7 Unexpected & Quirky Things to Do
Explore the unexpected with these quirky stops around town.
Explore the offbeat side of St. Augustine.
St. Augustine is filled with iconic sites and attractions, but it’s also full of places that fly a little under the radar. Beyond the big landmarks, you’ll find quiet shrines, vintage roadside surprises, and attractions that feel a bit unexpected — and a lot memorable.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for something new to explore, these offbeat stops offer a fun way to experience our city’s character from a different angle.
1. Rota the Lion at the Lightner Museum
Just inside the Lightner Museum, visitors are greeted by Rota — a full-sized taxidermy lion from Otto Lightner’s original collection. Rota rose to fame during World War II when he was gifted to Winston Churchill. He's an unexpected introduction to a museum known for gilded grandeur and fine art.
2. Coquina Quarry at Anastasia State Park
Inside Anastasia State Park lies the remnants of the King's Coquina Quarry where workers once cut the stone used to build the Castillo de San Marcos. Still visible today along the park's walking trail, this historic site offers a rare glimpse into the origin of St. Augustine's most iconic landmark.
Visitor Tip: Save time to explore the rest of Anastasia State Park — home to scenic trails, kayak rentals, birdwatching, and one of Northeast Florida’s most beautiful beaches.
3. Prince Road Container House
Just north of downtown, the Prince Road Container House turns heads with its creative design and backstory. Made from nine stacked shipping containers, the home was built by a local artist after Hurricane Irma. Today, it doubles as both a striking piece of architecture and an Airbnb rental. Even if you're just passing by, it’s a fun and unexpected stop to your St. Augustine visit.
Read our Guide to Booking Airbnb Stays in St. Augustine
4. Sarbez!
A hidden gem on Anastasia Boulevard, Sarbez! combines retro arcade games, local live music, and a menu full of over-the-top grilled cheese creations. Inside, you’ll find craft beers on tap, pinball machines, and quirky wall art that matches the venue’s anything-goes vibe. It’s a casual, creative hangout and a local favorite.
5. The Sacred Cat Rug at Villa Zorayda Museum
Among the Moorish-inspired architecture and gilded antiques of the Villa Zorayda Museum is a particularly curious piece: a rug believed to be over 2,000 years old, woven entirely from cat hair — yes, cat hair! Once thought to hold spiritual importance, the rug is also said to have once wrapped a mummified foot. Whether it’s sacred or not, it’s one of the quirkiest (and most talked-about) artifacts in town.
6. Medieval Torture & Tiny Art Museums
It’s not every day you walk through a museum of medieval torture devices and come out marveling at postage-stamp-sized paintings, but that’s exactly what happens here. At the Medieval Torture Museum, you’ll explore chilling artifacts and interactive exhibits and finish by marveling at delicate, finely crafted paintings and art no larger than a coin. It's one of the most surprising two-for-one experiences in town.
Visit the Medieval Torture & Tiny Art Exhibit Museums
7. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
What do a vampire-slaying kit, a shrunken head, and a two-headed calf have in common? They’re all waiting inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. Set inside a former Gilded Age hotel, Ripley's is packed with quirky artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the kind of oddities that make you look twice (and maybe laugh out loud). Weird? Absolutely. But that’s half the fun.
Visit Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
Find your own surprises in St. Augustine.
These unexpected finds and offbeat stops are the kind of things you stumble into and can’t stop talking about afterward. Explore our popular attractions and fun things to do and discover your very own unexpected finds along the way.
