Start at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument when it opens at 9 a.m.; give yourself about 90 minutes to explore the rooms, ramparts, and waterfront views before the crowds build. Admission is typically about $15 per adult, with children 15 and under free; check the National Park Service site for current details. The fort’s exposed stone and breezy ramparts can feel cool in March, so bring a light layer. From there, it’s an easy walk into the center of the district.
Spend about an hour strolling St. George Street, dipping into the old-town shops and taking your time rather than trying to cover every block. Head to Columbia Restaurant for lunch; it’s a landmark spot for Spanish-Cuban dishes, with entrees generally around $20–$40 per person. It usually opens at 11 a.m.; a weekday lunch is a good time to settle in, though reservations are helpful if you have a particular time in mind.
After lunch, walk to Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine for a quiet half-hour inside. Entry is generally free, though donations are welcome; be mindful that it’s an active church, so services or events may limit sightseeing. Then continue south to The Oldest House Museum Complex for a one-hour visit through the historic home and gardens. It’s usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but check ahead for any schedule changes. Wear comfortable shoes—the district’s old streets can be uneven—and keep a little flexibility in the afternoon for lingering in the garden.
Start at Flagler College, the former Ponce de León Hotel, and take in the Spanish Renaissance details in the lobby and courtyard. A guided interior tour is the best way to see more of the building; tours and access can vary, so check the college’s current schedule and book ahead if available. Allow about 1–1½ hours. Then walk a few minutes to the Lightner Museum, housed in the old Hotel Alcazar. Its wonderfully odd collection—everything from glass and musical instruments to curiosities—rewards a leisurely visit. Plan on roughly 1½ hours; check the museum’s hours and admission before you go.
After lunch downtown, stroll toward the bayfront and spend about 45 minutes at St. Augustine Municipal Marina watching the boats and enjoying the breeze. It’s an easy walk from the museum area; wear comfortable shoes, and bring a light layer if the waterfront feels cool. Keep the afternoon unhurried—there’s no need to rush through the harbor.
Finish with dinner at Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille, where the Creole-inspired menu and patio make a relaxed end to the day. Expect roughly $20–$40 per person before drinks and tip; patio seating is popular, so arrive early or check whether reservations are available. A light sweater is handy for dining outside in March.
Take an Uber or Lyft from downtown across the Bridge of Lions to St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum; it’s usually a 10–15-minute ride, around $10–$20, but allow extra time if the bridge is up. Arrive near opening—typically 9 a.m.—for a quieter climb up the 219 steps and wide views over the coast. Give the lighthouse and maritime exhibits about 1½–2 hours; admission is roughly $15–$20 per adult, and the tower may close temporarily for weather or safety.
From the lighthouse, it’s only a few minutes by car or rideshare to St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Plan about two hours for the alligators, bird rookery, and other wildlife; check current hours and admission before you go, as prices and seasonal schedules can change. Then stop at Sun Deli on Anastasia Island for sandwiches—budget about $10–$20 per person—and pick up water for the beach.
Head south to Anastasia State Park for a relaxed afternoon: spread out your towel on the Atlantic shore or take one of the nature trails, allowing 2–3 hours. The park typically charges about $8 per vehicle; bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the breezy walk back from the water. Finish at Sunset Grille, near St. Augustine Beach, for casual seafood and a drink; expect roughly $20–$40 per person. It’s a popular dinner stop, so check the wait when you arrive and leave a little flexibility around sunset.
From Anastasia Island, drive across the Bridge of Lions and take US-1 north to Fort Mose Historic State Park; allow about 20–30 minutes, plus a little extra if the bridge is raised. Aim for around 9 a.m. and give the site about 90 minutes. The park grounds are generally open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; the visitor center and museum hours can vary, so check before you go. The grounds are free, while museum admission is typically a small fee (around $2). Take time to read the exhibits: this was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States.
Continue toward Vilano Beach for a relaxed shoreline walk—about 10–15 minutes by car from Fort Mose. Public beach access and parking are available; March can be sunny but breezy, so bring your windbreaker and water shoes if you plan to wander near the water. After an hour or two, head to Aunt Kate’s for a waterfront lunch overlooking the marsh. Expect roughly $20–$40 per person; it’s a leisurely spot, so leave room to linger rather than rushing off.
Keep the afternoon easy, then drive north to Cap’s on the Water for dinner and sunset views over the water. Budget about $30–$60 per person, and consider reserving—especially if you want a table near sunset, which falls around 6:20 p.m. in early March. Bring a light layer for the breezy outdoor seating, and check the day’s hours and sunset timing before setting out.
Check that you can get an Uber or Lyft from Vilano Beach the night before; the ride across the causeway to Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park usually takes about 10–15 minutes. Arrive near opening, typically 9 a.m., and allow 1½–2 hours for the exhibits, shady grounds, and waterfront views. Admission is roughly $20–$25 per adult; check current hours and prices before you go.
Head to San Sebastian Winery for a complimentary winery tour and tasting—tours generally run through the day, but confirm the schedule before setting out. Give yourself about an hour, and remember that tastings are best enjoyed at an easy pace. From there, it’s a short walk or quick rideshare to The Floridian in the Historic District for lunch; expect to spend around $15–$30 per person. The menu leans Southern, with local ingredients and plenty of options beyond standard seafood fare.
Finish at St. Augustine Distillery, a few minutes’ walk from the winery area. The restored ice plant’s tour and tasting typically take about 1–1½ hours; tours are often free, but capacity and schedules can change, so check ahead. Since you’ll have sampled drinks at both stops, plan to walk between them and use a rideshare afterward rather than driving. If you have time before your tour, leave a little breathing room to wander downtown rather than squeezing in another stop.
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