Experience Anastasia Boulevard

Lighthouse marsh

Take a short walk over the Bridge of Lions to find something ​“different” on a quirky thoroughfare called Anastasia Boulevard.

Yes, St. Augustine has history on every corner. There are hundreds of years of Spanish history, a sprinkling of British years and two hundred years of good old American history. There’s so much history, that it can be a little overwhelming. But there’s no reason to feel embarrassed if you start to think about things that have no dates attached to them. Even local historians, sometimes need a break and they know it’s waiting just on the other side of the Bridge of Lions. So simply walk, bike or drive across the bridge and you’ll find something “different” on a quirky thoroughfare called Anastasia Boulevard.

Nouveau Accommodations

One of the first noticeable differences on this side of Matanzas Bay is the architecture. In fact, this different look begins with the first building you pass when crossing the bridge – the thoroughly modern Marker 8 Hotel and Marina provides a friendly welcome to the 21st century. The term “contemporary” might not be sufficient to describe the buildings here. For example, the eye-catching voco St. Augustine hotel with its art deco look, Caribbean-inspired bar, and rooftop pool looks more like it came from the near future. Even more cutting edge is the brand new The Local St. Augustine where technology seamlessly blends with unsurpassed convenience. From the time guests make their reservation until they check out, everything about their stay is controlled by them through an app that even provides the latest happenings, dining discounts and more!

Food and Drink?

When it comes to dining, you can’t go wrong eating where the locals go – and for many that’s Anastasia Boulevard. There’s something here for every taste. The Black Fly offers great seafood and vegan options in an upscale, fly-fishing themed atmosphere. Just down the boulevard, O’Steen’s has been a St. Augustine favorite for decades with its fresh, Southern-style cooking featuring local seafood.

Looking for great cocktails? Try Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen where “odd” is a requirement in a cool and relaxed atmosphere. Planet! Sarbez! is one of the most delightfully unusual restaurant/bars around – build your own grilled cheese sandwich while selecting from the most extensive beer list in the area.

Tacos? Don’t skip Osprey Tacos and/or Mojo’s. And for something truly different, drop into Hornski’s Vinyl Lounge. With its huge record collection, relaxing atmosphere, beer, wine, pool table and pinball machine, it epitomizes Anastasia Boulevard.

Entertainment?

Some of the city’s top attractions also line Anastasia Boulevard. These include the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum with its unsurpassed views of the city and beaches. Across from the lighthouse, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is the only place on earth where every species of crocodilian can be seen. It’s also home to Crocodile Crossing - an amazing zip line!

Also on the boulevard is the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with its impressive lineup of entertainment – check out who’s performing during your stay.

Want to get away to nature? Anastasia State Park with its hiking and bike trails, beach and kayak rentals are on the boulevard.

Shopping anyone?

Anastasia Boulevard offers a wide range of shopping – gift shops, arts and crafts, world class jewelry, home décor and more including High Tide Gallery with its award-winning local artists specializing in coastal creations. Rochelle’s Boutique is especially popular with local and visiting fashionistas. If you want to explore a truly upscale and unusual consignment shop, don’t miss Christie Bleu. And if you’re in the market for a surfboard, surfing apparel or that Beach Boys vibe, Surf Station on the Boulevard is one of the largest and friendliest surf shops in Florida.

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