This gem of a tiny town, first settled by Europeans in 1565, offers a wealth of history, 42 miles of pristine beaches, unspoiled estuaries and rivers, as well as hiking and biking trails in parks and preserves. A tourist destination since the 1800s — before there was even a railroad to town — St. Augustine has a vibrant arts district, daily live music, and picture perfect sunrises (and sunsets) to enjoy. In 2019, Southern Living Magazine named St. Augustine, "The South's Best Food Town" and in 2023 the publication named the ancient city, "The South's Best Small Town."
Can I fly into the area? Yes, flying visitors use Jacksonville International, Daytona International, Sanford International, or Orlando International Airports.
Where can we stay that's near Francis Field, the showcase venue? There are lots of options in historic downtown or uptown.
Where can I find great tacos? All over town.
St. Augustine's Historic Downtown encompasses the showcase venue, Francis Field, on one end and Lincolnville Historic District on the other, and goes from the bayfront to Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Within those blocks are history, ghost, and foodie tours. There are restaurants and pubs for nearly every palate with many of them hosting live music. There's also a lot of unique shopping available. Enjoy coffee bars, ice cream shops, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tiny iced donuts in an amazing number of flavors.
To see everything downtown, including places to stay, and things to do, check out the categories and click on the historic downtown region. Staying on the beach, near I-95, or in Vilano Beach? There's lots of information to gather for those areas -- and all the regions from the St. Johns River to the Atlantic Ocean.
Southern specialties, BBQ appetizers, and craft beer from "a southern blues kitchen."
Mojo BBQ Old City blends barbeque style from four major regions of the United States to create an inclusive barbeque experience. Located by the city gates, Mojo BBQ Old City is close to all the historic downtown attractions. This small, local, southern barbecue franchise has only eight locations in North Florida.
A locally-owned shop offering a variety of coffees, teas, draft beers, and Florida wines.
City Perks Coffee Co., located in historic downtown, is a locally-owned coffee shop serving specialty and gourmet coffees. The cafe also offers hot and cold tea, hot chocolate, local beer, and Florida wine. In addition, they serve pastries including croissants, bagels, muffins, scones, and pre-packed lunch boxes.
Enjoy authentic Irish food, beers, and atmosphere along the bayfront.
Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House serves traditional Irish dishes and drinks year-round. Built in 1917, the pub offers scenic views of the Matanzas Bay whether one is sitting inside or outside. The restaurant features signature meals such as shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and meatloaf.
A Northeast Florida family serves up hot, made-to-order, teenie weenie donuts.
Run by a local Northeast Florida family, Itty Bitty Donuts Florida serves up hot, made-to-order mini donuts. Itty Bitty offers a variety of specialty sugars while featuring a wide assortment of unique - and fun - toppings. Donuts that are always on the menu include cinnamon, chocolate, Cuban espresso, and snow caps (dusted with powdered sugar).
The Showcase is all about the bass — and guitars, drums, keyboards, and vocals. (And maybe an accordion or two.)
Trip planning never looked so good (or easy). Come for the Sing Out Loud Showcase and stay for the comfy guest houses and hotels, the fabulous food, and all the unique attractions near the festival. Remember, St. Augustine is an award-winning destination, so concert-goers are encouraged to dive into as much as possible during their visit to the nation's oldest city.