Earth Day in St. Augustine: Sustainable Tourism, Historic Preservation, and How to Visit St. Augustine Responsibly

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on March 29, 2026. Posted in About OldCity, April Events, Art, Culture & Music, Eco Friendly St. Augustine, Events, Special Events, Spring Activities, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage, Sustainable Tourism.

Overhead NASA image of Florida and St. Augustine

Earth Day falls on April 22, 2026, the 56th anniversary of the holiday, and a fitting moment to think about what it means to travel with intention. In St. Augustine, that conversation is more layered than in most American cities. The nation’s oldest city doesn’t just have a stake in environmental sustainability, it has a stake in something broader and rarer: the preservation of a living, breathing, 461-year-old historic landscape. The coquina walls of the Castillo de San Marcos, the colonial-era streetscapes of St. George Street, the salt marshes of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas estuary, these are not just beautiful backdrops, they are irreplaceable. Visiting them responsibly and understanding the extraordinary effort required to keep them intact, is one of the most meaningful things a traveler can do here. This Earth Day, here’s how to explore St. Augustine sustainably.

Why Historic Preservation Is an Environmental Act in St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s Government House, FL’s first LEED-certified historic building.

In most cities, historic preservation and environmental sustainability are treated as separate conversations. In St. Augustine they are inseparable and understanding that connection is the starting point for any Earth Day visit worth taking.

St. Augustine’s signature building material is coquina: a naturally occurring shell-stone quarried from nearby Anastasia Island and used to construct the Castillo de San Marcos, the Ximenez-Fatio House, and dozens of other structures dating back to the 1600s. Coquina is, in essence, ancient marine life compressed into stone. It requires no synthetic manufacturing, generates a minimal carbon footprint compared to modern construction materials and, critically, lasts for centuries when properly maintained. The Spanish colonial builders who chose coquina were making an unwitting argument for sustainable construction that modern architects are only now fully appreciating.

Preserving these buildings rather than demolishing and replacing them is itself a profoundly sustainable act. Adaptive reuse – restoring historic structures for modern use rather than building new – avoids the enormous, embodied carbon cost of new construction. St. Augustine’s Government House, a 300-year-old coquina building in the heart of the historic district, became the State of Florida’s first LEED-certified historic building when it was sensitively restored and converted into a world-class interpretive museum. It is one of the most concrete examples anywhere in Florida of sustainability and historic preservation working as one.

Sustainable Tourism in Practice: Eco-Tours, Clean Businesses, and Responsible Travel

Boaters watching the sunset near the Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine, FL.

St. Augustine’s tourism industry has developed a genuinely robust ecosystem of sustainable operators, environmentally committed businesses, and protected natural areas that reward the conscious traveler. Here’s where to start.

Eco-Tours and Water Adventures

A cluster of locally owned tour operators offer education-based water and nature experiences that approach the ecosystem thoughtfully and non-invasively. St. Augustine Eco Tours, Florida Water Tours, St. Augustine Sailing, and GeoTrippin Adventure Company all offer kayak, paddleboard, sailing, and wildlife tours through the salt marshes, tidal creeks, and coastal waterways surrounding the city. These operators are deeply knowledgeable about the local marine and bird life, dolphin sightings, manatee encounters, and roseate spoonbill spotting are common, and their tours emphasize observation over interference.

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve), managed in partnership with NOAA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, protects more than 76,000 acres of coastal habitat north of St. Augustine. It offers free public access to hiking trails, a nature center, and guided programs – one of the most rewarding and least-visited natural assets in the entire region.

Sustainable Dining in St. Augustine

Several of St. Augustine’s best-loved restaurants have made sustainability a cornerstone of how they operate. Harvest & Reel source locally grown produce and ethically sourced seafood, while Catch 27 Restaurant prioritizes fresh, sustainable seafood catches. The St. Augustine Distillery, which produces small-batch craft spirits from that same historic facility, has been recognized by the Urban Land Institute of North Florida for its commitment to preserving the original building’s character while meeting modern sustainability standards.

The Anastasia State Park and Sea Turtle Protection

Anastasia State Park, just across the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island, protects a pristine stretch of Atlantic coastline that serves as critical nesting habitat for sea turtles. A network of dedicated volunteers – supported by the county and permitted by the Florida Wildlife Commission – patrols the beaches each summer to locate and mark nests for protection. Visiting the park during Earth Week, kayaking its tidal creeks, or simply keeping to designated paths is a direct act of habitat stewardship. Entry fees support the park’s ongoing conservation work.

The Green Hands Initiative at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s landmark Green Hands sustainability program reduces the venue’s environmental impact through a reusable cup deposit system and other innovative waste-reduction practices. If you’re attending a show at the Amp during your visit, it’s one of the greener live music experiences in Northeast Florida.

How to Visit St. Augustine Responsibly: A Practical Guide for Earth-Conscious Travelers

One of St. Augustine’s Park and Ride shuttles.

Sustainable tourism in St. Augustine isn’t complicated; it mostly comes down to a few habits that also happen to make for a better visit.

Walk and ride instead of drive. The historic district is compact and best explored on foot or by bicycle. The city’s free spring park-and-ride shuttle (running on Saturdays through April 4) makes leaving your car outside downtown even easier. Fewer cars in the historic district means less vibration stress on aging coquina foundations, a real and documented preservation concern.

Shop and eat local. Choosing locally owned restaurants, shops, and tour operators over national chains keeps tourist spending circulating within the community, and within the community of people who have the greatest stake in the city’s long-term preservation and sustainability. The Old City planning guide is a great starting point for finding locally owned accommodations, dining, and experiences.

Carry reusable everything. St Augustine’s pedestrian streets and waterfront are significantly more pleasant, and significantly less littered, when visitors come prepared. Bring a reusable water bottle, a tote bag for shopping, and reef-safe sunscreen if you’re heading to the beach. Small habits add up at scale, especially in a city welcoming millions of visitors each year.

Summary

Earth Day in St. Augustine is a chance to engage with sustainability in one of its most complex and compelling forms: a living city where environmental stewardship and historic preservation are not competing priorities but deeply intertwined ones. From the city’s annual Earth Week events (free walking tours, resiliency programs, and community recycling) to its thriving network of eco-tour operators, farm-to-table restaurants, and coastal conservation programs, St. Augustine offers the conscious traveler a full and rewarding itinerary. Come with curiosity, travel lightly, and leave with a deeper appreciation for what it takes to keep America’s oldest city standing.

FAQ:

What Earth Day events are happening in St. Augustine in 2026?

The City of St. Augustine hosts an annual Earth Week program during the week of April 20–26. Events typically include free guided walking tours of Fish Island Preserve, a Resiliency Walking Tour of the historic city, and a free community recycling and shredding event. A community beach cleanup at Crescent Beach, organized by Sol Margin Fishing & Conservation Foundation and Keep St. Johns County Beautiful, is also a recurring Earth Day tradition.

How is St. Augustine working to protect its historic buildings from climate change?

The City of St. Augustine has developed a Resilient Heritage program in partnership with the University of Florida’s Preservation Institute, which documents and develops flood mitigation strategies for the city’s historic coquina structures. The National Park Service maintains a specialized team for the Castillo de San Marcos, including a living seawall built in 2011 to protect the fort from storm surge. The city’s Historic Architectural Review Board oversees changes to all buildings within the historic district and monitors the condition of structures in the St. Augustine Town Plan National Historic Landmark District.

What are the best eco-tours in St. Augustine, Florida?

