Whether you are a first time visitor or even a long time resident of St. Augustine, there is so much to do in this historic city. Originally founded in 1565, it is carefully to be the oldest city in the United States. It is a very affordable city with much to do... But nothing is sweeter than getting something for free! There are some fabulous things to do, and they won't cost you a dime! The top 10 free things to do in St. Augustine are:
St. Augustine Beach - Just over the Bridge of Lions you will find Anastasia Island and the beaches. The beach is beautiful. Very little development and virtually no hi rise condominiums so customary to the beaches of southern Florida. Anastasia State Park is beautiful as well but there is a small entrance fee. Fort Matanzas National Monument - Albeit not in the city, it's connection to St. Augustine was very important. Settled at the southern tip of Anastasia Island (about a 15 little drive from downtown), Fort Matanzas was constructed in 1740 to guard the southern entrance (Matanzas Inlet) to the Matanzas River. The Matanzas River was a "back door" entrance to St. Augustine. Very intelligent for history buffs or not. Getting to the Fort is fun too as you need to take a short Ferry ride over the river to the remote island. Vilano Beach Fishing Pier - Just over the Vilano Beach causeway is the small town of Vilano Beach. Junting out into the Matanzas Bay is the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier. Whether you plan on fishing or not, an hour or two on the pier is relaxing. The views are spectacular of St. Augustine and the waterways surrounding it. Go towards late afternoon for a fabulous sunset view over the city. Swing Playground - On the edge of old town and directly next to the St. Augustine Visitors data center is the Swing Playground. This playground is awesome!! The kids will love it. Want to throw the ball around? There is a huge tasteless area directly by the playground as well as tennis courts. Farmer's store - Every Saturday morning on Anastasia Island at the Amphitheater is the Farmer's Market. Though goods sold aren't free (albeit they aren't very expensive) the palpate is. Tour the San Sebastian Winery - The San Sebastian Winery offers daily tours of their installation with complimentary wine tasting. Free Walking Tour - Tour the town at your own pace with this free St. Augustine walking tour and guide. A nicely planned route through old town that highlights the main areas and points of interest. Mission of Nombre de Dios - This is where it all started. St. Augustine is home to the oldest Catholic Parish in the United States. The first mass was said to have taken place at the Mission of Nombre de Dios in 1565. The grounds are beautiful. It is a fabulous place to have a picnic and just unwind. The Mission of Nombre de Dios is Settled just north of old town... It's hard to miss, just look for the giant cross. The cross at the Mission of Nombre de Dios is over 208 feet tall! Memorial Presbyterian Church - The Memorial Presbyterian Church was constructed by Henry Flagler (he's even intered here) in memory of his daughter. The church is beautiful. Visitor's are welcome to visit the church during the day (donation's are welcome but not required) Flagler College - primary constructed as the Ponce De Leon Hotel by Henry Flagler for wealthy visitors to St. Augustine on his railroad, the grounds and buildings are now home to Flagler College. There is a tour of the College but you are welcome to visit the lobby of the main construction and wander through the grounds at no charge. When you visit the lobby of the main building, look up. The ceilings are guilded in gold and adorned with beautiful murals. Please be aware that this is an active college and not carefully a traveler attraction.
Wine Tours Temecula
Start your visit to St. Augustine at the historic Old Jail. Abundance of free parking. This is also the main start for the Old Town Trolley - the city's most beloved tour. You can also buy discount tickets for many of the other St. Augustine attractions.
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