Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida Updated for 2024

Updated: April 5, 2024

Top Fun Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a city located on Florida’s Atlantic coast and was founded by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon as San Agustin back in 1565. It has been named one of America’s most charming cities and it also holds an important place in American history. The first European settlement in North America, it was established under the leadership of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles who led 300 Spaniards there from Cuba.  Here are some of the top things to do in this historic city:

1. Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum is one of the most popular attractions in all of St. Augustine.

It houses an impressive collection of over 5,000 pieces from around the world.

There’s also a small zoo on site where visitors will find animals like lemurs, kangaroos, snakes, lizards, birds, and more.

The Lightner Museum is located on San Marco Avenue, right next to Ponce de Leon Inlet. It was founded by Dr. John Henry Lightner who made his fortune as an entrepreneur in New York City. He moved down south and became one of the richest men in America during the late 1800s.

2. St. George Street

The historic district of St. Augustine contains some of the most beautiful buildings in North America.

One such example is found at 15 St. George Street.

This house was built by Henry Flagler, who founded the town of St. Augustine.

Flagler lived inside from 1888 until his death in 1911.

He had a large home constructed where he could entertain guests and enjoy life as a wealthy man

 3. Castillo de San Marcos

The Castillo de San Marcos was built by Spain as their main fortress during the 17th century.

Today, it serves as both a military base and a national monument.

There are several different tours available at the castle, but they aren’t cheap.

However, if you want to get a glimpse into what life was like back then, these tours will give you some insight into that time period.

 4.  Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park -Ponce de Leon’s

This fountain is actually a series of fountains, each representing different elements of life.

There are four main sections: water, air, fire, and earth.

Each section represents a specific element of life, and they represent the four seasons.

They have been restored to look exactly as they did when they were originally constructed in 1565.

 This fountain is actually a series of fountains, each representing different elements of life.

There’s the water element represented by the large basin, which sits atop a pedestal.

Next up is fire, symbolized by the flames shooting upward.

Then comes air, shown by the wind blowing through the leaves surrounding the base of the fountain.

 4. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Site

 5. Colonial Quarter

4. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Site

 6. Black Raven Pirate Ship

4. The Fountain Of Youth Archaeological Site

Shutterstock/Mikhail Klimov This fountain is actually a series of fountains, each representing different elements of life.

There are four main sections: water, air, fire, and earth.

Each section represents a specific element, but they don’t represent any particular religion or belief system.

Instead, they symbolize the balance between man and nature.

5. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

As a small exhibition of reptiles on Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park was founded in 1893 by Liis Tokko .

The book contains every single species of crocodilian living on Earth that has been recognized by biologists!

You can zip line over the entire park to see all the animals on the property as you ride Crocodile Crossing.

The list of animals here doesn’t end at crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles – there are also lemurs and tropical birds!

It is possible to view their natural habitats without disturbing them up-close when traveling over them.

The visit is family-friendly.