St. Augustine has a strong community of sustainable eco-tour operators. St. Augustine Eco Tours, Florida Water Tours, St. Augustine Sailing, and GeoTrippin Adventure Company all offer kayak, paddleboard, sailing, and wildlife tours through the coastal waterways, salt marshes, and tidal creeks surrounding the city. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve also offers free public hiking trails and guided programs through 76,000 acres of protected coastal habitat north of the city.

Is St. Augustine a sustainable travel destination?

St. Augustine is one of Florida’s most thoughtfully preserved and sustainability-conscious cities. Its compact, walkable historic district naturally reduces car dependency. Its local restaurant scene emphasizes sustainably sourced seafood and farm-to-table dining. Its historic preservation programs reduce construction waste and embodied carbon by restoring rather than replacing historic buildings. And its network of protected natural areas, from Anastasia State Park to the GTM Research Reserve, provides robust habitat conservation within easy reach of the city center.

Plan an Earth Day Visit to St. Augustine

There is no better time to visit America’s oldest city than during the week the world pauses to think about the planet’s future, because in St. Augustine, that conversation is lived every single day. Whether you’re joining an Earth Week walking tour, kayaking through the GTM Reserve, dining at a farm-to-table restaurant in a restored historic building, or simply walking St. George Street with a little more awareness of what it took to keep it intact, an Earth Day St. Augustine trip is one of the most meaningful ways to spend a spring week in Florida. Visit OldCity.com to explore accommodations, local dining, upcoming events, and everything you need to plan a sustainable visit to the nation’s oldest and most carefully preserved city.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Earth Day in St. Augustine: Sustainable Tourism, Historic Preservation, and How to Visit St. Augustine Responsibly appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

Spring Awakening: Historic Gardens Coming to Life

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on March 27, 2026. Posted in About OldCity, Art, Culture & Music, Events, Historic Gardens, March Events, Special Events, Spring Activities, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage.

Flowers Blooming in Spring in St Augustine

Azaleas are flowers that are common to see in spring time in St Augustine.

Stop and smell the roses and see the azaleas blooming in historic St. Augustine! As the weather warms, the flowers have begun to bloom around the Old City’s historic landmarks, bringing to you a vision of the city as it was centuries ago and honoring the diversity of cultures that made their mark on the city.

Spend your days exploring the vibrant gardens, between tall palm trees under the shade of ancient live oaks, soaking up the sun and scent of spring gardens. Whether you’re looking for the peaceful Spanish-style landscape of the González-Alvarez House or the Gilded-Age glory of Flagler College’s historic gardens, St. Augustine’s deep and varied cultural history provides something for everyone.

González-Alvarez House: The Oldest House in Florida

Orange Hibiscus flower

Behind a home dating back over 300 years lies a peaceful garden paradise perfect for both relaxation and celebration! The González-Alvarez House is a historic landmark that holds the title of the Oldest House in Florida. Surviving Spanish, English, and American rule, the González-Alvarez House provides a historic insight into the domestic lives of Floridians from centuries ago.

A guided tour of the gardens is included with the regular admission, from 10am to 5pm. As you walk underneath shaded oaks and across brick pathways, take in a deep breath of the native Florida flora. Fun fact: the gardens behind The González-Alvarez House are a popular wedding venue, speaking to the everlasting beauty of the St. Augustine landmark.

Hispanic Garden: A Tribute to Spanish Roots

Vibrant historic gardens

Designed by women in the St. Augustine Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission in the 1960s as part of the city’s 400th-anniversary commemoration, the Hispanic Garden draws inspiration from traditional Spanish courtyard layouts. Symmetry, geometric planting beds, and a central focal point create an atmosphere of balance and serenity.

At the center stands a sculpture honoring Queen Isabella of Castile, a nod to Spain’s historic role in the city’s founding. The formal design reflects European garden traditions—orderly hedges, vibrant seasonal flowers, and carefully maintained walkways encourage visitors to slow their pace and take in the details.

In the spring, the Hispanic Gardens come alive. Bright blooms contrast with the surrounding historic buildings. The plants found in the historic gardens– cabbage palms, kumquats, marigolds, Burfordi Holly, and more– are all either native to Florida or introduced from 16th-century Spanish settlers. Influenced by a dedication to the beauty of culture and history, the gardens are an ideal spot for photographs and a quiet break while exploring downtown!

Ribera Garden: A Recreation of Colonial Practicality

Live Oak canopy branches

While the Hispanic Garden emphasizes formal beauty, the Ribera Garden reflects practicality. This walled colonial-era garden was once used by the Ribera family for growing fruit trees and food crops. In the 18th century, household gardens like this were essential for daily survival, providing fresh produce and medicinal herbs.

Today, the Ribera Garden offers a glimpse into early horticultural practices in St. Augustine. Unlike ornamental landscapes designed for display, this garden represents a working space where agriculture and domestic life intersected. Its layout suggests how colonial families adapted European gardening techniques to Florida’s subtropical climate.

In spring, the garden feels alive with new growth, echoing the rhythms of seasonal planting that once shaped daily life here. Walking through Ribera Garden is like stepping into a living history exhibit—one that reveals how ordinary people sustained themselves in one of America’s earliest settlements.

Flagler College Historic Gardens: Gilded Age Grandeur

Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida

If colonial gardens showcase practicality and heritage, the grounds of Flagler College reflect extravagance and ambition! Once the site of the grand Ponce de León Hotel, built by industrialist Henry Flagler in 1888, the property exemplifies Gilded Age luxury.

The hotel, now home to Flagler College, was designed to impress wealthy northern visitors. Its landscaping followed suit, with formal lawns, decorative pathways, and carefully curated plantings meant to create an atmosphere of tropical elegance. The gardens complemented the Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture, reinforcing the sense of opulence. In spring, the historic gardens are reminiscent of their former Gilded Age glory. Palm-lined walkways, manicured hedges, and blooming flowerbeds frame the historic architecture. The large scale and emphasis on opulence contrast with the intimacy of other, earlier gardens and shows St. Augustine through the lens of a luxurious paradise away from winter, as it was marketed by Henry Flagler.

Today, you can stroll the grounds and appreciate how landscape design enhanced the hotel’s architectural drama. Campus grounds are typically open to the public, although they also offer guided tours. The gardens represent a different chapter of the city’s story—one of economic transformation, tourism, and national presence.

Summary

Spring is the perfect time to explore the historic gardens of St. Augustine, where architecture and landscape combine to tell a story more than 450 years in the making. From the formal symmetry of the Hispanic Garden to the practical colonial layout of Ribera Garden, each site offers a distinct window into the past. Flagler College showcases Gilded Age elegance, and who knows—maybe you’ll discover your perfect wedding venue in the historic gardens of the González-Alvarez House.

Beyond their spring blooms, these beautiful gardens will deepen your appreciation for the city’s cultural history. Whether strolling independently or joining a guided tour, you can experience St. Augustine not just in buildings but also in the lush and vibrant gardens surrounding them.

Conclusion

If you’re still looking for more of the city’s natural landmarks, don’t forget to check out The Old Senator. A beautiful Live Oak, standing over 600 years old, this regal tree is located north of the Historic District of St. Augustine. With the spring gardens in full bloom, so much of the city is perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Get the most out of your spring trip to St. Augustine by taking one of many guided tours through the city. Getting too warm to keep walking? Take a relaxing guided country carriage tour, and you can experience over 450 years of the city’s fascinating cultural history.

FAQ:

When are the Flagler College gardens open?

Flagler College grounds are open and free to the public during regular business hours. Guided tours are also available, but not required to see the gardens.

When is the Gonzalez-Alvarez house open?

A guided tour of the gardens is included with the regular admission, from 10am to 5pm.

What are good restaurants around the historic gardens?

