old jail tours st augustine

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Experience history as inmates in period dress guide visitors through the jail's cells.

At "Old Town" with the Oldest Store Museum and the main station for Old Town Trolley Tours. 167 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084

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This historic jail served the city of St. Augustine from 1891 to 1953, and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Visitors can take tours of the jail during the day or night, experiencing history as inmates in period dress guide them through the women's cells, men's cells, and the maximum-security cells where only the most dangerous criminals were kept.

The Old Jail's unique history is full of fascinating stories about individual inmates that once occupied the cells and the sheriffs (and their families.) who lived just across the hall from them.

Tours depart every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day, and night tours of the Old Jail are offered as part of the Ghosts and Gravestones tour.

The Old Jail is located at Old Town, along with the Old Town Trolley main station, The Oldest Store Museum, The St. Augustine History Museum, and a gift shop. The Old Jail is open all year except on Christmas Day.

The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. daily, and closes at 4:30 p.m. They are open all year with the exception of Christmas Day. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.

The Old Jail is located at Old Town, with the Old Town Trolley main Station, the Oldest Store Museum, the St. Augustine History Museum, and a gift shop.

In 1891, with the opening of his Ponce de Leon Hotel, Flagler wanted to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for his patrons by creating a secure fortress to house criminals. It was important to Flagler that the exterior appearance of this fortress wouldn't disrupt the majestic atmosphere of the Ancient City. To accomplish this, it was designed with a Romanesque Revival style that gave it the distinct appearance of a Victorian house without interior comfort and charm. It was almost unrecognizable as a jail apart from the barred windows.

Also, the original jail was too close for comfort at the time, so Flagler asked that the new jail be built at a further location. P.J. Pauley Jail Company, the same people responsible for building Alcatraz in San Francisco, were employed to construct the prison. The jail served the city of St. Augustine until 1953. It held some of the most violent criminals and carried out capital punishment on a set of gallows on the property.

In 1954, only a year after the jail closed, it was transformed into a local attraction. The building underwent restoration in 1993 by owner Henry L. "Slim" McDaniel. Today, the Old Jail provides guests to St. Augustine with a glimpse into the history of the penal system and the daily life of its prisoners. The St. Augustine Old Jail was added to the U. S. National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The Old Jail is located at 167 San Marco Avenue, just north of the downtown district. Free parking is available onsite.

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The Old Jail

Built by Henry Flagler in 1891 and placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1987, the Jail was operational for more than 60 years and housed 72 prisoners at a time. Take a tour of the maximum security cells and meet Sheriff Joe Perry.

• Take a tour of the maximum security cells
• Meet Sheriff Joe Perry who’ll fill you in on how executions were held in the gallows
• Take a walk through the men’s and women’s cells
• See where the warden and his family lived just footsteps away

Located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown District, the Old Jail Museum offers an educational and intriguing look into what it would have been like to be a prisoner in the Nation’s Oldest City.

Take a guided tour led by the “jailers” for a compelling look at the cells where imprisoned men and women once lived, the maximum security area reserved for the most nefarious criminals and a collection of weapons.

Visitors can also take a look at the cell blocks, gallows and sheriff’s quarters. See where the sheriff, his wife and children lived, right upstairs from the prisoners, and how they used their own kitchen to prepare meals for the inmates. A tour through this attraction will show visitors what life was like as an inmate and how the Old Jail helped shape St. Augustine’s history.

60 Years of Service For nearly 60 years – until 1953 – the Old Jail served as the St. Johns County facility for petty thieves and hardened criminals. There were even eight recorded executions, two of which were accused murderers. Sim Jackson, who was hanged in 1908 after murdering his wife with a straight razor, is among the group.

The Well Known Sheriff Today, visitors learn about the infamous Sheriff Perry, who served from 1889 until 1897 and again from 1901 until 1919. His stature as a “big, bold man” at 6’6” and weighing 300 pounds was intimidating even for the most hardcore of inmates. Though popular in the community, Perry was feared amongst cell inhabitants – both male and female – for his reputation of renting out prisoners to local farmers through a leasing system.

