Last Updated: July 4, 2026
St. Augustine was the start of our Florida winter snowbird destination. It had been a few years since we last visited Florida, and after the previous winter’s cold, wet weather in California, we were looking forward to beaches, sunshine, and warmth. We were not disappointed — St. Augustine delivered on every front, from its gorgeous beaches and ancient masonry fort to its charming pedestrian streets and lively martini bars.
St. Augustine
We stayed at the Compass RV Park in St. Augustine, just a two-hour drive south from Jekyll Island, Georgia. We had considered Anastasia State Park, but Compass won us over with its full-service sites, workout facility, two dog parks, and reliable satellite reception. Jake made new friends at every turn and loved his long daily walks through the park.
The beach was spectacular — wide, clean, and stretching for miles in both directions. In places, the sand is firm enough to drive on, which is a uniquely St. Augustine experience. We had it nearly to ourselves on our morning walks, a rarity for a Florida beach of this quality.
St. George Street is a pedestrian mall running through the heart of the historic district, lined with restaurants, shops, galleries, and street performers. It’s the best way to experience the old city on foot. Jake was a hit with every passerby.
A fish sandwich lunch at Catch 27 was excellent — simple, fresh, and exactly what you want when you’re steps from the Florida coast.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks in Florida. Climbing the 219 steps to the top rewards you with sweeping views across Anastasia Island, the Matanzas River, and the Atlantic coastline. The adjacent Maritime Museum tells the story of the lighthouse keepers and the seafaring history of this remarkable coast. Visitor Info — St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: 100 Red Cox Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Open daily 9 AM–6 PM (last ticket 5:30 PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission $14.95 adults, $12.95 seniors and children 12 and under. Phone: (904) 829-0745. Website: staugustinelighthouse.org.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument sits right next to St. George Street, making it easy to combine both in a single day. Built by the Spanish in 1672, it is America’s oldest masonry fort — constructed from coquina, a local shellstone that proved remarkably resistant to cannon fire. The Castillo served 251 years of military occupation before being transferred to the National Park Service in 1933. Walking its thick walls and cannon-lined ramparts with views over Matanzas Bay, the full sweep of that history is impossible to miss.
Unfortunately, Jake wasn’t allowed inside the fort, so Sandy and I took turns — one of us exploring the exhibits and cannon platforms while the other walked Jake around the scenic waterfront perimeter. Both turned out to be equally worthwhile.
The interior exhibits bring daily life inside the fort vividly to life — from Spanish colonial military routines to the later American occupation period. The storerooms, barracks, and artillery displays give real substance to what could otherwise feel like an empty ruin. It’s a genuinely excellent historic site.
Visitor Info — Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: 1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Open daily 9 AM–5:15 PM (last admission 5 PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission $15 per adult (ages 16 and older); children 15 and under free. Cash not accepted — credit or debit only. America the Beautiful pass accepted. Phone: (904) 829-6506. Website: nps.gov/casa.
St. Augustine is a joy to simply wander. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1565, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the continental United States — older than Jamestown, older than Plymouth. Nearly everything worth seeing is within walking distance of the historic district, and there’s a laid-back quality to the place that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.
We ended the evening at the Tini Martini Bar — tiny, warm, and exactly the kind of place where conversations happen on their own. A woman seated next to us turned out to be one of the most entertaining people we’d met on the entire trip, with a lifetime of remarkable stories from living abroad and working as a cook on a sailboat. The martinis were enormous, thankfully shared.
Practical Tips for Visiting St. Augustine
Arrive at the Castillo early. The fort is most enjoyable in the morning before large tour groups arrive. Afternoons get crowded, especially during cannon demonstrations. Bring your America the Beautiful pass. It covers admission to Castillo de San Marcos, saving $15 per adult. Drive on the beach. Several sections of St. Augustine Beach allow vehicles on the sand — a permit is required. It’s a uniquely Florida experience worth doing at least once. Dog-friendly planning. Dogs are welcome on St. George Street and throughout Compass RV Park (which has two dedicated dog parks), but not inside Castillo de San Marcos — plan to take turns. Parking in the historic district is limited. The downtown parking garage near the visitor center is the most practical option; walking or cycling from an RV park like Compass is even better. Share the martinis at the Tini Martini Bar. Trust us on this one.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Augustine, Florida
What is St. Augustine, Florida known for? St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the continental United States, founded by Spanish colonists in 1565. It’s known for the Castillo de San Marcos — America’s oldest masonry fort — its beautiful Atlantic beaches, the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse, and a walkable historic district packed with restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Is the Castillo de San Marcos worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s a remarkable historic site built from coquina shellstone in 1672, with well-preserved cannon ramparts overlooking Matanzas Bay and excellent exhibits on Spanish colonial military life. Budget at least 90 minutes. Your America the Beautiful pass covers entry.
Can you drive on the beach in St. Augustine? Yes. Certain sections of St. Augustine Beach permit vehicle access on the sand — a local tradition unlike most other Florida beaches. A permit is required and available from the city of St. Augustine Beach.
Is St. Augustine dog-friendly? Very much so. Dogs are welcome on St. George Street, in many outdoor dining areas, and at Compass RV Park, which has two dedicated dog parks. The Castillo de San Marcos does not allow dogs inside the fort, but the waterfront grounds surrounding it are excellent for a walk.
How much time do you need in St. Augustine? Two to three days is ideal for a first visit — enough time for the Castillo, the Lighthouse, St. George Street, and a morning on the beach without feeling rushed.
What is the best time of year to visit St. Augustine? Late fall through early spring (October through April) is the sweet spot — comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and smaller crowds than summer. We visited in late November and found the conditions perfect.
