America's oldest city offers a complete contrast to Orlando's modern theme park world. St. Augustine's 500+ year history, Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and the formidable Castillo de San Marcos provide a genuinely educational and atmospheric cultural day trip. Evening ghost tours make an overnight stay tempting.
Suggested itinerary
- 7 AM: Depart Orlando on I-4 east to I-95 north; exit SR-16
- 9 AM: Arrive St. Augustine; park at the St. Augustine Premium Outlets area
- 9:30 AM: Walk St. George Street (main historic shopping street)
- 10:30 AM: Castillo de San Marcos (1.5 hours including cannon firing demonstration)
- 12 PM: Lunch on St. George Street or at Collage Restaurant
- 1 PM: Ride the Old Town Trolley for overview and orientation
- 2:30 PM: Flagler College campus walk (free; historically significant Flagler era building)
- 3:30 PM: Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (optional)
- 5 PM: Depart for Orlando
- 7 PM: Return to Orlando
Location
29.8913, -81.3145 View on map
Highlights
- Castillo de San Marcos
- St. George Street historic district
- Flagler College (Ponce de León Hotel)
- Colonial Quarter living history museum