Scott's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Here are a few of our favorite places to sightsee and get some great pictures around St. Augustine.
If you only do one sightseeing excursion go here. It’s an amazing National Monument guarding the the inlet.
391 locals recommend
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
11 S Castillo DrIf you only do one sightseeing excursion go here. It’s an amazing National Monument guarding the the inlet.
This’s is also the best area to park and walk the historic downtown and waterfront boardwalk. This is pretty much the town center.
14 locals recommend
Plaza de la Constitucion
170 St George StThis’s is also the best area to park and walk the historic downtown and waterfront boardwalk. This is pretty much the town center.
We love this serene, public park and botanical garden. It’s fun to bring lunch or a snack and eat in one of the pavilions or on a beach beside the scenic Matanzas River.
193 locals recommend
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
We love this serene, public park and botanical garden. It’s fun to bring lunch or a snack and eat in one of the pavilions or on a beach beside the scenic Matanzas River.
Very cool Spanish Fort built in 1742 to guard the Matanzas inlet, the Southern mouth of the Matanzas River. This whole area, the beach, the inlet, the fort and river are as rich in history as they are in natural beauty. It’s worth the short drive from Sea Place. Tip: if you’re not squeamish Google the meaning of Matanzas and how the area got its name.
173 locals recommend
Fort Matanzas National Monument
8635 A1A SVery cool Spanish Fort built in 1742 to guard the Matanzas inlet, the Southern mouth of the Matanzas River. This whole area, the beach, the inlet, the fort and river are as rich in history as they are in natural beauty. It’s worth the short drive from Sea Place. Tip: if you’re not squeamish Google the meaning of Matanzas and how the area got its name.
During the holidays, St. Augustine becomes a truly magical place with millions of tiny white lights adorning the city. This award-winning, annual event “Nights of Lights” runs nightly this year from November 19, 2022 through January 31, 2023. Holding the distinct honor as one of the 10 Best Holiday Displays In The World by National Geographic, this year celebrating the 29th anniversary of this event.
28 locals recommend
Nights of Lights
170 St George StDuring the holidays, St. Augustine becomes a truly magical place with millions of tiny white lights adorning the city. This award-winning, annual event “Nights of Lights” runs nightly this year from November 19, 2022 through January 31, 2023. Holding the distinct honor as one of the 10 Best Holiday Displays In The World by National Geographic, this year celebrating the 29th anniversary of this event.
Black Raven Pirate Ship
111 Avenida MenendezWe did a charter with this company and they didn’t miss a beat. Cool people, great service and an immaculate beautiful vessel all to your party. Call for rates but it’s pleasantly surprisingly reasonable. https://thcharters.com/
TH Charters
509 South Ponce De Leon BoulevardWe did a charter with this company and they didn’t miss a beat. Cool people, great service and an immaculate beautiful vessel all to your party. Call for rates but it’s pleasantly surprisingly reasonable. https://thcharters.com/
Matanzas Inlet is a channel in Florida between two barrier islands and the mainland, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the south end of the Matanzas River. It is 14 miles (23 km) south of St. Augustine, in the southern part of St. Johns County. The inlet is not stabilized by jetties, and thus is subject to shifting. (From Wikipedia)
75 locals recommend
Matanzas Inlet
Matanzas Inlet is a channel in Florida between two barrier islands and the mainland, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the south end of the Matanzas River. It is 14 miles (23 km) south of St. Augustine, in the southern part of St. Johns County. The inlet is not stabilized by jetties, and thus is subject to shifting. (From Wikipedia)
Tours of the City
There are a wide range of guided tours of St Augustine and here are a few of your options.
Tour St Augustine
4 Granada StBest local restaurants (for bars see below)
Here are some of our favorite and highly rated restaurants near the Sea Place condo.
Our most favorite area restaurant. If you like fish try it “Southern Style”, blackened over creamy grits. It’s only about a 3 minute drive from the Sea Place condo but it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm they’re open.
45 locals recommend
Salt Water Cowboys
299 Dondanville RdOur most favorite area restaurant. If you like fish try it “Southern Style”, blackened over creamy grits. It’s only about a 3 minute drive from the Sea Place condo but it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm they’re open.
The Conch House Restaurant
57 Comares AveThis restaurant could just as easily be under sightseeing because the views are great. In the heart of downtown with balcony table overlooking the Marina and the Bridge of Lions to the East and the Plaza de la Constitucion to the North. Really good food too.
105 locals recommend
A1A Ale Works Restaurant & Taproom
1 King StThis restaurant could just as easily be under sightseeing because the views are great. In the heart of downtown with balcony table overlooking the Marina and the Bridge of Lions to the East and the Plaza de la Constitucion to the North. Really good food too.
