My wife, daughter, and I have always wanted to visit Saint Augustine during the Christmas holidays. What a festive and heartwarming experience. Everyone was so friendly. We met people from Texas, Georgia, and Maine. We thought that the best way to get an overview of the city was to do a full loop of the trolley before getting off. The lady at the ticket kiosk was very friendly and a wealth of knowledge. Even though the city was packed, people were very well behaved. We did see some small children having an afternoon meltdown due to heat and fatigue. The Trolley drivers were knowledgeable and funny. We got off at stop number 22: The Fountain of Youth. We had barbecue and a salad. Everyone wanted pictures of the Peacocks. We re-boarded the trolley and got off at stop 17 and toured the Castillo de San Marcos. I have an “AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL PARKS AND FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LAND PASS” so admission was free. I highly recommend getting one of these. The National Park Service guides were wonderful! The one that I spoke with was originally from New Jersey. Unfortunately, he spent most of his time pleading with the tourists to stay off of the wall. One young man got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend with a ring! Everyone cheered! The boats in the water were beautiful. You could see the lighthouse in the distance. Cars were stretched for at least one mile as they crossed the bridge of Lions. Entertainment was everywhere. Bagpipes, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Children were posing with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Please arrive early in the day. Parking is a nightmare! We took the trolley. My daughter was able to secure a Lyft driver to take us back to our hotel at Saint Augustine Beach. He lost his wife five years ago and moved to Florida. We will definitely return. There is something about sunshine, 80 degree weather, and the beach that is good for your mental and physical health!
Merry Christmas.🎄🎁