Known as the Oldest City in America, St. Augustine, Florida is filled with history, charm, and romance! Tourism is very popular for the city of St. Augustine, providing boundless activities for individuals of all ages.
A trip to St. Augustine for our anniversary meant finding things to do for couples was a priority. Fortunately, St. Augustine did not disappoint in this area and there were never-ending activities and sight-seeing opportunities available.
Keep reading for the best things to do in St Augustine for couples.
See also: Things to Do in St Augustine, Florida
Things to do in St Augustine for couples
1. Dine at one of the many delicious restaurants
St. Augustine has one of the most underrated food scenes. There are so many excellent and unique food choices, it’s hard to go wrong.
Try Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill, a popular Seafood restaurant with a romantic garden atmosphere. Be prepared to wait up to 2 hours and arrive early as Harry’s absolutely does not accept reservations. For an off-the-beaten-path dining establishment, we highly recommend Pizzalley’s Chianti Room. As the name suggests, Italian is Chianti’s specialty and it’s a short walk from Harry’s.
2. Walk the pier
The St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier can be accessed for a nominal fee for sightseeing or fishing. It is a serene place to listen to the ocean waves, watch the birds, and escape the city center crowds. It’s a quick 5-minute drive from historic downtown St. Augustine and has its own designated free parking. Because of the area’s popularity, it’s recommended to visit it early as the parking lot can fill up quickly and the pier can become crowded.
Make sure to also explore the attached gift shop, kids’ splash pad, and adjacent playground. If visiting on Wednesdays, be on the lookout for the St. Augustine Beach Wednesday Market!
3. Climb the lighthouse
Built between 1871 and 1874, the St. Augustine lighthouse continues to be a working lighthouse on the north end of Anastasia Island. Visitors can pay an entrance fee to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse to get a bird’s eye view of the city. Thankfully, there are several places to rest along the ascent to the top, so it’s encouraged to climb at one’s own pace. Along with the entrance fee, the pass is good for the Maritime Museum, which provides the history of the lighthouse and its era.
4. Take a scenic boat cruise
Seeing St. Augustine by boat is a unique, inexpensive, and romantic experience. The scenic tours provide a narrated historical experience from a different viewpoint. If lucky, some dolphins, bald eagles, and other wildlife may be spotted!
The marina is a quick walk from the historic district, making this convenient for hotel goers in this area. If driving to the marina, it is important to plan ahead as parking around the marina is metered parking and can be very difficult to find.
Related tour: St. Augustine: Boat Cruise and Electric Golf Cart Tour
5. Shop and walk St. George Street
Probably the most famous street in St. Augustine’s historic district is St. George Street. St. George Street is known for its quaint cobblestone streets, local artisans, and plentiful food options. An early morning stroll is an easy way to beat the crowds, capture photos of historic sights, and enjoy a peaceful view of everything that St. George has to offer.
Make sure to snap a photo of the Old City Gate, Oldest Wooden School House, and Pena Peck House while walking St. George Street. Most shops don’t open until mid-morning, so keep that in mind if shopping is your goal.
6. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos
The most visited tourist attraction in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos. Castillo de San Marcos is one of two forts constructed of coquina, a soft limestone composed of broken shells. It is also the oldest remaining masonry fort in the United States! Originally built by the Spanish, Castillo de San Marcos was designed to protect the Spanish settlement in St. Augustine from pirate raids and other hostile neighbors.
After paying an entrance fee, walking inside the fort and exploring many of the hidden rooms is welcomed. Without the entrance fee, it is still possible to walk along the exterior and capture an Instagram-worthy photo.
You can also join the Hop-on Hop-off bus, which includes a stop at Castillo de San Marcos along with the many other things to do in St Augustine for couples!
Make St Augustine your next couples trip
As one can see, St. Augustine provides numerous activities and things to do for couples in all price ranges. St. Augustine is an exciting city to explore while experiencing vibrant culture and American history.