Tours run every 15 minutes. 9:00 am with the last tour departing at 4:30 PM.

Reservation times are on a first come, first serve basis and each tour has limited capacity.

December 24: Last tour is at 3pm. December 25: Closed.

Hours of operation are extended during holiday periods. Please call (904) 829-3800 for details.

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The Old Jail After Dark

Discover A Paranormal Paradise After Dark

Explore the grim history of St. Augustine’s Old Jail After Dark with our intimate tour. Recognized as one of the most haunted buildings in the country, the Old Jail is shrouded in mystery and lore. Journey through the spine-chilling iconic landmark after dark and take part in an actual paranormal investigation. Our experienced guides will share their investigative techniques to prepare you for any strange and peculiar moments that you may encounter.

Get hands-on with the latest ghost-hunting equipment and prepare to connect with the “other side.” Once your thrilling investigation is complete, our ghost-hunting experts will help you rule out any logical explanations and further discuss any paranormal or psychic phenomena that you may encounter. You, the investigator, will then be left to decide whether or not you believe the Old Jail is truly haunted. Discover the truth about this grim and spine-tingling landmark with our most chilling tour yet!

Investigate Take part in an actual paranormal investigation with our expert guides.

Ghost-Hunting Get hands-on with the latest ghost-hunting equipment.

Explore Explore the darker side of the Old Jail and the spirits that refused to move on.

Intimate Experience Groups of 12 guests per investigation providing an intimate adventure.

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St. Augustine's Not Just a Chocolate Tour + St. Augustine Old Jail

Built in 1891 to look like a hotel, Old Jail St Augustine once held some of the city’s most hardened criminals. Today, visitors of all ages can experience what its prisoners’ lives were like under the penal system decades ago. Explore the cells, hear tales its infamous occupants by costumed actors, even get booked and try to escape on this historical tour. up to 0.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

• A fun and insightful tour of the St. Augustine Old Jail, an historic old prison block that operated for nearly 60 years.
• Guided tours depart every 15-20 minutes and last approximately 30 minutes.
• Suitable for all ages.
• Children under 4 are admitted free.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
• Bring your camera.

Description

St. Augustine Old Jail Reviews

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St. Augustine Old Jail is located at 167 San Marco Ave • St. Augustine , FL 32084

Nearby Things to Do

• Oldest Store Museum
• St. Augustine Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
• St. Augustine History Museum
• St. Augustine Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley of the Doomed
• St. Augustine Tour Combo Package

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

• DoubleTree by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District
• Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District.
• Hampton Inn St. Augustine-Historic District
• The Flagler Inn
• Homewood Suites by Hilton St Augustine San Sebastian

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Augustine Old Jail

Where is the st. augustine old jail located.

The historic Old Jail is located at 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

When is the Old Jail open?

It's open from 9:00AM - 5:30PM everyday. Tours are held daily with the last tour leaving at 4:30PM unless stated otherwise due to holiday operating hours.

How long does it take to tour the Old Jail?

Guided tours last approximately 30 minutes, and depart every 20 minutes beginning at 9 am.

Is the Old Jail wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes, the first floor and the outside perimeter are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The close confines and historic features limits wheelchair mobility.

Are pets allowed in the Old Jail?

No, but they are allowed on the outside grounds as long as they are on leash.

Is food allowed inside?

No, however there are multiple stores and restaurants outside the Old Jail.

Is there parking available?

Free parking is available onsite. You can also park in town for $10-$15, depending on the area.

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Located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown District, the Old Jail Museum offers an educational and intriguing look into what it would have been like to be a prisoner in the Nation’s Oldest City. Take a guided tour led by the “jailers” for a compelling look at the cells where imprisoned men and women once lived, the maximum security area reserved for the most nefarious criminals and a collection of weapons.

