Day Trip to St. Augustine

St. Augustine, FL

Hours

Plan a trip to St. Augustine at any time! Check individual websites for shop hours, restaurants, attraction schedules and availability.

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About

St. Augustine transports you to another world with its dated architecture and rich history. Known as "the oldest city in the U.S.", there is plenty to do and explore. It's about a 35-40 minute drive away from Palm Coast, but it is worth it!

The History

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the longest continuously occupied city in the U.S. Pedro Menéndez de Avilé founded the city and the Spanish held onto the region for nearly 300 years. Today, the population in this historic city is just about 15,000. There is plenty to learn in this small city about the countries that previously occupied St. Augustine - or at least attempted to.

As you drive over the bridge into St. Augustine you'll be greeted by the iconic lions that surround the bridge. There is actually a deep history and meaning behind these lions, lion structures like this are popular in Spain. This would explain how the tradition made its way here, since the Spanish occupied the region for centuries.

Additionally, there are legends about certain areas/landmarks being haunted. This would include landmarks such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Castillo de San Marcos. There are spooky, night tours available if you're into that sort of activity. Further, one of the spooky tours would be a fun Halloween date!

Restaurants

Restaurants in this city are pretty iconic in their own right. Overflowing with bars and places to eat, it’s a great place to stroll and grab some food and drinks. Each place has its own style combined with the character they receive from the architecture already. Some restaurants we recommend visiting include Prohibition Kitchen, Columbia, Casa Maya, and the Salt Life Food Shack.

Things to Do

As for activities, visit the Lightner Museum, Ripley's Believe it or Not!, or take the trolley. Other popular activities include visiting the Castillo de San Marcos, Pirate Treasure Museum, or St. Augustine Lighthouse. There is a never-ending amount of things to do and restaurants to try in this bustling city! Whether you are looking for a romantic couples activity or family fun, you will find plenty of options here.

Fun Fact: St. Augustine has even been voted Best City in Florida to move to on numerous occasions!

Location

St. Augustine, FL

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get to Palm Coast, FL?

Palm Coast is located between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach. When traveling by car, Palm Coast is just off the I-95 and the closest exist from the Interstate to Florida’s beaches. Palm Coast’s central location makes it ideal to plan side trips to the neighboring cities, as well as to historic St. Augustine, or inland to Orlando.

The nearest airports to Palm Coast include Daytona Beach (DAB) at about 30 miles and Jacksonville (JAX) at 70 miles.

When is the best time to visit Palm Coast, FL?

The best time to visit is March through May when temperatures are ideal for beach days, kayaking, festivals, and eco-touring. October is another favorite, especially for events like Biketober Fest and Creekside Music & Arts Festival, with fewer crowds and crisp coastal air. Visitors often describe this time of year as “perfect Florida”—scenic, quiet, and comfortably warm.

What's the weather like in Palm Coast, FL?

Any time of the year is the perfect time to plan a vacation getaway to Palm Coast! You can expect fantastic weather in Palm Coast year-round, with the warmest months being June through September, along with higher humidity. In the cooler months, from December through March, daily average high temps hover just below 70. August tends to be the hottest month, while best water temps stretch from May through October.

Are the beaches in Palm Coast family- and pet-friendly?

Yes! Spots like Bay Drive Park and Old Salt Park are great for kids and leashed dogs. Most beaches have easy access and nearby parking.

Where can I go kayaking or take an ecotour in Palm Coast, FL?

Princess Place Preserve and the River to Sea Preserve are top picks for wildlife-rich paddling trails and guided tours.

What are must-see festivals or events in Palm Coast, FL?

Events like the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival (May), Strawberry Festival (March), and Creekside Music Fest (October) are local highlights worth planning a trip around.

The biggest event is the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival in May. This multi-ticketed event includes concerts by acclaimed Nashville and Florida-based artists.

What is a good one-day itinerary in Palm Coast, FL?

Specializing in breakfasts, Rodie’s Place along Palm Coast’s scenic and historic coastal byway is a bright way to start your day. The family-style restaurant is near local parks and beaches, making it a perfect morning destination. On the lighter side, be sure to check breakfast options at Tropical Smoothie, including breakfast flatbreads, tropic bowls, and smoothies. They say breakfast is served all day in the tropics!

To fully embrace Palm Coast’s outdoor lifestyle, visit one of the many parks and beaches lining the shore. Near Rodie’s, Jungle Hut Park offers easy beach access for a day soaking up the Florida sun. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is definitely worth a visit as home to formal gardens and the second-largest outcropping of coquina rock on the Atlantic Coast. The 425-acre park provides plenty of hiking trails and a chance to explore tidal pools, as well as biking, fishing, or bird watching.

For lunch, head to the quaint surroundings of Palm Coast’s European Village. In addition to several dining options, the European Village offers shopping and entertainment for the whole family. If visiting on a Sunday, you may even catch the local Palm Coast Farmers Market.

For golf aficionados, book a tee time at Palm Harbor Golf Club. Or, if looking to spend more time in nature, be sure to add Bing’s Landing to your itinerary. The 8-acre intracoastal waterway park provides the opportunity for hiking, kayaks, boating, and more.

Finish the day with an exquisite shore-to-table meal at Atlantic Grille with stunning ocean views from the terrace. Delight in one of the restaurant’s award-winning dishes to wrap up a phenomenal Palm Coast experience.