St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and claims to be the oldest city in the U.S. Over four centuries later, it’s still one of Florida’s (and America’s!) premier destinations for hot sun, sandy beaches, and a lot of other amazing adventures. But did you know there’s so much more to a great St. Augustine stay than just the sand and sea? There are lots of things to do in St. Augustine, and Beacher’s Lodge has the St. Augustine vacation rentals you need to get into the heart of it all.
Read on, and we’ll take you on a virtual tour of St. Augustine things to do that will make you want to pack your bags and get here as soon as you can to take advantage of it all! You can stay close by choosing one of our St. Augustine beachfront condo rentals!
See the Wildlife at St. Augustine Wild Reserve
The St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winner – and the reason is the amazing variety of animals you can see here and the animal encounters you can experience. The Sanctuary was founded to give a home to unwanted and abused animals, and it has grown to a place of fun, entertainment, and education for the whole family. Want to see a black or Asian leopard? They’re here. Are white and Bengal tigers on your must-see list? You’ll find them, too! You may also spot wolves, coyotes, hyenas, ligers (yes, ligers!), porcupines, and many more guests!
Tours of the 7-acre sanctuary include education on each species, and their life story. Tours are by appointment only and are offered Monday and Wednesday at 2 p.m., with VIP tours from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. Saturday tours start at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The excursions cost $35 for visitors 11 and older. Children 3-10 can tour for $25, while children 2 and younger are $5. VIP tours cost $60 per person for all ages. Remember to leave your camera at home, because photos are not allowed at the Reserve.
Visit the Alligator Farm
The St. Augustine Alligator Park began in 1893 as an exhibition of Florida reptiles. But it’s now grown into one of St. Augustine’s most famous family attractions. It’s a zoo that provides education and conservation.
The Park boasts that it’s “the only place in the world where you can see every living species of crocodilian!” But that’s not all you’ll see here. As you follow the winding trail, you’ll view all kinds of birds (including species from Africa and other exotic types), native Floridian reptiles, lemurs, and sloths. If you want a great view of it all, try out the Crocodile Crossing zip line through the zoo. As you soar through the trees on this amazing adventure, you can see all seven acres of the park. Get your toes close to crocs and see the birds at eye level! Make sure to get your reservations in for this experience before your visit. Sandwiches and snacks are available on site, as well as ice cold desserts, slushies, and beers on tap.
The Park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for visitors 12 and older is $28.99, and children 3-11 are $17.99. Some discounts may apply, so be sure to check before you go.
Go to the Top of Castillo de San Marcos
The Spanish built the Castillo de San Marcos to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. It’s now part of the National Park Service, which protects the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Bring the whole family and explore the fortress. History is just one of the reasons Castillo de San Marcos should be on your bucket list. Walk through years of history and take a self-guided tour on your smartphone. You can also take a virtual tour by watching informative videos and viewing fun and interesting 3D models. If your kids want a thrill, help them become part of the Junior Ranger program. They can earn a badge by completing the program. Get the materials in advance of your visit, and let the fun begin! If walking with your dog is your thing, bring them along! Just stay in one of our pet friendly condo rentals in St. Augustine.
The Castillo de San Marcos is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), and there is a maximum capacity of 100 visitors in the Fort. The first admission is 9 a.m., and last admission is 5 p.m., and visitors must exit by 5:15 p.m. Admission is $15 for visitors aged 16 and older, while children 15 and under are admitted free with an adult.
Tour the Whetstone Chocolate Factory
No St. Augustine visit would be complete without a little taste of something sweet. Luckily, Whetstone Chocolates of St. Augustine gives daily tasting tours. Billed as “St. Augustine’s Original Chocolate Tour,” Whetstone Chocolatiers will guide you through the factory’s operation and history. You’ll have a chance to sample dark, milk, and white chocolates and more tasty treats.
This piece of chocolate heaven started as a family business, and it continues to be one to this day. You can still experience the same welcoming atmosphere that opened the doors in 1966 and enjoy the best ice cream in St. Augustine at Tedi’s Olde Tyme Ice Cream – a cherished part of the Whetstone factory.
Tours run every day of the week, starting at 10 a.m. The last tours leave at 3:30 p.m. Adults can tour for $8.95. Children 5-17 can enjoy a taste for $6.50, while children under 5 can enter for free.
Experience The Walking Ghost Tour
If your day hasn’t left you feeling sleepy, maybe you’ll have the courage to try something creepy! If so, Ghost Tours of St. Augustine is one of the best around. Started by a local historian and a few local writers and researchers, the tour guides people down the brick streets of St. Augustine by lantern light, searching for supernatural encounters. Want proof before you go? Their website has a section called “Actual Sightings,” where you can view photos from tours over the years that claim to show spooky sightings with actual tour guests. Tours include the “Ghostly Experience” nightly tour, the Haunted Pub Crawl, a trolley-based, “Trolley of the Doomed” tour, and a paranormal investigation of the Castillo de San Marcos.
Tours and prices may vary, so send an email to info@tourstaugustine.com or call 904-829-1122 for more information. Or stop by and say hello. The tour company is located across from Flagler College and the Casa Monica Hotel, in downtown St. Augustine. If tours are your thing, see why the St. Augustine lighthouse is visited so often!
If you want to take advantage of all the wonderful things St. Augustine has to offer, then St. Augustine rentals – including St. Augustine Condo Rentals – are the way to do it! That way, you can stay like the locals and play like visitors and have all the privacy and attention to detail that sets Beacher’s Lodge apart.
At Beacher’s Lodge, we have this rule: Relax, unwind, enjoy. Our condo-hotel right on Crescent Beach has the features you need to do all three! All of our oceanfront suites have a patio or private balcony overlooking the Atlantic, and kitchenettes mean you have the option to stay in after a long day roaming the beach. Float in the heated pool and leave all your cares behind. One-bedroom and studio options ensure there’s something here for every budget.
If you’re ready to experience the fantastic variety of attractions and adventures in the St. Augustine area, get in touch or book now. You’ll be glad you did!