Saint Augustine & Vilano Beach
Things to Do
Near the House
You’re steps from the beach — and minutes from one of the most historically rich, naturally spectacular, and endlessly fun destinations in Florida. Here’s everything worth knowing.
Back to the HouseWildlife & Nature
Florida’s wild side
is right outside
From alligators and exotic birds to dolphins and sea turtles, the natural world around Vilano Beach is extraordinary — and very much on display.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
One of Florida’s oldest and most beloved attractions — and an absolute hit with kids. The farm is home to thousands of alligators and crocodilians from around the world, plus exotic birds, lemurs, and other wildlife. The elevated boardwalk over a lagoon filled with free-roaming gators is genuinely unlike anything else. Thrill-seekers can add a zip line that passes directly over the gators.
Anastasia State Park
4 miles of pristine, undeveloped Atlantic beach plus salt marshes, hiking trails, kayak rentals, and some of the best bird watching in Northeast Florida — all just minutes from the house.
Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tours
Several outfitters run daily dolphin tours through the Intracoastal Waterway right from Vilano Beach and St. Augustine’s bayfront. Wild dolphins appear on nearly every trip. Sunset tours are especially popular.
History & Culture
The oldest city
in America
Founded in 1565, Saint Augustine predates Jamestown by 42 years. Walking its streets feels genuinely different — cobblestones, Spanish colonial architecture, and centuries of stories around every corner.
The Historic District
St. George Street is the heart of it — a pedestrian-only stretch lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and some of the oldest buildings in the country. Walk to the Colonial Quarter living history museum, explore the Government House, or simply wander and let the city reveal itself. Absolutely walkable, entirely free to explore, and endlessly charming.
Castillo de San Marcos
The oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, built by the Spanish in the 1600s from coquina shell stone. The views of the bay from the ramparts are stunning. Ranger-led programs bring the history to life for all ages.
Bridge of Lions
One of the most photographed spots in Florida — the 1927 Mediterranean Revival drawbridge, flanked by a pair of marble lion statues, frames a perfect view of the Matanzas Bay. Walk it at sunset for something genuinely unforgettable.
Flagler College
Henry Flagler’s 1888 Ponce de León Hotel — now a liberal arts college — is one of the most beautiful Spanish Renaissance buildings in America. Free guided tours of the stunning interior are available during the school year and summer.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The 1874 lighthouse is one of the most recognized symbols of Saint Augustine — and one of the few historic lighthouses in Florida you can actually climb. All 219 steps to the top reward you with sweeping 360° views of the coast, the Intracoastal, and the city. The maritime museum at the base is excellent, and the grounds are beautifully restored. A favorite with all ages.
Ghost Tours
Saint Augustine is consistently named one of the most haunted cities in America. Evening ghost tours wind through the historic district with dramatic storytelling and stops at genuinely creepy locations. Multiple outfitters run nightly tours — a fun twist for older kids and adults.
St. Augustine Torture Museum
One of the most unique — and surprisingly educational — attractions in the city. The museum houses an extensive collection of authentic medieval torture and punishment devices, offering a genuinely fascinating look at the darker chapters of human history. Older kids and adults find it endlessly compelling. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely memorable.
St. Augustine Distillery & Craft Breweries
The St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours of its historic ice plant building and produces award-winning Florida Mule rum and gin. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene, with several excellent taprooms within walking distance of each other.
Water & Beach
You’re already
at the ocean
Vilano Beach is uncrowded, dog-friendly, and genuinely beautiful — and the surrounding waterways offer endless options for getting out on the water.
Vilano Beach
Your beach. Quieter than St. Augustine Beach, more local than most, and strikingly beautiful. Walk to it in minutes. Watch for dolphins, look for shells, and enjoy the kind of uncrowded coastline that’s increasingly hard to find in Florida.
Surfing
Vilano Beach and the surrounding coastline offer great conditions for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer looking for a lesson, the waves here are fun, consistent, and far less crowded than the big tourist beaches. Several local surf schools offer lessons and board rentals.
Fishing Charters
Northeast Florida is world-class fishing territory. Inshore charters target redfish, trout, and flounder in the Intracoastal. Offshore trips go for grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Several reputable outfitters operate directly out of Vilano Beach.
Food & Drink
Eat well.
Drink better.
