A Local's Look at Can't Miss Spots
5 minute read
North City
Harbor views, oak-lined streets, and on-the-water fun.
Just a few minutes north of downtown, this laid-back neighborhood offers a quieter side of the Oldest City. It’s the kind of place where you can park easily, wander under the oaks, and stumble into a local bakery or thrift shop. With boat ramps, a marina, and some of our most meaningful historic sites, North City offers discovery and downtime.
About 1 mile from Historic Downtown.
Chase Adventure, Embrace Leisure
North City is a well-loved pocket of town where you can fill your day with water fun, thrift for treasures, or relax with a a pastry, a cup of coffee, and a great view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just a few minutes north of the Historic Downtown, North City is close enough for a quick drive but far enough to feel like its own neighborhood.
North City to Historic Downtown is a bit of a hike for some visitors — walkable for the adventurous, but most people drive or bike. The good news? Parking is usually easy to find.
Browse local thrift shops, grab coffee or a bite at low-key neighborhood spots, visit Fort Mose Historic State Park, or launch a boat from the marina. It’s a mix of local life and low-key exploration.
Yes. There’s a public boat ramp near the Vilano Causeway, plus at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor where you’ll find water tours and charters.
Fort Mose Historic State Park marks the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in the United States. It’s a powerful, important place just 3.5 miles from downtown St. Augustine.
Yes! You’ll find cozy, moderately priced inns and vacation rentals, perfect for travelers looking for quiet nights and local charm.
Very. It’s quiet, easy to get around, and full of relaxed, everyday spots that welcome all ages.
North City Spotlight
Visit Fort Mose
Fort Mose tells a story you won’t find in your average history book. Founded in 1738, it was the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what’s now the United States.
Today, you can walk the boardwalk through the salt marsh, visit the museum, and stand where freedom took root long before the American Revolution. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, Fort Mose is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
Top Picks in North City
What Locals Love in North City
Sip on a Local Latte
Start your morning under the palm trees with a latte and something sweet from this tucked-away neighborhood favorite.
Watch the Sunset
No filters needed. The boats, the bay, the golden light—taking in the sunset at the marina is a quiet North City ritual that never gets old.
Taste the Neighborhood
Horseradish-crusted mahi-mahi, datil crab cakes, and vanilla bean crème brûlée—this is North City comfort done right. Toss in marina views, a gazebo, and a hammock, and you’ve got a local favorite built for lingering.
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