5 Things to put on Your St. Augustine Bucket List from a Local

Planning your St Augustine vacation? We're here to offer some local's advice so you can find the best things to do and St. Augustine attractions to include on your list of places to visit. Whether you want to go shopping, learn about the area's history, or get in a good sweat, there are tons of things to do here.

Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse

The St. Augustine Lighthouse has 219 steps to the top, but it’s a wonderful feeling when you get to the top and you get a 360 birds-eye view of the city and the beach. The lighthouse was built between 1871 and 1874 and is known to be haunted. I would definitely put this on your to do list for St. Augustine.

Tour Flagler College

St. Augustine is known for the history and beautiful buildings. One that I have always been amazed with is Flagler College. The once Ponce De Leon was an exclusive luxury hotel, built by Henry Flagler who saw St. Augustine as a perfect vacation location. The architecture is sure to blow you away especially the Tiffany stained glass windows.

Visit Local Shops on St. George St.

Start at the historic city gates that once went around the city to protect it from intruders. St. George Street is a pedestrian friendly street lined with everything from shopping and ice cream to galleries and locally owned restaurants. You can also see the oldest schoolhouse along the way.

Explore the Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum was once The Alcazar Hotel and was also built by Henry Flagler. The hotel had an indoor swimming pool, steam room, grand ballroom, bowling alley and archery ranges to attract tourists. The pool area has now been turned into Café Alcazar and the museum holds the bizarre belongings of Otto Lightner. The collection ranges from Victorian art to shrunken heads.

Gonzalez-Alvarez House

The Gonzalez-Alvarez House is also known as the Oldest House. The home was originally built in 1723 but was later modified and added on to by English owners. Now the house has been turned into a museum and hosts guided tours to guests. The oldest house became a registered national landmark in 1970. The home is the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling.

Stay With Us at Island South FL

Be sure to book your vacation with Coastal Realty to soak in all the history St. Augustine has to offer. Island South FL has oceanfront rentals and plenty of resort amenities to enjoy. Browse all our vacation rentals and start planning your St. Augustine stay.