Beyond Nearby Journeys: St Augustine

Exploring Nearby Cities

Venture beyond the historic city to discover diverse urban experiences and unique regional attractions.

Travel Tips for Day Trips

Driving on Florida's extensive highway system is straightforward.
Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, especially in warmer months.
Consider booking major attractions in advance.
Organized tours are available for some destinations via GetYourGuide.

Northern Excursions

Jacksonville, FL ~1 hour north

Florida's largest city by area.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Jacksonville Beach.
St. Johns River taxi tours.
Transportation: Drive via I-95 North.

Flagler Beach, FL ~30 minutes south

Quieter, less developed beach town.
Distinct cinnamon-colored sand.
Charming pier for fishing.
Relaxed, old-Florida feel.

Transportation: Drive via A1A South, a scenic coastal route.

Daytona & Gainesville

Daytona Beach, FL (~1 hour south): Famous for motorsports history.
Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500.
Daytona Beach Pier offers amusement rides and boardwalk attractions.
Expansive beaches where driving is permitted in designated areas.

Gainesville Exploration

Gainesville, FL (~1.5 hours west):
University town, home to the University of Florida campus.
Florida Museum of Natural History:
Includes a butterfly rainforest.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park:
Unique savanna where you might spot wild horses and bison.
Transportation:
Drive via US-17 South and then SR-20 West.
Time:
A full day for exploring the museum, campus, and natural areas.

Natural Escapes

Northeast Florida presents beautiful natural areas for a refreshing escape from urban settings, demonstrating the state's diverse ecosystems.

Coastal Reserves & Gardens

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park:
(~20 minutes south) This unique state park features formal gardens on the riverside with exotic and native plants.
Flora Highlights:
Massive live oaks and various exotic plants.
Activities:
Peaceful spot for walking, photography, enjoying cultivated beauty and natural ruggedness. On the ocean side, a distinct coquina rock beach presents unusual landscapes.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve):
(~20-30 minutes north) This expansive coastal reserve protects various pristine ecosystems, including beaches, maritime hammocks, and estuarine habitats.
Trails:
Miles of nature trails, an environmental education center, and rich biodiversity.
Wildlife:
Excellent for birding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and observing marine wildlife. The beaches here are often less crowded than those in St. Augustine.

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife while exploring these natural escapes.

Coastal Birds

Shorebirds like pelicans, terns, and various wading birds are common along the coast.

Marine Life

In the waterways, look for playful dolphins and, during warmer months, slow-moving manatees.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your historical journey beyond St. Augustine to explore other culturally significant sites in the region.

Kingsley Plantation, Jacksonville, FL (~1 hour north).
Florida's oldest remaining plantation house.
The site presents a powerful glimpse into the Antebellum South and the daily lives of enslaved people.

Multi-Day Extensions

For travelers with more time, consider extending your St. Augustine trip into a multi-day regional exploration.

Orlando Theme Parks

Extend your trip by 2-3 days to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Walt Disney World Resort or the thrills of Universal Orlando Resort.

Theme Park Tips

Experience multiple parks or spend more time enjoying individual attractions without rushing.
Organized tours from St. Augustine are available, offering convenient round-trip transportation.
Self-drive presents more flexibility for your schedule and park choices.

Florida's Space Coast Titusville/Cape Canaveral

Add 1-2 days to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Space Coast Highlights

A fascinating look into the U.S. Space program.
Explore nearby beaches like Cocoa Beach.
Easily accessible from Orlando.

Florida Springs near Gainesville/Ocala

Dedicate 1-2 days to explore Florida's unique natural freshwater springs.

Spring Activities

Clear, cool waters for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and tubing.
Blue Spring State Park: Manatee viewing in winter.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Renowned for tubing.
These destinations showcase the state's diverse ecosystems.

Transportation & Planning

Most multi-day extensions within Florida are easily accessible by car.

Travel Connections

Florida has an extensive highway system (I-95, Florida Turnpike, I-4) for convenient road trips.
For longer distances, consider flights from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) or Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Book accommodation and major attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Logical Next Destinations

South Florida Coast

Continue your journey south along the Florida coast.
This presents a contrast to St. Augustine's historical focus.
Florida Keys: Drive even further south to West for a distinct Caribbean-influenced culture and marine-focused activities.

