St Augustine Alligator Farm
The alligator farm is one of the main St. Augustine tourist attractions. It originally opened over 100 years as just a small exhibit of Florida reptiles. It has since grown into one of the largest Florida tourist attractions.
You can see tons of reptiles, including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, and other Florida native reptiles. The farm also has many mammals, such as lemurs and sloths. Many different species of birds Native to Africa can also be found in the zoo.
If youre an adrenaline junkie, make sure you make a reservation for zip lining. There are 50 different courses you can go through, including soaring right over the crocodiles. The zip line will also bring you into very close contact with the birds and lemurs.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is committed to ensuring the survival and ethical treatment of all the species that are in their hands. They work with zoos and aquariums all over the world to enact their Species Survival Plan that was started in 1981.
Their goal is that all their species can have a healthy and self-sustaining population that is also demographically stable. They are also fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and are considered a humane and ethical place.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine FL, 32080. Its open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is $27.99 for adults and $16.99 for kids.
Best Bed & Breakfast In Historic Downtown Treetop Cottage 3 Blocks From Historic District
Located right in the center of the leafy historic district is this charming treetop cottage with its own eclectic modern design. The owners pride the property on being a home away from home with a spacious, bohemian chic style cottage that is perfect for couples. The space comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, a king-sized bed, a deep bathtub for soaking sore muscles after a long day of exploring, and a quaint little balcony to enjoy a coffee on.
Best Hotel In Historic Downtown Villa 1565 Saint Augustine
Located in the heart of the Historic Downtown, this hotel is beautifully decorated with charming Spanish architecture, including a brightly lit sprawling courtyard that hangs underneath a grand oak tree. The hotel prides itself on having an old-world authenticity with a contemporary and modern twist. As well as being in the middle of all the top attractions in Downtown, the hotel offers guests complimentary coffee all day and all night long, an outdoor pool, and free parking.
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Coolest Hotels In St Augustine Florida Full Of Charm Beaches And Spas
You can practically hear the sound of cannon fire standing at the steps of the Spanish stone fortressâCastillo De San Marco. In fact, you can actually hear them during weekend weapon demonstrations, starting your time warp back to the 17th Century. Thatâs St. Augustine, Florida.
Prepare yourself for impressive views from the St. Augustine lighthouse, authentic and historical architecture, ghost tours and graveyards, tours of the local winery and distillery, an array of shopping and dining, and a lively atmosphere with Old Florida charm. Youâre going to need more than a day to take in all that St. Augustine has to offer, so Iâve compiled a list of the 7 coolest places to stay in and around the downtown district.
Beachfront Bed & Breakfast
Oceanfront on beautiful St. Augustine Beach and exclusively for grown ups. Beautiful rooms and suites featuring: elegant linens, refrigerator and private bathroom. Delicious morning breakfasts overlooking the ocean. Enjoy our oceanfront pool & Jacuzzi, wide, sandy beach and lush landscaping. AAA 3 diamond rating. Historic area is only 10 minutes.
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Old Florida Charm In The Heart Of The City
Nestled within the hustle and bustle of St. Augustine, this century-old, locally-owned Inn features accommodations with fantastic views of the Castillo, the City Gate, Matanzaâs Inlet, or the Innâs charming courtyard. The St. George Inn is just steps away from Old Townâstreets lined with shops, restaurants and historic sites, such as the oldest wooden schoolhouse â as well as having a wine bar on premises.
Traveling with your furry companion? St. George is also pet-friendly and accommodates guests with small furry family members.
For A Historic District Inn
- 44 Spanish Street Inn is an owner-run B& B in a central Historic District location. The pretty, 1920-built façade hides comfortable rooms and a sunny garden courtyard. Deservedly popular with couples.
- Carriage Way B& B is a sumputous, adults-only inn just two minutes’ stroll from the Historic District. A romantic base for couples larger rooms have two-person jetted tubs. The house itself is charming.
- sits between St. George Street and Matanzas Bay in the Historic District, well-placed for those looking to experience the area’s lively nightlife, as well as its heritage attractions. Expect big breakfasts and appealing guestrooms with whirlpool tubs or private balconies.
- Centennial House is an intimate choice in historic St Augustine, perfect for couples or wedding parties. Rooms are spacious, breakfasts are highly-rated, and modern touches make this a very comfortable base for exploring.
- Casa de Suenos has cosy rooms, some of which have jetted tubs. Stay here for the hearty breakfasts, afternoon wine tastings and delectable desserts. Very close to the city’s historic museums.
- The Old Powder House Inn was built in 1899, and now houses nine period rooms with antique pieces and patterned wallpaper. An owner-run B& B with gourmet breakfasts in the heart of St Augustine’s Historic District. For couples.
