Romantic Getaway Weekend in St Augustine, FL

Why You Should Visit St Augustine, FL

Have you ever wanted to visit the United States’ oldest city? Time to plan a St Augustine weekend getaway! In 1565 Spanish explorers officially founded the city, and for the next 200 years it was the capital of Spanish Florida. Today, the city is filled with rich history and Spanish-style colonial buildings. The historic colonial center has undergone extensive renovation and exploring the streets almost takes you back in time. You can even immerse yourself in colonial life on an interactive tour of the district, led by an authentically dressed guide.

Notable things to do in St Augustine for couples include exploring a 17th-century fort, firing cannons at the Pirate Museum, or spending the day at the beach. Read on to discover more about this romantic weekend destination!

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How to Get to St Augustine for your Weekend Getaway

If you are flying, Jacksonville (JAX) is the closest airport. St Augustine is about an hour away by car, so you can rent one or pre-arrange transportation with one of the many local transport companies. My grandparents live there, so I’ve made the drive from Raleigh (approximately 7.5 hours) several times, and it has always been more convenient than flying. If you plan to stay in the historic district, you won’t need a car to get around unless you plan on going to the beach or the lighthouse. You can always take an Uber or Lyft!

When to Plan your Romantic St Augustine Weekend Getaway

Every time I call my Grandma, she complains about how hot it is. Very rarely do I hear her complain about it being too cold! I’ve been in May, June, August, October, and December. October was by far my favorite. It’s still warm, but not brutally so like in June or August. However, in December, all the Spanish moss filled oaks are strung with Christmas lights. It’s truly spectacular! The city comes to life with Christmas charm on top of its already lovely historic charm.

My recommendation is September through December so you get to experience pleasant weather while you explore everything a St Augustine weekend getaway has to offer. However, it is hurricane season, so keep an eye on the weather before you go.

Where to Stay during your Romantic St Augustine Weekend

a cobbled street leads to the colonial quarter in st augustine florida with people milling about as the sun sets behind the colorful buildings — Streets in downtown St Augustine

Full disclosure, I’ve only ever stayed near my grandparents, who live close to the World Golf Village, about 30 minutes from downtown St Augustine.

But if I had to pick a place to stay, I would choose the historic town/colonial quarter. There are so many adorable bed & breakfasts lining the cobbled streets, and you’ll be in the heart of the action, without having to hunt for a parking spot when you want to explore the town. They are perfect for a romantic St Augustine weekend getaway!

To save money, you can stay near the outlets, but you will have to find parking every time you want to go downtown. Many of the best things to do in St Augustine are there, which is why I recommend staying there over further away.

Things to Do in St Augustine for Couples

There are so many things to do in St Augustine for couples, from adventurous activities to romantic retreats. I’ve complied a list of my favorites that are sure to fill up your St Augustine weekend getaway. If you run out of ideas or want other options, Visit St Augustine’s website is filled with helpful guides and inspiration!

Castillo de San Marcos

a woman stands in green grass facing an old spanish fort surrounded by palm trees in st augustine florida — Castillo de San Marcos

The 17th century fort is a highlight of St Augustine. Stand atop the worn stone battlements behind a cannon and picture yourself fighting off invading pirates. The entrance fee to the Castillo de San Marcos is $15. You can easily spend two hours exploring the fort, discovering what life was like for the soldiers stationed there, and engaging with the park rangers to learn more about the fort that protected the Florida coast for centuries.

St Augustine Distillery

My favorite thing to do on a St Augustine weekend getaway is touring the St Augustine Distillery. You can take a free self-guided tour, or book time for an extensive behind-the-scenes tour and fill a bottle directly from the cask. Either way, you have to try a sample of each of their liquors! Buy a bottle of bourbon to take home and reminisce while you enjoy it.

Pirate & Treasure Museum

a wooden arched door with skull and crossbones marks the entrance to the pirate and treasure museum in st augustine florida — Entrance to the Pirate Museum

Let your inner child loose with this fun activity in St Augustine. Pirates played an important role in the development of the city, and the Pirate & Treasure Museum will enlighten you with its interactive exhibits. Hunt for treasure along your journey through the museum, hold your ears before you blow a cannon, and try (and fail) to lift a musket. Tickets are $19 per person for adults.

St Augustine Lighthouse

The St Augustine Lighthouse can be romantic or spooky depending on your preference! General admission tickets will let you explore the lighthouse and its grounds as well as the maritime museum on your own. But if you want to mix it up, book a spooky ghost group tour to get inside at night, or a romantic sunset tour complete with a glass of champagne.

Fountain of Youth

While Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth won’t make you ageless, the small park is a fun diversion where you can drink from the “fountain of youth” and explore one of the oldest settlements in the United States. It’s one of the most popular things to do in St Augustine!

Flagler College

The former Hotel Ponce de Leon is now Flagler College. Famous people from around the world stayed at the iconic hotel, but today you can take a tour to explore the inside of the unique building reminiscent of old Europe. On a romantic St Augustine weekend getaway, you must walk the grounds of this beautiful campus at a minimum.

Colonial Quarter

If you love reenactments and getting a full, authentic experience, you must tour the Colonial Quarter. This tour will immerse you in the history of St Augustine. Travel back through time and discover life as a soldier in the 17th-century fortified village, climb a watchtower, or observe a blacksmith at work. After you’re finished with your tour, stop in for a bite to eat. I loved Taberna del Caballo, set in an 18th century styled Spanish tavern. Don’t forget to order a margarita!

Anastasia Island

Anastasia Island and State Park is a protected area for wildlife and also a great spot to catch some sunshine! With pristine white beaches, clear water, and marshes, it’s the perfect place to play in the waves together on your romantic St Augustine weekend getaway. This is a perfect addition to a visit to the St Augustine lighthouse.

Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in St Augustine

Downtown St Augustine can get pretty busy on the weekends, so booking your tickets online in advance will ease some anxiety about navigating lines and crowds. Parking can be hectic too, so map to one of the many parking garages if you are driving in from outside of downtown. Florida gets HOT, so bring a bottle of water with you when you go out to stay hydrated. You’re definitely going to sweat walking around!

a woman perches on the sea wall facing the rough blue waters of the st augustine harbor

Final Thoughts on a Romantic Weekend Getaway in St Augustine, FL

I hope you enjoyed this romantic St Augustine weekend getaway! There are so many things to do in St Augustine, it can be hard to choose when you have limited time. Explore again and again like I have to learn everything the oldest city in the US has to offer!