need some suggestions please

Question

I am thinking of staying in Jacksonville and driving up to ST Augustine for a day. I'm thinking of spending the day in the Historical District. Pretty much just walking around most of the day site seeing, We would be there from like 10am til 8ish. Are there any other sites that are must sees if we are only there a day. We are not really interested in museums,

Thanks for any and all help!!!

Answer

If you’re planning a day trip to St. Augustine from Jacksonville and mainly want to walk around the Historical District without focusing on museums, there’s still plenty to see and do. The city has a charming mix of history, architecture, and scenic spots, and you can comfortably explore much of it on foot within your time frame.

Morning / Late Morning:

Start around 10am in the Castillo de San Marcos area. Even if you’re not visiting the inside, the exterior and surrounding grounds are beautiful, with waterfront views of Matanzas Bay. From there, you can walk along St. George Street, the pedestrian-friendly heart of the historic district.

St. George Street — Explore shops, cafes, local artisan stores, and historic architecture. Perfect for casual strolling and people-watching.
Flagler College — Admire the stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture from the outside; the grounds are picturesque.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (outside views if not going inside) — Enjoy a quick stop for photos and the lovely surroundings.

Lunch Options:

Columbia Restaurant — Classic Spanish cuisine, great for trying local dishes.
The Floridian — Modern southern fare with fresh local ingredients.
Ice Plant Bar — Unique setting for casual sandwiches or small bites if you want something lighter.

Afternoon / Early Evening:

After lunch, continue exploring the historic streets and local points of interest.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum — Even if you skip the museum, the lighthouse exterior and nearby beaches offer nice views.
Bridge of Lions — Walk across for lovely waterfront scenery and photo opportunities.
Aviles Street — One of the oldest streets in the U.S., lined with charming shops, galleries, and cafes.

Evening / Dinner:

Plan to have dinner before heading back to Jacksonville around 8pm.

Catch 27 — Known for fresh seafood and creative dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits — Great casual dining with waterside views.
Pizza Time St. Augustine — Fun casual option if you want something quick and kid-friendly.

Additional Tips:

Wear comfortable walking shoes; the streets are mostly brick and cobblestone.
Parking can be limited; consider using public lots near the historic district.
Bring water and sunscreen, especially if walking all day in April or May.

This itinerary gives you a full day of sightseeing, local flavor, and scenic photo opportunities without spending time in museums, while still seeing the best of St. Augustine’s charm.

need some suggestions please

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