Distinctive Destinations: St. Augustine
Springtime in St. Augustine
Visit St. Augustine This Spring
St. Augustine is often referred to as the "Nation's Oldest City". The city’s oldest resident is the "Old Senator" live oak tree, which is over 600 years old. St. Augustine is located within the central part of what is referred to as Florida’s Historic Coast. Florida's Historic Coast is located on the northeast coast of Florida and encompasses the entirety of St. Johns County including St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches.
Visitors will see why this historic town is one of the top places to vacation as they stroll along the brick-lined streets in the city with centuries-old buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and hidden courtyards. Take advantage of these amazing opportunities to explore historical venues. Find yourself next to centuries-old architecture while capturing the historic charm of St. George Street. Take a guided tour of the town or explore on your own. Start planning your trip to this historic city today!
Spring Calendar
MARCH
St. Augustine is America’s oldest Celtic city. This historic city hosted the original St. Patrick Parade in 1601 and has hosted the award-winning St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival since 2011. This year's festival will be taking place from March 8th – 10th and will be going on through the day. Showcasing premier international and U.S. Celtic bands, workshops, whisky tasting, parades, highland games, keg races, live music, and much more.
Right up the road in Ponte Vedra is TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS Championship tournament. Experience the beauty of this prestigious course during this amazing tournament on March 12th – 17th, 2024. Created by legendary designer Pete Dye, this course has been the home of THE PLAYERS for more than 40 years. Come experience this exciting event for yourself and get a glimpse of the famous view on the 17th Hole.
Visit St. Augustine on March 30th and enjoy an annual tradition that dates to the 1950s. The nation's second oldest Easter Parade, St. Augustine's Parada de los Caballos y Coches (Parade of Horses and Carriages) is held the Saturday of Easter weekend beginning at 9 am. Spectators line the streets to watch marching bands, floats and drill teams, pirates, city carriage horses wearing Easter hats and of course - the Easter Bunny. The Easter Parade starts at the Old Jail Museum and heads south on San Marco Avenue and along the bayfront on Avenida Menendez, fishing at the Plaza de la Constitución.
APRIL
The Lions Seafood Festival is happening April 6th – 7th in Francis Field next to the Visitor’s Center downtown. This event features plenty of entertainment, seafood, arts and crafts, live music, and family activities. The festival includes fun rides for the kids, family shows, and booths showcasing unique pottery, artwork, and jewelry. From 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. Other fun activities include the Arts & Crafts Village and Live Music with a diverse line-up of local and regional acts. The Arts & Crafts village closes at sundown.
Bird lovers flock over to Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest, to be held April 24-28, 2024. Located at Celebration Hall in St. Augustine Beach, FL. This wonderful event has gained international acclaim among nature lovers and photography enthusiasts for its photography and birding events, field workshops, outdoor excursions held daily, world-class photography instructors, and much more.
MAY
Celebrate Latin American Culture on May 4th, 2024 at the Unidos En La Música: A Latin American Festival. This all-day family festival features the art, music, dance, games, and food of Latin America and includes live entertainment, cultural exhibitions, Latin music, dance workshops, authentic food, and more. This festival is a way to share the best of Latin America with the world and change perceptions while having fun.
For an even more comprehensive taste of St. Augustine cuisine, attend the third annual St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival in the nation's oldest city on May 8th-12th. This event is a showcase of culinary, beverages, and culture. Highlighted with celebrity guest chefs, celebrity winemakers/ proprietors, local chefs, artisans and local craft spirits/beers. From wine dinners and sampling events to master workshops and more, the festival has something to offer every tastebud.
The last day of the event will be Sunday Jazz Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12th. Take advantage of the brunch's limitless beverage stations, which feature wine, beer, and spirits beverage sample stations. Coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks are also provided, along with a souvenir glass. Moms will be gifted a Mother’s Day Rose and will enjoy being spoiled with special treatment during this festival's finale!
If you are visiting on any given Wednesday evening in May, go to the St. Johns County Ocean Pier for Music by the Sea, a summer music and food celebration featuring local bands, performers, and food trucks. A variety of music groups of every genre, including disco, pop, rock, jazz, and R&B. Remember to pack chairs, picnic baskets, and coolers!
JUNE
Every Thursday starting June 1st, head on over to Plaza de la Constitución for Concerts in the Plaza. Bring a chair or blanket to relax with the family on the Plaza lawn and enjoy the summer evenings filled with music in the heart of historic St. Augustine.
Regardless of whether you need a springtime getaway, to relax in the summer or even a wintertime escape, finding the perfect private vacation home in St. Augustine is easy when you choose a home managed by Distinctive Beach Rentals.
Plan your St. Augustine vacation today!