by Melanie Clatfelter.
St. Augustine is steeped in historical tradition. It is also a fabulous place to shop and has some of my favorite beaches on Florida’s eastern coast. St. Augustine is one of those special spots, because one moment I am in the middle of history mixed with really great shopping, and the next you I am ying on the beach doing absolutely nothing.
Historic St. Augustine
Historic St. Augustine, also called Old Town, is quaint in some respects and extremely touristy in others. The trick is to decide what type of day you want to have. For first-time visitors, I actually recommend a guided tour-on-a-tram. Yes, I said it. Take a tour. I hate to admit it, but those guides really do know their local history, and walking down the streets and boating along the waterways will undoubtably be more meaningful to you if you know a bit of the town’s history.
The Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos.
A visit to St. Augustine is never complete without a visit to the Big Fort, properly called the Castillo de San Marcos. As a child, my school took a yearly field trip to St. Augustine, and the official tour was always a part of the day. So now, I enjoy just walking along the grounds, and taking in the scenic views from the upper level of the fort. If you have packed a picnic, the Castillo is the place to be.
St. George Street Area
St. George Street is the place I head to when I need to shop. The vibe on the street is so unique. It is an effortless blend of true history with a splash of couture and just enough “tourist traps” to send you home with the St. Augustine t-shirt of your dreams.
St. George Street area.
St. George Street is more than a street, it is the entire area which used to be surrounded by the city walls. So make sure to venture off the main street, or you will miss some true gems like The Gourmet Hut on Cuna Street, a local hotspot for breakfast pastries and brunch items.
You Can’t Do It All
This fact never bothers me. Every time I leave St. Augustine, I have a list of things to do on my next visit, and since I visit ever couple of years, I know it will not be a long wait. On my last trip, typical afternoon thunderstorms botched our attempt to climb to the top of the lighthouse. We also missed out on eating at The Present Moment Cafe, which specializes in serving unprocessed, gourmet foods. My local friends love it, alas, we stopped by on a Sunday afternoon, only to discover they were closed. Next time, perhaps.
The Beaches
So, once I realize that I cannot shop in every store and eat at every restaurant, though I may try, the beaches of St. Augustine are where I like to relax. I set giddy like a school kid when I see the dolphins swimming along the shoreline. A kindly surfer reported a shark sighting to us, but he said the shark was quite small and would likely retreat to deeper waters soon.
Now, as much as I love the beach, I grew up a short distance from this area. So a room with an ocean view is not a necessity to me while in St. Augustine. A room with easy access to the beach is. We stayed at a modest Hampton Inn, for far less money than other hotels, because we did not need the “view”. The hotel actually sits perpendicular to the ocean, so it is an easy stroll to the shore.
Enjoying the beaches.
This beach is also one of the best places I know to hunt for sharks’ teeth. The loose sand is a good place to start, but I like to wait until the tide recedes, and see if any treasures have been left behind.
The soft sand here is also great for sunbathing, especially if a beach chair doesn’t fit in your carry on luggage. A beach towel or sheet is all you need for a comfortable day on the sand.
One important thing to keep in mind is that most beaches in the area allow cars to drive on the sand. This doesn’t mean that the beach is crowded with cars, but be cautious and mindful of children if you are not accustomed to looking both ways before you cross the sand.
The Experience
After my visit, my inner beach bum is satisfied, my inner foodie is fed, and my need to shop has been quenched. Luckily, I know I will go back again and again.