From the restaurant right across the street to the vibrant dining scene in the historic district, you won’t eat badly once during your stay.
Cap’s On The Water
A Vilano Beach institution. Cap’s sits directly on the Tolomato River with some of the most spectacular sunset views in all of Northeast Florida. Fresh seafood, cold drinks, and a waterfront atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Walk across the street — you’ll eat there more than once, we guarantee it.
Boat Drinks
Don’t let the name fool you — Boat Drinks is a beloved neighborhood bar on San Marco Avenue with a serious cocktail program and the kind of relaxed, unpretentious energy that keeps locals coming back. Creative drinks, good people, zero pretension. Exactly what you want after a day at the beach.
Llama Restaurant
A standout in Saint Augustine’s dining scene — Llama brings bold, inventive Peruvian-inspired cuisine to the historic district. Creative cocktails, beautifully plated dishes, and an atmosphere that earns it a well-deserved reputation as one of the best restaurants in Northeast Florida. Make a reservation.
Sogno Restaurant
Italian-inspired and undeniably romantic, Sogno is one of Saint Augustine’s most celebrated fine dining experiences. Housemade pasta, an exceptional wine list, and intimate ambiance make it a perfect choice for a grown-up evening out while the kids hold down the house.
Saturday Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning, the Saint Augustine Amphitheater hosts one of the best farmers markets in Northeast Florida. Fresh produce, local honey, artisan bread, food trucks, live music, and handmade goods — a wonderful way to start a beach day. Stock up for the week.
Family Favorites
Built for kids.
Loved by everyone.
This region was practically designed for family travel. Here’s what the kids will be talking about for years.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
The original Ripley’s museum is housed in a St. Augustine castle and is exactly what it promises — bizarre, fascinating, and wildly entertaining. Kids are completely captivated. Allow a full afternoon.
Scenic Cruise & Eco Tours
Narrated boat tours depart from the St. Augustine Bayfront and cruise past the Castillo, through the Matanzas River, and into the Intracoastal. Dolphins are a near-daily sighting. Perfect for all ages and requires zero athleticism.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Hop-on, hop-off trolley service covering 100+ points of interest across the city. A great way to get oriented on your first day, and the narration is genuinely entertaining. Kids love riding the trolley; adults appreciate the history.
Annual Events
Plan around
something special
Saint Augustine and the surrounding area host some of the Southeast’s most beloved annual events. If your trip lines up with any of these, consider yourself lucky.
Nights of Lights
Saint Augustine’s legendary holiday light festival — consistently rated one of the top holiday events in the United States. For roughly two months, millions of white lights transform the entire historic district into something genuinely magical. The reflection off the Matanzas Bay is breathtaking. Walking the streets, dining by candlelight, and taking a lantern tour through the glowing city is an experience families remember for decades.
THE PLAYERS Championship
Known as golf’s “fifth major,” THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most prestigious events in professional golf — and it’s just 30 minutes north of the house. The island green par-3 17th hole is iconic. Whether you’re a serious golf fan or just want to experience the atmosphere of a world-class sporting event, it’s an unforgettable day out.
Concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheater
The St. Augustine Amphitheater is one of Florida’s premier outdoor music venues and hosts a remarkable lineup of national and international acts throughout the year — from rock and country to folk, blues, and comedy. The venue is intimate, the sound is excellent, and the setting is beautiful. Check the schedule when you book and grab tickets early — shows sell out quickly.
Farmers Market at the Amphitheater
The Saturday morning farmers market at the St. Augustine Amphitheater is a beloved local institution. Fresh produce, artisan foods, local honey, handmade crafts, food trucks, and live music make it a genuinely wonderful morning. Grab breakfast, meet the locals, and stock the kitchen for the week.
Pirates in the Park & Fall Festivals
Saint Augustine leans into its swashbuckling history every fall with pirate festivals, colonial reenactments, and historical events throughout the historic district. Excellent for families with kids who love a little drama and adventure.
First Friday Art Walk
On the first Friday of every month, galleries throughout the historic district open their doors for extended evening hours with receptions, live music, and special exhibitions. A wonderful way to experience the city’s vibrant arts community — and it’s completely free.
Ready to make it
your home base?
Vilano Beach Bum sleeps 10, sits steps from the beach, and puts all of this right at your doorstep.