Location: St. Augustine
Top Things to do in St. Augustine
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in St. Augustine, Florida (FL)
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 Ximenez-Fatio House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 556 reviews
Dating to the Spanish town plan of 1573, the property is a centerpiece of St. Augustine’s oldest settlement and is a feature along the city’s first platted thoroughfare, Aviles Street.“The Ximenez~Fatio House museum is one of the first to interpret 19th century women’s history”William Seale, Ph.D.; author, historian, and consultant for interpretation since the 1970’s.
Reviewed By anthonypF7274UE
Shelby was a great tour guide as she led my husband and I into all the rooms of the house, explaining with great detail the events and occurrences that have happened there. She provided back story on the material used to build the house, to the beautiful dishes laid out in the dining room, to the delicate artifacts found in the upstairs bedroom. If you love history you will appreciate this tour as you see first hand how life was for the folk who lived and stayed in the historic Victorian home. A must see!
2. Metalartz Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By emilytW4018BD
You don't want to miss this shop! The prices and quality of artwork are amazing! We bought several pieces we have seen similar else where for less quality and more money! And the 2 ladies in the shop were helpful and knowledgeable of their artist and their work! Thank you! We will be back!
3. St. Augustine Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,108 reviews
St. Augustine Distillery is a locally owned and operated, artisanal spirits distillery in historic, downtown St. Augustine. Located within a beautifully restored ice plant from the turn-of-the-century, our mission is simple: Educate and inspire our guests about our handcrafted, award-winning rum, bourbon whiskey, gin, and vodka. All of our spirits are made from local and regional agricultural products. The result is undeniable; world-class spirits that create the best local cocktails imaginable. Come taste for yourself. St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours and tastings seven days a week.
Reviewed By kristincW3725BV - Sarasota, United States
The St. Augustine Distillery tour is a must-do! It’s a free tour and Nick is a great tour guide/bartender.The samples are excellent, especially the Florida Mule and Rum Tiki. You won’t regret this off-the-beaten path stop.
4. Spanish Main Antiques
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Largest retail shipwreck treasure shop in the United States. Featuring authentic coins from known and unidentified shipwrecks along with nautical salvage and antiques.
Reviewed By JonK916 - DeFuniak Springs, United States
This is the real deal. If you are into ship wrecks and Spanish treasure this is like a museum you can by the displays. Its educational and a lot of fun. The owner is a treasure hunter and he and his wife are really nice people.
5. The Oldest Store Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Watch in amazement as our friendly clerks, butcher and Snake Oil salesman demonstrate the very latest inventions for turn -of-the century living. You will find over 10,00 essential and time saving items from the 1900s!
Reviewed By 308maritag - Merritt Island, United States
Really interesting. Our guides showed a different perspective at the turn of the last century. I was in no hurry for this Tour to end.
6. Lightner Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,836 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, Lightner Museum occupies the historic Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age resort hotel built in 1888 by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Founded in 1948, the Museum is home to one of the premier collections of 19th-and early 20th-century fine and decorative art in the country. Furnishings, paintings, leaded glass windows, cut and blown glass, and natural history specimens from the Otto Lightner Collection are exhibited against the backdrop of the magnificent Alcazar Hotel. Visitors to the Museum are invited to participate in an immersive experience of art, architecture, and design from America’s Gilded Age. We are open every day except for Christmas Eve (close at 1PM), Christmas day, and New Year's Day. Our hours are from 9AM-5PM with last entry precisely at 4PM.
Reviewed By lray56 - Cocoa, United States
I often visit St Augustine but had not toured the Lightner in years. It is in the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, a beautiful late 19th century era building. (even if you don't tour the museum it is worth a stop just to walk around the property) My friend and I like old ceramics, crystal, etc and this museum has lots of that on display, as well as a wonderful collection of antique musical instruments, and so much more. There are a couple of excellent antique shops on the property, and a good restaurant too. We thought this would be a "wuick stop" but we ended up staying more than two hours. I DO think this museum is better suited for adults more than for children, so do keep that in mind.
7. 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.
8. Old Jail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,523 reviews
Reviewed By windyordfa - Chicago, United States
Great job in reinactment of events and educational very fun!!! showed the history very well and also had a small interesting history museum the trolley tour is great Melonie is a great tour guide!!!
9. Government House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By loud976 - Valparaiso, United States
So the Spanish settled St Augustine 42 years before the British settled Jamestown ... Amazing! This exhibit tells the story of how hard it was and includes details about Native Americans and slaves too, quite rare in our Colonial-dominated culture. Well done University of Florida! I cannot recommend this exhibit highly enough!!!
10. Spanish Military Hospital Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 549 reviews
Your journey to the past begins as our skilled surgeon performs surgical demonstrations. Watch as our Apothecary creates medicines and discover how colonial herbs were the origins of some of the most popular medicines today. We are pet friendly!!
Reviewed By donnab914 - Palm Bay, United States
Loved the detailed descriptions of medical implements and how they were used. Made me appreciate modern medicine all the more, The demonstration on herbs was very informative and I liked that they gave you a handout to take with you since there was so much information presented. They allowed us to bring our dog with us which was a bonus, and they even took her picture.
