Discovering Charm and Serenity: A Perfect Staycation in St Augustine
Sometimes you don't need to hop on a plane to feel like you've escaped—and our recent St. Augustine Staycation was perfect. With its beachy calm and historic charm blend, this Florida gem gave us a much-needed reset, and I'm already dreaming of returning.
Day 1 – Checking In & Coastal Vibes
We kicked things off by checking into the La Fiesta Ocean Inn and Suites—and let me say, this was the ideal choice for a beachside escape! We stayed in their Two-Level Townhouse Jacuzzi Suite, which was spacious and cozy.
We picked this spot for a few key reasons:
✔️ Easy beach access (literally steps from the sand!)
✔️ Free parking
✔️ Local charm (no chain hotel feel here!)
✔️ Complimentary breakfast delivered to your room—yes, please!
✔️ And free coffee in the lobby... which honestly sold me.
We spent our first afternoon relaxing at the inn and checking out the beach, soaking in the salty air and that first-day-of-vacation calm. As the sun started to dip, we walked about 10 minutes to dinner at The Beachcomber, a beachfront spot with major island vibes.
I ordered the Ohana Burger—think juicy burger topped with a pineapple ring, crispy bacon, BBQ sauce, lettuce, and tomato. It was a tropical dream! The only heads-up: Bring layers if you're going during cooler months. The outdoor setup is beautiful, but it gets a little chilly after dark.
We ended the night with a peaceful beach walk, seeing so many cannonball jellyfish washed up along the shore. Nature is always showing off here!
Day 2 – History, Donuts & Family Fun
We started our second day of our St. Augustine Staycation with that delicious pre-ordered breakfast and—you guessed it—another stop at the lobby for real coffee (always better than the in-room stuff, right?).
Then we went to the historic district for a tour with Florida Water Tours. While we didn't spot dolphins this time, we saw many seabirds and learned much. Did you know the first Catholic Mass in the U.S. was held right here in St. Augustine? We also got the scoop on the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which are rich in history and stories. It was also just very relaxing to be out on the water.
We spent the afternoon wandering historic downtown, popping into local shops (you know I love supporting small businesses!) and soaking in the vibes. There is much to do while visiting here, including the Fountain of Youth, Castillo de San Marcos, museums, and many more attractions! Parking downtown does come with a fee if you use the garage, but if you're planning, you can also take advantage of the Old Town Trolley, which has a pickup right in front of the hotel. We didn't use it this time, but it's definitely on our list for the next visit.
And of course… donuts. We stopped at Peace Love & Little Donuts for a sweet treat and fresh coffee. The name alone had me, but the flavors sealed the deal.
Back at the hotel, the kids braved the pool (Florida kids are bold—even in chilly water!). We walked across the street to Playa Chac Mool, a cozy, family-run Mexican restaurant for dinner. I'm still thinking about the carne asada tacos and chicken enchiladas—everything was so flavorful and fresh.
We ended the night with another moonlit beach stroll, followed by a treat from Fiesta Falls Mini Golf—ice cream only this time, though their course looked super fun and is right next to the hotel.
Day 3 – Sunrise & a Conservation Moment
On the final day of our St. Augustine staycation, we woke up extra early to catch the sunrise on the beach, and wow—it was magical. My tip? Try to get there at least 5 minutes before the scheduled sunrise time to take in the transition from night to light.
While walking along the shoreline, we discovered a deceased juvenile bonnethead shark that had washed in with the tide. As a passionate shark advocate, this broke my heart. I ensured the shark wasn't alive and then submitted a report through the FWC website, which helps scientists monitor for patterns like red tide or other environmental factors.
Just a quick reminder: Don't touch or interfere if you encounter injured or stranded marine mammals (like manatees or dolphins) or wild animals. Call your local wildlife agency or conservation group immediately. And if you're unsure whether to report something, it never hurts to err on caution.
After that, we headed back for our final breakfast and checked out. Even though it was a short trip, it gave us just the reset we needed.
Why This Trip Was So Special
This St. Augustine staycation reminded me that adventure doesn't have to mean far from home. Whether you're in it for the history, the food, the wildlife, or beachside peace, St. Augustine truly has it all.
Until next time… and there will be a next time! 🌊
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