So, I’ve been to St. Augustine, Florida a few times, and I always get asked, “When’s the best time to go?” Well, it really depends on what you’re looking for, but I can tell you about my experiences.
The First Trip – Peak Summer
My first trip was in July. We drove down from up north, and boy, was it hot! The city was buzzing with tourists. We decided to check out the historic sites first. We visited the Castillo de San Marcos, which was pretty cool, and walked around the old town. But, it was super crowded, and the heat was kinda intense. I remember sweating buckets just standing in line for tickets. We did find a boat tour though, which was awesome! It was a sunset cruise, and we even saw some dolphins. That part was definitely a highlight. We also tried some local food from a restaurant – some chicken sandwiches and fried chicken tenders. They were okay, but nothing to write home about.
Off-Season Exploration
Another time, I went in late fall, like around November. It was way less crowded. The weather was still pretty nice, kinda warm during the day but cool in the evenings. We explored more of the city this time. We found this place called the Fountain of Youth. I don’t know if it works, but it was a fun story. Since it wasn’t as busy, we got to take our time at each place. We even had a chance to look for things that we thought were possible places where life might exist. We didn’t find anything, but it was still a fun activity.
Spring Break – Never Again
Once, I made the mistake of going during spring break. Never again! It was packed. I mean, wall-to-wall people. Trying to get anywhere was a nightmare. I remember thinking there had to be a better time to see this place. I mean, we were looking forward to outdoor adventures and cultural wonders, but we couldn’t move and we couldn’t see anything. We ended up leaving early.
Holiday Season
I also visited during the holiday season, around Christmas time. It was pretty, with all the lights and decorations. But again, it was crowded. If you like that festive vibe and don’t mind the crowds, then it might be your thing. But for me, it was a bit too much. We walked around a lot, took some pictures, but I felt like I couldn’t really enjoy the history of the place with so many people around.
My Recommendation
So, based on my trips, I’d say the best time to visit St. Augustine is in the late fall or early spring, but not during spring break. You’ll avoid the worst of the crowds and the heat. Plus, you can actually enjoy the city and its history without feeling like you’re in a can of sardines. I’m planning to go again next year, maybe in October. Hopefully, I’ll find some new spots to explore and maybe even try another boat tour, but this time I want to do a wine cruise. We will see.
