Must-Do Experiences

Not sure where to start on Florida’s Historic Coast? Start here.

We’ve pulled together the experiences that are considered a must-do on your itinerary, whether you’re visiting St. Augustine for the first time or coming back to finally check a few more things off the list.

All Must-Do Experiences Videos
History & Heritage
Arts, Culture, & Entertainment
On the Water
Food, Drink, & Spirits
Outdoors & Nature
Golf
Places to Stay & Celebrate
Learn More
Must-Do Experiences Video Series

In March 2025, the Must-Do Experiences video series by St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB won Gold in the 33rd Annual NATJA Awards for Best DMO Creative Marketing Campaign.

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History & Heritage

Florida's Historic Coast is home to the oldest city in the nation. These experiences bring that history to life in ways that go beyond what a textbook can. From coquina-walled museums to authentic archaeological sites, each stop tells a piece of St. Augustine's story.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum | Historic Tours of Flagler College | The Oldest House Museum Complex | Old Jail Museum | Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center | Villa Zorayda Museum | Ximenez-Fatio House Museum | Potter's Wax Museum | Medieval Torture Museum | Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine | Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum | St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

Featured: Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Arts, Culture, & Entertainment

From Gilded Age grandeur to live performances in gorgeous amphitheaters, the arts scene on Florida's Historic Coast is iconic. These experiences span museums, music venues, and immersive shows. Check out some highlights below.

St. Augustine Amphitheater | Colonial Oak Music Park | First Coast Cultural Center | Magic Hideaway | Assembly Room at Art N' Motion | St. Augustine Experiences

Featured: Lightner Museum

On the Water

With the Atlantic Ocean, the Matanzas River, and miles of tidal creeks all within reach, getting out on the water is one of the defining experiences of Florida's Historic Coast. These outfitters and vessels offer everything from tall ship adventures to peaceful kayak paddles through old-growth cypress.

Sabrage St. Augustine | St. Augustine Sailing | Black Raven Adventures | GeoTrippin Adventure Company | St. Augustine Eco Tours | Deep Creek Paddles | Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Featured: Schooner Freedom Charters

Food, Drink, & Spirits

The food and drink scene on Florida's Historic Coast is one of its strongest draws. With award-winning restaurants, a nationally known craft distillery, rooftop dining above the Atlantic, and an artisan chocolatier, this is a destination worth planning meals around.

San Sebastian Winery | Asado Life | Whetstone Chocolates Tasting Tour | Claude's Chocolate | The Spice & Tea Exchange of St. Augustine | Funkadelic Food Shack | 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop | Pesca Rooftop | The Tasting Tours

Featured: St. Augustine Distillery

Outdoors & Nature

Beyond the city’s historic streets, St. Johns County unfolds into a wild landscape of coastal scrub, tidal wetlands, ancient live oaks, and miles of shoreline. These experiences take you into the outdoors and across some of the area’s most remarkable terrain.

Crocodile Crossing Zip Line | Equestrian Adventures of Florida | St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve | Alpine Groves Park | A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway | Hastings Main Street

Featured: St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Golf

Florida’s Historic Coast has long been a premier golf destination. It is home to one of the world’s most photographed courses, as well as courses co-designed by two of the sport’s all-time legends. Whether you’re here for a competitive round or a scenic afternoon on the links, the options are exceptional.

The King & Bear | The Yards

Featured: TPC Sawgrass

Places to Stay & Celebrate

Some of the best experiences on Florida's Historic Coast happen where you sleep, gather, and celebrate. From a landmark 19th-century resort hotel to a scenic farmstead built for events, these gorgeous venues are destinations in their own right.

Ancient City Farmstead

Featured: Casa Monica Resort & Spa

Learn More About Must-Do Experiences

Nutcracker Ballet fight scene
Man fishing in the sea
Kayak at the GTM
the luxurious patio of the Columbia St. Augustine
Paddle board SUP i Stock 1920x1080
four men golfing
wedding space a treasury on the plaza