is 3 nights too long in St Augustine?
 

Is 3 nights too long to stay in St Augustine? If the beach is nice we don't mind doing that. Plan on seeing the historical area...what else? There's not much in this forum re: St Augustine. Any suggestions? We don't like the 'tourist traps' like Myrtle Beach...altho the beach was nice. I'm currently holding a 3 night reservation at Clarion Casa del Mar. Thanks in advance.

3 nights sounds like barely enough; I spent a week there in January.

I liked the beach at Anastasia State Park, where the "snack bar" rents bikes and has free WiFi. The park entrance is almost right across the street from the entrance to the Allligator Farm, which (contrary to its name) was pleasant and educational. The historic downtown has something for every interest; don't miss the Castillo.

Take the Flagler College tour, which is really a tour of the old Ponce de Leon hotel building.
http://www.flagler.edu/news_events/tours.html

Take a carriage ride.

The lighthouse is across the street from the Alligator Farm. You can climb to the top for fantastic views.

Sail on a schooner. www.schoonerfreedom.com

Visit Ft. Matanzas, just a few miles south of St. Augustine.
http://www.nps.gov/foma/


For something really cool that not many people see, go through the breezeways of the Lightner Museum building (the Alcazar Hotel, back in the day), toward the right, and head out back to the antique mall. It's actually housed in the hotel's former indoor swimming pool! Very impressive.

For another perspective, I've spent a few days in St Augustine every year for the past 30 years, and I never tire of the place. Your 3 days will barely scratch the surface unless you simply don't like to get "out and about."

However, be forewarned that St Augustine is probably just as touristy as Myrtle Beach, but also it seems more low-key and family oriented.

As an alternative you could also stay in Amelia Island & day-trip to St. Aug. It may suit your taste a tad better.

Any hotel recommendations for Amelia Island? Is there a Hampton Inn there...my DH likes them. TIA

We just spent a week in Ponte Vedra and a day in St Augustine. The horse and buggy ride with JPII was great! The restaurant the buggy driver recommended was also good. The Fountain of Youth is very touristy and OLD!! The old town is mostly souvenier shops. Three days should be plenty. Have fun!