Description

Stop At: Old Jail Museum, 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

For nearly 60 years – until 1953 – the Old Jail served as the St. Johns County facility for petty thieves and hardened criminals. There were even eight recorded executions, two of which were accused murderers. Sim Jackson, who was hanged in 1908 after murdering his wife with a straight razor, is among the group.

Today, visitors learn about the infamous Sheriff Perry, who served from 1889 until 1897 and again from 1901 until 1919. His stature as a “big, bold man” at 6’6” and weighing 300 pounds was intimidating even for the most hardcore of inmates. Though popular in the community, Perry was feared amongst cell inhabitants – both male and female – for his reputation of renting out prisoners to local farmers through a leasing system.

Visitors can also take a look at the cell blocks, gallows and sheriff’s quarters. See where the sheriff, his wife and children lived, right upstairs from the prisoners, and how they used their own kitchen to prepare meals for the inmates. A tour through this attraction will show visitors what life was like as an inmate and how the Old Jail helped shape St. Augustine’s history.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine, 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America

• Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
• Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
• Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
• Duration: 30 minutes (Approx.)
• Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

• Admission to Old Jail
• Gratuities (Optional)
• Transportation to/from attraction
• Food and drinks
• St. Augustine Old Jail closed on Christmas Day.

What To Bring

• Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
• Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children 5 yrs. and younger are free
• Free parking available
• Reservations are not accepted; tours operate on a first come, first serve basis on the day of
• Museum is wheelchair accessible on lower floor only.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 636 traveler reviews collected by Cool St. Augustine and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Old Jail Museum

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Old Jail Museum and its collection

The Old Jail, also known as the Authentic Old Jail, is a historic site located at 167 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine, Florida. This former jail has been transformed into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1987, further cementing its status as a significant historical landmark.

Guided Tours at the Old Jail

Visitors to the Old Jail can only access the building through a guided tour, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. Costumed guides play the role of processing new prisoners, further immersing visitors in the historical setting. The Old Jail also serves as the grand finale to the Old Town Trolley's Ghost and Gravestones tour, offering a unique opportunity to explore the building at night.

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History & Anthropology   History & Anthropology

#17 History & Anthropology in Florida #6 History & Anthropology in St. Augustine

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167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine

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Old Jail After Dark Tickets

Prepare yourself for a night you’ll never forget at The Old Jail After Dark. Our 2 hour and 30-minute experience allows visitors to participate in an actual paranormal investigation of St. Augustine’s most haunted building, the Old Jail.

Your Old Jail After Dark Tickets Includes:

• Participate in an actual paranormal investigation with our expert guides
• Get hands-on with the latest ghost hunting equipment
• Learn the darker side of the Old Jail and the spirits that refused to move on
• Maximum group size of 12 people per investigation
• As seen on Ghost Hunters and Kindred Spirits
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Use Cutting Edge Paranormal Investigation Equipment Just Like You See on TV!

Join our team of professionals on an actual paranormal investigation of the St. Augustine Old Jail. Recognized as one of the most haunted buildings in the country, the Old Jail is shrouded in mystery and lore. The historic building housed prisoners from 1891 to 1953 when it was closed due to its deplorable conditions and the cruelty that it inflicted on its residents. Eight documented hangings were carried out on this site in addition to many other deaths that can only be described as unnatural. Perhaps these are the reasons why many believe the Old Jail to be an epicenter for paranormal activity and why it has become a popular destination for ghost hunters everywhere.

Before your investigation begins, our experienced guides will share their investigative techniques to prepare you for any strange and peculiar phenomena that you may encounter. Each guest will be provided with and trained to use an array of traditional and state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment. You may also feel free to bring your own. We use a wide variety of tools of the trade to find evidence of ghosts and other supernatural beings.

Immediately following the conclusion of your investigation, our experts will help you to rule out any logical explanations from your findings and to help you understand any paranormal or psychic phenomena that you may have just experienced. You, the investigator, will then be left to decide whether or not you believe the Old Jail is truly haunted.

