St. Augustine: A Cruiser’s Guide

St. Augustine, Florida, ranks among the finest cruising destinations on the East Coast. Its blend of historic charm, year-round festivals, scenic beaches and nearby golf courses makes it attractive both to visitors and to boaters who want reliable marine services. The city’s timeless ambiance and waterfront setting create an easy, pleasurable stop for cruisers of all kinds.

Cruising Access and Waterways

St. Augustine is accessible directly from the Atlantic via a well-traveled ocean inlet and from the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), which traces the city’s waterfront. Hundreds of vessels pass through the inlet each week, including many heading offshore to fish. Like many inlets, it can shoal periodically and strong onshore winds can make conditions challenging; for many boaters the ICW provides a calmer, scenic alternative to approaching from the ocean.

A prominent 280-foot-tall stainless steel cross onshore marks the historic landing site where Pedro Menendez de Aviles celebrated the first Roman Catholic mass on this continent, on Sept. 8, 1565. Approaching from the south, cruisers will pass under the ornate Bridge of Lions and see Castillo de San Marcos—the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, completed in 1695—looming above the waterfront.

Marinas and Services

Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, just north of the inlet, is a favorite among visiting boaters. Nestled in a protected basin, it offers dockage, a full-service yard, a chandlery and First Mate marine services, plus restaurants and amenities. The marina provides two loaner cars for slip holders, convenient for shopping or a two-mile trip into the historic district. A short walk across a high-rise bridge leads to an ocean beach and a nearby supermarket, and Camachee Cove can be reached without requiring a bridge opening—an advantage for many cruising schedules.

Other nearby facilities include St. Augustine Municipal Marina, Hidden Harbor Marina, Conch House Marina and Oasis Boat Yard & Marina. Boaters should be mindful of strong currents at many docks and moorings. The municipal marina area can become rough when northerly or southerly winds oppose a strong tidal current, so plan accordingly when picking a berth or arranging to tie up to a mooring.

Historic and Cultural Attractions

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the contiguous United States, and Spanish influence remains visible in architecture and place names throughout the city. The historic district near the waterfront contains roughly 144 blocks of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors encounter a rich calendar of events—everything from historical re-enactments to concerts, art walks and food festivals.

The city is famous for its Nights of Lights celebration at Christmas and is also home to the World Golf Hall of Fame and several championship courses. For a comfortable orientation, hop on a trolley or a horse-drawn carriage for a narrated tour of the old town and waterfront neighborhoods. For planning assistance, contact the local visitor center or check official tourism resources for a free vacation planner.

Unique Attractions and Nearby Parks

Learn about early exploration at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where exhibits cover Spanish explorers and the region’s indigenous history; visitors can taste water from the park’s “fountain” as part of the experience. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Alligator Farm maintains a global collection of crocodilians—23 species in total—including rare white alligators. Maximo, a crocodile reported at 15 feet, 3 inches, is noted as one of the larger crocodilians on exhibit in the Western Hemisphere. Nearby recreational areas include the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse, Anastasia State Park and broad sandy beaches that are ideal for a relaxing shoreline day.

Dining and Local Flavor

St. Augustine’s dining scene is diverse, with more than 150 restaurants serving everything from classic Southern and farm-to-table menus to trendy, modern eateries. Sample favorites include The Reef on A1A for waterfront views, Costa Brava at the Casa Monica Hotel for fine downtown dining, and The Floridian for regionally inspired, locally sourced cuisine. Trendy options in the historic districts include Prohibition Kitchen on St. George Street, Preserved on Bridge Street in Lincolnville and The Ice Plant on Riberia Street.

Why Boaters Stay

Many southbound cruisers plan a short stop in St. Augustine and end up staying for the season, drawn by the welcoming boating community, reliable services and the city’s combination of history, culture and coastal recreation. Whether you’re stopping briefly or settling in for a while, St. Augustine offers a memorable and practical port of call for boaters.

This article originally appeared in the July 2017 issue.