St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast

History

St. Augustine’s historical richness is virtually unmatched when it comes to the big picture of U.S. history since it was settled so much earlier than the rest of the United States.The city was founded by the swashbuckling Spanish conquistador Pedro Menedez de Aviles around the feast day of St. Augustine on September 8, 1565.The city has changed hands multiple times from the Spanish to the British and back to the Spanish, and finally to the United States after purchasing Florida from Spain. Remnants of its Spanish founders are littered around the city with the most famous being the Castillo de San Marcos.From its colonial history, St. Augustine took a huge turn for the better when Henry Flagler of Standard Oil wealth found the city charming, but infrastructure inadequate. Flagler installed several railroads with the idea of making St. Augustine a winter refuge for wealthy Americans from the north. This opened up Florida for development and kickstarted St. Augustine’s hotel and bed & breakfast construction. The city owes quite a lot to Mr. Flagler and his forward thinking vision of St. Augustine as a winter escape.During your stay in St. Augustine make sure to soak in all of the unique heritage and history that make this gem of a city so special!

History

St. Augustine’s historical richness is virtually unmatched when it comes to the big picture of U.S. history since it was settled so much earlier than the rest of the United States.The city was founded by the swashbuckling Spanish conquistador Pedro Menedez de Aviles around the feast day of St. Augustine on September 8, 1565.The city has changed hands multiple times from the Spanish to the British and back to the Spanish, and finally to the United States after purchasing Florida from Spain. Remnants of its Spanish founders are littered around the city with the most famous being the Castillo de San Marcos.From its colonial history, St. Augustine took a huge turn for the better when Henry Flagler of Standard Oil wealth found the city charming, but infrastructure inadequate. Flagler installed several railroads with the idea of making St. Augustine a winter refuge for wealthy Americans from the north. This opened up Florida for development and kickstarted St. Augustine’s hotel and bed & breakfast construction. The city owes quite a lot to Mr. Flagler and his forward thinking vision of St. Augustine as a winter escape.During your stay in St. Augustine make sure to soak in all of the unique heritage and history that make this gem of a city so special!

Natural Features

St. Augustine is located on a peninsula between two large rivers, the Matanzas and San Sebastian. Between the city and the Atlantic Ocean lies Anastasia Island, and the intracoastal waterway weaves through St. Augustine to leave almost 22% of the city covered by water. Fishing is extremely popular due to all of the surrounding rivers and bodies of water nearby. Since most of Florida (St. Augustine included) is flat, the Castillo de San Marcos was erected by the Spanish to provide vision to defending troops stationed there. National Geographic has named St. Augustine one of the top twenty places in the world to visit due to its beauty and history, and the publication usually knows a thing or two about beautiful cities!

Things to Do

There are so many things to do in St. Augustine that you’ll never be starved for choice. Avid Golfer or just a fan of sports history? The World Golf Hall of Fame is a must see for all of the golf history, memories, and moments your heart desires. There are also some beautiful courses nearby, if you’re feeling inspired to take out those clubs. St. Augustine sightseeing is a full-time activity, between the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, housing gorgeous antiques from the Gilded Age inside of the historic Hotel Alcazar, to the Lighthouse & Maritime Museum that preserves the history of America’s oldest port. If you’re staying at a bed and breakfast near the St. Augustine historic district, you’ll be in prime position to accomplish as many activities as possible. If you’re staying at a bed and breakfast near the St. Augustine historic district, you’ll be in prime position to accomplish as many activities as possible.

Weather

The best weather for visiting St. Augustine is usually found between March and May. Since St. Augustine is located in Florida,you’ll likely want to avoid the humidity and heat that are so pervasive during the summer months. Several well known food events also usually happen. Another bonus is missing the summer crowds that usually pack in between June and August. Always be sure to bring a light rain jacket since Florida is known for unpredictable rain showers at all times of the day! Don’t sleep on the Winter time either (that’s why St. Augustine was treasured by Flagler!). December to February can be gorgeous but make sure to bring a sweater.

