Whether you’re a couple visiting ancient city of St Augustine FL for the first time, or you’re looking for some truly unique ways to date night as locals, we’ve got you covered in this article.
Following the “10 non-touristy things to do in St Augustine” checklist will have you saying “This is so St Augustine”. We also break down what kind of must do fun activities you can get through in just one day during your St Augustine FL visit.
After you spend a day here, you will surely be back —because that is the magic allure of our old town.
We’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll find the ultimate checklist of fun and romantic non-touristy things to do in St Augustine for couples and which landmarks you two should visit if you only have a day in Ancient City.
Welcome to a city that is the perfect mix between casual + beachy and classy + luxurious. St Augustine is incredibly romantic and mysterious, it’s the perfect date spot. We have it all: laid back salty beach hangs, lush hanging mossy oak lined streets, high luxury resorts and hotels, historic museums, pirate and ghost tours, Irish pubs and candle-lit restaurants.
Maybe you’re wondering – how do you get as much enjoyment out of St Augustine, FL if you’re only here for one day? Perhaps you’re on a work trip or you drove up from a neighboring city. If you’ve only got one day to visit St Augustine, I think you’ll find our itinerary very helpful.
We highly recommend you stay at the best, most relaxing, luxurious and famous hotel – the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. The amenities are chef’s kiss! Valet parking is available, the beds are soft, the art that surrounds you is divine, the location is central and the pool is a cherry on top.
As you set out for your morning, you can grab your favorite latte right inside the hotel at the Starbucks, so you don’t even miss a beat.
Start your St Augustine vacation morning with your favorite coffee beverage watching the sunrise from the Bridge of Lions Marina.
Grab breakfast at The Blue Hen Cafe, a local’s favorite seducing your taste buds with in house made peach butter and southern breakfast classics, like the chicken biscuits — a perfect compliment to the butter.
Rent a golf cart or a mini car so you can enjoy a few extra activities without wearing out your feet. If you’re beach goers, check out the the North Beach Park on Vilano beach, put your love lock up and look for shark teeth.
On the way back into downtown, feel free to stop by some antique stores, if you’re avid shoppers or want some truly unique souvenirs. We have another blog that covers a few great shops here.
Lunch at the Columbia Restaurant, make sure to try their tableside Sangria, their Cuban inspired 1905 salad, a Salteado and a Mahi Cayo Hueso. Delicious!
Drive over to the Fountain of Youth, learn the history behind the legendary spring there (and try the water), watch the Fort Mose militia reenactors fire a musket, and walk under their massive live oak trees draped in Spanish moss on Magnolia Avenue. It’s a dream!
Come back to downtown and get a relaxing Chinese reflexology foot rub before heading back to your hotel to prepare for dinner and a show. That’s right – you’re in for a magical St Augustine date night!
Make sure you reserve a table at Casa Monica’s Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar and book your two tickets to the Magic Hideaway show (ahead of time) – this magic show experience is the perfect date night activity that will leave you both in awe.
After you change into your finest, enjoy an intimate dining experience that blends Spanish and Moroccan influences with coastal cuisine.
Following dinner, indulge in a complimentary cocktail in the opulent Cordova Lounge where you will meet us: magician Bill Abbott and wife and hostess, Rebecca. You will be awe-struck at the level of hospitality and Bill’s incredible talent. He is a world-famous magician and your Magic Hideaway experience will be a unique, entertaining, and mesmerizing show you’ll remember for years to come.
After enjoying some sleight of hand magic, you will be ushered into the Magic Hideaway, Casa Monica’s hidden boutique showroom with a vintage jazz vibe. With your partner by your side, in an intimate setting, you are in for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring interactive mind-bending illusions happening literally inches away from you!
Our guests say things like “I’ve never seen anything like it before” and “must-see performance” even the second time around. We have truly saved the best for last.
Book your tickets and we will see you both soon! We hope you enjoyed this mini St Augustine travel guide.