Casa Maya and Prohibition Kitchen are two highly rated restaurants in walking distance of St. Augustine’s historic gardens. See this list for more fantastic places to eat in the city.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Spring Awakening: Historic Gardens Coming to Life appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

Spring Break Family Fun: Educational Adventures in Oldest City

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on March 27, 2026. Posted in About OldCity, Art, Culture & Music, Castillo de San Marcos, Events, Lighthouse, Old Town Trolley, Schoolhouse, Special Events, Spring Activities, Spring Break, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage.

Come Explore Spring Break in St Augustine

If you’re searching for a spring break destination that delivers real adventure without sacrificing education – and where even the pickiest 10-year-old ends up genuinely fascinated – St. Augustine’s Oldest City is your answer. America’s oldest city, founded by Spanish explorers in 1565, packs more than 450 years of living history into a walkable, stroller-friendly, endlessly photogenic historic district. Whether your family has two days or a full week for a spring break St. Augustine adventure, the Old City offers layered experiences that grow with your kids and genuinely delight the adults too. Here’s where to start.

Step Inside the Oldest Fort in America: Castillo de San Marcos

Aerial view of Castillo de San Marcos fort in St. Augustine, Florida

No spring break St. Augustine trip is complete without a visit to Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and a National Park Service site. Families can explore the fort’s thick walls, dark interior chambers, and open parade grounds at their own pace.

On weekends, the National Park Service hosts living-history musket and cannon demonstrations that bring the colonial era roaring to life. Junior Ranger programs are available for younger children, turning the visit into an interactive badge-earning mission. Bring your America the Beautiful pass for free entry – a smart move if your family visits national parks regularly.

The fort sits right on the bay, so the views across Matanzas Bay from the gun deck are spectacular. Plan at least 90 minutes here, and consider arriving early to beat the spring break crowds.

Hands-On History: Colonial Quarter and the Fountain of Youth

The arch and front entrance into Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth

Colonial Quarter on St. George Street drops families directly into the 18th century. Costumed interpreters work as blacksmiths and leatherworkers in period-accurate workshops, inviting kids to participate in demonstrations.

A short ride away, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park spans 15 waterfront acres, where you can drink from the legendary spring Ponce de León supposedly sought in 1513. While the water is sulfurous and memorable, the park offers far more: a working planetarium, a reconstructed Timucua village, cannon demonstrations, and peacocks wandering freely across the grounds. Check the Old City events calendar before you go for special spring programming.

Lighthouses and Interactive Museums Built for the Whole Family

Aerial view of lighthouse in St. Augustine Florida

Across the Bridge of Lions, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is one of the most memorable physical experiences the city offers. Built in 1874, the lighthouse rises 165 feet with 219 steps to the top, and the panoramic views of Anastasia Island and the Atlantic are worth every one of them. The museum features a walk-in kaleidoscope, knot-tying stations, a shipyard playground, and compelling exhibits on maritime history. Older kids especially love the challenge of making the climb.

If you want a zero-stress way to tie these sites together, hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Tours. This hop-on, hop-off service connects more than 20 stops around the historic district, including the Castillo, Pirate Museum, and transfer points to the Lighthouse and Alligator Farm. It takes the navigation stress off parents and keeps little legs from mutinying mid-afternoon.

Old Town Trolley stop in downtown St. Augustine, Florida

St. George Street and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse: Walking Through 300 Years

Oldest Wood School house located in Old Town St. Augustine, FL

One of the great pleasures of a spring break St. Augustine visit is simply wandering St. George Street, the pedestrian-only in the heart of the Oldest City. Lined with 18th-century architecture, independent shops, local restaurants, and street performers, it’s a living street museum that doesn’t charge admission. Let the kids lead! They’ll inevitably be drawn to the demonstrations, the ice cream, and the occasional costumed characters.

At the north end of St. George Street, near the historic City Gates, stands the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the United States. Constructed entirely by hand from red cedar and cypress in the early 1700s, the tiny structure survived partly because it was chained to a stone building to prevent it from blowing away in storms. Inside, animatronic figures of a Colonial-era teacher and students recreate a classroom from 300 years ago. It’s quirky, charming, and the kind of genuine historical oddity kids remember long after the trip ends.

For families who want to connect all these individual sites, the Old City trip-planning resources offer itinerary suggestions, parking tips, and current event listings that make coordinating a multi-day visit much easier.

Summary

A spring break St. Augustine family trip offers something genuinely rare: a destination where the history is real, the engagement is hands-on, and the kids don’t realize they’re learning. From the ancient walls of Castillo de San Marcos to the climb up the 1874 lighthouse, from peacocks at the Fountain of Youth to authentic pirate treasure downtown, the Old City delivers memorable experiences at every turn. The walkable, compact historic district makes it easy to cover a lot of ground without exhausting anyone. Come for a long weekend or a full week – either way, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for America’s oldest city and, almost certainly, a child who has become unexpectedly passionate about Spanish colonial history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best educational things to do in St. Augustine with kids?

The top educational family attractions in St. Augustine include Castillo de San Marcos (the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.), the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Colonial Quarter, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. Each combines genuine historical artifacts and environments with hands-on activities designed to engage children of all ages.

Is St. Augustine a good spring break destination for families with young children?

Absolutely. St. Augustine’s Old City is compact, walkable, and stroller-friendly. Spring (March through May) is one of the best times to visit — the weather is warm but not yet the intense Florida summer heat, crowds are manageable, and many sites offer special spring programming. The Old Town Trolley makes navigating between attractions easy even with tired little legs in tow.

How many days do you need to see the historic Old City in St. Augustine?

Two full days is a comfortable minimum to experience the highlights: Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, Colonial Quarter, and the Fountain of Youth. Three to four days allows you to add the Lighthouse, the Pirate & Treasure Museum, Anastasia State Park, and a boat tour without feeling rushed. If you’re visiting during spring break with kids, building in some downtime for beach time on Anastasia Island is strongly recommended.

What is there to do in St. Augustine for free with kids?

Walking St. George Street is completely free and one of the most enjoyable Old City experiences. Entry to Castillo de San Marcos is free with an America the Beautiful pass. The Plaza de la Constitución and the historic City Gates are open to explore without charge. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is free for children under 6. Many families also enjoy the free waterfront views along Matanzas Bay.

Plan Your Spring Break St. Augustine Family Adventure

St. Augustine’s Old City has been welcoming visitors for over 450 years, and it has never been better suited to families than it is right now. Whether you’re raising a future archaeologist, a history buff, or just a kid who has inexplicably become obsessed with pirates after one afternoon at the treasure museum, the Old City has a way of making learning feel like the best part of the vacation. Ready to start planning? Explore OldCity.com for accommodations, dining guides, upcoming events, and everything else you need to make your spring break St. Augustine family trip unforgettable.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Spring Break Family Fun: Educational Adventures in Oldest City appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

Women’s History Month: Trailblazing Women of Old City

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on March 11, 2026. Posted in About OldCity, Art, Culture & Music, Events, Special Events, Spring Activities, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage, Women's History Month.

Aerial view of Flagler College campus

Every March, Women’s History Month invites us to pause, look beyond the familiar faces in history books, and ask a more honest question: who else was here and made this possible? St. Augustine, Florida, one of the oldest and most historically significant sites in America, offers some extraordinary answers to that question. The city’s cobblestone streets, centuries-old fortresses, and storied neighborhoods have been witness to more than 450 years’ worth of conquest, emancipation, and transformation. Woven throughout every chapter of that story are women.

Their names were not always inscribed on plaques, nor were their portraits hung in museums. But their fingerprints are on every wall and stone that St. Augustine is made of, and their voices are behind every hard-won freedom the city has known. This Women’s History Month, we invite you to walk in their footsteps and visit the historic landmarks where women’s courage, creativity, and perseverance changed the course of history.

