A Local's Look at Can't Miss Spots

St. Augustine's history makes it a national treasure, an ideal vacation destination, and a comfortable place to call home. Most of us who live here are delighted that other people enjoy our town and all the great things to do and places to eat while visiting the nation's oldest city!

To welcome our visitors into town and ensure everyone gets the most out of their stay, we've put together this guide with useful tips from a local perspective on how to spend your time here.

Watch the Sunrise

There are three great places to watch the sunrise...

1. St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach have the most spectacular and clear views.
2. Along the bayfront (above) from the Castillo to the end of the walk near the National Guard Headquarters.
3. And finally, for those who enjoy a morning walk, the Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park in Lincolnville offers views of the Matanzas through the Freedom Chimes.

Grab Coffee and a Pastry

We love our Kookaburra Coffee! And now, with so many locations, it's easy to grab a cuppa. Les Petits Pleasures, on Anastasia Island, has delicious authentic French pastries. If you're craving a little more, visit the Maple Street Biscuit Company downtown where you can order fried chicken over a waffle, topped with real maple syrup. (Fun fact: the Maple Street Biscuit Company is on Cordova Street. We don't even think St. Augustine even has a "Maple Street.")

Take These Eight Can't-Miss Shots

These are some places and props that every proud tourist needs to capture:

1. The marble lions on the Bridge of Lions. Fun facts: The lions are named Fiel and Firme, which translates into Faithful and Firm. In 2015, lions Pax and Peli (Peace and Happiness) were added on the east side of the bridge.
2. The statue of Henry Flagler in front of Flagler College
3. A cannon (and the views) at the Castillo de San Marcos
4. Father Lopez statue at Mission Nombre De Dios
5. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
6. The City Gate
7. Top of the Lighthouse
8. Gomek outside the Alligator Farm

Enjoy Culture + History

The Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, on Martin Luther King Ave., presents local Black history. The St. Photios National Shrine contains a Minorcan museum and beautiful murals, as well as a lovely garden for special events. It's easy to miss as it's located along the busiest area of St. George Street. Visit the Oldest House Museum on the south end of downtown and see what Spanish colonial life was like in St. Augustine.

Buy Local Art

Visit P.A.St.A. Fine Art Gallery if you're looking for a keepsake work of art on a budget. Get something unique, local, and affordable, at the Coconut Barrel Artisan Market on U.S. 1 South.

Eat Local Flavors

Fresh catch in Florida is popular, and the freshest catches come from Catch 27. Spanish-inspired dishes are also a must. Hit up the local Spanish Bakery and try their bread, soups, and cookies.

The Hyppo has taken St. Augustine by storm. Try one of their gourmet and guiltlessly healthy popsicles made from crushed fruits and veggies. Cupcakes reign supreme in America, and everyone in St. Augustine loves Luli's Cupcakes. Grab some frozen, chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick at the Key Lime Shop on Treasury Street.

Get Away from the Crowds

Get away from busy downtown and visit the chill Island bars, including Salt Life Food Shack in St. Augustine Beach, and Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen, just a few blocks east of the Bridge of Lions.

Know Your Parts of Town and Landmarks

When a visitor asks for directions, these are some landmarks and words residents will mention, and this is what they mean:

• The Island - Anastasia Island and St. Augustine Beach. There are three ways to get there. Over the Bridge of Lions, over the 312 Bridge, and over the 206 Bridge.
• The Bayfront - In St. Augustine, bayfront is one word and is, in truth, the riverfront along Avenida Menendez.
• The Fort - The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. A 300+ year old fort on the bayfront. You seriously can't miss it.
• Flagler - Also known as the Ponce de Leon Hotel. It's currently home to Flagler College. The old hotel is a prominent part of the St. Augustine skyline.
• The Mission - Mission Nombre de Dios and the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, noticeable for the Great Cross that towers over the grounds.
• Uptown - From just north of West Castillo Drive to A1A heading toward Vilano. This region is characterized by boutiques, antique stores, and charming restaurants.
• Aviles - Hub for art and local restaurants, the oldest street in the city.
• Lincolnville - Located in the area of King Street and MLK. A historically Black community with strong ties to the Civil Rights Movement.
• The Plaza - The Plaza de la Constitucion is the park downtown with gazebo, trees, pavilion, obelisk and other monuments. Near the Bridge of Lions and the Cathedral.
• Vilano - The "northern" beach across the Vilano Bridge on A1A north.

And remember, if you're having trouble navigating the city, pick up a St. Augustine Sightseeing Map & Guide in many of the stores around town, and don't forget to check out our listings for more things to do and places to eat!