Take a warm getaway from NYC at Bayfront Marin House in St. Augustine, Florida, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. There’s always something to do here, whatever the season may be, and we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to making the most of your sunny stay.
If this is your first time visiting, then we’ll get you started with some must-see attractions for a memorable getaway. If you’ve been here before, or want to explore some options off the beaten path, then check out these hidden gems and make your time here that much more special.
Treat Your Ears to the Sounds of St. Augustine
Catch a show at The Amp, the town’s award-winning outdoor musical venue, and soak up the vibes surrounded by the natural beauty of Anastasia State Park. It’s only 2.6 miles away from the inn and is a great place to catch a concert. Another fantastic way to experience more of the area’s thriving music scene is the Sing Out Loud Festival, taking place on weekends throughout September. There are over 100 performances throughout the city, as well as artist workshops and a record fair.
If you can’t travel in September, there are concerts every Thursday throughout July and August in the Plaza, every Wednesdays throughout August and September at the Pier, and periodically at Colonial Oak Music park. We’ll be happy to provide beach chairs, or borrow blanket for free music at beautiful outdoor venues all summer long!
Take in Beautiful Local Art
Take in the artistic culture of St. Augustine and explore the many art galleries in the historic district and beyond. A perfect time to go is during Art Walk, held the first Friday of every month, a celebration of the artists and culture along with new works, refreshments, live music, and more! Here at Bayfront, we appreciate the arts so much we host Plein Air gatherings throughout the year.
Check out the current local exhibition at the Lightner Museum which is only a 10-minute walk from the inn. Two artists whose work is featured in our rooms have both been featured artists at the venue. You could easily spend an afternoon browsing through an exquisite collection of Victorian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to music boxes, and even taxidermy!
Wine & Dine at the Area’s Best Restaurants
St. Augustine is well known for being a foodie town and a bastion of excellent cuisine. So much so that Southern Living named us Best Food in the South! Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch by the ocean or a romantic candlelit dinner, there’s something for everyone and a plethora of options. We’ve assembled multiple guides on the best fine dining, top seafood restaurants, and newer restaurants that have opened since 2020. You’re sure to find a delicious meal around every corner!
Embrace Our Local History
History buffs love our town, which has especially old roots compared to most places in the country. St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited city in America and was first established in 1565 by Spanish explorers. Castillo de San Marco is the oldest masonry fort in America and is a great place to visit if you want to see where it all started nearly 500 years ago. History is everywhere, from the narrow brick-paved streets to the many well-preserved buildings, like Bayfront Marin House!
Enjoy the oldest sections of the inn–with the “red” building constructed in 1790, and the Sanchez House built a few years later. Be sure to ask us about the archeological treasure found here in 1940!
Explore Outdoor Fun & Local Wildlife
Connect with the area’s nautical heritage with a visit to Marineland, just 30-minutes away on a beautiful scenic drive going south on A1A. Here you can meet Bottlenose Dolphins at the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, or go on a kayak or boat tour.
Want to stay on land? St. Augustine Wild Reserve is your chance to get up close to a variety of animals including big cats, wolves, bears, hyenas, and more. They only offer tours on select days and times, but it’s worth the effort for a highly personal experience.
If you’re in a particularly daring mood, we recommend Crocodile Crossing at The Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Fly over live alligators and crocodiles on multiple zip lines and obstacle courses above the enclosures. Immerse yourself in a jungle fantasy as you bravely explore on your aerial adventures.
Plan the Best Way to Get Here
We want our guests to have the best experience when traveling to Bayfront Marin House. Here is our #1 tip: fly Elite Airways from Newark to Northeast Florida Regional Airport and you’ll land just minutes away from the inn! You can rent a car, but it certainly isn’t required for a good time. Some of the best activities in the area are all within a 20-minute walk, including the historic district, Castillo de San Marco fort, and St. George Street pedestrian shopping plaza.
If you decide not to bring a car, take advantage of the Green Trolley which runs until 5 pm. It stops at most major attractions, including an excellent winery and distillery, both just outside of the historic district.
If Newark is out of your way, multiple airlines fly to Jacksonville (JIA). It’s a 50-minute drive from the airport to downtown.
Stay in Tropical Surroundings
Bayfront Marin House is your home away from home for an unforgettable getaway from New York. We have everything you need for a comfortable stay with premier amenities throughout our properties. These include jetted rain showers, soaking tubs, and decks with gorgeous views of the city or sea.
Stay downtown at Bayfront Marin, the nearby Marine Street apartment, or the Aviles Street Cottage. Prefer the beach? You can stay right on the shore at Vilano Beach Cottages. All our locations include a delicious breakfast– at our downtown locations, we deliver a hot breakfast right to your room! At the beach, we deliver a full breakfast in a basket, easily heated in your in-room kitchen. Get your day started with an assortment of freshly prepared dishes like our famous French toast, banana pancakes, or country casseroles.
Take a break from the hectic pace of city life and have a serene getaway from NYC at Bayfront Marin House.
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