Local Recommendations
Here are some of our favorite spots around town.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list or a best-of;
These are just places we visit ourselves and recommend to friends and family. Enjoy!
Color-code: Beach, Downtown/Lincolnville, Uptown, Anastasia Island, West King
Food
Stir It Up - Beachside order-at-the-counter pita/smoothie spot. Try the "Pita Tosh"
The Floridian - St. Augustine staple sit-down restaurant with southern cookin'. Try the "N Grits" (currently closed - reopening 2026)
Beachcomber - Solid food and drinks with outdoor seating practically on the beach. Try the "Big Fish Reuben"
Taco Shop/Burrito Works - Casual order-at-the-counter joint with multiple locations. Try the "UFO"
St Augustine Fish Camp - Classic seafood restaurant in the harbor
Catch 27 - Upscale restaurant in the heart of downtown with excellent local dishes. Try the "Red Wine Braised Brisket"
Llama - Intimate high-end restaurant with unique Peruvian dishes. Make Reservations! Try the "Ceviche Lima" to start and the "Mar y Tierra" for entree. We have our Anniversary dinner here every year
Candlelight South - Homey sports bar with great bar food. Try the "Chicken Goat Cheese Sandwich"
Blue Hen - Classic local breakfast (and lunch) spot. Try the "Two Chicken Biscuits"
Taco's My Blessing - Traditional Mexican food truck behind Bog. Try the traditional tacos
Drink
Hornski's Brewing - Cool spot on the island with arcade games, pool table, and a steady rotation of their own and others' beer. Try the "Not Into Yoga" sour beer if available
Sarbez - Beer/wine bar, extensive arcade game selection, grilled cheese, and live music. Try whatever sounds good on tap and let your inner kid out on your favorite arcade game (ours is Silver Falls)
Bog Brewing - Consistently good beer and a regular spot for locals to meetup for one. Grab a big pilsner or lager
Barley Republic - Cozy pub hidden in the middle of downtown with great food and drinks. Another spot you'll tend to see locals. Try your favorite bourbon drink
Ice Plant - Great spot for craft cocktails. Try the classic "Moscow Mule"
Fountain of Juice - Small coffee/juice spot nestled on beautiful Magnolia Ave. Try the "Cortadito," its hard to beat
Spinster Abbot's - Local hangout and taproom consistently buzzing with live music and other events. Checkout the bodega, Snake Bird vintage shop, and food truck all on-site!
Boat Drinks - Fun drinks and dang good food too. Try a "Dirty Banana" and don't sleep on the "Impossible Cheeseburger" if you need a bite
To Do
Walk or Bike - through historic downtown, Flagler College, Lincolnville, Magnolia Avenue, and/or Anastasia State Park.
Live Music - Go see a concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, Sarbez, Colonial Oaks, Prohibition Kitchen, or one of many other venues in town
Lightner Museum - wander through this beautiful Spanish building built in 1887 and admire their vast collection of antiquities and art
Fountain of Youth - this archaeological park is set on 15 acres of waterfront property off of Magnolia Ave. Walk through the largely-outdoor exhibits learning the history of our Nation's oldest city
Fort Mose Historic State Park - Checkout the newly reconstructed fort and walk the Flight to Freedom Trail while learning its history
Anastasia State Park - Hiking trails, birding, kayak/SUP rentals, beach
Farmer's Market - Held on Saturdays at the Amphitheater and Wednesdays at the Pier
Lighthouse - Climb the steps and checkout the views! Museum and park on site too
Alligator Farm - Great for kids year-round and for birders during rookery season
Springs Day Trip - There are several beautiful springs within a 2 hour drive of St. Augustine which are great to go kayak, swim, and/or hike at. Our favorite is Silver Springs - they allow you to paddle up-river so you can go out for as long as you'd like and end up back at your vehicle without the need for a shuttle or scheduled times. Rentals available on-site or bring your own. The springs can be extremely busy, particularly in the summer, so go early and/or in the off-season