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Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas is one of the most visited monuments in Florida, and its located right along the beautiful Matanzas River. It was originally built in 1742 and was part of a huge Spanish military settlement. The fort is on a barrier island, so you get to experience a beautiful ferry ride as you journey to the fort.
After taking a self-guided tour of the fort, there are some amazing nature activities you can do. Hike along the small trail ending at the beach or spend the day viewing wildlife and fishing. You can also speak to the park rangers and watch their hourly presentations to learn more about Fort Matanzas.
Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine FL, 32080. Its open every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There are no fees to take the ferry or visit the fort.
Ponte Vedra Beach And Vilano
Nature lovers, golf enthusiasts and nostalgia buffs will all love this gorgeous stretch of beach along the A1A Scenic Byway.
For the golf enthusiast:
Ponte Vedra Beach has some of the finest golf resorts in the nation. The PGA is headquartered in Ponte Vedra, and nearby TPC Sawgrass hosts The Players Championship every year.
The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is a AAA Five-diamond rated beachfront luxury resort, with 300 acres of natural beauty to explore. Founded in 1928, the quietly opulent grand hotel welcomes visitors to enter another world, where elegance and relaxation are prized above all. Sporting and leisure activities on offer include tennis, horseback riding, swimming, sailing, cycling, and, of course, golf.
The Inn & Clubs Ocean and Lagoon courses both have a seaside look and feel, with elevated Bermuda greens, steep bunkers, and the constant soft breeze off the Atlantic. If golf is your passion, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club will be your new favorite place.
For couples, families, or a group of friends who want to stay in a lovely beach home, Wren Beach Rentals offers an impressive collection of beach houses to rent from South Ponte Vedra Beach to along Vilano Beach.
For the nature lover:
For the nostalgia buff:
The Magic Beach Motel is pure Florida Art Deco, from its iconic neon signs and pink flamingos to the hand-painted murals in each room — portraits of Ponce de Leon, tropical beach scenes, images of old St. Augustine, most of them original or lovingly restored.
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Bonus: Best Beachfront Hotels In St Augustine
When you think about Florida you immediately picture tons of beaches, sunshine, the ocean, and good vibes! And although St. Augustine is mostly known for its history and colonial architecture, there are as weve seen, many spots by the beach!
So if youre specifically looking for some great hotels in Saint Augustine that are on the beach or right near it, have a look at the list below:
Luxury
- Edgewater Inn Fancy access to a private beach, where you dont have to face the crowds? Then youll love this Saint Augustine hotel that offers air-conditioned rooms and free parking. Make sure you dont miss the happy hour and catch a sunset near the pool!
- La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites Every day should be a fiesta, right? Especially when youre on holiday! Enjoy your stay in St. Augustine at this fancy hotel that sits just 1 minute away from the beach and also has a swimming pool and garden.
Mid Range
- Beachers Lodge Im a big fan of balconies from where you can admire the sea! Its the best way to start your day . This beachfront hotel in Saint Augustine offers barbecue facilities, a swimming pool, and free parking.
Explore The St Augustine Historic District
The city of St. Augustine is a distinctive place due to the fact that it was first built between the 16th and early 19th centuries. The historic district was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and encompasses the colonial heart of the city. From the oldest surviving residences to the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. to beautiful bayfront views this area is a must-do on a visit to St. Augustine. The list of things to do here seems endless do weve compiled a list of our favorite 10 places to check out when you explore the St. Augustine historic district.
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Best Hotels In St Augustine Fl The Top
- Christina Rado
St. Augustine is a magnificent oceanfront city offering an unlimited array of fun-filled possibilities and spectacular hotels.
It offers you a myriad of lodging choices depending on whether you want to enjoy a terrific time playing golf, relaxing at a world-class spa, spending the day sprawled on a pristine beach, or doing different tourist activities.
Here, you can find accommodation perfect for solo vacationers, families on a getaway, partners seeking a romantic escape, friends going on a fun weekend trip, and people traveling for special occasions.
No matter the purpose and budgetary restrictions, I can help you find the perfect place catering to your every whim.
Just check out the list below of the best hotels in St Augustine and get ready for the ultimate vacation!
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Spend The Day Your Way
Visit archeological sites, historical reenactments, and native wildlife
Enjoy unique shops, sites, and sightseeing trains in St. Augustine. Learn about the Spanish conquistadors of Florida at Fountain of Youth, the world-famous archaeological park, or visit Castillo de San Marco and see amazing reenactments and historic exhibits. You can also see the largest reptiles in America at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, or swim with playful dolphins at Marineland Park.
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Beacher’s Lodge Oceanfront Suites
Beacher’s Lodge offers amazing views from over 100 ocean front one bedroom suites. Fully equipped kitchenettes, private balconies, an ocean front heated pool and only 10 miles south of historic St. Augustine on beautiful Crescent Beach. Your perfect St. Augustine getaway for the day or the week or the month. Come stay with us at Beacher’s Lodge, where the beach life begins.
