As a new resident of the Old City, you might be searching for experiences beyond those of transient tourists. As a St. Augustinian for four years, I’m quickly growing my favorites list. Take a look: 

Host a seafood boil: Seafood is standard fare in St. Augustine, but have you ever hosted a seafood boil feast? Invite your new friends over for an evening of fun and food. We suggest checking out Outer Banks Boil Company. They’ll come to you and cook a boil right at your place, or for smaller groups, try their takeout “pot to go,” where you just add liquid (water, beer, white wine), place it on your stovetop, and let the magic happen. Special for our readers, use code STROLL to get 10% off per person.

Take a wildlife tour: A wildlife tour is a great introductory lesson for spotting Florida’s vast assortment of critters. There are many opportunities to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna—airboat tours, walking tours, and even snorkeling tours at the St. Augustine Aquarium.

Rent a boat: Float on the open water on a warm afternoon. We like to pack a picnic lunch or stop at a waterside restaurant for refreshments. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins! It’s always special to see them up close. Or, if you’d like to hop on a charter tour, there are plenty of great options—Florida Water Tours is one of our favorites.

See local art: Painters flock to the first coast to replicate its many beauties. There are plenty of galleries downtown where you can meet the painters, admire their work, and even bring some of it into your own home. Definitely venture to Aviles Street, the oldest in the United States, for some great galleries.

Grab a drink: St. Augustine Distillery is a beloved hangout for many. You can even tour their facility—which was once an ice factory—between sips of their spirits (distilled in-house!). A walk down St. George Street will also offer endless chances to impress your taste buds.

About the Author: Brian Packer made St. Augustine home in 2021, moving here with his wife, Dara, and their three kids. The amazing weather, beautiful beaches, and rich history of the nation’s oldest city made St. Augustine the perfect choice.

“As soon as we spent a few days in St. Augustine, we fell in love with the area and knew it was the perfect place for our family to build new roots. And after living here just a few months, we knew we wanted to deepen those roots by starting a business venture. Something that wouldn’t just be a job but that would be a part of the community. That’s when we partnered with the Outer Banks Boil Company team to open our store in St. Augustine. It’s been an absolute blast to meet and connect with so many awesome people and give them a truly unique experience—one that fits perfectly with the St. Augustine scene.”