MHS

We will be in St. Augustine FL in early April. Have just read that the interior of Castillo de San Marcos is closed during repairs. Does this mean the upper "ramparts" are also closed? Is it worth seeing anyway? Are there additional recommendations for sites to see? What is St. George Street like? Would you recommend the Ghost Tours? If so, dinner before or after? And where? Have Salt Water Cowboy's, Sunset Grill, A1A Alehouse & the Conch House on my list of recommended restaurants.

We have our hotel on the beach so no accommodation recommendations are need. Thanks for any info that will make our stay especially enjoyable.

Meredith

I would definitely recommend taking the Ghost Tour. You'll learn a lot about the history of St. Augustine and hear stories about what makes the town unique. As for dinner before or after, I would say before. If I remember correctly, the tour doesn't start til 8 or 9 p.m. and lasts about an hour.

I don't know much about restaurants in St. Augustine, but one that I usually go to for lunch is a little French place called Le Pari

Meredith

Oops... accidentally hit post before I was finished!

Anyway, I was mentioning Le Parisienne, which is on Hypolita Street. I've eaten there several times for lunch and always enjoyed it.

My favorite thing about St. Augustine is the atmosphere. Make sure you wander around some of the back streets, especially Aviles Street, which I believe is the oldest one in town. You'll see lots of magnolia trees with Spanish moss, old, restored houses, and cobblestone streets.

As for other things to do, there are lots of options: the Alligator Farm, the oldest schoolhouse, the Lightener Museum, Anastasia State Park, etc. Personally, I would skip the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. I guess it is mildly entertaining, but if you are looking for things that actually have to do with St. Augustine, don't bother.

J T Kirk

I don't think you'd be missing much by not seeing the inside of Castillo de San Marcos. To me, it's sort of uninspiring. They keep it way too neat - the grass is constantly mowed, the walls are clean, etc. It's like going over to a neighbor's backyard for a BBQ. You can see it from the outside and use your imagination. It's right there in downtown, on the water. Nice setting. St George Street is THE tourist street. You need to see it. BUT you need to walk the other, lesser travelled streets too. Down around Flagler the old graveyard. I'd skip Ripley's unless you like really cheesy things. I highly recommend the Conch House. Be forewarned -- you can wait for a table FOREVER. But it has a great setting. Very romantic (although a lot of young people go there to drink). Check to see if Marineland has reopened. it's kinda cool. Have fun.

Sue

St. Augustine has just about anything for everybody. The accommodations on the beach out on Anastasia Island are nice, but to get the most out of the historical St. Augustine, there are many bed and breakfasts and inns right on the bay downtown. When you stay there, you can walk to just about anywhere.
A1A Ale house is a good choice for a restaurant. For breakfast we like Churchill's Attic where you can eat outside facing the bay.
The horse and carriage rides are a good way to get an overall view of the city.
St. Augustine has definitely changed in the last 10 years. They have built up the entire area, but at least they have made an effort to preserve the downtown area.

GOL

Too bad Castillo will be closed, it is definately worth seeing. Try anyway

rob

how about Ft Mantanzas on A1A south of Anatasia.....its a state park...they will give you a free (donations accepted) boat ride out to this "micro" fort in the middle of the river...but its been several years since we went so you might want to check it out beforehand.

MHS

Thanks for all your input -- I am smiling about St. Augustine definitely changing in the last 10 years. The last time I was in St. Augustine was 1951; do expect to find a few changes! I have a vivid memory of both Castillo de San Marcos and that Fountain of Youth. Since it will be my husband's first experience of St. Augustine those will be on our "things to see" list in spite of the restoration project. We are definitely not Wax museum or Ripley's inclined. I am adding Aviles Street & Churchill's Attic -- a lovely long breakfast is definitely one of our vacation treats. Have also added Ft. Mantanzas if there is time. The info on it was in the booklet sent by St. Augustine's Visitor's Center.

Has anyone been to St. Augustine Village? There is a web site and a brief notice in the booklet but no indication of hours or admission charges.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.