TIP: Don’t forget to bring your cell phone. Your cell phone is an all-in-one ghost hunting tool. Not only is it great for capturing photographic evidence, its audio recorder is almost professional grade and is great for capturing Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP.)

This tour is not suitable for children and you must be at least 13-years-old to attend.

The Old Jail After Dark

Nightly.  Midnight – 2:30am.

Closed on July 4th, Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Reservations required. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time.

Guests must check-in 15-20 minutes prior to tour time at The Old Jail Museum located at 167 San Marco Avenue.

*Reservations required. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time.

20 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida

Here's how locals recommend exploring the coastal city, from ghost tours to gourmet ice pops.

With more than 450 years of history, it's not surprising that St. Augustine — the oldest continuously occupied settlement in America — is packed with intrigue. This coastal city is one of the best places to visit in Florida , thanks to all the fascinating things to do and see here, plus quaint places to stay and delicious eats to enjoy.

If there’s anyone who knows the best things to do in St. Augustine, it’s Barbara Golden, who has served as communications manager at the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau since 2005. “I’ve been lucky enough to work in the tourism industry in the St. Augustine area for more than 40 years,” Golden says. “I get to explore and interact with great people and experiences here every day.”

Of course, the city has other superfans, too, like Florida travel and lifestyle blogger Mandy Mizell, who's known as The Flohemian to her followers. “I first visited St. Augustine on my fourth-grade field trip — a Floridian rite of passage — and fell in love,” Mizell says. “I told my mom at the tender age of 10 that I was going to Flagler College, which I did for a year. When I met my husband, a Flagler College alum, I started visiting the area three to four times per year and spending every Christmas there with his family. I began a Florida travel blog shortly after I met him, and I used our family visits as an opportunity to seek new adventures around St. Augustine.”

Serving as your unofficial tour guides, here's what Golden and Mizell point to as the best things to do in St. Augustine, from classic, can’t-miss attractions to lesser-known locals’ picks.

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Go for a ride with Old Town Trolley Tours.

It may be touristy, Mizell admits, but taking a ride with Old Town Trolley Tours is a great and easy way to get around St. Augustine, and you'll hear historical tidbits about the 458-year-old city as you go. Plus, Mizell points out, “It’s a free sober ride around town — and most of the local distilleries, wineries, and breweries offer free tastings. There’s also a connection to the Old Town Trolley Beach bus, so you can easily navigate the area without a car.”

Tour Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a Spanish stone fortress that was built in 1695 and offers unbeatable views of St. Augustine Inlet. “I love to stand on the ramparts, looking out at the Atlantic Ocean,” Golden says. “I love to imagine what it was like living here in the 1600s, being on watch for approaching pirates or British invaders. Today, the views are of boats moored in the Bayfront, pods of dolphins swimming and playing in the bay, and kayakers paddling by. The rangers, reenactors, and storytellers here are engaging, and I learn something new about our history every time I visit.”

Mizell shares the same love for the landmark and recommends visiting after sundown. “The fort has a special energy at night, and it’s completely free of charge to wander the grounds outside after hours. The entire fort is illuminated, making for some fun night photos with palm tree shadows in the background. You’ll also overhear haunted tales as ghost tours pass through the area. Sit on the wall during a full moon and watch boats cruise along the Matanzas River.”

Cool down with a gourmet popsicle.

Everyone loves a home-grown success story, and The Hyppo is exactly that. Opened in 2010 with a little money and a lot of passion, this shop sells ice pops that are inspired by Mexican paletas, and they contain local, in-season produce and herbs in super-fresh flavor combinations like cucumber lemon mint, blackberry jasmine, pineapple ginger, and (this writer’s favorite) mango mojito. Today, there are five Hyppo locations around Florida, plus pop peddlers across the nation. The pop shop is named for the patron saint of Saint Augustine — the city was discovered on the day of the Feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo — and their flagship store location is on Hypolita Street.

Get spooked on a ghost tour.