Walking Her Story This March

St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica

Women’s History Month began as a week-long recognition in 1978 in Sonoma, California, before Congress formally designated March as a national month of recognition in 1987. Its founding impulse was simple and radical: to insist that women’s contributions to American life be recognized, taught, and remembered. Nearly forty years later, that work is still far from complete.

In St. Augustine, a city where you can walk from a 17th-century fort to a Civil War-era inn to a 1960s civil rights landmark in the span of one afternoon, that work takes on a particular weight. Every building here holds the memory of women who were not supposed to matter, be remembered, or certainly not change the course of events. And yet they did, every single time.

This March, walk the streets of America’s oldest city with new eyes. Touch the coquina walls and remember the women who sheltered behind them and held communities together under siege. Walk down Aviles Street and think of Louisa Fatio balancing her ledgers in a world that denied her a legal voice. Stand in Lincolnville and honor the women who walked into the Atlantic and refused to leave. Look up at Flagler College’s painted ceilings and imagine what the women depicted there would think of the students who study beneath them today. Visit all the St. Augustine places that have felt the impact of the women who lived there.

Ximenez-Fatio House: Florida’s First Female Entrepreneurs

Spanish and us flags flying in the historic district along aviles street, st. augustine, florida, usa

Spanish and US flags flying along Aviles street, St. Augustine, FL

On Aviles Street stands a two-story coquina house that tells one of St. Augustine’s most remarkable stories of female enterprise. The Ximenez-Fatio House, built around 1798 by Spanish merchant Andres Ximenez, passed through several hands before becoming an extraordinary women-run business that thrived for generations.

After Ximenez’s widow sold the property in 1830 to Margaret Cook, she transformed it into a fashionable boarding house that would be run by a series of resourceful women. The most celebrated was Louisa Fatio, a Swiss immigrant who ran the inn from the 1850s through the post-Civil War era. St. Augustine had begun to attract wealthy Northerners seeking its mild winters and healing air, and Louisa built a reputation for refined hospitality that rivaled anything the South had to offer. She managed staff, kept accounts, marketed to an elite clientele, and navigated the upheavals of the Civil War and Reconstruction. All this was accomplished during a time when married women in Florida could not legally own property, and women had no voice in the political decisions that shaped their lives.

Today, the Ximenez-Fatio House is a museum operated by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida. Walking through its rooms this Women’s History Month is a reminder that female entrepreneurship is not a modern invention; it’s a long, often unacknowledged tradition. Louisa Fatio and the women who came before her made their way in the world using the strength of their wits, their work, and their refusal to be limited by the law.

Lincolnville: The Women Who Moved a Nation

Aerial view of St. Augustine

Of all the places in St. Augustine where women’s history lives and breathes, none is more powerful than Lincolnville. Established after the Civil War by free enslaved people, this neighborhood, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, became the heart of St. Augustine’s black community. Then, in the 1960s, it was the center of one of the most pivotal civil rights campaigns in American history.

In 1963 and 1964, St. Augustine became a critical backdrop in the fight for civil rights legislation. Demonstrations were organized here, including sit-ins at segregated lunch counters on St. George Street, night marches through the historic district, and the famous “wade-ins” at St. Augustine beach that drew national attention and federal action. Women were not on the sidelines of these events. Instead, they were often leading them.

Local women like Mrs. Fannie Fullerwood opened their Lincolnville homes as safe houses, feeding and sheltering demonstrators who had been beaten, jailed, or threatened. Young African American women would sit at lunch counters and refuse to move as a crowd screamed at them. Women of all races locked arms and waded into the waves together, knowing that violence might greet them on the sand. The combined efforts of these courageous women helped provide the moral urgency that pushed Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center preserves and honors this legacy. A visit there during Women’s History Month is not simply a look into the past; it’s a reckoning with how much was risked and how much was won by women whose names history has been slow to record.

Flagler College: From Gilded Cage to Higher Ground

Ceiling of the Ponce de Leon hotel on the campus of Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL

Ceiling of the Ponce de Leon Hotel, Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL

In 1888, oil baron and railroad magnate Henry Flagler opened the Ponce de León Hotel, a breathtaking Spanish Renaissance structure that transformed St. Augustine into the prime destination of America’s Gilded Age elite. Today, the building houses Flagler College, and its stunning architecture draws visitors from around the world. But its Women’s History Month story is one of profound and sometimes painful irony.

The hotel’s grand dining room ceiling is adorned with luminous murals painted by George Maynard depicting women as allegorical figures- Adventure, Discovery, Conquest, and Civilization as well as the four seasons. Yet in 1888, the real women who dined beneath those ceilings could not vote, could not attend most universities, and in many states could not own property. They were celebrated as symbols while being denied as citizens.

Today, the majority of Flagler College’s student body is female. The women who study beneath Maynard’s murals of idealized womanhood are pursuing a knowledge and earning degrees that the women painted on the ceiling were never permitted to do. That transformation from ornament to agent is at the heart of what Women’s History Month asks us to celebrate.

The Colonial Quarter: The Women Who Built a Colony

Oldest Wooden School House entrance in St. Augustine, FL

The Colonial Quarter living history museum brings to life the St. Augustine of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries; a world of blacksmiths, sailors, soldiers, and settlers. But past the cannon demonstrations and musket firings, you’ll find a deeper story about the women who none of this would have survived without.

Spanish colonial women were the backbone of the domestic economy. They preserved food against the constant threat of shortage, wove and mended the textiles that clothed entire families, and ran small trades that supplemented household income. When supply ships were delayed, it was women’s knowledge of preservation, rationing, and substitute ingredients that prevented starvation. They were a core part of the colonial infrastructure.

Indigenous women deserve equal recognition in this space. The Timucua people had lived in the region for centuries before the Spanish arrival, and their women carried irreplaceable knowledge of local plants, medicines, hunting grounds, and waterways. Many of these women married into Spanish families, and the knowledge they brought with them became the difference between a colony that collapsed in its early years or one that endured for centuries.

The Colonial Quarter offers a rare opportunity to honor those contributions, and Women’s History Month is the perfect moment to seek out and celebrate the Indigenous women whose legacies extend beyond the historical record.

Summary

Women’s History Month is not just another event on the calendar; it’s a yearly reminder that history has always had a selective memory. The women who fed colonies, built businesses, raised movements, and held communities together during their darkest hours were rarely the ones who got their names on buildings or their portraits in textbooks. March is the month where we correct the record, widen the lens, and make space for the stories that were always true, but not always told. Honoring women’s history isn’t about adding a footnote to the story we already know; it’s about finally telling the whole one, and there’s no place more perfect for that than St. Augustine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to learn about women’s history in St. Augustine, FL

Several sites in St. Augustine explore women’s stories year-round, including the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum as one of the few historic sites in the U.S. operated by women. There’s also the Lincolnville Museum, which highlights African American women’s roles in the community and civil rights movement.

Famous Women in St. Augustine history

St. Augustine has a rich history of influential women, including Zora Neale Hurston, who drew inspiration from Florida’s Black communities, and the women of the Flagler era who shaped the city’s Gilded Age culture. The city also honors the stories of Minorcan, African American, and Native women who helped build its centuries-long legacy.

Conclusion

The exploration of Florida’s history doesn’t have to stop after Women’s History Month. St. Augustine, our Nations Oldest City, has centuries’ worth of stories ready to have their dust blown off and contents read. One step on the city’s ancient cobblestone streets is a few hundred years’ worth of history, courage, and freedom.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Women’s History Month: Trailblazing Women of Old City appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

St. Patrick’s Day: Irish Heritage and Historic Pubs

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on March 11, 2026. Posted in About OldCity, Art, Culture & Music, Events, Historic Pubs, Irish Heritage, March Events, Special Events, Spring Activities, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage, St. Patrick's Day.

