In addition to being a historical treasure, St. Augustine is a center for authentic Cuban food, making it ideal for anybody wishing to savor the rich flavors of a classic paladar in The Sunshine State. Florida has strong Cuban cultural ties and provides a diverse culinary experience, and St. Augustine is no exception. Picture enjoying a plate of ropa vieja or a tasty Cuban sandwich as the sea wind from the neighboring beaches enhances the atmosphere. This article will walk you through the best things to do in St Augustine, emphasizing the top Cuban restaurants.
With the best Cuban flavors and a coastal atmosphere, we can provide you with a great lunch after a day at St. Augustine Beach or a comfortable location close to the city’s historic downtown. If you’re looking for unique things to do in St Augustine, don’t miss out on the authentic Cuban dining experience waiting for you at one of our local gems.
7 Can’t-Miss Reasons to Visit St. Augustine
1. Explore the Historic Downtown
The historic district of St. Augustine is a local museum with historical narratives on every corner. It is filled with architectural wonders, like the Cathedral Basilica, the oldest French cathedral. The Basilica and more than 20 sites within the district, from the Alcazar Hotel to the Ximenez-Fatio House, are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The area’s historic downtown is charming, and you can walk around all day while shopping, visiting museums and churches, dining, and listening to live music. St. Augustine’s historic downtown is one of the best things to do in St Augustine, offering a blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life. The bayfront is also home to lovely panoramic views of the Matanzas Bay and an inviting bayfront walk along the Matanzas River from the Castillo de San Marcos to the former 16th-century Jesuit monastery, now the headquarters for the Florida National Guard. This scenic area is one of the unique things to do in St Augustine, providing both historic charm and natural beauty in one perfect setting.
2. Discover the Castillo de San Marcos
‘s resilience. This feature is still prized in Florida’s coastal architecture today.
The Castillo provides an engaging historical experience in addition to being a relic. Well-preserved exhibits and reenactments take visitors back to the Spanish colonial era. Black powder weapons are fired by reenactors dressed as colonial troops, providing an entertaining and instructive experience for people of all ages. The Castillo of San Marcos is among the best attractions in St Augustine, offering not only a glimpse into the past but also stunning views of the harbor and the old city. The fort’s peak offers panoramic views, making it one of the top things to do in St Augustine for history enthusiasts and visitors looking to experience the area’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Savor Cuban Cuisine at Paladar Cuban Eatery
If you love good food or are searching for quality food in St. Augustine, Paladar Cuban Eatery is for you. It is not just a place where people go to have an ordinary meal; it offers complete service with the unique flavor of Cuba. Our menu features Cuban dishes and other unique dishes made with traditional ingredients from Cuba.
If you are going to Paladar Cuban Eatery, try our Cuban Sandwich. This dish has Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, roasted pork, ham, and two buns. It’s a flavorful bite that embodies the heart of Cuban cuisine. For something heavier, go for the Ropa Vieja. It’s a beef stew containing strips of meat sautéed in tomato sauce, served with rice and black beans. This dish represents home-Cuban cuisine, bringing comforting flavors reminiscent of every Cuban’s home. Enjoy your meal as the fresh air and breezy atmosphere of St. Augustine add to the charm of your visit—truly one of the best things to do in St Augustine for food lovers!
Arroz con Pollo is one of our special dishes at Paladar Cuban Eatery. This is made with chicken and rice and cooked with special spices to give it the right taste. Savor the flavor of the famous mojito in Cuba or have a genuine and robust cup of coffee as a perfect dinner partner. Visit Paladar Cuban Eatery today and taste the fantastic Cuban dishes.
4. Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The splendid lighthouse, measuring 165 feet, invites you to climb the 219 steps to the top, but when it is finally accomplished, the view of the Ocean, city, and nature around is impressive. The lighthouse houses the Maritime Museum, and visitors can learn about Shipwreck Archaeology, Historic Boatbuilding, and the Lighthouse Keepers. Many of the exhibits are Child-friendly. Most, if not all, the children could easily touch and move objects in the museum, such as in the real archaeologists digging pit. Also, the fact that the museum was focused on the area’s nautical history made it much more enjoyable.
