Travel Guide To St. Johns County, Florida
St. Johns County, Florida, is a beautiful destination that offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing on the beach, St. Johns County has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.
Top Attractions in St. Johns County
St. Johns County is home to several top-rated attractions that are definitely worth a visit. Some of the most popular ones include:
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is one of the most iconic landmarks in St. Johns County. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area, explore the museum’s exhibits, and learn about the history of the lighthouse.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Another must-visit attraction in St. Johns County is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This historic fort was built in the 17th century and is one of the oldest masonry forts in the United States. Visitors can explore the fort’s grounds and learn about its fascinating history.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
If you’re traveling with kids, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a great place to visit. This zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including alligators, crocodiles, and birds of prey. Visitors can also enjoy zip-lining and other fun activities.
Hidden Gems in St. Johns County
In addition to its popular attractions, St. Johns County also has plenty of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Some of our favorites include:
The St. Augustine Distillery
The St. Augustine Distillery is a small-batch distillery that produces award-winning spirits. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery, learn about the distilling process, and sample some of the spirits.
The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a unique attraction that tells the story of pirates and their treasure. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, see real pirate artifacts, and even try their hand at a virtual treasure hunt.
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a fascinating historical site that is said to be the location where Ponce de Leon discovered the fountain of youth. Visitors can explore the park’s exhibits and learn about the history of the area.
Food Scene in St. Johns County
St. Johns County has a vibrant food scene that is sure to please any foodie. Some of our favorite restaurants include:
Salt Life Food Shack
The Salt Life Food Shack is a casual restaurant that serves up delicious seafood dishes. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, burgers, and more, all while taking in the ocean views.
Catch 27
Catch 27 is a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced seafood, as well as other farm-fresh dishes.
The Floridian
The Floridian is a cozy restaurant that serves up Southern-inspired cuisine. Visitors can enjoy dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and more.
Budget-Friendly Tips in St. Johns County
While St. Johns County has plenty of luxurious accommodations and activities, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options. Some of our top tips for saving money in St. Johns County include:
Visit the Beach
St. Johns County is home to several beautiful beaches that are free to visit. Pack a picnic and spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean views.
Explore the State Parks
St. Johns County is home to several state parks that offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and other outdoor activities. Best of all, entrance fees are typically very affordable.
Take a Walking Tour
St. Johns County is a great destination for walking tours. There are several free or low-cost walking tours available, including historical tours, ghost tours, and more.
Outdoor Adventures in St. Johns County
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, St. Johns County has plenty of activities to keep you busy. Some of the top outdoor adventures include:
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
St. Johns County is home to several waterways that are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can rent equipment or take a guided tour.
Hiking and Biking Trails
St. Johns County has several hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful views of the area’s natural beauty. Some of the top trails include the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Moses Creek Conservation Area.
Fishing and Boating
St. Johns County is a great destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Visitors can rent boats or go on guided fishing trips to catch a variety of fish.
Family-Friendly Activities in St. Johns County
St. Johns County is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that kids will love. Some of the top family-friendly activities include:
St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
As mentioned above, the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a unique and fun attraction that kids will love. They can explore the museum’s exhibits, see real pirate artifacts, and even try their hand at a virtual treasure hunt.
St. Augustine Wild Reserve
The St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a nonprofit animal sanctuary that provides a home for exotic animals that have been rescued or retired from the entertainment industry. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and learn about the animals and their care.
Adventure Landing
Adventure Landing is a family fun center that offers a variety of attractions, including mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, and more. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in St. Johns County
If you’re looking for something a little different, St. Johns County has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to enjoy. Some of our favorites include:
Whetstone Chocolate Factory Tour
The Whetstone Chocolate Factory offers a behind-the-scenes tour of their chocolate-making process. Visitors can learn about the history of chocolate and sample some of the delicious treats.
St. Augustine Distillery Tour
As mentioned above, the St. Augustine Distillery offers a tour of their small-batch distillery. Visitors can learn about the distilling process and sample some of the award-winning spirits.
St. Augustine Eco Tours
St. Augustine Eco Tours offers a variety of boat tours that explore the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors can see dolphins, birds, and other marine life up close.
Natural Wonders in St. Johns County
St. Johns County is home to several natural wonders that are definitely worth a visit. Some of the top ones include:
The St. Augustine Pier
The St. Augustine Pier is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying the ocean views. Visitors can also spot marine life like dolphins and sea turtles.
Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park is a beautiful park that offers hiking trails, a beach, and camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife and natural habitats. Visitors can explore the reserve’s trails and learn about the area’s ecology.
Vibrant Nightlife in St. Johns County
St. Johns County has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers plenty of options for a fun night out. Some of our top picks include:
Prohibition Kitchen
Prohibition Kitchen is a great spot for live music and craft cocktails. Visitors can enjoy a variety of musical acts while sipping on unique drinks.
The Ice Plant Bar
The Ice Plant Bar is a speakeasy-style bar that specializes in craft cocktails and small plates. Visitors can enjoy the vintage atmosphere and unique drinks.
Colonial Oak Music Park
The Colonial Oak Music Park is a great spot for live music and outdoor events. Visitors can enjoy a variety of musical acts and other events throughout the year.
Local Markets in St. Johns County
St. Johns County is home to several local markets that offer a variety of goods and