St. Augustine St Patrick’s Day Parade

Irish Heritage and St. Patrick’s Day in St. Augustine

Over a century before St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were being held anywhere else in America, St. Augustine held a St. Patrick’s Day parade, a practice that has since returned as an annual tradition. While today’s celebration may look different from the Old City’s first honoring of the holiday, the desire to honor and highlight Irish and Celtic influence on St. Augustine remains strong.

From the long list of historic pubs to the annual parade, St. Patrick’s Day in St. Augustine offers an itinerary filled with food, drink, music, and celebration that honor the Old City’s Irish heritage. As we welcome visitors and performers from across the country to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in St. Augustine, we reflect on the historic impact Irish influence has had on America’s oldest city.

The Birth of America’s First St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day Parade through the streets of St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine’s first St Patrick’s Day parade took place on March 17, 1601. Participants marched through the streets likely holding an image of St. Patrick as cannons were fired from a wooden fort. It was common for artillery to be fired during public celebrations, religious festivals, and processions honoring saints.

It would be 136 years before Boston held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade and another 25 years after that until New York’s first.

It is believed the St. Patrick’s Day festivities were instituted by an Irish priest named Father Ricardo Artur. Prior to his time in St. Augustine, Artur was a soldier in Malta, Italy and Flanders, which at the time was a part of the Spanish Netherlands. He then served as the Chaplain of the Castillo De San Juan in Puerto Rico. In 1597, Ricardo Artur, who was then in his early 60s, became St. Augustine’s Parish priest and the Oldest City’s first Irish pastor.

During Ricardo Artur’s time as a parish priest, St. Patrick was designated as the protector of St. Augustine’s agricultural fields, specifically maize, which was a significant food source in the area at the time.

While the importance and influence of St. Patrick faded alongside the prominence of Ricardo Artur, who disappeared from St. Augustine records in 1604, Irish influence lives on in the Old City’s historic pubs and celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

Parades, Pipes, and Whiskey: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in The Oldest City Today

St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival

The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival 2026, voted #4 Best Cultural Festival in the United States, will be held on March 14 and 15. The St. Patrick Parade will kick off the festival at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

This year’s St. Patrick Parade will include the New York City Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and The Parkview Lassies Scottish Drum & Bugle Corps from Springfield, Missouri. The parade will be Grand Marshaled by Retired Superintendent Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas National Monuments, Gordon J. Wilson.

An early bird whiskey tasting event will be held at Francis Field on Friday March 13, 2026. Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m., the event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m. The event will include seven different whiskey tasting offerings.

The Celtic Music & Heritage Festival will include highland games beginning at 10:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and live music from Celtic bands beginning at noon on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. The Celtic Music & Heritage Festival will also offer Celtic food, lectures, workshops, and more. Festivities will end at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Year-Round Irish Heritage in St. Augustine

Barley Republic Restaurant in St. Augustine, FL

Barley Republic Irish Pub in St. Augustine, FL

Outside of the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival, St Augustine offers opportunities to explore Irish influence through its historic pubs and landmarks.

Barley Republic Irish Pub & Oyster House, located in Historic Downtown St. Augustine, is an Irish Gastro Pub and Cocktail Bar offering burgers, sandwiches, and classic Irish dishes. Meehan’s Irish Pub and Seafood House, located on the bayfront in the historic area was Irishman, John Meehan’s, dream come true, Ann O’Malley’s Deli & Pub has fifteen sandwich options, thirty different drinks available, live music, sports, and an open mic night. Spend St. Patrick’s Day enjoying hearty food and cold drinks at Donovan’s Irish Pub with the entire family.

The home of Father Miguel O’Riley, an Irish priest who served under the Spanish crown, has a garden and six rooms open to the public. The museum includes lesson plans, documents recording Catholic tradition, and musical instruments. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Father Miguel O’Riley also took part in supervision of the building of the Cathedral-Basilica which is located near the Plaza de la Constitución.

The design for Castle Ottis, a landscape sculpture built by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes, was inspired by Irish castles from 1,000 years ago. Enjoy the view of this sculpture from afar as part of the beautiful shoreline landscape at your leisure or schedule an appointment to visit.

Summary

Irish influence on the Old City dates back to the early 1600s, when the city’s parish priest introduced St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the nation’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade. While St. Patrick’s prominence as St. Augustine’s protector of agricultural fields faded when the Old City’s first Irish priest disappeared from records, traditions of celebration and an annual parade live on. This year’s Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is to include a whiskey tasting event, performances from a variety of Celtic artists, highland games, Celtic food, lectures, workshops, and more. Outside of the Celtic Music & Heritage Festival, visitors and locals can explore the Old City’s Celtic history by visiting one of St. Augustine’s many historic pubs, the home of Father Miguel O’Riley, the Cathedral-Basilica, or Castle Ottis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are tickets for the Celtic Music & Heritage Festival?

Tickets for Friday’s Whiskey Tasting are $75.00, VIP All-Weekend tickets including a free T-shirt and two free drinks are $100.00, and General Admission tickets including admission for one day only are $25.00. Admission is free for children 12 and under, and retired or active-duty U.S Military with current valid Military ID.

Where can I park?

Pay stations across the city marked with the city crest cost $2.50 per hour for non-residents or $0.50 for residents through the ParkStAug App. City street parking and city lots have a four-hour parking limit. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility, which can accommodate 1,200 vehicles, is $20.00 per vehicle per entry or $3.00 for residents with the ParkSt Aug App.

How can I get to the Celtic Music & Heritage Festival?

If you are looking to avoid driving and paying for parking, St. Augustine has four available taxi companies, Uber, and Lyft. Additionally, there will be free parking in the Broudy’s Lot and a free shuttle running from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on March 14, 2026.

Plan Your St. Patrick’s Day in the Oldest City

Spend St. Patrick’s Day in the city that hosted the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration and parade in America. Visit local landmarks to explore the Old City’s Irish history and learn about Celtic influence on the development of St. Augustine. Visit one of St. Augustine’s many historic pubs for cold drinks and a variety of Irish favorites. Attend the Whiskey Tasting Event to experience seven different whiskey selections. Bring the entire family to the St. Patrick Parade hosting Celtic performers from across the country. Enjoy the food, music, games, and activities of the Celtic Music & Heritage Festival.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post St. Patrick’s Day: Irish Heritage and Historic Pubs appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

Early Spring Preview: Getting Ready for Festival Season

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on February 21, 2026. Posted in About OldCity, Art, Culture & Music, Events, Special Events, Spring Activities, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage.

A setting sun paints a sherbet colored sky which contrasts with the white tents that populate the green space below.

Late February marks the end of one season and the budding of a new one, which means the winter chill begins to lift and sunshine heralds new, blossoming life. It also means St. Augustine begins to stir out of its winter hibernation in anticipation of festival season.

From late February through April, this city transforms into something even more alive than usual, with music filling the plazas, seafood sizzling along the waterfront, and performances spilling out of every courtyard and theater. If you’re trying to plan a spring visit, or just figure out which weekends to clear your calendar, here’s what’s headed our way. Consider this your early preview and planning guide for the most festive stretch of the year in the Oldest City.

We’ve rounded up the biggest events on the spring calendar. Mark these dates now. Accommodations and tickets for the most popular events go fast, and showing up without a plan on a festival weekend in St. Augustine is an adventure in frustration.

