Saint Augustine is the oldest city in America, and it's sitting 45 minutes north of your front door. A day trip in the Jeep Rubicon — top down, dogs in the back — is one of the best ways to spend a day from The Heart of Palms.
Getting There
Take I-95 North from Palm Coast — it's a straight shot, about 45 minutes with no traffic. Aim to arrive before 10am to beat the crowds and snag street parking near the historic district.
The Historic District
Start on St. George Street — the main pedestrian corridor through the old city. It's lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and it's almost entirely dog-friendly. Walk south toward the Castillo de San Marcos, the 17th-century Spanish fort that still stands on the waterfront.
Where to Eat
For lunch, grab a table at one of the waterfront spots along the bayfront. The Floridian is a local favorite for brunch — farm-to-table, outdoor seating, dog-friendly patio. For something more casual, the Columbia Restaurant on St. George Street has been serving Cuban-Spanish food since 1905.
Vilano Beach on the Way Home
On the drive back south, detour to Vilano Beach — a quiet, uncrowded stretch just north of the Bridge of Lions. Dogs are welcome, the beach is wide, and the sunset views back toward the city skyline are spectacular.
Tips
- Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
- The Rubicon is a conversation starter — expect people to ask about it.
- Bring cash for street parking meters; some don't take cards.
- The ghost tours at night are genuinely fun if you're staying a second night.
Saint Augustine rewards slow exploration. Don't try to see everything — pick a few spots, linger over lunch, and let the oldest city in America work its magic on you.