The Perfect St Augustine Lodging
After you explore the St. Augustine historic district youll need a much-needed break from the amazing sightseeing. St. Francis Inn is your comfortable retreat from a busy day. Our cozy rooms are set up with your ultimate relaxation in mind. All guest rooms and suites are unique and come in varied sizes, decor, and locations. From a small, intimate room to larger multi-room suites you definitely will have options to choose from! All guests enjoy free amenities like buffet breakfast, all-day beverage service, use of Inn bicycles, and s mores by the courtyard firepit among many others. If you are ready for the perfect place to unwind in a place full of historic charm book your stay today!
- St Augustine, FL 32084 USA
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Best Hostel In St Augustine The Pirate Haus Hostel
This colonial-style hostel is located in the heart of downtown just a few minutes walk to the best nightlife in the area. The building was built in 1915 and has wooden floors and high ceilings, so if youre into history, you can stay right in the heart of it at The Pirate Haus. There are not many hostels in St Augustine, but this is the perfect place to stay if youre a solo traveler or a group looking to meet new people and have a comfortable stay.
What Type Of Room Suits You
First, you want to choose what type of lodging you would prefer. That will depend on personal preference, budget, and what you plan to do on your vacation. With the huge variety of lodging options in this historic, eccentric old town, the choices seem endless — inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels for every style and budget, resorts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, RV Parks, etc. — but we are here to help you find your perfect lodging fit.
Do you live and breathe romance? An inn or bed and breakfast might be your best choice. Inns and B& Bs tend to offer fewer rooms than a traditional hotel, but come with more charm. The rooms often have an “at home” feel that puts travelers at ease. In the morning many of these types of accommodations offer delicious, home-cooked breakfast to get sightseers started.
Are you looking to relax on the beach, or maybe get in a game of golf? Youd probably prefer to stay at a resort. St. Augustine is home to several resorts that offer comfortable rooms with all the traditional hotel amenities and friendly staff, but also include access to great things to do on property or near property. Resorts are most appreciated by travelers who want more from their lodging than a room to sleep inthese travelers want to spend time in one place without having to drive to the golf course, spa or beach. St. Augustine’s resorts are most appreciated by visitors who want to park their car once and be taken care of after that.
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Places To Explore In The St Augustine Historic District
Explore the St. Augustine historic district and youll find it to be a unique relic of the history of Florida and is a must-see when visiting! Here youll be immersed in the culture of the nations oldest city where many of the buildings and landmarks date back to the 1700s and today are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will find a majority of the citys restaurants, shopping, and attractions in this area.
Our bed and breakfast just happens to be located among the sites youll see when you explore the St. Augustine historic district. The Inn itself is a historic structure dating back to 1791. We offer the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxuries. Here you can unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing around this amazing city. We make it easy for you by being a walkable distance close to restaurants, museums, shops, and galleries. Whether you need a romantic getaway or are passing through for business the St. Francis Inn is here to welcome you. Book your room today!
Best Bed & Breakfast In St Augustine Treetop Cottage 3 Blocks From Historic District
Located right in the center of the leafy historic district is this charming treetop cottage B& B in Florida with its own eclectic modern design. The owners pride the property on being a home away from home with a spacious, bohemian chic style cottage that is perfect for couples. The space comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, a king-sized bed, a deep bathtub for soaking sore muscles after a long day of exploring, and a quaint little balcony to enjoy a coffee on. This is definitely one of the best treetop houses in Florida.
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Lodging In Historic District
Two of us will be visiting at the end of May 2011 for about 4 days and would like to stay someplace in the historic district. We want to walk to a lot of the sites or hop on a trolley. We aren’t interested in staying at the beach or driving to the area each day. There’s nothing better than walking out the door and being able to walk to around the area.
We’ve never stayed in a B& B but that might be OK though we aren’t interested in sharing a bath or sitting down at someone’s breakfast table. Clean, comfortable, relaxing is what we want. An inn or small hotel is what we’re used to so please, any suggestions? What street boundaries should I watch for when checking locations?
Thanks for your help!
Good thinking! A B & B is certainly the way to go in this litle city. AND I am right with you to walk out the door and “be there” instead of the drive back and forth from beach, etc.
I can tell you what has worked for me in the past…………wherever in the world we visit, I pick one of the top THREE B & B’s or hotels on Tripadvisor, read the reviews and go from there. I go by reviews that say a place excels. The top three do not have shared bathrooms, in fact none of the B& B’s in St. Augustine have that feature. As far as sitting by yourself, a couple of these top three have private suites and two of them have private tables where you can sit by yourself .
Service is key for me. And a quiet area, an excellent breakfast and on site parking. And onsite owners running the place .