The Sebastian Hotel, St. Augustine, Florida A Perfect Florida Getaway
The Sebastian Hotel is right at the top of St. Augustine’s historic downtown district. This makes it quite easy to explore all that St. Augustine has to offer.
The Sebastian Hotel
The accommodations at the Sebastian Hotel are spacious, bright, airy, and comfortable. You’ll find a variety of room choices ranging from double queen rooms to king rooms and suites. You’ll also have a choice of views, including a stunning view of the inlet.
Each room includes the standard amenities of free WIFI, wet bar, mini-fridge, microwave, and Keurig coffee maker. The Sebastian has accessible rooms as well, which may offer audio and visual warning devices, grab bars in the bathroom, lever hardware, a roll-in shower, and wider doorways to both the guest room and bathroom.
Other hotel amenities include a pool and hot tub, fire pit, free bikes, and an on-site restaurant, with breakfast available. The on-site lounge is open from 5-10 pm daily. For your convenience, there is a Tesla charging station and free parking (a premium commodity in St. Augustine!) There is also free shuttle transportation to the historic downtown district.
We love staying at the Sebastian Hotel when we visit St. Augustine. We are away from the crush of downtown, yet the shuttle allows us to partake in all that downtown offers. The Sebastian is perfect for that special St. Augustine getaway!
Best Things To Do In St. Augustine
To help you plan a great St. Augustine getaway, I’ve included a few of my favorite things to do in St. Augustine!
Take a trip out to Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach is often overlooked in favor of staying in St. Augustine’s historic downtown. But Vilano Beach is one of those fun, casual, funky beach areas that’s a great choice for getting out in nature.
To get out to Vilano Beach, take A1A, the scenic coastal road that connects most of coastal Florida. You’ll spot roadside dives, upscale casual restaurants, and beautiful homes.
Stop into the GTM Research Reserve Visitors Center
The GTM, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitors Center is a National Estuarine Research Reserve, and only one of 29 in the US. The GTM landscape encompasses oceanfront and forested land, that is home to a diverse selection of plants, animals, and ocean life.
The Visitors Education Center’s greeter is a full-scale model of a North Atlantic right whale which hangs from the ceiling. You’ll find that the Visitors Center is a working, living classroom with exhibits, aquariums, labs, and the opportunity to take guided eco-tours.
From the Visitors Center, take the walkway over to the beach and take a stroll, keeping an eye out for sea treasures. Vilano Beach is one of the best Florida beaches for finding shark teeth.
You can also hike or bike more than 9 miles of trails through the GTM. Kayaking, fishing, SUP boarding, and birding are also popular activities when you go out to the GTM.
The Vilano Beach Pier is on the river side of the Matanzas Inlet and is the perfect way to end a St. Augustine day. Watch the sun slowly sink into the horizon as nature paints a canvas in the sky filled with spectacular color over St. Augustine.
The Lightner Museum
One of Henry Flagler’s hotels, the former Alcazar Hotel, was the place to go for wealthy northerners in the Gilded Age. Today the Lightner Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Tiffany glass.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Center
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of our personal favorites. The view from the top of the lighthouse is spectacular!
Heritage Boatworks is fascinating. Staffed by volunteer boatwrights, Heritage Boatworks has created over 19 handmade one-of-a-kind boats, including simple rowboats, to a 22-foot Skipjack sailboat. If you love boats, this is a must-visit in St. Augustine!
Castillo de San Marcos & Bridge of Lions
The Castillo is the linchpin of any St Augustine visit. Dominating the waterfront with the backdrop of the stunning Bridge of Lions, these two structures are the most iconic and most photographed St. Augustine sites.
Where to Eat in St. Augustine
St.Augustine’s food scene is constantly changing, with new restaurants popping up all the time. Here are a few of our favorites.
St. Augustine Experiences
Whether you are a local or a visitor, taking a food tour is a fabulous way to get to know the area’s restaurants. St. Augustine Experiences offers 4 tours – an Ale Trail, The Perfect Pairing, Not Just a Chocolate Tour, and a Land & Sea Tour. We have done The Perfect Pairing Tour, and loved the experience! The guides are knowledgeable on the extensive history and sites of St. Augustine, and the dining choices are fun.
Forgotten Tonic
Forgotten Tonic is one of those restaurants that we just cannot get enough of! The interior is lit with low lighting, comfortable booths and tables, and offerings for vegan and non-vegan eaters, it makes a great choice for everyone! The food is fresh and fun and the wine list is extensive, perfect for a food and wine lover like me!
Otters on the Water
This is a new restaurant and having been there recently, I have to say the drinks are fantastic, the outdoor dining offers great views, and the food is spectacular. Don’t miss this newcomer!
St Augustine is the perfect choice for a getaway and is easy to get to, whether you are flying or driving. With so many diverse options, you can’t go wrong with planning a St Augustine vacation!
Looking for some more history on your trip? We’ve detailed narrated tours, shows, and concerts all celebrating St. Augustine’s history this coming month.
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What is your favorite thing to do in St. Augustine? Let us know in the comments below!
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