Food and Drink

If you’re looking for great eats & tasty drinks, you’re in luck! St. Augustine is blessed with some fantastic spots whether you’re looking to indulge or snack on some appetizers while you watch the sunset. Check out theSunset Grille, one of the most beloved restaurants in St. Augustine, serving up decadent comfort food ranging from shrimp n’ grits to hearty chowders. Locals love this place because of the amazing service, the delicious bites, and the proximity to the Atlantic (one block away). Looking for an unbelievable meal in the Historic District? Visit the Old City House Inn & Restaurant andprepare for a mouthwatering meat and seafood selection , an intimate atmosphere, and great wine. The restaurant is inside of a charming house built in 1873 with all of the history and ambiance that comes with it! If you’re in the mood for something that’s a certified crowd pleaser, then Harry’s Seafood is your place. Perched near the water, Harry’s has been serving up delicious seafood dishes for more than 30 years.

Activities

St. Augustine is jam-packed with great activities whether you’re on a romantic getaway, a vacation with the family, or just a quick trip to see somewhere new.  Check out the spooky Secrets of St. Augustine Ghost Tour that starts on St. George Street and works its way around the city with famed storyteller Dion Moore.  Fancy a boat ride? Take a relaxing cruise through the city’s waterways and learn about the incredible history of the nation’s oldest city. Scenic Cruise has been operating for 100 years and dates back to the time of Henry Flagler and the gentrification of St. Augustine.  If you’re looking for a cheeky drink around the city, the St. Augustine Distillery offers incredible tours of their Spirits crafting operation using only regional & locally sourced ingredients. The Whiskey Tour was voted #1 in America if you or your loved ones are whiskey buffs.

St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast FAQ

Why Stay at a B&B in St. Augustine?

If you want to do St. Augustine the right way, nothing beats a B&B. From the charming Victorian-style houses perfectly tucked into some of the most desirable spots around the city to incredible hosts who want nothing more than to provide you with a memorable stay, B&B’s are the way to experience Historic St. Augustine. At a bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida, you’ll be within range of Vilano Beach, a nearby coastal town with a lovely boardwalk and pier as well asAnastasia State Recreation Area, which features more than 1,600 acres of beaches, hammocks, and spots to cookout. With close access to St Augustine Beach and St Augustine Lighthouse you will be able to find the perfect historic inn close to art galleries, Flagler College and other St Augustine Bed & Breakfasts.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL?

One of the best parts about staying at a bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida are the plentiful amenities you’d expect from a five star resort. Free wifi, free parking, seamless check-in, and gourmet meals inside the property are par for the course. As mentioned before, the Victorian house that’s so common around the city wraps everything together in an unforgettable package by switching up what you thought a bed & breakfast could look like. There are a range of B&B’s throughout the city, from waterfront properties with gorgeous views to spots around some of the more historic parts of St. Augustine.

How can I get around St. Augustine, Florida when staying at a Bed & Breakfast?

St. Augustine is easily accessible with a variety of ways to get there. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is around a 50 minute drive north from the city or you can go through Daytona Beach International (DAB), which is 50 minutes south from the city. Renting a car is always a great option in Florida, and St. Augustine is served by I-95, U.S. Highway 1, and oceanfront A1A. If you’re visiting from the West, there’s I-10. Once you arrive there are City Parking Garages to leave your car. St. Augustine is extremely walkable compared to many places around Florida and if you’re staying in the heart of St. Augustine, walking will probably be your best bet to navigating the city. The beach is walking distance from many of the B&B’s, hotels, and resorts.

What are the different types of St Bed and Breakfasts in St. Augustine?

The golden question of which type of Bed & Breakfast you should book in Florida is based on your style and the environment you’re going for on your vacation. The St Augustine Bed and Breakfasts that are also part of the bnbfinder Diamond Collection are Casa de Suenos, St Francis Inn, Victorian House B&B, Bayfront Marin Inn, and The Saragossa Inn. Many people want the gorgeous views and incredible sunsets afforded to them around the Bay area. We recommendBayfront Marin House, a B&B complete with home cooked southern breakfast and complimentary happy hours as you look out at the bay. Another one of the best bed and breakfast spots in St. Augustine is theCarriage Way Inn with guest rooms to accommodate all tastes and also close to the downtown historic district. . Voted best B&B in the city for 3 years running, you’re in walking distance from St. George Street with its museums, historic sites, and restaurants.