I visited St. Augustine, Florida, for a weekend trip and it felt like a mini European getaway. Here's everything I did in the coastal city.

Alison DatkoDec 27, 2022, 17:44 IST

St. Augustine, Florida, is considered the oldest occupied city in the US.Shutterstock/ Sean Pavone

I'm a Florida resident who visited the state's coastal city of St. Augustine for the first time.
I appreciated the city's European-inspired architecture, and enjoyed its Floridian quirks.

St. Augustine, Florida, is a place I've always wanted to visit, but I never got around to it until recently.

St. Augustine is approximately a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville on Florida's northeast coast.Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

I thought St. Augustine's Historic District felt like an old-world European city.

There were informational signs throughout the Historic District.Alison Datko

Strolling through the Historic District, I saw colorful signs and stucco walls, potted flowers, and narrow brick streets.

The buildings throughout St. Augustine were quaint and inviting.Alison Datko

I thought the holiday decorations enhanced St. Augustine's village-like charm.

Holiday decorations outside of a restaurant in St. Augustine.Alison Datko

After checking into my hotel, I walked to the Plaza de la Constitución, a grassy square in the center of town where I saw lots of people and families taking photos.

There was a large tree in the Plaza de la Constitución.Alison Datko

After checking into my hotel, I walked to the Plaza de la Constitución, a grassy square in the center of town where I saw lots of people and families taking photos.

I learned more about St. Augustine by exploring the historic buildings surrounding the plaza.

At the courtyard inside the Lightner Museum.Alison Datko

I admired the architecture of Flagler College's Ponce de Léon Hall.

The entrance to Flagler College, a liberal arts college in St. Augustine.Alison Datko

I read about the political and cultural history of St. Augustine at the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum.

Inside the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum.Alison Datko

I didn't get a chance to see inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine since it was closed to the public for a private wedding.

Outside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.Alison Datko

I most enjoyed the Lightner Museum because its architecture reminded me of a castle.

Outside the Lightner Museum.Alison Datko

I enjoyed strolling along St. George Street, a pedestrian-only area brimming with interesting shops, restaurants, and courtyards.

St. George Street was filled with unique shops and restaurants.Alison Datko

After dusk, millions of lights transformed the town into a twinkling holiday wonderland.

The Nights of Lights holiday decorations throughout St. Augustine.Alison Datko

Even with its European-inspired charm, I thought St. Augustine still had a delightful and quirky Florida flair.

I saw unique mermaid-themed ornaments in the window of a gift shop.Alison Datko

I took a nighttime walk across the Bridge of Lions, and enjoyed every step.

The Bridge of Lions with St. Augustine's holiday lights in the background.Alison Datko

As the evening wore on, I thought the Nights of Lights festivities felt notably more rowdy and raucous.

A horse-drawn carriage at the Night of Lights Festival in St. Augustine.FloridasHistoricCoast.com

The crowds were intense during the holidays, so if you're visiting this time of year, I think it's important to plan ahead for parking and dining.

Next time, I plan to visit St. Augustine during a non-holiday season.Alison Datko

I concluded my trip with a quiet early-morning stroll and breakfast at a French bakery.

Macarons and coffee from French bakery Le Macaron.Alison Datko

With its European-influenced cobblestone streets and immersive holiday displays, St. Augustine proved to be a cheery weekend getaway.

St. Augustine made for a fun weekend getaway.Alison Datko

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I visited St. Augustine, Florida, for a weekend trip and it felt like a mini European getaway. Here's everything I did in the coastal city.

St. Augustine, Florida, is a place I've always wanted to visit, but I never got around to it until recently.

I thought St. Augustine's Historic District felt like an old-world European city.

Strolling through the Historic District, I saw colorful signs and stucco walls, potted flowers, and narrow brick streets.

I thought the holiday decorations enhanced St. Augustine's village-like charm.

After checking into my hotel, I walked to the Plaza de la Constitución, a grassy square in the center of town where I saw lots of people and families taking photos.

I learned more about St. Augustine by exploring the historic buildings surrounding the plaza.

I admired the architecture of Flagler College's Ponce de Léon Hall.

I read about the political and cultural history of St. Augustine at the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum.

I didn't get a chance to see inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine since it was closed to the public for a private wedding.

I most enjoyed the Lightner Museum because its architecture reminded me of a castle.

I enjoyed strolling along St. George Street, a pedestrian-only area brimming with interesting shops, restaurants, and courtyards.

After dusk, millions of lights transformed the town into a twinkling holiday wonderland.

Even with its European-inspired charm, I thought St. Augustine still had a delightful and quirky Florida flair.

I took a nighttime walk across the Bridge of Lions, and enjoyed every step.

As the evening wore on, I thought the Nights of Lights festivities felt notably more rowdy and raucous.

The crowds were intense during the holidays, so if you're visiting this time of year, I think it's important to plan ahead for parking and dining.

I concluded my trip with a quiet early-morning stroll and breakfast at a French bakery.

With its European-influenced cobblestone streets and immersive holiday displays, St. Augustine proved to be a cheery weekend getaway.