Embark on an unforgettable journey with your partner as you explore the thrilling wonders of St. Augustine, Florida. From historic landmarks to adventure-pumping activities, St. Augustine offers the perfect backdrop for a couple’s adventure day. Discover the hidden gems of this historic city as you create lasting memories together in one of the nation’s oldest and most vibrant destinations on how to have the perfect couple’s day in St. Augustine.
Start Your Day Down A1A
Start the morning off right by traveling down the most scenic coastal highway to catch an East Coast sunrise. Not JUST any sunrise…a Scenic A1A & Historic Coastal Byway sunrise! A stretch of 72 miles of mostly two lanes, this patch of heaven navigates history, all of nature’s beauty, and complete serenity. The coastlines on either side have been a part of America’s history for more than 500 years.
Living in Central Florida offers a great way to rise pretty early, grab our coffees, and head out to catch the BEST sunrise down this beautiful stretch of scenic highway. Vacationing near Orlando? Perfect! With plenty of places to pull over, it lends the perfect opportunity to take it all in. Photographers, surfers, and sunrise catchers, all flock to grab the best vantage point. So, grab your beach blanket, coffee, and phone because there is no better way to start your couple’s adventure day in St. Augustine, Florida than with an iconic sunrise.
A Saturday Market
Next, make your way to the St. Augustine Amphitheater Farmers Market. Located next to the St. Augustine Amphitheater, THIS Farmers’ Market is our personal favorite. Situated under the oaks, take a stroll and enjoy fantastic food, and locally grown produce straight from the farm all while you listen to fantastic live music. The St. Augustine Farmers’ Market is also in our opinion, the best location to source local artwork. Here you will find plenty of free parking and is the perfect place to grab a breakfast burrito from one of the many awesome food vendors.
If you’re looking for the perfect date night then head to where the locals go! The Night Market is a local favorite and is held on select Tuesdays throughout the year and features handmade arts and crafts, local food trucks, live music, and a full bar. It will quickly become one of your favorite date ideas!
St. Augustine Amphitheater Farmers’ Market 1370-1380 A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, St. Augustine, FL 32080.
Here’s More To Explore On How To Have The Perfect Couple’s Day In St. Augustine
Explore a State Park
Just a short drive from the Farmers’ Market will bring you to Anastasia State Park. With more than 1600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammocks, and ancient dunes, this makes the perfect playground for exploring. With a nominal fee of $8 per vehicle, it offers ample opportunity to rent kayaks for a couple of hours and paddle out to the lighthouse, cruise the State Park on a bike, take a swim at the beach, or enjoy one of the short but beautiful hikes. You can also check out the camping area which is one of our FAVORITES to camp at!
You can access the beach from the back parking lot area. Just a short walk lands you on the vast boardwalk that leads you through the lush Florida dunes. Wander down the boardwalk for great views of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and easy access to the beach. During peak wedding season, you are guaranteed to encounter a wedding in progress. This stretch of St. Augustine beach is always a hub for romantic events.
Kick your shoes off, grab a bottle of wine, and head down to the sand. This is one of the best ways to experience St. Augustine Beach. It’s the perfect backdrop for a romantic walk with the powdery white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters. This section is typically not crowded and begs you to linger…
Anastasia State Park 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine FL 32080. Park Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.
Cruisin’ Down The Beach
What’s better than homemade ice cream!? How about. cruisin’ the beach while EATING delicious ice cream. For the BEST ice cream, you want to head over to Mayday Ice Cream located at 461 A1A Beach Blvd in St. Augustine. They make all their unique flavors and if you are feeling a bit spicy, go for the chocolate datil pepper in a waffle cone. You’ll thank me later!
Beach driving and access ramps can be found at the following locations: Vilano, Porpoise Point, A Street, Ocean Trace, Dondanville Rd, Matanzas Ave, Mary St., and Crescent Beach (Cubbedge Rd). Happy Cruisin’!
With ice cream in hand…let’s cruise the beach ya’ll! I’m not gonna lie…THIS was so much fun! It could have been the fresh air, the jeep, the datil chocolate ice cream…one of the unique ways to enjoy this historic destination on how to have the perfect couple’s day in St. Augustine, Florida.