Cathedral Festival: The Season Opener

The grassy waterfront is filled with colorful merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, and tents. Every spring season needs an opening act, and in St. Augustine, that role belongs to the Cathedral Festival. Held on the grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios (101 San Marco Ave.), this beloved annual event has been gathering families for generations, and the 2026 edition, the 41st annual, runs Friday, February 20 through Sunday, February 22.

The festival runs Friday from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9:00 p.m. Fireworks are planned for 9:00 p.m. Saturday night. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 11-17 and adults 65 and older, and free for active-duty military and children 10 and under.

Think of it as a classic American carnival with a St. Augustine soul. There’s a full midway with rides, games, live music across all three days, food vendors, a silent auction, bingo, and a Super Raffle drawing on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. It’s the kind of event where multi-generational families show up together and kids beg to come back the next day. Proceeds benefit the Cathedral Parish School and the Cathedral Parish Early Education Center, which means your corn dog purchase is technically charitable giving.

Advance ride tickets are available at Cathedral Parish School (259 St. George Street), Carmelo’s Marketplace (146 West King Street), and all local Ameris Bank branches.

St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival

Two women clad in green clothing, paint, and accessories dance before the camera. Behind them are several people and white pop-up tents. Three weeks after the season opener, the city shifts from carnival rides to kilts and bagpipes. The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in the Southeast, having earned a #4 ranking from USA Today on their list of Best Cultural Festivals in the United States. For 2026, it’s the festival’s 15th year, and organizers aren’t planning to let that milestone go quietly.

The main festival runs at Francis Field (25 W. Castillo Drive) on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For the whiskey enthusiasts in the group, a Whiskey Tasting event kicks things off Friday evening, March 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the VIP Tent, at $75 per person for seven premium Irish and Scotch whiskey brands. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

General admission is $25 per day, and VIP all-weekend passes are $100. Active-duty and retired military receive free admission with valid ID. Buy tickets now at celticstaugustine.com.

Saturday morning kicks off with the St. Patrick’s Parade at 10:00 a.m., which traces its origins to 1601 when St. Augustine residents honored a popular Irish Catholic priest, making it the world’s oldest St. Patrick’s celebration. The parade route runs from Orange Street along the bayfront, past the Castillo, through the Plaza de la Constitución, and winds up at Francis Field. From there, the full festival unfolds across two stages, with headlining acts including Albannach, Mudmen, and Steel City Rovers, alongside Highland Games competition, Celtic artisan vendors, workshops, lectures, and a full children’s zone. No pets are permitted on festival grounds, but you may bring blankets and chairs.

St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival

Interior view of a white and red tent at the Lion's Seafood Festival in St. Augustine. People inside the tent work in front of giant skillets full of various types of seafood.

Photo courtesy of St. Augustine Lions Festival

The Seafood Festival crowd barely has time to recover from the Celtic weekend before the next festival rolls in. The 43rd Annual St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival lands at Francis Field (25 W. Castillo Drive) on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Children 12 and under get in free.

The Lions Club has been running this event since 1981 and has raised well over two million dollars for charitable causes in that time, so your ten-dollar entry fee is doing real work in the community. The food spread is the star of the show: lobster, crawfish, scallops, shrimp, and more, rounded out by county fair classics and cuisine from a range of other cultures.

Beyond the food, there’s a full lineup of live music across the weekend spanning jazz, Latin, country, folk, classic rock, Motown, and contemporary acts. The Arts & Crafts Village brings together around 100 artisans. The Pirate Landing Stage runs family entertainment both days, headlined by Captain Mayhem and his crew with juggling, storytelling, dancing, singing, and magic. There’s also axe-throwing for adults, face painting, and a kids’ bungee and rock wall area.

The festival doesn’t allow coolers, pets (except certified service animals), or outside food and drinks. ATMs are on site, and most vendors accept cards. For questions, contact the Lions Club at (904) 824-4325 or visit lionsfestival.com.

St. Augustine PoetFest

A corner angle of a room with white walls adorned with colorful art of flowers and trees create a back drop for a microphone and wooden podium which has a sign reading "Ancient City Poets"

Photo courtesy of Ancient City Poets

Just as the seafood and Celtic crowds have caught their breath, April arrives with something entirely different. The 5th Annual St. Augustine PoetFest runs Thursday through Saturday, April 9-11, and serves as St. Johns County’s official celebration of National Poetry Month. Presented by Ancient City Poets, Flagler College, and the St. Johns Cultural Council, every event is free and open to the public.

The festival kicks off Thursday evening at The Waterworks with the Beat Poet Summit, featuring current and past Beat Poet Laureates inspired to “Get on the Road” in the tradition of Kerouac. Friday and Saturday move to Flagler College for workshops, panels, and a keynote speaker, wrapping up Friday evening with an open mic at Relampago Coffee Lab (74 Spanish Street) at 6:30 p.m.

It’s a quieter weekend than its predecessors, but there’s something fitting about gathering to celebrate the written word in a city that’s been inspiring storytellers for 450 years.

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival

Hannah Stokes (Woman in white dress with brown wavy clipped back hair and curly bangs) stands on stage with guitar in hand, singing to into a microphone. A man on the keyboards in the background plays along.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Stokes

Shift gears entirely in mid-April. If the first weeks of spring are loud and communal, the 31st Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival offers something more intimate: three days of beautifully crafted music, storytelling, and folk tradition in the open air. The festival runs at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds (5840 S.R. 207, Elkton) from Friday, April 10 (5:00 to 10:00 p.m.) through Saturday, April 11 (11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and Sunday, April 12 (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). It’s a short drive west of St. Augustine, past I-95.

Weekend passes are $85, with single-day tickets at $35. Camping is available on the fairgrounds with bathroom and shower facilities, making this a genuine festival-weekend experience rather than just a day trip. Pets on leashes are welcome.

The festival honors the legacy of Gamble Rogers, a St. Augustine-born folk musician and storyteller who died in 1991 while attempting to save a drowning man. The 2026 lineup features Grammy Award-winner Dom Flemons and his supergroup The Traveling Wildfires, alongside Verlon Thompson, Walter Parks, Alexa Rose, and many others. Four stages, workshops, food trucks, local artisans, and a dedicated YoungFolk Stage round out the weekend. Check the OldCity.com calendar for ticketing updates as they’re released.

Late April: A Final Flourish

The last stretch of April stacks up quickly, giving spring one final burst before May takes over. A few more events worth circling on your calendar:

Five bowls commemorative bowls arranged in an X shape, sitting on a black table. The bowls are decorated with colorful images of various types of food and the words "A Taste of Saint Augustine."

Photo Courtesy of The Taste of St. Augustine

Taste of St. Augustine (April 12) – More than 20 local restaurants and food trucks descend on the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (1340C A1A South) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General admission is $10; taste tickets are $1 each.
Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest (April 22-26) – Nearly 100 photography seminars, field workshops, birding tours, and boat excursions at Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia (5205 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach), led by internationally recognized photographers.
Plein Air Paint-Out (April 24-26) – Up to 70 artists from across the country paint en plein air throughout the streets, parks, and bayfront of historic St. Augustine. Free to watch.
Roscolusa Songwriters Festival (April 25) – Nashville songwriters perform their hits and share the stories behind them at Crosswater Hall at Nocatee (232 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra), 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. General admission is $25, VIP is $100. Tickets have sold out four years running, so don’t wait.

And There’s More Where That Came From

The festivals above are the headliners, but spring in St. Augustine is a season of overlapping celebrations. A few more worth keeping on your radar:

Spanish Food & Wine Festival (February 19-21) – A weekend of events celebrating Spanish wine, cuisine, and culture at Flagler College and the Lightner Museum, connecting St. Augustine to its Spanish heritage.
Menorcan Heritage Celebration (March 14)– An annual celebration of St. Augustine’s Menorcan roots at Llambias House (31 St. Francis Street) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring traditional foods, music, and dancing. Free admission.
St. Augustine Craft Brewers’ Fest – Local and regional craft breweries converge for a weekend of tastings, food pairings, and live music.
St. Augustine History Festival – A deep dive into the city’s layered past through reenactments, lectures, and guided tours.