5. Relax on St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine’s beaches offer the perfect retreat for those seeking adventure, sand, and sunshine. Stretching along Florida’s Atlantic coastline, these beaches are ideal for swimming, sunning, and soaking up the warm Florida sun because of their fine, squeaky sand and crystal-clear seas. Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a location to relax and have fun frequently visit because of activities like beach volleyball, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.
Adjacent to Anastasia State Park, you may wander along natural pathways perfect for birdwatching and paddling around tranquil lakes, among other activities. With its spacious picnic areas and beach walks, the park is a peaceful spot to spend a day with family. The quiet water channels and gentle waves make it especially suitable for families with little children, offering a joyful and secure beach experience. Whether you want to relax by the water or engage in some thrilling outdoor adventures, St. Augustine’s beaches are undoubtedly among the best things to do in St Augustine for both relaxation and recreation.
6. Experience the Nightlife at St. George Street
St. George Street comes to life exclusively at night. This busy, commercialized pedestrian boulevard has several eateries, including restaurants, pubs, and shops. The street is particularly well-known for its nightlife, which includes street musicians, art installations, and halls hosting concerts and events. If you’re looking for the best things to do in St Augustine, St. George Street is the perfect destination for an exciting evening out.
Restaurants serve both local and international cuisine, allowing you to eat before continuing with your tour. A Spanish lunch at one of the oldest inns or a freshly caught seafood supper will stand out. For entertainment, there are several bars and pubs throughout the region, offering a range of atmospheres from cozy lounges to fully-fledged discos. Whether you’re after a leisurely night or a lively, vibrant scene, visiting St. George Street is definitely one of the best things to do in St Augustine.
7. Take a Ghost Tour
St. Augustine’s history is inspiring and scary, so ghost tours are popular. Such tours take you through major historical attractions, and while most are architectural, some legends associate them with ghostliness. Slow-moving tour guides dressed in Renaissance garb regale tour-goers with the city’s horrific history, which includes pirate spirits, haunted inns, and other strange occurrences. If you’re looking for the best things to do in St Augustine, a ghost tour is a must-do for those who enjoy a thrilling, spooky adventure.
The go-to place for tourists is to visit Old Jail. It is a former prison with basic facilities and some ghosts. Tourists can get goosebumps when shown around the cells and told about numerous situations involving some of the most notable prisoners. As a result, the topic bothers cultural tourism and provides an excellent opportunity for those entities’ historical facts and ghosts to explore the city’s history. One of the best things to do in St Augustine is immerse yourself in the eerie past while learning about its fascinating, haunted stories.
About Paladar Cuban Eatery
In the center of historic St. Augustine, Florida, Paladar Cuban Eatery is the place for a real Cuban meal. With recipes and culinary customs from the island, the restaurant tucked away in this quaint city provides a genuine sense of Cuba. Paladar offers a warm and friendly setting that embodies the lively culture of Cuba, making it the ideal location for big festivities and ordinary meals. It’s one of the best attractions in St Augustine for food lovers looking to experience something unique.
You may enjoy a variety of delectable Cuban delicacies at Paladar Cuban Eatery that perfectly encapsulate the island’s cuisine. The menu, which includes delectable Cuban desserts and traditional ropa vieja, is meant to take you right back to Havana. Each meal is expertly prepared to guarantee a deep, genuine flavor that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a returning guest, Paladar Cuban Eatery is among the best things to do in St Augustine for a flavorful and immersive cultural experience. Every visit is made unforgettable by our outstanding service and vibrant atmosphere.
Conclusion
St. Augustine can be deemed one of the cities that have successfully combined both the Old World and the New World. The city is a one-stop tour for everybody, offering best things to do in St Augustine for visitors of all kinds. The cultural attractions of St. Augustine include visiting historical sites and attractive nightlife. It also offers excellent food eateries like Paladar Cuban Eatery, where traditional Cuban dishes can be enjoyed. Whether you are here for a few hours or several days, this city at the East and the West meeting point can assure everyone an enjoyable time. St. Augustine is a place where unique things to do in St Augustine come alive, and dining at Paladar Cuban Eatery should be a must on your list of best attractions in St Augustine.
Ready to explore St. Augustine? Make sure to add Paladar Cuban Eatery to your itinerary for an authentic taste of Cuba. Visit us at 5575 A1A South Suite #112 today and indulge in the rich flavors, warm hospitality, and coastal vibes only we can offer.