Things to do

Question

We are visiting soon-8/9-8/16/25…( girls trip - 50’s age). We are staying at the DoubleTree Hilton… looking for walkable restaurants/ bars / happy hours….. also, what are the best ghost tours , boat rides/ tours and things to do… also, best in St Augustine Beach for a day and where to park

Answer

St. Augustine is a charming and historic city with plenty to offer, especially for a girls trip! With your stay at the DoubleTree Hilton, you’ll be close to many of the top attractions, restaurants, and bars. Here’s a guide for things to do, great spots for food and drinks, and the best tours in the area.

Walkable Restaurants, Bars & Happy Hours:

The area around the DoubleTree Hilton offers many great options for dining and nightlife. Here are a few popular spots you can walk to:

The Tasting Room – A fantastic spot for a laid-back evening with tapas, craft cocktails, and a great wine list. Perfect for a girls' night out!
Ice Plant Bar – Known for its artisanal cocktails and historical setting (the building was a former ice factory). They have happy hour specials, and the ambiance is great for a casual but stylish outing.
O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits – A great waterfront location offering seafood and cocktails, and they have a relaxing outdoor seating area. Enjoy a sunset while sipping a refreshing drink.
The Cellar 6 – An upscale yet cozy place known for craft cocktails and a unique menu. Great for a more refined happy hour or dinner outing.
Casa Maya – For a more casual atmosphere, this Mexican restaurant serves up margaritas and great food with a lively vibe. Perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.

Ghost Tours & Boat Rides:

St. Augustine is known for its haunted history, so no visit is complete without a ghost tour! Here are some of the top-rated tours:

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour – This popular ghost tour offers a thrilling ride through the oldest city’s most haunted spots. The trolley tour takes you through spooky locations with expert guides telling eerie tales of St. Augustine’s past.
Old Town Trolley Tours – Although not specifically a ghost tour, this hop-on, hop-off trolley takes you past many historical sites and is great for first-time visitors. You can hop off at the many interesting locations throughout the city.
St. Augustine Ghost Tours – For something a little different, try the walking ghost tours. You’ll get up close to haunted sites while hearing about St. Augustine's most famous spirits and eerie history.
St. Augustine Boat Tours – Take a boat ride around the scenic waterways with companies like Ripley’s Sightseeing Boat Tours or Old Town Cycle Cruise which offer boat tours of the bay, providing a great view of the city from the water. There are sunset cruises and eco-tours for a more relaxed experience.

Best Day at St. Augustine Beach:

St. Augustine Beach offers a great beach day experience with plenty of space to relax, stroll, and enjoy the sun. Here’s how to make the most of it:

St. Augustine Beach – The beach is beautiful, and you can spend a relaxing day there soaking up the sun. The area has plenty of beach bars and restaurants for a cool drink or a bite to eat, like The Beachcomber or A1A Ale Works for a great meal with a view.
Parking – For parking, there are metered spots along the beach, and also public parking lots at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Parking can be limited during peak hours, so arriving early is a good idea. There are also a few free parking areas around the beach, but you may need to walk a little to the sand.

Overall, St. Augustine offers a perfect mix of history, fun tours, great food, and a lively nightlife scene. Whether you're looking to explore the haunted history, relax by the water, or enjoy the local cuisine, there's something for everyone on your girls' trip!