The St. Augustine Almanac
A Local’s Guide to America’s Oldest City
Introduction
From the Driver’s Seat
For nearly twenty years, I have had a front-row seat to one of America’s most remarkable cities.
As the owner of Abraxi Taxi, I have met visitors from every state and many countries around the world. I’ve driven newlyweds to wedding venues, golfers to championship courses, families to the beach, concert fans to The Amp, and history lovers through streets that were already old before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth.
During those thousands of rides, I noticed something.
Almost everyone asks the same questions.
“Where should we eat?”
“What’s the best beach?”
“Do I need a rental car?”
“Where do the locals go?”
“What should we see first?”
This Almanac is my answer.
It is not just another travel guide filled with advertisements and lists of attractions. Instead, it is a collection of local knowledge gathered over years of conversations with visitors and residents alike.
You will find history, restaurants, beaches, festivals, wildlife, golf, music, gardens, and practical advice that can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.
Most importantly, you will discover St. Augustine through the eyes of someone who has spent nearly two decades helping people experience this incredible city.
Welcome to America’s Oldest City.
I hope you will enjoy exploring it as much as I have.
Explore More Local Guides
Planning your visit? These guides may help:
- Best Beaches in St. Augustine
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/best-beaches-st-augustine - Best Bars & Nightlife in St. Augustine
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/best-bars-nightlife-st-augustine - Taxi vs. Uber in St. Augustine
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/taxi-vs-uber-st-augustine - Wedding Transportation Guide
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/st-augustine-wedding-transportation - Concert Guide to The Amp
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/st-augustine-amp-schedule
Transportation information:
Book a ride 904 588 6666
Chapter One
Welcome to America’s Oldest City
From the Driver’s Seat
One afternoon I picked up a family visiting from New Jersey.
Before we had driven two blocks, Dad leaned forward and asked,
“Can we see everything today?”
I smiled.
“You can see a lot,” I replied, “but St. Augustine isn’t a city you check off a list. It’s a city you experience.”
Two days later, they called again.
Instead of heading home, they had extended their vacation.
“We’re glad we stayed,” they told me. “We thought it was just another beach town.”
It never is.
Where Exactly Is St. Augustine?
St. Augustine sits along Florida’s northeast Atlantic coast in beautiful St. Johns County.
It is conveniently located between several major destinations:
- Jacksonville — approximately 40 miles north
- Daytona Beach — approximately 55 miles south
- Orlando — about two hours southwest
That makes it a perfect home base for exploring Florida’s Historic Coast.
Official visitor information:
https://www.visitstaugustine.com/
Did You Know?
St. Augustine was founded in 1565.
That’s:
- 42 years before Jamestown.
- 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth.
- More than 450 years of continuous history.
National Park Service:
Why People Fall in Love with St. Augustine
Some cities are famous for beaches.
Others for nightlife.
Others for history.
St. Augustine somehow combines all three.
Within a few miles you can explore:
- Historic forts
- Beautiful beaches
- Live music
- Art galleries
- Museums
- Great restaurants
- Local breweries
- Golf courses
- Nature preserves
- Wildlife
Few cities pack so much into such a walkable historic district.
Driver’s Tip
Don’t try to see everything in one day.
Slow down.
Take a side street.
Sit on a bench by Matanzas Bay.
Watch the sailboats pass.
Some of the best memories happen when you stop rushing.
Five Things Every Visitor Should Know
① Wear Comfortable Shoes
Downtown is best explored on foot.
The brick streets are beautiful—but uneven in places.
② Bring Water
Florida’s sunshine is wonderful.
Florida’s humidity can surprise visitors.
Especially during May through September.
③ Parking Isn’t Always Easy
Parking fills quickly during:
- Nights of Lights
- Concerts
- Holiday weekends
- Festivals
If you are staying downtown, consider leaving your car parked and exploring on foot.
Need transportation?
https://www.abraxitaxi.com/rates
④ Eat Like a Local
St. Augustine has much more than chain restaurants.
Try:
- Minorcan cuisine
- Fresh local seafood
- Datil pepper dishes
- Family-owned restaurants
Read our Foodie Guide:
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/st-augustine-foodie-tour
⑤ Leave Time to Wander
Some of the city’s best discoveries are not listed in guidebooks.
Walk down Aviles Street.
Explore side alleys.
Visit local art galleries.
Watch street musicians.
You will discover your own favorite places.
Did You Know?
St. Augustine is home to:
- America’s oldest masonry fort.
- America’s first legally sanctioned free Black settlement at Fort Mose.
- One of Florida’s oldest public markets.
- Historic churches dating back centuries.
Learn more:
Fort Mose National Historic State Park
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park
Castillo de San Marcos
Hidden Gem
Walk one block away from St. George Street.
You’ll notice something almost immediately.
The crowds disappear.
The city becomes quieter.
You will hear birds instead of traffic.
These quieter streets are where many locals enjoy walking.
Seasonal Note
Every season offers something different.
Spring brings flowers and outdoor dining.
Summer means beaches and concerts.
Fall offers cooler weather and festivals.
Winter transforms the city into the world-famous Nights of Lights.
No matter when you visit, there is always something happening.
Before You Continue...
This Almanac is designed to help you explore St. Augustine one experience at a time.
As you continue reading, you’ll discover the city’s history, beaches, restaurants, music, wildlife, gardens, annual festivals, and many of the hidden places that make this community so special.
I hope this guide helps you slow down, look a little closer, and enjoy America’s oldest city the way many locals do.
Because the best part of St. Augustine is not just its history.
These are the memories you’ll make while you are here.