Florida Panhandle

For a different coastal experience, consider flying or driving to the Florida Panhandle.
This region boasts stunning white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast.
Destin, Panama City Beach, and Pensacola are popular destinations.

Additional Travel Resources

Browse a wide selection of accommodation options.

Booking.com

A global platform for hotels, resorts, and various types of lodging. Search Stays

Agoda

Strong presence in Asia, but with global accommodation options. Good for deals. Find Deals

IHG Hotels

Book directly with InterContinental Hotels Group properties. Explore IHG

Diverse Accommodation Options

Hostelworld

Specializes in budget-friendly hostels and alternative accommodations globally.

Find Hostels

Vrbo

Vacation rental booking site. Discover homes, condos, and unique properties.

Book Rentals

TrustedHousesitters

A house and pet sitting exchange platform. Find free accommodation in exchange for caring for pets and homes.

Explore House Sitting

GetYourGuide

Book tours, activities, and experiences worldwide, from city tours to day trips.

Book Experiences

Plan Ahead

Securing lodging and major attractions early is recommended, especially during peak travel periods, to avoid disappointment.

Consider Your Itinerary

Tailor your accommodation choice to align with your travel style and budget for multi-day extensions.

Location Benefits

Staying centrally in St. Augustine or near specific attractions will cut down on travel time.
For multi-day trips to Orlando, consider lodging closer to the theme parks for convenience.
If exploring natural springs, lodging near Gainesville or Ocala will be practical.

Flexible Booking Tips

Look for booking options with flexible cancellation policies when planning extensions, especially for longer trips.

Manage Your Stay

Many booking platforms offer free cancellation up to a certain date.
Use mobile apps for easy management of your reservations.
Compare prices across different platforms to find the best value.
Review guest ratings and comments for insights into accommodation quality.

Final Planning Notes

Always check local conditions and operating hours for all attractions and accommodations before your visit.

This will ensure a smoother travel experience.

Cultural Excursions & Local Insights

Explore culturally significant sites beyond St.

Kingsley Plantation

Located north of Jacksonville, Kingsley Plantation is Florida's oldest remaining plantation house.

Historical Significance

Part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
Includes the main house and 23 original slave cabins.
Exhibits offer a powerful glimpse into the Antebellum South.

Archaeological Insights

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park serves as an active dig site, continually unearthing fascinating historical context.

Ongoing Discoveries

It continues to reveal artifacts and insights into early native and Spanish life.
The site provides a tangible connection to the city's earliest inhabitants.
This site integrates history, archaeology, and legend.

Local Production

Discover how local products are made and enjoy tastings at St. Augustine's own craft distillery and winery.

St. Augustine Distillery

Offers free tours with insight into craft distillation.
Tastings of locally made spirits (vodka, gin, rum, bourbon).
The building also houses a popular farm-to-table restaurant.

A blend of educational experience and local flavors.

San Sebastian Winery

Housed in the historic Flagler East Coast Railway building, it presents tours and tastings.

Wine Tasting

Florida wines, including traditional grape and fruit wines.
A popular rooftop bar, The Cellar Upstairs, with live music and views.

Especially charming in the evenings.

Community-Based Tourism

Support local businesses to engage in community-based tourism initiatives and contribute to the local economy.

Support Local

Choose locally owned restaurants, shops, and tour operators.
Your tourism dollars directly benefit residents.
This approach helps preserve the community's unique character.

A and more meaningful travel experience.

Museum Highlights

Lightner Museum

Housed in the opulent former Hotel Alcazar, demonstrating an extensive collection of Gilded Age artifacts including Tiffany glass.

Pirate & Treasure Museum

Boasts one of the world's largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts, including Blackbeard's blunderbuss.

History Museum

A comprehensive overview of St. Augustine's 450+ years of history, with colonial artifacts and archaeological finds.

Plan Ahead for Best Experience

Booking tours and accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, is always a good idea to secure your preferred options.

Beyond St Augustine Nearby Journeys