This place is our regular go-to for seafood, generally on out first night. The food isn’t fancy, but it is superb and seems to put everyone in a great mood. It’s best to call in your order and pick it up. They don’t take credit cards or reservations but get waiting line going just about every night (after 40+ years in business, tells you something). 🦐
75 locals recommend
O'Steen's Restaurant
205 Anastasia BlvdThis place is our regular go-to for seafood, generally on out first night. The food isn’t fancy, but it is superb and seems to put everyone in a great mood. It’s best to call in your order and pick it up. They don’t take credit cards or reservations but get waiting line going just about every night (after 40+ years in business, tells you something). 🦐
As popular with locals as it is with tourists this place is fun anytime of day. Great grouper sandwiches, really convenient to Sea Place and they frequently have live music.
67 locals recommend
World Famous Oasis Restaurant
4000 A1A SAs popular with locals as it is with tourists this place is fun anytime of day. Great grouper sandwiches, really convenient to Sea Place and they frequently have live music.
For many visitors to St Augustine this is the go to restaurant. Great views, always good food and service, moderate prices, sometimes a little wait.
102 locals recommend
Sunset Grille
421 A1A Beach BlvdFor many visitors to St Augustine this is the go to restaurant. Great views, always good food and service, moderate prices, sometimes a little wait.
They deliver to Sea Place and have a fun, fusion menu. They don’t have to make it spicy but they will if you ask them too. 🌶 🍤 🔥
13 locals recommend
Baitong Thai & Sushi Restaurant
3915 A1A SThey deliver to Sea Place and have a fun, fusion menu. They don’t have to make it spicy but they will if you ask them too. 🌶 🍤 🔥
Llama Restaurant
415 Anastasia BlvdMango Mangos
700 A1A Beach BlvdSalt Life Food Shack
1018 3rd Street NorthLa Cocina International Restaurant
530 A1A Beach BlvdPlaya Chacmool Inc
105 D StThe best Mexican food on the island.
The only area restaurant directly on the beach. Nothing fancy but they’ll get it all right. Especially affordable. .
104 locals recommend
Beachcomber Restaurant
2 A StThe only area restaurant directly on the beach. Nothing fancy but they’ll get it all right. Especially affordable. .
This is the closest restaurant to the condo. It’s nothing too fancy but the food is good and it’s a 5-8 minute walk. 🍔 🍟
8 locals recommend
Connolly's Shore Grill
4320 A1A SThis is the closest restaurant to the condo. It’s nothing too fancy but the food is good and it’s a 5-8 minute walk. 🍔 🍟
The Kookaburra Dondi
4265 A1A SSeafood Kitchen
4255 A1A SSuper convenient, kid friendly, nothing fancy but always good food, nice people.
22 locals recommend
Redfrog & McToad's Grub-n-Pub
5545 A1A SSuper convenient, kid friendly, nothing fancy but always good food, nice people.
Zaba's
701 A1A Beach BlvdThe nearby Dominoes offers contact free delivery or curbside pick. Call 904.461.3030 or order online at https://www.dominos.com.
Domino's Pizza
2085 A1A SouthThe nearby Dominoes offers contact free delivery or curbside pick. Call 904.461.3030 or order online at https://www.dominos.com.
“As featured on TV” and in USA Today this super cool cafe and gift shop is all about making the world a better place through fair trade, organic farming and really great coffee. ☕️ Check them out here: https://growersalliance.com/
14 locals recommend
Growers Alliance Cafe and Gift Shop
322 Anastasia Blvd“As featured on TV” and in USA Today this super cool cafe and gift shop is all about making the world a better place through fair trade, organic farming and really great coffee. ☕️ Check them out here: https://growersalliance.com/
Raintree Restaurant
102 San Marco AveThe best nearby beaches
The stretch of beach aside the Sea Place complex is about as pristine a beach as you’ll find anywhere but for a change of scenery here are a few other local favorite beaches you may want to check out. 🌞 🏝
Ocean Hammock Park
A1A Beach BoulevardSt. Johns County Ocean Pier & Courts Park
350 A1A Beach BlvdThis nearby beach is aside the inlet where the Matanzas Fort sits on a small island. This area is steeped in its own history.
Matanzas Beach
8635 A1A SThis nearby beach is aside the inlet where the Matanzas Fort sits on a small island. This area is steeped in its own history.
There are vehicle access points along most of the St Augustine beaches. It makes for a really pleasant drive and can be nice to have your vehicle near you at the beach but please observe 4 wheel drive only restrictions when in force.
Beach Vehicle Access
There are vehicle access points along most of the St Augustine beaches. It makes for a really pleasant drive and can be nice to have your vehicle near you at the beach but please observe 4 wheel drive only restrictions when in force.
Butler Beach is a historically significant and absolutely gorgeous beach. Great spot for a picnic lunch. 🏖
17 locals recommend
Frank Butler County Park West
399 Riverside BlvdButler Beach is a historically significant and absolutely gorgeous beach. Great spot for a picnic lunch. 🏖
Great beaches and views, bike and kayak rentals, guided tours, fishing, concessions and convenient parking.
224 locals recommend
Anastasia State Park
300 Anastasia Park RdGreat beaches and views, bike and kayak rentals, guided tours, fishing, concessions and convenient parking.
Activities
Some fun things to do in the area.
Our whole family likes this place for different reasons. Besides the mostly crocodilian zoo it hosts a naturally occurring large bird rookery in the safety of the trees above some of the larger alligator exhibits.
