48 Hours in St. Augustine

Known for being the oldest city in the United States, almost everything you will find in St. Augustine revolves around the city's rich history. But there is much more to be explored in this famous North Florida town.

In addition to having a rich history, St. Augustine is also home to fabulous beaches, outstanding dining, high-end craft cocktail bars, and so much more! If you are looking to visit for a weekend, this is the 48-hour itinerary we recommend for getting the most out of your trip!

Day One – BBQ, Trolley Tour, Seafood, Cocktails

Our first stop in St. Augustine is going to be lunch at the outstanding Mojo BBQ Old City. Mojo is a Northern Florida staple that specializes in putting its own twist on regional classics like Carolina Pulled Pork Shoulder and Texas Brisket. Make sure you start with their famous onion rings!

After kicking off our trip with a little BBQ, it's time to get more familiar with St. Augustine on the Old Town Trolley Tour. This 23-stop tour will show you all of the best things to see and do in St. Augustine, and you can feel free to get off and explore at any of the stops.

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For dinner on our first night in St. Augustine, we're heading to Catch 27. Everyone wants to have seafood on their first night along the coast, and Catch 27 is the best place in town for fresh-caught fish, shrimp, and clams.

Following dinner, we are taking a quick stroll around the block for a nightcap at Prohibition Kitchen. This is a great place to eat if you have more time in town, but they also have a huge bar with a great selection of craft beer and cocktails, as well as live music on most nights.

Day Two – Beach, Food Truck, History, Fancy Dining

It wouldn't be a trip to St. Augustine without a calm stroll on St. Augustine Beach, so that is going to be our first stop on our second day in town. This beach is wide and long, and the firm sand makes it perfect for a relaxing stroll with or without shoes.

For lunch, we are hitting up a local favorite called Uptown Scratch Kitchen, which is a permanently parked food truck that will blow your mind with high-quality burgers, fried chicken, and po' boys.

After lunch, our next stop will be the historic Castillo de San Marcos. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, and it has been a national monument since 1924. Take your time and explore the fort, as well as the surrounding grounds.

We will be following up an afternoon of history with dinner reservations at Preserved, where rich history is mixed with locally sourced ingredients to create one of the most amazing dining experiences you will find anywhere. Everything on the menu here is excellent, and the surroundings could not be more authentic to St. Augustine.

Following a delicious meal at Preserved, we will be taking a quick walk to The Ice Plant, where they serve some of the most outstanding craft cocktails you have ever seen. With three different types of ice, house-pressed juices, and locally made spirits, the cocktails here are truly one-of-a-kind.

And if you happen to feel like staying out late, there are more than a few local tour companies like GhoSt Augustine that will be happy to show you the haunted side of St. Augustine.

Day Three – History, Brunch, Shopping

We're starting our last day in St. Augustine at the Lightner Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of fine and decorative 19th-century art in the country. On top of the impressive art collection, this former hotel is stunningly beautiful and worth visiting simply for that reason.

For our last meal in St. Augustine, we are heading to The Blue Hen Cafe. This is one of those special places that the locals frequent, and you won't believe how good the corned beef hash tastes!

Before heading out of town, feel free to stop and take a stroll down St. George Street. You will find all kinds of interesting boutiques and gift shops here, which makes it the perfect place to grab a few souvenirs to remember your trip.

Where to Stay in St. Augustine

Because there is so much history in St. Augustine, you are definitely going to want to stay in one of the many boutique hotels around the area. One of the absolute best options is The Collector, which offers the perfect combination of luxury accommodations in a friendly setting.

For a more budget-friendly option, you could also check out The Saint Augustine Beach House or Marker 8 Hotel. Both offer outstanding views, first-class accommodations, and a price that won't break your budget.

Want to Stay Forever?

Parkland Preserve is an active adult neighborhood in St. Augustine.

Community features include a gated entrance, an amenity center with a pool, fitness room, and a Lifestyle Director to help residents meet their neighbors, stay active and make new friends!

Parkland Preserve is close to many great golf courses, fantastic shopping, dining, music, and entertainment. Conveniently located near I-95, it makes visiting Historic St. Augustine, Downtown Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville International Airport a short drive. Prices start in the $300k's.

After spending 48 hours enjoying the history of St. Augustine, it won't be long before you start planning to come back for another visit.

And thanks to the broad experience of your first trip, you will know exactly where to spend your time when you return!