLorain - Lorain, United States
Stopped here during our trolley tour. It was a peaceful pause in a hectic day with time to light a candle and say some prayers.
3. National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,130 reviews
Reviewed By MarnetteS - Webster, United States
We were in town for a few days sightseeing. We like to take a city tour first thing to find those attractions we want to explore on our own. Nombre de Dios was one of them. We were ready for a quiet, serene place to spend our last day after the hectic days in town. The setting for the mission is lovely and you can just imagine Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales celebrating the first parish mass in the U.S. as he proclaimed the land in the: "Nombre de Dios" ~ "Name of God." He was the priest who accompanied St. Augustine founder, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, and the Spanish explorers. These first settlers brought with them a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and established the Holy Virgin’s first sanctuary in the U.S on the grounds. They build a chapel and dedicated it to “Nuestra Senora de La Leche y Buen Parto” ~ “Our Lady of the Milk and Happy/Safe Delivery.” The small chapel is a lovely place to sit, pray and reflect. This shrine has drawn thousands of mothers, mothers-to-be and families. We spent over an hour strolling the grounds and looking at all of the graves and monuments. Especially poignant are the “Seven Sorrows of Mary,” stone grottos along a walkway. Another interesting grave is those of six Sisters of St. Joseph, brought in to teach the slaves after the Civil War. And not to be missed is the 208’ bronze cross, the tallest cross in the Western Hemisphere. A gift from the Vatican, it was capped at that height to avoid the installation of a mandatory aircraft warning light. Is it any wonder, these grounds are called “The Sacred Acre?” We re-crossed the bridge (restored after Hurricane Matthew) and went into the mission church. Perpetual Adoration is held; exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held from Monday through Friday following noon Mass until 2:45 p.m. Daily Mass is held Monday through Saturday at Noon. No Mass on Sunday. Spanish Mass on Saturday at 1:30. Chaplet of Divine Mercy is said Monday through Friday at 2:45 p.m. Confessions are said Monday-Saturday from 11-11:55 a.m. The shrine is open daily from Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. The parking rules are clearly stated: the gates close promptly at the designated time. If you do not remove your car before closing time, you need to wait until the next day. Another short bridge leading directly to the cross is currently closed for repairs. Plans include building a prayer garden in that area. We purchased prayer cards in the gift shop and spent a half hour with Greg who spent time explaining the history of the shrine and its importance to the Church. My husband is a retired professor from a Franciscan university and Greg was knowledgeable about the Franciscan contribution to the mission and Church in Florida. If you go, please take advantage of the docent’s knowledge to understand the importance of this sacred land to the history of the Church. This is a free attraction; donations help support it.
4. St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By 195kittyg - Douglas, United States
These was such a beautiful part of the old city. I loved learning the history. The paintings on the walls were so beautiful. The shrine itself was breathtaking. We went in and lite a candle and enjoyed the calming environment. It was just so relaxing, just wonderful. The history was very interesting and we took lots of photos.
5. Ancient City Baptist Church