The city also runs a free park-and-ride shuttle service on select Saturdays in March and April, with extended service on parade days. Park free at the West King Street lots and ride directly into the historic district.

Planning Tips Before You Pack Your Bags

A few things worth knowing before you commit to dates. Accommodations book up fast for Celtic, Seafood, and Gamble Rogers weekends, so don’t wait until March to look for a hotel. The Francis Field events are outdoors on grass, so comfortable shoes and a light rain layer are your friends. February and March tend to run in the upper 60s to low 70s during the day and cooler in the evenings, while April warms into the mid-to-upper 70s.

The Old City events calendar is your best resource for the most current dates, times, and any last-minute additions. Bookmark it now, check it often, and let yourself be surprised by how much this city has to offer when it’s in full bloom.

Spring comes to a lot of places, but in St. Augustine it comes with delicious food, lively festivals, and a soundtrack to top it all off.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Early Spring Preview: Getting Ready for Festival Season appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

Taste of St. Augustine

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on September 27, 2025. Posted in Family Friendly, Food, Kid Friendly, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage, Things to Do.

Mark Your Calendar

Date: April 12, 2026
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Visit The Wesbite

Get Directions

About Taste of St. Augustine

St. Augustine has great food and restaurants and what better way to sample some of those signature dishes than at the Taste of St. Augustine. Held at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 2026 celebrates the 29th year for the event.

Always popular with locals, visitors can also experience the culinary heritage and culture of St. Johns County in the delicious food. You’ll find favorite, established St. Augustine restaurants showcased along with new ones.

Once you arrive and pay your admission fee of $5.00, you’ll be given a “map” of the participating restaurants, the dishes they’ll be serving and their location. With the $1.00 “Taste” tickets that you also purchase, you’ll be able to sample any and all of the delectable “bites”.

Vote for People’s Choice

Be bold! Try something you might not otherwise. You can sample signature dishes of delicious cuisine ranging from casual to upscale. Then, vote on your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award!

Also included in the event is a Kids zone with free activities. There’s face painting as well as arts & crafts to keep the kids occupied.

And, don’t forget the live entertainment. Local musicians will be playing throughout the event.

A great event with something for everyone…. and all for a local cause: EPIC Community Services. EPIC Behavioral Healthcare is the trusted source for quality substance abuse and mental health services in St. Johns County. Serving children, adolescents, adults and seniors since 1973.

Places to Stay

Back to Festivals

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Taste of St. Augustine appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

Top 10 Things to Do in St. Augustine in September

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on September 11, 2025. Posted in Art, Art, Culture & Music, Attractions & Sightseeing, Beaches, Culture & Music, Fall, Fall Activities, Family Friendly, Food, History & Heritage, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage, Things to Do.

Aerial view of St. Augustine neighborhood

Photo Credit: trolleytours.com

1. Take Advantage of September Locals’ Discounts

September is officially “Locals Month” in St. Augustine, and it comes with some serious perks. St. Johns and Flagler County residents can enjoy free or deeply discounted admission to dozens of attractions. Think of it as the city’s way of saying thanks to its hometown crowd, while also inviting folks to explore places they might usually skip.

Some highlights:

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
The Villa Zorayda Museum typically offer 50% off
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm gives locals 30% off admission with valid ID.
Florida Water Tours rolls out 25% off dolphin, wildlife, and sunset cruises.
Many historic sites also participate, meaning you can walk through centuries of history at a fraction of the cost—or even for free in some cases.

Even if you’re visiting from outside the area, it’s still worth keeping an eye out. September often brings bundled passes, seasonal promotions, and even national perks—like free entry to the Castillo de San Marcos on National Public Lands Day (September 27, 2025). Whether you’re a local or not, this month makes it easier to experience more of St. Augustine without stretching your budget.

2. Watch the Sun Set from the Water

A view of St. Augustine buildings from the river set against a pink and soft orange sky at sunset, which is reflected in the calm water.

Photo Credit: Floridawatertour.com

There’s just no comparing a St. Augustine sunset to anything else, especially when you’re out on the water. September evenings are warm and breezy, with skies that shift from fiery orange to soft pink as the sun slips behind the skyline and the fort lights up in the fading glow.

Local operators like Florida Water Tours make it easy to enjoy, with dedicated sunset cruises that sometimes include live music or a glass of wine. And if you’re a local, that 25% off September discount is the perfect excuse to finally book one. Dolphins and seabirds are often part of the show, gliding alongside the boat as the day winds down. Visitors, meanwhile, will leave with postcard-worthy memories that capture the city at its most magical.

3. Explore the City’s Historic Sites

Tourists on the rampart of Castillo de San Marcos fort taking pictures next to canons and a watchtower

St. Augustine’s history isn’t just preserved; it’s alive. September’s milder weather makes it the perfect time to walk through the centuries without worrying about the sweltering summer sun. Beyond the popular Castillo de San Marcos, you’ll find treasures like the Colonial Quarter, where you can step into recreated 16th- and 18th-century life, and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, which paints a vivid picture of early education. Smaller gems like the Peña-Peck House or the Old Jail offer even more fascinating stories.

For locals, this is a chance to revisit familiar landmarks and remember just how extraordinary the city’s past really is. For visitors, it’s a chance to walk through layers of history that no other U.S. city can match.

4. Join in the September Festivals

Photo Credit: singoutloudfestival.com

If there’s one thing St. Augustine does well, it’s festivals, and September packs the calendar with them.

The Sing Out Loud Festival runs through much of the month, bringing free and ticketed performances to venues across the city, from intimate bars to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. It’s one of the biggest music events of the year and offers everything from national acts to homegrown talent.

Founders Day (September 6, 2025) is another September highlight, commemorating Pedro Menéndez’s 1565 landing with reenactments, living history demonstrations, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

If you’re into pop culture, Ancient City Con (September 12–14, 2025) draws fans of comics, games, sci-fi, and cosplay. And to wrap up the month, the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival (September 26–28, 2025) showcases storytelling through music, with performances across multiple venues.

Add in smaller happenings like the Music and Art by the Sea series on select Wednesdays, and September becomes a nonstop celebration of culture, history, and creativity.

5. Stroll Along St. George Street

Image contains people standing outdoors

It’s one of the most visited streets in Florida, but September gives St. George Street a slightly calmer vibe. Without peak-season crowds, you can actually take your time wandering into shops, galleries, and cafés without being shoulder-to-shoulder the whole way.

Grab an iced coffee, browse for unique gifts, or step into a courtyard you might have overlooked before. The mix of modern boutiques and centuries-old landmarks makes St. George Street feel like a walking timeline of the city. For locals, this is the month to rediscover it at your own pace. For visitors, it’s a must-do that captures St. Augustine’s charm in one compact stretch.

6. Discover the Haunted Side of the City

Ghosts & Gravestones black trolley full of people, with a man and a woman dressed in old colonial clothing.

Photo Credit: ghostsandgravestones.com

When the sun goes down, St. Augustine’s centuries of history make for some spine-tingling stories. Ghost tours remain one of the city’s most popular evening activities, and September’s cooler nights make them even better.

Lantern-lit walking tours lead you through cobblestone streets as guides recount tales of restless spirits, pirate curses, and eerie happenings in historic cemeteries. If you’d rather sit back, trolley ghost tours let you cover more ground while still getting your fill of chills.

