St. Augustine, Florida

# *DESTINATION: St. Augustine, Florida

A walled colonial town where moss-draped live oaks frame centuries-old streets, hidden gardens flourish away from the river crowds, and independent restaurants occupy restored coquina buildings—perfect for a solo wanderer seeking old-world charm without the tourist-trap feel.

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## *FRIDAY, JUNE 12 EVENING

Depart Miami at 12:30 PM; arrive St. Augustine by 2:00 PM (95 miles via I-95 North). The rainy forecast makes this a gift—empty streets and moody atmospheric light. Park at your hotel (see below) and spend the first hour exploring the immediate neighborhood on foot to orient yourself.

Dinner: Ice Plant Bar* (7:00 PM)

118 Riberia St | Open 5:00 PM–midnight

A speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar housed in a restored 1927 ice manufacturing plant. Dark, intimate, and locally beloved—order the smoked Old Fashioned and the charcuterie board. No tourist crowds here; locals only. Perfect refuge from the rain.

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## *SATURDAY, JUNE 13

Morning: San Marco Avenue Sunrise Cycle & Hidden Garden Discovery* (7:30 AM–10:00 AM)

Rent a bicycle from a local shop (search "bike rental St. Augustine" on Google Maps for current options; expect $25–40/day). The June rain will have cleared by dawn. Cycle slowly along the oak-lined residential streets west of the old town—San Marco Avenue and Carrera Street—where Victorian homes sit behind wrought-iron gates and gardens overflow with native palmettos. Stop at *Potter's Wax Museum Gardens* (the gardens are free to wander; the museum is closed, but the grounds are open and few tourists venture here at 8 AM). Return by 10:00 AM for brunch.

Brunch: The Floridian* (10:30 AM–noon)

65 E Church St | Open Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

A farm-to-table restaurant in a 1927 building with exposed brick and wood beams. Local ownership, seasonal menu (order the smoked fish hash or their famous grits). Slow-paced, intimate, zero chain-energy. Perfect for a solo traveler.

Afternoon: Castillo de San Marcos Moat Walk & Ramparts* (1:30 PM–4:00 PM)

1 S Castillo Dr | Open 8:45 AM–5:15 PM

Skip the crowds at the main entrance (1:30 PM is peak tourist time, but the moat walk and outer ramparts are virtually empty). Circle the 17th-century fort on foot, listening to the tidal flow beneath the coquina walls. Bring rain gear. The wet stone and grey sky create a cinematic, solitary atmosphere. No tour groups venture here.

Dinner: Collage Restaurant* (5:30 PM)

60 Hypolita St | Open 5:00 PM–8:45 PM

A chef-owned, intimate 40-seat restaurant inside a restored colonial building with exposed coquina walls. Seven courses of New American cooking, locally sourced. Reserve ahead (904-829-0055). This is where St. Augustine's food-focused locals eat; tourists rarely discover it.

Evening: Dusk Walk Through the Alley District* (7:30 PM–8:30 PM)

After dinner, wander the narrow passageways and alleys behind Hypolita St (e.g., Cuna St, Charlotte St). The rain will have cleared; gas lamps flicker in the wet stone. Few people venture into these backstreets after dark—you'll have them to yourself.

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## *SUNDAY, JUNE 14

Morning: Dawn Cycling to Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park* (7:00 AM–10:00 AM)

11 Magnolia Ave | Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (but grounds accessible via outer paths from 6:00 AM)

Cycle north from your hotel along the scenic A1A route (3 miles; takes 15–20 min). The park itself doesn't open until 9:00 AM, but the grounds and the historic spring are visible and quiet in early morning. Lock your bike at the entrance and walk the perimeter. Return to town by 10:00 AM.

Brunch: Ice Plant Bar* (10:30 AM–noon)

118 Riberia St | Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Sunday

Return for their brunch menu (different from dinner). Local eggs, fresh pastries, excellent coffee. Sit by the window and watch the quiet riverside.

Depart St. Augustine at 1:00 PM; take A1A South back toward Miami (scenic, hugs the coast for the first 30 miles). Stop at *Anastasia State Park* (off A1A, 7 miles south; open until 8:00 PM) for a 30-minute walk through salt marsh and maritime hammock if you have an extra hour. Otherwise, merge onto I-95 South at Daytona Beach and arrive Miami by 4:30 PM.

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## *WHERE TO STAY

Casa Monica Resort & Spa* (not the chain resort feel—the historic boutique section)

95 Cordova St | $180–220/night

A restored 1888 Moorish Revival palace with hand-painted tiles, arched ceilings, and a courtyard garden. Boutique rooms (ask for a smaller historic room, not the modern extension). On-site spa if you want Sunday morning wellness; central location but quieter than riverfront hotels.

The Floridian Hotel* (sister property to the restaurant)

24 San Marco Ave | $160–200/night

12 rooms in a converted Victorian home. Eccentric, book-lined, locally owned. Breakfast included. No TV; no wifi in rooms (by design). Perfect for the Quiet Wanderer.

Collage Restaurant's Inn* (if available; check directly)

60 Hypolita St | $150–180/night

6 intimate rooms above their restaurant. Ultra-boutique, chef-owned, character-soaked. Reserve by calling 904-829-0