48 Hours in St. Augustine: Exploring America’s Oldest City
St. Augustine is the kind of place where you turn a corner and bump into 450 years of history. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, older than Jamestown and Plymouth, and it wears that history beautifully. We spent a couple of days here strolling cobblestone streets, climbing a watchtower, drinking from the actual Fountain of Youth, and eating very well. Here is how to spend 48 hours in America's oldest city.
What are the best things to do in St. Augustine?
Walk historic St. George Street, tour the stunning Flagler College, cross the Bridge of Lions, visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, see the Cathedral Basilica, and eat your way through town. Almost everything sits within about three miles of downtown, so a weekend is the perfect amount of time.
Start with breakfast
As with all our adventures, we kicked things off with a hearty breakfast, this time at Maple Street Biscuit Company. Their biscuits are massive, so big you will need a fork and knife, golden, flaky, and packed with flavor. Whether you go classic chicken biscuit or load it up with eggs, bacon, and gravy, it is the perfect fuel before a day on your feet.
Flagler College (the old Hotel Ponce de León)
Just a short walk away is Flagler College, and it stops you in your tracks. This stunning Spanish Renaissance building was originally built in 1888 as the luxury Hotel Ponce de León by Gilded Age tycoon Henry Flagler (of Standard Oil and Florida railroad fame). It was one of the first major buildings constructed of poured concrete, using the local coquina stone, and it became a college in 1968. Even from the outside, the architecture is jaw-dropping, and historic tours are available if you want to see inside.
The Lightner Museum
Across the street sits the Lightner Museum, housed in another former Flagler hotel. It was not open when we passed by, but the courtyard alone, with its large fountain and intricate sculptures, is worth a pause. Add it to your list if you have time to go inside.
The Bridge of Lions
From there it is a few blocks to the iconic Bridge of Lions, which crosses the water into the historic district. Built between 1925 and 1927, it is named for the two Carrara marble lions, Fiel ("Faithful") and Firme ("Firm"), that guard the western end. They were modeled after the famous Medici lions of Florence and have watched over the city for nearly a century. It is a beautiful spot for water views.
The Cathedral Basilica
Like Savannah, St. Augustine is full of stunning architecture, especially its churches. The standout is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, easy to spot on the skyline with its distinctive red roof. It is the seat of the oldest Catholic parish in the country, and it is worth a few quiet minutes inside.
St. George Street
Now the heart of it all: St. George Street. This pedestrian-only street is the historic district's main artery, and it dates back to the 1600s, so every corner feels like a step back in time. It is lined with quaint shops, cafes, art galleries, ice cream stands, and even macaroon and mini-donut shops. We went early, before the crowds woke up, to catch it quiet, and it is magical that way, all old Spanish architecture and morning light. By day it buzzes with street performers and visitors.
Don't miss the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse on St. George Street near the old City Gate. Built in the early 1700s out of red cedar and cypress, held together with wooden pegs and handmade nails, it is over 200 years old and has survived centuries of hurricanes (legend credits a huge iron chain wrapped around the building to help anchor it in storms).
Family tip: if walking the Colonial Quarter does not wear the kids out, there is a great playground right across from a parking deck, so you can keep the car (and the snacks) close while the youngsters burn off energy.
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
This was a highlight. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park sits on the very land where, in the spring of 1513, Spanish explorer Ponce de León is said to have come ashore at a Timucua village called Seloy, naming the new land "La Florida." Today it is part historic site, part archaeological park, and yes, you can actually drink the spring water (Aaron gave it a shot for his gray hairs, results pending).
There is a ton to explore: indigenous history exhibits about the Timucua people who lived here long before the Spanish, free-roaming peacocks (we learned the ones missing their big tail feathers are, let's say, the ones who had a good mating season), and a five-story watchtower. We climbed all 38 steps to the top for sweeping views of the lighthouse, the cross, the grounds, and the Intracoastal Waterway. One honest heads-up: the gnats out here are aggressive, so bring bug spray.
Cool off with a popsicle (and dinner on the beach)
St. Augustine in summer gets hot, so we cooled down with gourmet popsicles (the dragonfruit and key lime were winners) and a lot of ice cream. We capped the day with dinner at the Sunset Grill right off St. Augustine Beach, a delicious spread and a perfect way to end a day of exploring.
Tips for visiting St. Augustine
Go early on St. George Street. The quiet morning light and empty streets are worth setting an alarm for.
Bring bug spray. The gnats, especially at the Fountain of Youth, are no joke.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will rack up miles on cobblestones.
Pair it with a beach dinner. St. Augustine Beach is close, and sunset waterfront dining is a great finale.
Make it a combo trip. Base yourself at a nearby RV resort or hotel and give it a full two days.
FAQ
Why is St. Augustine famous?
It is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, settled by the Spanish in 1565, more than 40 years before Jamestown.
How many days do you need in St. Augustine?
Two days is ideal. Almost everything is within about three miles of downtown, so a weekend covers the highlights without rushing.
Is St. Augustine good for families?
Yes. Between St. George Street, the Fountain of Youth, the playground, and the beach, there is plenty for kids, with deep history for the adults.
Can you really drink from the Fountain of Youth?
Yes, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park lets you taste the spring water. You can definitely taste the minerals.
What's the can't-miss stop?
St. George Street and Flagler College for the architecture, plus the Fountain of Youth for the history and the views.
The Verdict
St. Augustine packs an astonishing amount of history, charm, and good food into a walkable few miles. In 48 hours we wandered a 400-year-old street, marveled at a Gilded Age palace, crossed a lion-guarded bridge, drank from the Fountain of Youth, and watched the sun set over the beach. It is the rare city where the history is the attraction and it still feels alive. Give it a weekend, bring the bug spray, and let America's oldest city win you over like it did us.
Want to wander it with us? Watch our St. Augustine video on YouTube: 48 Hours in St. Augustine, and check out where we stayed in our Sun Outdoors RV Resort review. Subscribe to Finding Our Forte for more.
