Happy Friday! I hope you all had an amazing Christmas spent with your loved ones. Wow, Christmas arrived so quickly this year. It came and went like the wind. Looking back at this year, I realized I never posted my Saint Augustine travel guide, so I am going to post this Travel Guide instead of a NYE LookBook this year. I went to Saint Augustine a total of 2 times this past year. First, for my birthday and again for my wedding. I am going to share where we stayed both times, where we ate and what we did. This is somewhere you must visit in 2025. Such a beautiful place with so much rich history as the oldest town in the U.S.
Where I Stayed
In June, I stayed at the Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach. We loved this hotel. When we first checked in, we had a parking lot facing room, but we were eventually upgraded to an ocean/ pool facing room with a balcony. There is a Tiki Bar next to the pool where you can order drinks and snacks. They will give you pool towels you can use. The pool does get very packed in the late morning/ afternoon, so it is hard to snag a lounge chair and you cannot swim as freely as you would at night. There is beach access right behind the pool. The beach chairs and umbrellas are extra and are not included in the hotel stay. Parking is free and there is a huge parking lot, so you will always get a spot. No free breakfast; however, there is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Would I stay here again? To be honest, if I came back, I would want to stay at a different hotel in the area. This hotel was pricy for what little is included in your stay.
In September, for my wedding, I stayed at Castlegate Vacation Rental in Saint Augustine. You have to stay at least 4 days, so we stayed September 20th-24th. Castlegate is located directly beside Castle Otttis. It is 4 stories with a 1000 sq foot sky deck on the top level. It has 6 bedrooms. There are 4 full baths and 2 powder rooms. Max occupancy is 12. No food or cleaning products are provided. There is kitchenware and a coffee machine provided. The beach access is directly across the street. No pool. The property is on 1/2 acre and offers incredible 360 views. This is a great place to stay if you are having a family reunion, wedding, party, etc. Not for a one, two or three day stay in Saint Augustine.
What To Do
Castillo de San Marcos- The oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. It is a large Spanish stone fortress built to protect and defend Spain's claims in the New World. A National Monument, more than 327 years old, and is the oldest structure in St. Augustine. Take a self-guided tour to explore the inside and rooftop. Cannon firings /weaponry demonstrations (free with admission), Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. $15 for anyone over the age of 16.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum- The St. Augustine Light Station is a privately maintained aid to navigation and an active, working lighthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. The current lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island and was built between 1871 and 1874. You can also explore the Maritime Museum. See history unveil and hear stories about lighthouses. There is also a playground for the kids. Admission is $14.95 for adults and $12.95 for children.
Historic District- The heart of the city is in Historic Downtown where you will find a majority of the city's restaurants, shopping, hotels and attractions. The Historic Downtown is the oldest part of the city with many buildings dating back to the 1700's, and with streets that have existed long before that. The result is a walkable city designed with old European concepts.
Lightner Museum- The Lightner Museum is an iconic building at the heart of historic St. Augustine. An extraordinary museum collection. Occupying the former Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort hotel commissioned by Standard Oil executive Henry Flagler, the Lightner Museum offers an immersive experience of art, architecture, history and design.
Perky Pelican Christmas Shoppe- A Christmas Store offering a variety of Christmas decorations, including ornaments, figurines and collectibles.
Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf- An award-winning landscaped course featuring 8 waterfalls, caves, a 65 ft. Spanish ship and a view of the ocean from the mountaintop gazebo. So much fun!
Florida Citrus Center- The perfect place for oranges, souvenirs, shells and live alligators.
Bucee's- Our first time at a Bucee's; what an experience! Buc-ee's is a chain of gas stations and convenience stores in the United States known for its large travel centers, beaver mascot, and food. If you have never been, you must go. Bucee's has everything you could ever need.
Where To Eat
Mango Mangos- I went here twice because it was that good! Caribbean & American bites & daily happy hour at an island-style bar/grill that is a block from the beach. Here I got Trevor's Chipotle Shrimp Tacos. Two flour tortillas stuffed with seasoned shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and a two-cheese blend and topped with Santa Fe sauce with fries as the side. Cooked to perfection! I would back here again and again. You have to eat here.
Beaches At Vilano- I went here for my birthday dinner. Beaches at Vilano is a local hotspot and is a must-see restaurant offering breathtaking views and unparalleled sunsets. The food is also pretty amazing too. I ordered the Sunset Shrimp. Shrimp lightly fried and tossed in a sweet & spicy sunset sauce. Topped with toasted sesame seeds. Cannot recommend this restaurant enough not only for the food, but also, the amazing views.
Taco's Queen- A classic Mexican restaurant serving tacos, fajitas, and other traditional Mexican offerings, plus beer and margaritas. Loved the wings painted on the outside, had to take a picture with them.
Obi's Fillin' Station- This is a gas station–themed diner serving American fare, including burgers & breakfast, amid being car-part themed. The portions are huge, as you can see down below. You get so much bang for your buck. The best diner in Saint Augustine. "Enter Empty. Leave Full."
Cone Heads Ice Cream- "World Famous" cozy little ice cream joint offering a wide selection of 32 flavors, from classic to creative. The perfect treat spot after a long day in the sun.
Fast Food Options Saint Augustine Has- Chick-fil-A, Culver's, McDonald's & Subway
That is my complete St. Augustine/ St. Augustine Travel Guide. Saint Augustine has my heart. Not only because I got married in Saint Augustine, but because of the culture, experiences, food, etc. I could go on and on. I love these two towns and know I will be back in the future. You must visit Saint Augustine. This is a bucket-list place. I will forever love it.
This is my last post of 2024 before 2025. I have some exciting new content coming to the blog next year. You won't want to miss out on that. Subscribe to my blog if you haven't done so already, so you never miss a post. Also, follow me on Instagram. I am linking my Instagram here. Have a happy and safe New Year. See you in 2025! Blog posts return January 6th, 2025.
Xoxo,
Chey