Whether you’re a couple visiting the ancient city of St. Augustine, FL for the first time or planning a romantic date night as locals, our refined travel guide reveals our favorite non-touristy things to do in St. Augustine for couples seeking fun beyond the typical tourist path.
If you’re only in St. Augustine for one day, click here for a personally curated 24 hour itinerary to help you experience the spirit of St.Augustine during your brief visit.
Step into our hidden world of Magic Hideaway. On Saturday nights, the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa becomes home to one of St. Augustine’s most exclusive luxurious secrets—Magic Hideaway, an intimate speakeasy-style performance by world-renowned magician Bill Abbott. Tucked inside a private room, this immersive show combines close-up magic, mind reading, and elegant showmanship for a truly unforgettable evening. Sophisticated, surprising, and utterly enchanting—you’ll leave believing in magic. Our vision is to share a truly unique and personal experience with each and every guest.
Celebrating something special? Bill Abbott also performs as a private event magician in St. Augustine for adult birthdays, dinner parties, and anniversaries — an unforgettable way to mark the occasion.
Share sunset views and love letters at Freedom Park. One of our favorite places to watch the sunset is along the peaceful paved path at Freedom Park, where wide-open marsh views and glowing sunsets set the stage for an intimate moment. At sunset, we settle onto a bench and browse the whimsical love letter mailbox, filled with heartfelt notes from others who’ve passed through. It is quite a touching experience! You can use the provided pen and paper in the mailbox to write your own love letter—a poetic keepsake of your time together in St. Augustine. After, enjoy an outstanding cocktail at Ice Plant (a local favorite), or an elegant glass of wine at La Nouvelle (one of our favorites). Both are just down the street.
Master the art of travel photography with your iPhone. We loved learning to capture striking, professional-quality photos of St. Augustine — using nothing but our phones — with Patricia’s self-guided tour from St. Augustine Photo Tours. Patricia is a local photography expert, and her intimate, self-guided route is designed especially for couples: the perfect blend of creativity, history, and romance, with each frame telling the story of your journey together. Afterward, share your favorite shots over an exceptional glass of wine in a quiet, cozy setting at Cordova Coastal Chophouse, Drunken Horse, Casa De Vino. or Isabella’s Bar Cuba.
Canoe the inlets of Anastasia State Park. In the quiet of nature it is a truly unique time together. The sparkling shallow waters of the Salt Run inlet—is truly romantic and rejuvenating, and a great place to experience a postcard-worthy view of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. And our must-do is to cap it off with a sun-soaked hour on the beach. Afterwards, feel completely taken care of for dinner at one of our favorite island restaurants where service, food, and atmosphere feel like home: Blackfly, Sogno, The Floridian.
Step into natural history hand in hand at one of the most romantic, non-touristy spots near St. Augustine. Massive coquina rock formations line the ocean shoreline, and the waves are mesmerizing as they crash around the ancient stone. Just across the road, breathe in the scent of the formal rose gardens and wander the trails past tranquil reflection ponds and wild coastal foliage. We come here often, especially when friends are visiting. Our must-do along the way: a stop at the island French bakery Une Autre Histoire, where the sandwiches and pastries are delicate and exceptional.
Rent a moke or slingshot from Seaside Adventures (we do this every time we have guests visiting us!) or a vintage scooter from Saint City Scooters and explore the city’s magnificent historic streets with a sense of old-world flair. My family and friends always share this was one of their highlights. Time your ride with First Friday Art Walk for a cultural infusion of galleries, wine, and live music. You will see art and hear music that are very special and memorable – that’s what keeps us coming back every month.
Indulge in a Trio of Tranquility: Eastern Wellness Meets Luxury Spa
Begin with a traditional Chinese herbal foot and reflexology massage on Hypolita Street (a very strong massage that will loosen you up), then transition into a Himalayan salt cave for a detoxifying 60-minute escape at Salt Spa. I wish I could live there! Finish your rejuvenation journey with an aromatic massage at Poseidon Spa (very fancy and amazing service, making you feel like kings queens). Splurge on all three for the ultimate couple’s wellness experience, you deserve it!
Spend a half hour in cozy bliss with the most adorable cats, at this hidden gem. This is a very unique and memorable half hour in an intimate and quiet setting; the perfect date. If you are an exotic animal lover, be sure to visit Capybara Cafe and St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Perfect for animal-loving couples – reservations required.
We absolutely loved our time with St. Augustine Sailing for an exclusive sunset cruise. If you are celebrating something special or life itself, we highly recommend you opt for a package that includes champagne and artisanal charcuterie as you enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and playful dolphins at dusk.
Wander off the beaten path, hand-in-hand, through uptown along San Marco Street’s elegant collection of vintage, antique, and designer shops. Highlights include: Cool and Collected: Mid-century modern treasures ( we have found many gifts here), Coastal Traders: Globally-sourced imports with character (we come here for our unique housewares and gifts for our friends). 360 Boutique: Sophisticated fashion with a European sensibility (fantastic designs from Italy and France and stunning delicate jewellery), and one of a kind finds at Snakebird Vintage. Stop for a bite to eat and drink at Hawaiin food truck called Hot Box, and Spinster Abbott’s, or Boatdrinks and Cookiebird. We love them all equally and visit them often when we have guests.
However you spend your time in our ancient city, make one evening truly unforgettable. Join us on a Saturday night for Magic Hideaway — an intimate, sophisticated magic experience tucked inside Casa Monica Resort. Reserve your tickets or gift the experience to someone you love.
We’re Bill and Rebecca Abbott, and we’re excited to share our personal favorite St. Augustine discoveries – from unforgettable dining and entertainment to the hidden gems that make this city magical.
