Romantic Things To Do in St. Augustine

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Spending time with a special someone in the Nation’s Oldest City? A St. Augustine romantic getaway offers historic streets, centuries-old architecture, and beautiful beaches, creating the perfect setting where love is always in the air.

Lighthouse in St. Augustine perched out of tree tops against a blue cloudy sky.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

While the city’s main attractions are well worth the visit, sometimes you just want to venture off the tourist trail. That’s exactly what I’ve got for you here!

I’ve spent a lot of time in St. Augustine and have discovered some of the most romantic things to do that go beyond the obvious choices. So, whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply seeking quality time together, these activities are perfect for creating the ideal romantic getaway.

Now get your comfy shoes on and let’s go exploring!

Lock-In Your Love at Vilano Beach

Close-up of locks at Locks of Love Overpass, one of the top spots for a St. Augustine romantic getaway.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

​Everybody goes to The Bridge of Lions, but for a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Locks of Love Overpass. Bring a lock with your names or initials, clip it to the railing overlooking the beach, and add your chapter to the growing love story. It’s a free, quick stop that makes for big memories, and you can come back to find your lock years later.

After adding your lock, take the stairs down to Vilano Beach. This is a great spot for quiet moments, as it’s not as crowded as the other beaches in the area. Stroll along the shore or the pier and soak in the amazing views of the ocean and skyline. To keep the romance going, grab a waterfront dinner at Cap’s on the Water. Or, have a cozy picnic as the natural beauty surrounds you.

If you love romantic ambiance like this, you’d love St. Augustine’s annual Nights of Lights Festival! Learn all about it here: St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights: A Romantic Weekend Guide for Couples.

Zipline Over Alligators at Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Row of alligators in Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Love a bit of shared adventure and thrill? For a truly unique experience, soar above alligators on the zip line course at the Alligator Farm Zoological Park. You’ll stay hooked into your harness the whole time as you tackle obstacles and zip lines, getting an incredible aerial view of the park below. The longer “Nile” course includes zoo admission, and while it’s a bit of a workout, it’s totally worth it.

After your zip line adventure, explore the park together. The zoo is excellent, featuring an awesome alligator feeding show and hundreds of exotic birds and reptiles you won’t see anywhere else. It’s an exciting way to spend an afternoon, combining adrenaline with a fascinating tour of the wildlife.

Take a Local Art Class at The Art House

A couple's hands doing pottery together at The Art House in St. Augustine. Try it out for your St. Augustine romantic getaway!
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Get creative together and make a unique souvenir at The Art House. This open studio space lets you paint pottery, create a canvas, or even try your hand at clay on a pottery wheel. You can enjoy a beer, wine, or coffee while you work at your own pace, because who doesn’t love a bit of liquid inspiration?

No experience is needed here! This is a welcoming, non-judgmental environment, and a genuinely fun break from typical tourist activities. It’s all about the process, not the result, though it’s always special to take home a unique piece of art that always reminds you of your trip to St. Augustine.

Traditional bedroom with wooden sleigh bed, patterned pillows, red lamps, ceiling fan, and robe by the bathroom door.
Photo Credit: Cedar House Inn Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Hotel recommendation

Cedar House Inn Victorian Bed & Breakfast

Get away to the Cedar House Inn, one of St. Augustine’s most romantic hotels. This beautifully restored 1893 Victorian home offers a perfect blend of timeless charm and upscale comforts. Start your day with a gourmet two-course breakfast, relax in the Floridian Honeymoon Suite with its private porch and Jacuzzi, and enjoy peaceful seclusion just a short walk from the city’s top attractions.

Want to explore more options for a St. Augustine romantic getaway? Check out our Top 5 Most Romantic Hotels in St. Augustine!

Get Spooked on a Lighthouse Ghost Tour

Stairwell in St. Augustine Lighthouse photographed in black and white.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Looking for a fun excuse to hold each other a little closer? The Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours at the St. Augustine Lighthouse offer a bit of spooky fun for everyone. You’ll climb the spiral staircase in near darkness, guided only by lantern light, while listening to the property’s rich history and its ghostly tales. Great views await from the top, where you’ll see the moonlit Atlantic Ocean and perhaps even a ghost or two!

After the guided storytelling, you’ll get to go on your own ghost hunt, exploring the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, and the grounds. For just five dollars, you can rent an EMF meter to detect any supernatural activity! This isn’t your average ghost tour, and that’s what makes it so awesome.

Sail Into the Sunset on a Boat Tour

St. Augustine's Bridge of Lions at sunset. A popular spot for a St. Augustine romantic getaway.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

End your day on a romantic note with the St. Augustine Sunset Boat Tour. This serene cruise will sail you past historic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, offering a fascinating perspective of the city. Honestly, this is my favorite tour — it’s way more chill and less crowded than the other boats I saw out there!

This sunset cruise offers a stunning, unobstructed view of the sky changing colors over the water. As you cruise along, keep an eye out for dolphins! The friendly and knowledgeable captain will even point out some wildlife and share interesting facts about the area. It really doesn’t get any more romantic than this.

​Date Night Hot Spots

  • Catch 27 – fresh seafood, cute ambiance, tasty drinks
  • Llama – Peruvian cuisine, unique vibe, great for a romantic meal
  • Michael’s – upscale steakhouse, romantic dinner setting
  • Forgotten Tonic – craft cocktails, vibrant atmosphere
  • Mill Top Tavern – pub food, live music, great cocktails
Romantically lit street in downtown St. Augustine.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Castillo de San Marcos at sunset, St. Augustine.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Your St. Augustine Romantic Getaway Awaits

A St. Augustine romantic getaway looks different for every couple, and these exciting activities are sure to make your time here even sweeter!

Sure, top attractions are pretty easy to find online, but it’s those hidden gems that truly create unforgettable memories. This list has just the right mix of romance and originality to totally wow your significant other. And there’s nothing better than seeing the look on their face when you surprise them with something they never would have expected.

I hope you have loads of fun during your time in this beautiful city! Keep discovering new places and enjoying everything life has to offer.

St. Augustine Romantic Getaway – FAQ

How far is downtown St. Augustine from the beach?

St. Augustine Beach is just about 5 miles southeast of downtown, so it’s a quick 10-15 minute drive. If you’re looking for something even closer, Anastasia State Park is only 1.5 miles away and super easy to get to!

Where does the queer community hang out in St. Augustine?

St. Augustine has plenty of LGBTQ-friendly spots! Check out the Historical District, Lincolnville, Uptown, and Davis Shores. While there isn’t an LGBTQ+ bar (yet!), Barley Republic hosts a monthly LGBTQ+ night, and younger queer folks love Sarbez. Vilano Beach has a cool lesbian history, and you’ll still find some of that vibe there. The AMP brings LGBTQ+ artists, and don’t miss the drag brunches on weekends!

How to spend a weekend in St. Augustine?

I know it can be jarring trying to figure out how to squeeze all you want to do into one weekend, even if it’s a long one. Use our guide to make sure you fit in all the highlights: A Weekend in St. Augustine | Ultimate Romantic Itinerary. As frequent visitors, we know what you’ll want to see and do!

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