Top 7 Things to do in historic St. Augustine
A Local Tour Guide’s Perspective
By Greg Waidmann, Owner & Certified Tour Guide, Get Up and Go Kayaking – St. Augustine
As someone who spends just about every day sharing the beauty, history, and natural wonders of St. Augustine with visitors, I often get asked: “What should we not miss while we’re here?” It’s a great question—and with so much to see and do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
So, from the eyes of a business owner and certified tour guide who calls this amazing city home, here are my personal top 7 picks of attractions along or near our beautiful St. Augustine coastline.
#7 – Colonial Quarter
History comes alive at the Colonial Quarter, a living history museum right in the heart of downtown. It’s a hands-on, immersive experience that gives you a real sense of what life was like in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. As a guide, I love how this site brings the city’s layered past to life—whether you’re watching a blacksmith at work or climbing the watchtower for a view of the bay.
#6 – Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
This isn’t just the place to sip from the legendary spring—it’s also one of the most significant historical sites in the United States of America. This is where American history truly began! Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed in this exact spot on September 8, 1565 and became the founder of St Augustine. This park features cannon and musket demonstrations, a Timuquan village, planetarium and of course, the spring house where the Fountain of Youth flows.
#5 – The Alligator Farm Zoological Park & Rookery
Yes, it’s famous for the gators—but don’t miss the incredible bird rookery tucked into the back of the park. In spring, the air is alive with spoonbills, herons, and egrets nesting just feet from the boardwalk. As someone who leads eco-tours daily, I can say this is one of the best places in Florida to observe native birdlife up close.
#4 – The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climbing 219 steps to the top may take your breath away, but so will the view of the Atlantic, Salt Run, and the city skyline. The lighthouse isn’t just scenic—it’s steeped in maritime history, and the museum at its base does an outstanding job telling the stories of the keepers, shipwrecks, and local legends that shaped our coast.
#3 – The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
#3 – The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum This spot is pure fun and surprisingly educational. It’s packed with real artifacts, interactive exhibits, and dramatic storytelling that brings the Golden Age of Piracy to life. It’s right next to the Castillo and a great stop for kids and curious adults alike. I always say—if you want to understand St. Augustine, you need to know its history with pirates and privateers.
#2 – Castillo de San Marcos
The crown jewel of the city, this 17th-century Spanish fortress is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. I never get tired of guiding tours here. The coquina walls, the views of Matanzas Bay, and the stories of soldiers, sieges, and survival—it’s living history at its finest.
#1 – Get Up and Go Kayaking – St. Augustine (Clear Kayak Tour)
Okay, so I may be a little biased—but hear me out! Our 100% clear kayaks offer an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of the coastline. Paddling through Salt Run, you can spot dolphins, sea turtles, osprey, and more—all while learning about the area’s ecology and history. Whether you’re catching sunrise by the lighthouse or cruising by the Castillo, this is coastal St. Augustine from a whole new perspective.
Final Thoughts
St. Augustine’s coastline is a vibrant blend of history, wildlife, and adventure—and these seven spots capture it beautifully. Whether you’re climbing lighthouses, exploring forts, or paddling crystal-clear waters, each experience connects you to the magic of this city I’m proud to call home.
Have questions about planning your trip? Or want to join me on the water? Visit www.getupandgokayaking.com and book your clear kayak adventure today!