Whether you’re a believer or just along for the storytelling, ghost tours add a fun and spooky twist to your September nights in St. Augustine.

7. Savor St. Augustine’s Culinary Scene

Angled shot of a line of oblong bowls filled with different types of food. The closest bowl is filled with cooked red crawfish.

Food is one of St. Augustine’s greatest pleasures, and September is the time to indulge. You can stick to the classics—like fried shrimp at O’Steen’s or a hearty Cuban sandwich at the Columbia Restaurant—or branch out and try something new.

Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss Caps on the Water, a local institution serving up fresh catch paired with traditional Southern and Mediterranean flavors. Their waterfront location and large outdoor deck, which extends out into the Intercoastal Waterway, provide the perfect way to enjoy scenic St. Augustine views and fine quality local cuisine.

For something trendier, St. Augustine’s food trucks and farm-to-table spots are gaining plenty of buzz. And if you’d like to sample widely, food tours are an excellent way to taste your way through town while learning about the influences that shaped its flavors.

Locals can use September as an excuse to finally book that restaurant they’ve been putting off, while visitors will quickly discover that the city’s food scene is just as rich as its history.

8. Soak Up the Beaches Before Fall

Two children (girl and boy) playing in the waves at the beach.

One of St. Augustine’s best-kept secrets is how enjoyable the beaches are in September. The summer vacationers are mostly gone, leaving behind wide stretches of sand and warm Atlantic waters that are still perfect for swimming.

Anastasia State Park is ideal if you’re looking for natural beauty and a laid-back vibe, with trails, tidal marshes, and a long, undeveloped beach. St. Augustine Beach offers more of a social scene, with its pier, volleyball courts, and nearby restaurants. Vilano Beach brings retro charm, great surf, and postcard-worthy views of the historic district from across the bay.

September’s warm waters and gentler crowds make the beaches the perfect spot to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy a laid-back day by the ocean.

9. Wander Through Museums and Art Galleries

Lightner Museum Community Open House

St. Augustine’s museums and galleries are as varied as they are fascinating. The Lightner Museum, housed in Henry Flagler’s opulent former hotel, offers an eclectic mix of art, antiques, and curiosities. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum combines history and adventure, complete with panoramic views if you climb to the top.

For art lovers, the First Friday Art Walk is the place to be. Each month, galleries throughout the historic district open their doors with new exhibits, live music, and refreshments. September’s cooler evenings make strolling between venues all the more enjoyable.

10. Relax and Take It All In

Dinner in the Garden: Hispanic Heritage

Sometimes the best part of September in St. Augustine is simply slowing down. With fewer crowds and milder weather, you can take time to savor the city’s atmosphere.

Sit on a bench along the bayfront and watch the boats glide by. Linger over coffee in a hidden courtyard. Let a street musician’s guitar provide the soundtrack to your evening. The cobblestones, the Spanish architecture, the salty air—it all blends together into something uniquely St. Augustine.

Whether your September days are packed with festivals or spent lounging by the water, one of the best ways to enjoy St. Augustine is by simply letting the city set the pace.

Wrapping It Up

September might just be the best-kept secret in St. Augustine. It’s a month of discounts, festivals, beach days, and delicious meals, all wrapped up in the laid-back vibe of early fall. Locals get the joy of being tourists in their own town, while visitors get to experience the city at its most authentic and welcoming.

From music festivals and Founders Day celebrations to ghost tours and quiet sunsets on the water, St. Augustine in September is rich with ways to enjoy the season. All that’s left is to pick your favorites, use our calendar to mark yours, and let the oldest city in the nation show you why September is something truly special.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Top 10 Things to Do in St. Augustine in September appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on February 5, 2025. Posted in Community, Family Friendly, Food, History & Heritage, Kid Friendly, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage, Things to Do.

Mark Your Calendar

Celtic Festival

Date: March 8, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

St. Patrick Day Parade

Date: March 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM

St. Patrick Day Parade

Join us for a spectacular celebration of Celtic heritage at the historic St. Augustine St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a cherished tradition that transforms America’s oldest city into a slice of Ireland! For an incredibly affordable $75, your commercial or non-profit group can become an integral part of this vibrant celebration where the ancient streets of St. Augustine come alive with the enchanting spirit of the Emerald Isle. Watch and participate as beautifully decorated floats wind through the colonial quarters, while talented musical groups fill the air with traditional Irish melodies, and colorful performers in authentic Celtic attire create an unforgettable display of Irish culture and festivity. The parade route, carefully designed to showcase our city’s most picturesque locations, promises optimal visibility for all participants.

Educational institutions are in for a special treat that makes this celebration even more inclusive and community-oriented – all accredited K-12 schools and college groups can join the festivities absolutely FREE! Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to be part of a magical day where Celtic pride meets Southern hospitality in the heart of St. Augustine. Experience the full spectrum of Irish tradition with live performances of traditional music, stunning green and gold decorations adorning every corner, authentic Irish dance demonstrations, and what promises to be the greenest celebration this side of Dublin. Whether you’re Irish by blood or just Irish at heart, this parade offers something for everyone. Reserve your spot today by contacting our parade organizers at our dedicated event hotline, and help us make this year’s parade the most memorable one in St. Augustine’s rich history of Celtic celebrations!

The Menorcan Cultural Society

The only Menorcan society in the United States, it was founded in the 1980s to preserve and promote the heritage and culture of the Menorcans who left the Mediterranean homeland to make a new life in the New World.

History of the Menorcans

The Menorcans were among a group of 1400 people who left the Mediterranean and set sail for British East Florida in 1768. There were also Greek, Italian, Corsican, and French peoples. They were the largest single group of European settlers to immigrate as a single group to the New World.

The first nine years, the Menorcans spent toiling under harsh conditions and enduring even harsher treatment. Disease and starvation decimated their numbers. In the fall of 1777, less then 700 of the remaining members walked to St. Augustine where they petitioned the British governor, Patrick Tonyn. He granted them space in the northwest section of the old walled city.

Eventually, the acquisition of Florida by the young United States changed the flags that flew over St. Augustine.

For more than two centuries, since coming to the St. Augustine, Menorcan colonists and their descendants have been an integral part of the city and St. Johns County.

Places to Stay

Back to Festivals

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post St. Patrick’s Day Celebration appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on June 22, 2024. Posted in Family Friendly, Food, Kid Friendly, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Festivals, St. Augustine Mortgage, Things to Do.

Mark Your Calendar

Date: March 29 & 30, 2025
Time:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 — 10:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, March 30, 2025 — 11:00am-6:00pm
Location: Francis Field

Visit The Wesbite

Get Directions

About St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival

Celebrating their 42nd year in 2025, this festival offers something for EVERYONE! There will be seafood, of course, with the lots of other cuisines and county fair dishes. You certainly won’t go hungry!

Fun activities include the Arts & Crafts Village with all sorts of ‘goodies’ to buy. Then there’s the Live Music with a diverse line-up of local and regional acts. Headliners for 2025 are yet to be determined.

Let’s not forget the Fun Activities including Family Shows, Rides / Kids Zone and More. Of course, there will be Pirate Magic with Captain William Mayhem, face painting, balloon sculptures, and more …..

“Hey, We’re Havin’ Fun Now!”

About the St. Augustine Lions Club

A 501c3 nonprofit organization, the St. Augustine Lions Foundation and St. Augustine Lions Club raises funds each year to support worthwhile community projects. Since 1981, they’ve raised well over two million dollars. The St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival is the primary annual fundraiser for the Lions Club with 80 percent of the profits generated being distributed among St. Johns County non-profits, vision screening for school children, eye exams and glasses for those in need, hurricane aid relief, and more.

Places to Stay

Back to Festivals

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.