The oldest city in the USA, St Augustine has the look and feel of historic Europe. Charming architecture, cobblestone streets and curious museums make it a delightful place to stroll. St Augustine is renowned for its food, with fresh local fish appearing in everything from tacos to sandwiches, and a thriving craft beer scene. The region's mild climate means relaxing on the golden sand of nearby beaches is also on the menu.
St Augustine hostel options include historic buildings with wooden floors and high ceilings. Some offer free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace – the ideal spot for getting to know other guests over a morning coffee or evening bottle of wine. There are also hostels in St Augustine with comfortable common rooms where you can curl up with a film, plus kitchens for self-catering or whipping up a batch of popcorn.
St Augustine's National Historic Landmark District, a 144-block neighbourhood of colonial buildings and winding cobbled streets, is well worth a visit. The city's narrow streets have a Mediterranean atmosphere and are dotted with old monuments, cosy pubs and cafés where you can soak up the old-world vibe. Over at Matanzas Bay you'll find beach areas ideal for strolling and spotting sea birds. There are also plenty of parklands near St Augustine, from ornate gardens to lush nature trails.
There are plenty of things to do in St Augustine. Dive into the aquatic action on the waterways and try kayaking and yachting. There are also museums filled with antiques, curios and archeological finds, including a 2400-year-old Egyptian mummy's foot. If you fancy some tall tales about St Augustine's past, opt for a ghost tour or a haunted trolley tour. The old part of the city is filled with friendly bars that serve locally brewed beers. You'll also find one of Florida's best food scenes here, with cuisine that spans from Hawaiian and vegan, to modern American and sizzling seafood.
Northeast Florida Regional Airport is about 8km north of St Augustine and limited flights arrive here. You can take a shuttle from the airport to the town centre. From Orlando, a Greyhound bus can get you to St Augustine in around 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on time of day and route. The express Greyhound from Jacksonville is around 50 minutes. In St Augustine you can get around by bicycle (the flat city makes for easy riding) or local bus.