409 locals recommend
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
999 Anastasia BlvdOur whole family likes this place for different reasons. Besides the mostly crocodilian zoo it hosts a naturally occurring large bird rookery in the safety of the trees above some of the larger alligator exhibits.
“The Amp”, as it is known known locally, is an open air concert venue with seating for about 4,000. It’s close enough to the coast that you generally get a nice ocean breeze.
166 locals recommend
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
1340C A1A S“The Amp”, as it is known known locally, is an open air concert venue with seating for about 4,000. It’s close enough to the coast that you generally get a nice ocean breeze.
There are many options to see Saint Augustine from the water and several originate from this downtown marina.
24 locals recommend
St Augustine Municipal Marina
111 Avenida MenendezThere are many options to see Saint Augustine from the water and several originate from this downtown marina.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
19 San Marco AveFor a different perspective of the city and I t’s natural beauty consider a SUP experience with these guys. They put together these combo paddle board expedition-lunch outings and supply everything you need.
6 locals recommend
Latitude 29 Paddle Board Co.
85 Ava WayFor a different perspective of the city and I t’s natural beauty consider a SUP experience with these guys. They put together these combo paddle board expedition-lunch outings and supply everything you need.
The PGA TOUR Golf Academy
326 World Golf VillageMarineland Marina
9600 N Ocean Shore BlvdDrifters has some really fun options. https://www.driftersrentals.com/
13 locals recommend
Drifters Bike Rental
645 A1A Beach BlvdDrifters has some really fun options. https://www.driftersrentals.com/
Treaty Park offers pickleball, skateboarding, a dog park and more. http://www.sjcfl.us/Recreation/Parks/TreatyPark.aspx
10 locals recommend
Treaty Park
1595 Wildwood DrTreaty Park offers pickleball, skateboarding, a dog park and more. http://www.sjcfl.us/Recreation/Parks/TreatyPark.aspx
World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater
1 World Golf PlPoseidon Spa
53 King StGenungs Fish Camp
291 Cubbedge RdSan Sebastian Winery
157 King StFun for kids!
Here are a few suggestions of fun things to do and places to shop with your kids
Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf
818 A1A Beach BlvdThe local YMCA has pickleball courts and a range of options for you to get your cardio. https://fcymca.org/locations/st-augustine-ymca/
6 locals recommend
St. Augustine Family YMCA
500 Pope RdThe local YMCA has pickleball courts and a range of options for you to get your cardio. https://fcymca.org/locations/st-augustine-ymca/
Anastasia Bowling Lanes
3245 A1A SEpic Theatres of St. Augustine
112 Theatre DrColonial Quarter
14 St George StThis place is right near the condo and is great for kids, touristy stuff and just about anything to do with the beach. 
8 locals recommend
Alvin's Island Saint Augustine #751
3848 Florida A1AThis place is right near the condo and is great for kids, touristy stuff and just about anything to do with the beach. 
Splash Park at the Pier
350 A1A Beach BlvdFiesta Falls Miniature Golf
818 A1A Beach BlvdWhetstone Chocolates Store and Tasting Tour
139 King StAnastasia Miniature Golf
701 Anastasia BlvdRipley's Bayfront Mini-Golf
111 Avenida MenendezShopping
St. Augustine has such diverse shopping options anyone should be able to enjoy a dose of retail therapy. There is everything from trendy boutiques and art galleries to name brand outlets. Here are a few of our favorites including 2 nearby farmers markets that have fresh local produce.
St. Augustine Premium Outlets
2700 FL-16Our favorite little gift and wine shop. They offer periodic tastings and have great taste! 🍷 😃
Gifted Cork LLC
64 Hypolita StOur favorite little gift and wine shop. They offer periodic tastings and have great taste! 🍷 😃
Red Pineapple
120 St George StThis little store sells the coolest color changing lights and is as popular with locals as it is with tourists.
Happy Pappy's Glowing Balls
76 San Marco AveThis little store sells the coolest color changing lights and is as popular with locals as it is with tourists.
The Panama Hat Company of St. Augustine
46 St George StIf you like Farmers Market this is a good one, confirm the timing but it is most Saturday’s. https://www.theamp.com/community/farmers-market
46 locals recommend
The Old City Farmers Market
1370-1380 A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal BywayIf you like Farmers Market this is a good one, confirm the timing but it is most Saturday’s. https://www.theamp.com/community/farmers-market
This one is nearer the pier, and one Wednesdays from 8-12. https://www.wednesdaypierfarmersmarket.com/
29 locals recommend
St. Augustine Wednesday Farmers Market
350 A1A Beach BlvdThis one is nearer the pier, and one Wednesdays from 8-12. https://www.wednesdaypierfarmersmarket.com/
For great cuts of meat to charcuterie and other gourmet groceries you can swing by this local favorite. 😋 🥩 🧀
14 locals recommend
Chop Shop Artisan Butcher
600 Anastasia BlvdFor great cuts of meat to charcuterie and other gourmet groceries you can swing by this local favorite. 😋 🥩 🧀