Insider's Guide to St. Augustine

There is a lot to do in St. Augustine, but what would a local do if he/she had limited time/money, a situation that many budget tourists find themselves in.

The Spanish Quarter:  My favorite sight in town.  Well worth a couple of hours learning about life during the Spanish period.  Working blacksmith is a fountain of information.  Group pricing available.  Pick up a copy of The Big Fat Discount Book for a coupon.  Family tickets are a good deal.

Alligator Farm - A definite must see for something off the beaten path.  They have all 22 species of crocodilians, plus a couple of albino alligators.  They've just added Maximo, a 15 foot Ozzie saltwater crocodile as well as a Komodo Dragon and a 21-foot reticulated Python..  Alligator feedings are at 12 and 3 PM (parents please take your kids off your shoulders...), and shows are every hour on the hour.  Bit on the expensive side these days.  Used to have 20% off coupons(~$4 dollars), now only $1 off.

Ghost Tours - It started with one, now there are 8 at last count.  The hostel has discount tickets.  Lots of places sell 'discount' tickets, but it's not a profit center for us, so I think you'll find we have the lowest prices in town.  Ancient City has one of the best tours, ask for Josh as your guide.

Get up early in the morning before sunrise and take a walk on the promenade by the bay.  Usually you can spot dolphins feeding and frolicking from the fort to the Bridge of Lions.

The Presbyterian church that Flagler built.  It's modeled after St. Mark's in Venice and the tour is free.  Well worth the admission price  (yes, it's a pun..)

Picnic on the beach   Grab yer cooler and stuff it full of goodies at Stewart's market on Anastasia Blvd, just across the bridge.  If you're striking out on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the Farmer's market at the Ampitheatre (just past the lighthouse) and stock up on fresh bread (maybe a cannoli or two), fresh citrus, garlic peanuts, organic produce, and a box of fudge from The Fudge Lady (yummm!) 

Go to the Santa Maria restaurant at night around the outside of the restaurant and see the teeming catfish.  Just don't eat there.

Check the event calendar.  Always something happening, but my favorites are those that involve re-enactors. 

Food - There are quite a few restaurants in town and here are some recommendations:

Nightlife - St. Augustine is a pretty quiet town most of the time.  For detailed information on watering holes (bars), click here.