Your 2022 Springtime St. Augustine Trip

Visit St. Augustine This Spring

St. Augustine, Florida, is the central part of what is referred to as Florida’s Historic Coast. The city and surrounding communities are alive with opportunities to explore historical venues.

Take a guided tour or explore on your own. You’ll want to visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park with its watchtower overlooking the marsh; the historic district of Lincolnville, founded in 1866 by newly freed slaves; Flagler College, to explore the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, which is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture; and the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, located in the heart of historic downtown, among many other options.

And, depending on the time of year you visit St. Augustine (it is always an enjoyable time!), you will have the opportunity to partake in a variety of extraordinary events, celebrations, and festivals.

MARCH

Throughout March, celebrate St. Augustine’s Minorcan heritage by participating in a variety of free activities in historic downtown for the Minorcan Experience. Minorcans were recruited in 1767 by Andrew Turnbull to work his indigo plantation in New Smyrna and can trace their heritage back to the Spanish island of Minorca in the Mediterranean Sea. Today, St. Augustine tells the story of these indentured servants and their rich cultural heritage through art exhibits, a writers’ symposium, and other educational events each March.

The Lions Spring Festival is March 26 and 27 in Francis Field next to the Visitor’s Center downtown. The event features seafood, arts and crafts, live music, and family activities. The festival includes rides for the kids, family shows, and booths showing pottery, artwork, and jewelry.

APRIL

Visit St. Augustine April 16 and enjoy an annual tradition that dates to the 1950s. The annual Easter Parade is held the Saturday before Easter. Spectators line the streets to watch marching bands, floats and drill teams, the city’s carriage horses wearing their Easter hats and the Easter Bunny. The 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.

If you are in St. Augustine on April 24, head over to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre for A Taste of St. Augustine 2022, where you can sample and vote for your favorite dishes prepared by area restaurants, enjoy live music all day long, and even participate in the Race to the Taste 5K. Proceeds from this event go to a community based non-profit health organization.

Birdwatchers flock to Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest, to be held April 20-24 at Celebration Hall. The event has gained international acclaim among nature lovers and photography enthusiasts for its events, classes and outdoor excursions held daily. Nature tours include sunrise and sunset outdoor adventures. Special tours are offered at area parks and beaches, on boating and kayaking tours, and nature tours of the state and county parks.

MAY

For an even more comprehensive taste of St. Augustine cuisine, attend the St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival, slated for May 4-8 at the World Golf Village. This festival draws celebrity chefs and highlights food prepared by some of the city’s favorite eateries. There are also classes in wine, beer, distilled spirits, and food preparation. Attendees will have multiple opportunities to enjoy food created by visiting and local chefs. There is even a grand banquet and jazz brunch on Mother’s Day. This year, the festival will kick off with the new Riverwalk Tastings in Historic Downtown St. Augustine.

Celebrate Latin American Culture on May 7 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, and authentic food.

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. Music groups are from all genres, ranging from jazz and R&B to disco, classic, rock and pop. Bring your coolers, picnic baskets and chairs!

While you are at World Golf Village enjoying this festival (or anytime you have booked a private St. Augustine vacation rental), check out the World Golf Hall of Fame to learn more about the careers of inductees, see the member locker room, and immerse yourself in THE PLAYERS Experience exhibition, where stories and imagery from THE PLAYERS tournament are shared. You can even try your hand at the Challenge Hole, a 132-yard island green reminiscent of the 17th hole at the storied TPC Sawgrass course. A complimentary shot is included with admission and additional shots can be purchased on site.

JUNE

Summer Thursdays, from June 2 to Sept. 1, bring even more music to St. Augustine. Head to Plaza de la Constitución for Concerts in the Plaza. Bring a chair or blanket to relax 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, a summer diversion or even a wintertime escape, finding the perfect private vacation home in St. Augustine is easy when you choose a home managed by VTrips.

Book your St. Augustine trip today!