It’s another touristy itinerary item, but ghost tours in St. Augustine are popular for a reason, and you simply can’t leave the city without taking one. From Old Town Trolley Tours’ Ghosts & Gravestones tour aboard their signature ghoulish trolleys to lantern-lit walking tours with Ghost Tours of St. Augustine , there are many to choose from, some more spooky than others. Expect to end the night fully freaked out after hearing tales of St. Augustine’s dark past and the hauntings that continue today.

Tour the St. Augustine Distillery and have a drink upstairs.

The St. Augustine Distillery and upstairs Ice Plant Bar is a two-for-one stop. “No visit to the Oldest City is complete without embracing its true spirits,” Mizell says. “This local distillery is located inside the historic FPL Ice Plant. They offer free tours with complimentary tastings, which will get the light drinker quite tipsy. Be sure to visit the Ice Plant restaurant and bar upstairs for a cocktail, where each concoction is served with special types of ice.” There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase the distillery’s sippables, plus non-alcoholic treats that are often created in collaboration with other local businesses.

Visit St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

For a birds-eye take on the Oldest City, head to St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum . “Climb 219 steps to the top for the most spectacular view of historic St. Augustine, the surrounding area, and the Atlantic Ocean,” Golden recommends. “I also like touring the grounds to see the wooden boatworks and the local volunteers working to build authentic replica vessels. My favorite part is entering the archaeology lab to observe maritime archeologists working to identify and restore some of the treasures they find on wrecks off our coast — most hundreds of years old.”

Relax at the beach.

While the main appeal of St. Augustine is certainly its winding cobblestone streets and centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture, its beaches are also worth a visit. Nearby St. Augustine Beach is a popular choice, while the white sands of tranquil Crescent Beach and breezy Butler Beach are perfect places to unwind.

Dine at The Floridian Restaurant.

For full-fledged, Florida-style dining with a Southern twang, chow down at The Floridian Restaurant . “Located on Spanish Street, this farm-to-table restaurant is adorned with quirky Florida decor, such as vintage rattan, alligator heads, and Florida kitsch,” Mizell shares. “The native Floridian chef composed a menu sourcing local ingredients with dishes that pay homage to all the flavors that influence St. Augustine. It's predominantly upscale Southern fare with local recipes passed down over generations.”

Plan a wintertime visit to experience Nights of Lights.

There’s no bad time of year to visit St. Augustine, but some visitors make annual pilgrimages from mid-November to the end of January to witness Nights of Lights , one of the top holiday light displays in the world. Decked in millions of tiny white lights, the city glows with a warm and festive atmosphere that’s breathtaking to see, and the spectacle is completely free to enjoy.

Watch a show at St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Located on Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is an outdoor amphitheater that seats up to 4,000 people, making it a great place to catch some of your favorite acts. Mizell also recommends going on a Saturday morning, when you can browse a farmers’ market full of local vendors selling produce, art, and prepared foods. “There’s always live music, and it gives you a real glimpse of the local life and flavors of St. Augustine,” Mizell says. “Oftentimes there’s a featured local artist or author that you can chat with and learn lore about the Oldest City.”

Zipline over crocodiles.

Alligators and Florida go together like beaches and sunshine, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a great place for an up-close (but safe) encounter, plus educational programming. “My favorite experience is the Crocodile Crossing, a zipline and ropes course over the crocs and gators,” Golden shares. “It’s a workout and a fun way to see the park’s inhabitants.” Another favorite is the rookery, where hundreds of wading birds nest each year between February and June. “The sight is amazing,” Golden adds. “If you love birding, this is the spot — roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons of all kinds, and more can be seen here.”

Try local chocolate.

If you have a sweet tooth, Golden recommends touring the Whetstone Chocolates factory . “Free samples come with this tour that tells the story of chocolate (one of my favorite things in life), including the Spaniards introducing it to the rest of the world, how artisan chocolates are made, and the right way to eat fine chocolate,” she shares.

Stroll Magnolia Avenue.

