I would appreciate all suggestions on best beaches, good restaurants, what to do, where to shop etc. in and around St. Augustine. We will be all adults traveling together at the end of the month. Thank you in advance for the advice.

We enjoyed the historical St. George area (touristy but very fun) and the fort. Restaurants we liked included Salt Water Cowboys and A1A Aleworks. The alligator farm was a weird sort of fun, but I wouldn't do it during the heat of summer. (I was there in November, so can't help with beach questions.)

Things to do: visit the Castillo San Marcos, the Lighthouse, the mission Nombre de Dios.

Eat: try the Columbia Restaurant

Beach: St. Augustine Beach

And enjoy! St. Augustine is one of my favorite places.

restaurants
http://www.laparisienne.net/
http://www.opus39.com
Cafe Alcazar in the pool (yes, in the pool) of the Lightener Museum building

My last visit was in 2006 below are some of the comments I posted in my trip report as it applied to restaurants
"Cafe Alcazar for lunch in St. Augustine was excellent. A discreet guitarist playing in the quaintly set restaurant, the swimming pool area of the Lightener museum, makes for a lovely respite from touring. The food is varied and quite good. Service is well informed and quick.
Opus 39 offers a prixe fixe tasting menu restaurant ($55 per person without wine or cheese course). Servings are not huge so it isn't a gorging experience. They are well prepared and presented. This is an excellent restaurant which I hope to visit again. Delightful atmosphere, well informed servers and great food. Outstanding wine list.
La Parisienne is an old favorite. The food is delicious, the atmosphere quiet and pleasant, and the servers knowledgeable.
Harry's was very ordinary. The only reason we ate here one night was that we were so late returning from a harbor cruise it was our only choice. Food was basic and OK in a pinch.
The Columbia is a good spot when you are with a crowd who wants plenty of choice. It is generally good food, especially the salads and fish. Service was very slow on my most recent visit.
Cordova 95 had very good food and very slow service. It is a bit pricey for the quality."

Be sure a post a trip report. I return in about six weeks and will be interested in hearing your opinions.

cmfong has some good suggestions. Cafe Alcazar is my #1 choice for lunch, particularly when showing out of town friends around (they are only open for lunch, not dinner). Don't miss it.

Within about 1/2 block from there is Old City House <http://www.oldcityhouse.com/>. While it is technically a B&B, their restaurant is open to the public and breakfasts and dinners are very, very good.

Saltwater Cowboys <http://www.saltwatercowboys.com/> has never disappointed me, in 16 years. It is probably my overall favorite restaurant in St. Augustine!

A close second would be Gypsy Cab Co.
<http://www.gypsycab.com/> which is just across the Bridge of Lions.


If you are looking for a good restaurant with an ocean view, my first choice would be The Reef <http://www.thereefstaugustine.com/>. Always ask for a window table for best views.

The Columbia <http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/st_augustine.asp> is one of a small Florida chain of about 8 or so restaurants. In my opinion, it is good, not great. However, they have a pretty good Sunday brunch.

Let us know how your trip went!

Ditto to Vic on the Gypsy Cab Company. It is good, but pretty noisy.
If you are into slightly hippy vegetarian joints, the Manatee Cafe is very good. www.manateecafe.com

For great view (right on the ocean), no atmosphere, but fun bar-type place witht the best fried shrimp, go to the Beachcomber on A Street in St.Aug Beach; Also try South Beach Grill.