There are a few locations to drive on the beach from Crescent Beach to Vilano Beach. Daily passes are required. Residents & Non-Residents are $10.00, Handicapped & Active Military are $5.00, and 100% Disabled Veterans with proper identification are free. March 1 through September 30. If you visit quite a bit throughout the year, you can grab an annual pass.
Southern Charm On The Avenue
Tucked away between the Vilano Causeway and Myrtle Avenue, in the Northeastern section of St. Augustine, where you will also find the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, lies a street dripping in Southern Charm. Just a short 25-minute walk from the town’s Historic center, and with fewer crowds, Magnolia Avenue is a St. Augustine hidden gem. Lined with 100-year-old live oak trees that beautifully arch over the street, and a Cuban Coffee Shop with outdoor seating in an intimate setting is the perfect way to soak in the rich history and enjoy this great spot.
If this is your first adventure to Historic St. Augustine, be sure to explore a bit more. Who can’t resist a drive through downtown Historic St. Augustine with its gorgeous historic buildings, local restaurants, and brick-lined streets!? As you cross over the bridge of lions, you start to drink in the rich history of this historic city. Places to hit would be the historic district, St. George Street, Castillo De San Marcos, and last but not least, the oldest wooden schoolhouse.
Head To The Treylor Park For A Culinary Adventure
Where does one go for fine dining and a romantic date night!? Treylor Park of course! Where else can you find fun and unique great food and pickle juice shots!? Treylor Park has two locations in the St. Augustine area, we opted to take the scenic drive down A1A to the Ponte Verde location. With fewer crowds, we stood a better chance of getting in because the night is still young.
With other locations scattered across the South with names like Hitch and Double Wide Diner, it’s no wonder we love it so much. One reason to choose this funky joint is for the PB&J wings. Get two orders because ya’ll will fight over these! Paired with a Grapeful Dead and a Fried Bologna Classic, you have the makings of a love story! Perfect to add to a romantic food tour! Check out the rest of the menu here.
LOCATIONS: In the heart of St. Augustine 61 Spanish Street, St. Augustine, Florida, 904-342-7104 and 158 Marketside Avenue, Unit 10, Ponte Verde, Florida, 888-873-9567. It is a gorgeous 33 minute drive down A1A from Historic St. Augustine.
A Little Speakeasy…
This one is for all our Jeep “lovers” out there! Once a Speakeasy located in the back of The Bath Junky, now has a Parlor front. The Tipsy Duck Parlor is a rubber duck-themed bar with a few tables and stools fashioned like duck feet and bathtub couches. With funky interactive drinks such as the Mad Mallard and Lil’ Rubber Ducky, this is a place you have to go! Even better….pets are welcome.
Located at: 8 Hypolita Street (side door entrance). Hours 12:30pm – 9:30pm daily. Drinks only. Family & pet friendly.
Are you Ready To Explore St. Augustine!?
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, a first date, or just taking a day trip, this list will get you started on how to have the perfect couple’s day in St. Augustine, Florida. Ditch the usual site-seeing and get out and explore all this Historic City has to offer. Who knows, you just might stumble across a hidden gem. Happy wandering!
SAVE FOR LATER…
Thanks for stopping by! Come along for the adventure as we explore Florida & beyond. Discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, testing out cool gear, eating & creating fantastic food along the way. Happy wandering!
Researching next winter’s getaway! Beautiful! I would love a couple’s day in Florida right now 🙂 We are still battling winter in Canada (April).
It all sounds great but I really could go for 72 miles of pretty roads and those waffle cones! Yum!
Sometimes we just need the fresh air and a drive!
Jen, you would LOVE it! Let me know where you head and I can get you a locals perspective to where all the hidden gems are! We just hit the 90’s this week!
I went to South Beach last year in March and would love to go back but travel down the keys. This place looks cool too, will check out.
Jealous! Planning a trip to the Keys!! St. Augustine has so much more than downtown!