How many days to see St. Augustine?
 

We are a family of 4 (two teeange girls, 18 and 14) and we are planning a trip to the South. We plan to spend 4 nights in Charleston at the Charleston Place, and one night in St. Augustine at the Casa Monica Hotel. Is there enough to do in Charleston for 4 nights? (We loved New Orleans) Can we see enough of St. Augustine is a day and a half? Or should we spend more time in St. Augustine? and give up a day in Charleston?

Leslie, all answers you get, including mine, will just be opinions. You know your family better than anyone, but you asked-- I would plan if possible two days to see St. Augustine if you haven't been there before.<BR>Although I have never stayed there, Casa Monica seems like it would be a great hotel.There is a Cuban restaraunt<BR>at the beginning of the oldtown area called Columbias. Please give it a try for lunch or dinner. Can't hardly beat it. Try a pitcher of their sangria. <BR>

Leslie, yes 2 days would be enough, I live in Jacksonville which is just 1/2 hour away from St Augustine and I have been there hundreds of times over the years. It is one of my alltime favorite spots ever!<BR>I agree with bch about the COLUMBIA.. its awesome.. they have authentic Spanish food with strolling mariachis...serenading you:)<BR>Also, I recommend a place called the GYPSY CAB COMPANY..they have a very &quot;eclectic&quot; menu..very fresh and just a fun place to eat.<BR>The Casa Monica has recently been restored..Its in the Old City and its wonderful-they may have their own website, I am not quite sure though.<BR>Oh..Charleston is AWESOME as well,,,of course Charleston is larger and has much more to see..<BR>But 1.1/2 to 2 days you should be fine in St Augustine. IF you need any other answers I would be glad to try and answer me.. Email if you want:)

Oh you asked about Charleston.. 3 to 4 days is great..:)Lots to see and Do..tours, historic old homes, Plantations...GREAT FOOD too.<BR>

Leslie, Lois is right. The Casa Monica has a website. Casamonica.com

Thank you to Lois and bchbum! Your advice is very helpful! We definitely try out the restaurants that you recommend! Thanks again!

One day is enough in St. Augustine. And I think 4 is too much (by a day or 2) in Charleston.<BR><BR>Happy Travels

I would give St. Augustine two days. One day would be rushing things, especially if you want to visit most of the sites. There are some wonderful shops that you and your daughters will love to browse in, as well.

My parents live in St A so I visit frequently. Two days would be nice as the kids might enjoy an afternoon on the beach. Even if it's too cold to go in the water, it is pretty and you can drive your car right onto it and maybe have a picnic or ride bike etc. Casa AMonica looks very pretty , swank and a bit pricey... If the girls love to shop there are the ubitquitous outlet malls nearby. Have fun and say hi to my Ma and Pa.

To me, the amount of time spent in Charleston depends on the weather. In nice, warm weather, you will want to do more. Go to one of the plantations, but only do one unless you love them, because they are all similar. Take a carriage ride through the city - very informative. Walk around the side streets downtown and peek into the gardens behind the homes. Shop the shops downtown and the market. Charleston also has nice beaches. There is also Ft. Sumter if you're into that and an aircraft carrier. I think 3 nites is enough, but you shouldn't be bored with four nites, either. I would get some guide books and decide what sites you want to see. Take into consideration how much you like to shop, and you'll know how long to stay.