Contrary to what its name suggests, Magnolia Avenue is lined not with blooming magnolias but with the second-most Southern of trees: “This scenic street is shaded by live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and it's one of the most photographed streets in America,” Mizell says. “It also has a great photo opportunity in front of the Fountain of Youth sign.” Directly across the street, grab a freshly squeezed lemonade from The Fountain of Juice to enjoy as you walk.

Take a scenic drive.

Hit the road for a 72-mile coastal drive along the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway from Ponte Vedra Beach to Flagler Beach. “I like to pack a picnic and head down to the spectacular beaches at Matanzas Inlet, then take the ferry over to our other fort, Fort Matanzas ,” Golden shares. “Paddle the inland waters with Ripple Effect EcoTours to see dolphins and other native animals in their natural habitat, followed by a visit to Marineland Dolphin Adventure to take a deeper dive into the aquatic life here, and — my very favorite — swim with a dolphin and learn to speak their language.”

Get out on the water.

Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are great ways to get another perspective on St. Augustine. “I feel safest with minimal boat traffic, paddling in front of the Castillo de San Marcos, on Salt Run, or at Matanzas Inlet,” Golden shares. She also recommends sailing charters for all the salty fun with none of the work. “One of my favorites is St. Augustine Sailing for a sunset sail — makes me feel like I am in a Christopher Cross song. They also have some really fun themed sails — brunch, Magic on the High Seas, and dinner cruises with a private chef.”

Visit Ponte Vedra Beach.

Don’t forget about Ponte Vedra Beach — a luxury resort town with beaches, golf, and nature preserves just north of St. Augustine. “The beaches at Ponte Vedra are very unique, and between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra sits the GTM NERR ; we refer to it as the GTM Reserve,” says Golden. “This is the coastal site where Ponce de Leon actually sighted land on April 2, 1513, and came ashore the following day and claimed all of Florida for Spain. There’s even a statue of Ponce de Leon at the north beach parking area. The sand dunes here tower over the coquina beaches; in fact, they are 40 feet high in some places — the highest dunes in Florida. It’s also a great place to hunt for fossilized shark’s teeth .”

Take a nighttime bioluminescent kayaking tour.

Want to get out on the water, no SPF required? “One of my other favorite activities at the GTM Reserve is a night paddle with Geo Trippin ,” Golden shares. “They take guests out on Guana Lake, where they paddle into the night to see the bioluminescent jelly combs. It’s like magic to see the sparkles that light up around your paddle in the water, and your guide will explain the existence of this natural phenomenon since the beginning of man and its importance to our environment. Unlike other places where biolumes are a seasonal occurrence, they are present year-round on Guana Lake.”

Book a food tour.

The food scene in St. Augustine has exploded in recent years, with eateries dedicated not only to the latest food trends but also to showcasing locals’ culinary heritage, from Greek, Menorcan, and Latin influences to down-home Southern cooking. “It’s hard to eat at all the great restaurants here, so I like to taste a few at a time on one of our city’s food tours ,” Golden says. “They change featured restaurants (usually three to four on each tour) and the chef or a manager comes to the table to talk about what’s so special at their restaurant.”

Groove at Colonial Oak Music Park.

According to Mizell, one of the hidden treasures of historic St. George Street is Colonial Oak Music Park , where you can “listen to live local music under a 300-year-old oak tree streamed with lantern lights.” What could be better? The one-of-a-kind venue also has improv comedy nights, where you can sit back and enjoy a laugh or become part of the show as an audience volunteer. “In September, the Colonial Oak hosts artists during St. Augustine’s annual Sing Out Loud Festival and features national music acts,” she adds. “The best news is that most events have free admission, so you can pop in for a song or hang out for the whole evening.”

Visit Anastasia State Park.

Located less than 10 minutes by car from historic downtown St. Augustine, the serene Anastasia State Park has 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammocks, and ancient sand dunes, where visitors can swim, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, and even camp. The park also has a full calendar of events , from guided paddle adventures and bird walks to trail hikes and coffee with a park ranger. It’s a vacation within a vacation, right in the middle of everything.

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