Taking a getaway–even a short one–is great for your mental health, not to mention how much it can improve your relationship health. Going somewhere alone–and planning activities for the two of you–can really help you reset and focus on each other.
If you’re thinking about visiting St. Augustine, and looking for some activities that will keep you off the beaten path, here are our suggestions:
Hit the Beach.
Salt air…empty beaches…PLUS the sound of the waves to help you relax. There’s something so romantic about feeling the sun on your skin and sneaking sandy kisses! If you want to get some Vitamin Sea with your honey, ask to borrow chairs, beach towels, and an umbrella. There are 42 miles of beach in our county—ask any one of us for our favorites.
Paddle Board.
Want your relationship to feel more centered and balanced? Try paddle boarding with our friend Jeffrey Batton of Latitude 29 on Vilano Beach. Never paddled before? He specializes in newbies. And learning something new together can be a great memory–not to mention a great opportunity to laugh. Call Jeffrey at (954)681-2447.
Take a Walk Together.
It’s the best way to see our streets and appreciate all the architectural details in our city. Try walking through Lincolnville, a collection of Victorian homes, all on quiet, tree-lined streets. If you want to have a destination, walk to La Nouvelle (right on Bridge Street–it’s a straight shot from our downtown inn), the latest restaurant opened by Michael Lugo’s hospitality group (he also owns Michael’s downtown and Pesca at Vilano Beach). La Nouvelle is a modern French bistro–enjoy filet aux poivres and foie gras with balsamic onion jam. Or walk over the Bridge of Lions—and watch the drawbridge go up and down at least once. You’ll get a great view of the city from the middle of the bridge. And we always tell our wedding couples they MUST kiss every time the drawbridge opens!
Learn Something New at the Lincolnville Museum.
St. Augustine was an important part of the Civil Rights movement, and there were lots of leaders living here (you’ll find the Civil Rights Trail throughout the city as well—the museum has a map showing the homes of residents who rallied the cause). The museum is located at 102 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, about a 20-minute walk from the inn.
Hiking.
Just when you thought Florida had no hills, Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka is here to show you otherwise. Located about 30 miles from St. Augustine, the park has ravines, a suspension bridge, and stone patios and steps through the landscaping. The trails are of a moderate difficulty. Ravine Gardens State Park | Florida State Parks
Tip: Pick up a Bayfront Marin House insulated water bottle to stay hydrated on your hike.
Nature Trails.
Washington Oaks is a 35-minute drive down scenic A1A. It includes 425 acres of coastal beauty, as well as lovely rose gardens, water features, and a gazebo. My favorite part? When you’re walking on the nature trail and suddenly it opens up to a beach—with a quiet bench to enjoy the lapping water. Call first to check hours. www.washingtonoaks.org.
Go Fish.
If you have a pole, take it with you to Washington Oaks. If you need one, pick one up from www.staugustinemarinainc.com at the Vilano Beach Pier. The pier is a great place to fish or watch the daily sunset. And if you’re staying at one of our St. Augustine beach cottages, it’s just a short walk!
Listen to the Fishes.
Call EcoTours and ask them about their private tours. Captain Zach and his crew will show you birds, give you history, and let you listen to the underwater fish “conversations”. They are located at the City Marina, which is less than a block from the inn. www.staugustineecotours.com.
Have a picnic.
If you’d like to spend a lot of time outdoors, consider having a picnic lunch delivered to you. Enjoy it on the beach, at the fort, or even on your private porch! If you don’t want to go the whole nine yards, ask us about a charcuterie board for two. www.staugustinevisit.com.
Take a bike ride.
You’ll love the charming houses around Maria Sanchez Lake. Borrow one of our bikes and helmets and zip on over. Don’t leave ‘til you see houses with tree trunks instead of porch pillars.
Salt Spa.
Have you been to the salt spa on Riberia Street? Even if you don’t have time for a massage or a float in their sensory deprivation tank, make time to sit in their salt cave. Spa owner Beata Kosakowska is from Poland, where her dad was a doctor who used salt therapy to treat patients. He used western medicine too, but he always tried to start with salt therapy. If you haven’t been to a salt cave, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a room filled with loose salt on the floor, and salt slabs covering the walls and ceiling. A fountain is trickling, and calming music is playing as you sit in a reclining chair and breathe in the purifying salt. There’s no humidity in the cave, and just reclining there for a bit—breathing deeply—is a great way to recharge your batteries.
Play House.
Many of our suites at the beach have full kitchens (including the Royal Palm, the Oceanview Cottage, the Lagoon Cottage, and the Atlantic Suite), and the others all have mini fridges and microwaves. We have three suites downtown with full kitchens—our Marine Street Apartment, our Jose Simeon Suite, and our Hacienda Suite–as well as a whole house rental at our Aviles Street Cottage. Have groceries delivered from Publix (or pick them up) and make a romantic dinner for just the two of you. Something about working in someone else’s kitchen (particularly a kitchen as cute as the ones we have!) just hits different.
No matter where you stay on our properties, you’re sure to have an intimate, memorable stay in St. Augustine. Book your room today and start to plan a romantic getaway for just the two of you.