Summer, Not Summer, Family Trip, Weekend Getaway, Look no further! St. Augustine is a great place for a beach vacation that offers more than just the beach. After you spend a few perfect days by the ocean, catching waves, building sand castles and lounging around in the sun, you’ll find out what sets St. Augustine apart from other beach vacations is the town itself, which is as suited for couples as it is for families.

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Start with a walk on the beach.  Anatasia Island is about a ten minute drive (an hour walk) from St. George Street and downtown St. Augustine.  Check when low tide is take a long stroll down the beach.  The sun coming over the ocean will be beautiful and blinding, so remember to bring sunglasses.  Personally, I like walking on the beach without shoes on, letting the sand massage my feet and feel the cool water from a crashing wave.  You will see plenty of other people out running, walking their dogs, enjoying a stroll or even a ride on a segway.

Breakfast:  There are many breakfast places to get you going.  Since you’ll already be on the beach, just walk right in to Beachcombers.  It’s right on the beach with plenty of outdoor seating so you can continue enjoying the sunrise.

If you want to stay on the island and are up for some good ole’ Florida history and adventure, then hit up the Alligator Farm.  This is great especially if you love animals, creepy dinosaur like animals, or if you are traveling with children.  It’s really a treat for the whole family.

Once you are downtown, you can really park anywhere you’d like.  The Fort has parking, but there are other lots scattered throughout.  Just make sure to check the signs and put enough money in the meters- no one likes getting a parking ticket! You’re going to be walking from this point on, so before you head out make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, you have your camera, and you are wearing sunscreen!

Before you head over the Bridge of Lions to Downtown St. Augustine, stop by a surf shop for some locals only hats and tees and drive by the lighthouse for some quick but awesome photos.

First stop- The Fort!  Castillo de San Marcos is one of my favorite things to see in St. Augustine because no matter where you are you have a great view of it.  There are tours, reenactments, and ghost tours.  Be sure to check with the visitors guide to find out how to maximize your experience.

Lunch- After touring The Fort, you are going to be hungry.  The lawn around The Fort is great for picnics, but personally I make sure to stop at Curisers Grille on St. George Street. Everything is good here, especially like their burgers and cheese fries, and their marinated chicken that is to die for!  (Get the cheese fries and split them with all your friends.) Cruisers is at the start of St. George street, when you are done eating, just head back to the street.

St. George Street- Known for lots of little shops, food, fudge and tours.  Take your time, the whole street is only a few blocks long.  Look around the Old School house, into some of the Art exhibits and eat some fudge.

Once you’ve walked the street, hop back in your car.  Heading North on San Marcos Blvd, pass a few street lights and you’ll see the entrance to the Fountain of Youth and the Old Jail.  The Fountain of Youth is on several beautiful acres with views out to the ocean.  The Old Jail is fun and touristy, it’s not a must do in my book.

After the sightseeing, walk on over to Barnacle Bills for dinner.  They usually have some sort of seafood special, including Monday night’s shrimp dinner for $8.99!  Eat hushpuppies, cole slaw and fried shrimp.  Make sure to ask for the Dat’l Do It sauce, which adds a little kick and is made right in St. Augustine.  It’s so good, you’ll want to take a bottle home with you.

Mango Mangos- Delicious southern / seafood with a eclectic flair.  If you are in St. Augustine for more than a day, this place is not to be missed!

Harry’s Bar and Grille- New Orleans style seafood and steak, this is more of an upscale bar with delicious gumbo and shrimp.  It’s right across from the Bridge of Lions and The Fort with plenty of outside seating to enjoy the views.

St. Augustine Outlets- Everyone loves the Outlet mall and St. Augustine has two!  From JCrew and Gap to more high end stores like Kate Spade and Coach, there is something for everyone.

San Sebastian Winery- A little beach, a little culture, why not finish the day off with a glass of wine from the local winery.

St. Augustine Lighthouse-  Take a tour or just walk around the Lighthouse.  Also at night, look towards the ocean and you’ll be able to see the light guiding in boats.