As a proud Floridian, I might be a bit biased when it comes to our gorgeous cities—there are just so many to love and explore! But today, I’m taking you along on a journey to one of Florida’s oldest and most charming cities. Buckle up, because you’re about to experience St. Augustine like never before!

Anniversary Adventure in St. Augustine

To celebrate our anniversary, my husband and I decided to head to St. Augustine. Neither of us had been there since we were kids, so this trip was an adventure we couldn’t wait to experience together as adults.

The Hotel Hunt

Choosing a hotel was its own little adventure! My husband and I have very different tastes—he loves all things modern, while I’m more into a mix of sleek and historic charm. St. Augustine, known for its haunted history and ghostly legends, is brimming with quaint bed & breakfasts that capture the city’s old-world vibe. So, finding a place that satisfied both our preferences? That was going to be interesting.

But guess what? We hit the jackpot with the Renaissance Hotel. Located right in the heart of downtown historic St. Augustine, it’s within walking distance of Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the famous Castillo de San Marcos Fort. Picture *Gone with the Wind* on the outside, but step inside and it’s pure swanky, modern Fifth Avenue. The lobby? Straight out of a Hollywood set, with a grand staircase that screamed old-world glamour, and sleek, modern touches everywhere else. We were lucky enough to snag a suite on the third floor. It felt like our own little attic apartment—spacious enough for a family and filled with cozy charm.

Exploring the City

St. Augustine has so many ways to explore its historic streets. You can hop on a bus tour or ride the trolley through town, each offering its own deep dive into the city’s history. But, in true adventurous spirit, we decided to go rogue and explore on our own. My husband found a spot where you could rent mopeds, dune buggies, and even golf carts. We opted for a moped, with my husband driving and me hanging on, wind in my hair like we were in *Top Gun*. Here are some of the spots we hit:

- The Oldest House

- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (we explored the outside grounds)

- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (a must-see, and yes, we climbed all the way up the lighthouse!)

- Fountain of Youth (of course, we had to drink from the famous fountain!)

Foodie Heaven

Calling all foodies! Historic St. Augustine is a culinary paradise, and you won’t leave disappointed. We started each day at our hotel’s restaurant, Castillo Craft Bar & Kitchen, where breakfast felt like a royal feast. One night, we had dinner at River and Fort Roof Top Lounge, a popular spot with a packed crowd (and you know what they say—if it’s crowded, the food’s gotta be good!). For something truly unique, check out Ice Plant and Vintage Bar at the St. Augustine Distillery Co. While waiting for our table, we took a tour of the distillery and learned all about bourbon-making. Even though we’re not big on alcohol, we tried the honey-bourbon syrup, and it was amazing.

Our absolute favorite spot? Mayita, a cozy, mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant that serves authentic, home-cooked meals. It was like dining at your grandma’s house—pure comfort food bliss.

Pro Tips for Your Visit

Now, let’s be real—Florida summers are HOT. Stay hydrated and dress for the heat! Since our hotel was smack in the middle of historic St. Augustine, we did most of our exploring on foot or on the moped. The city’s winding roads, charming side streets, and hidden gems made it feel like we were stepping back in time, but with modern comforts all around. St. Augustine truly is the perfect blend of old and new.