Wake up beside the Atlantic, linger over Coffee, then spend the day wandering centuries-old streets, climbing a lighthouse, and tasting your way through St. Augustine. Sounds like a pretty good Florida day, doesn’t it?
One of the lovely things about Flagler Beach is how easy it is to mix slow, sandy mornings with a little adventure. St. Augustine is roughly 35–40 miles north, often around a 45-minute drive in typical traffic. Give yourself extra time for busy roads and downtown parking, and you can be exploring the historic district before lunch.
Then, when the day’s discoveries are done, you can head back to your oceanfront home base at Bombora Oceanfront Suites. A little Old City charm by day. A salty breeze and a view of the Atlantic by evening.
Start the morning with Coffee, not Covfefe
A good day trip begins with a good cup. Make Coffee in your suite before setting out, or head into the historic district for breakfast and a café stop.
One inviting option is Southern Grounds on King Street, where craft coffee, breakfast, brunch, and a courtyard make it easy to linger a little longer than planned. The café is listed as open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; check its site before you go in case hours change.
And if your first sip turns into a second? That’s vacation. No rush.
Discover the city on foot
St. Augustine’s historic center is at its best when you park once and explore at a walking pace. Check the city’s downtown parking information before you leave Flagler Beach; parking and traffic can get busier on weekends and during special events. Comfortable shoes are a smart choice. The old streets are charming, but you’ll likely cover a few miles.
Start with the bayfront and the imposing walls of Castillo de San Marcos. Built from coquina, a shellstone that gives the fort its distinctive texture, the Castillo has stood guard over the waterfront for centuries. Take in the open courtyards, peek into the historic rooms, and enjoy the views over Matanzas Bay.
The National Park Service lists the fort as open daily, with first admission at 9 a.m. and last admission at 5 p.m.; it closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Before you go, check the official hours and alerts, since conditions and access can change.
From there, wander toward St. George Street, a pedestrian-friendly stretch of shops, cafés, historic buildings, and tucked-away courtyards. Browse for local art, stop for Ice Cream, and remember to look up at the balconies and architectural details. You don’t need a checklist for every block. A little wandering is part of the fun.
If you have extra time, Flagler College and the Lightner Museum are nearby landmarks worth considering. Pick the stop that suits your group, or save something for another visit. Trying to see every single sight in one day can turn a lovely outing into a race.
Make room for lunch and a Lighthouse visit
When hunger calls, choose a casual café or restaurant in the historic district. St. Augustine has plenty of places to pause for seafood, sandwiches, and a relaxed lunch. On a busy weekend, eating a little earlier or later than the midday rush can make the stop feel easier.
After lunch, head over to Anastasia Island to visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. The working lighthouse is a memorable change of pace from downtown’s narrow streets, with maritime exhibits, historic buildings, and a 219-step climb for visitors who want a panoramic view from the top.
In fall and winter, the museum lists daily hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 5:30 p.m. The tower may close because of weather or other events, so check the museum’s visit details before setting out. If stairs aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty to explore around the grounds and in the exhibits.
Add a little beach time
Ready for a breather after the history and walking? Head to Anastasia State Park or St. Augustine Beach for a stroll by the water, a sandy pause, or a few minutes listening to the Surf.
Keep this part flexible: beach conditions, weather, parking, and access can vary, so check locally on the day. And be honest about your schedule. Downtown, the Lighthouse, and a beach stop make a full itinerary. It’s fine to choose two highlights and enjoy them properly.
The easy return to Flagler Beach
The drive back is part of the appeal. You can explore a city filled with history, then return to a quieter stretch of coast without changing hotels or hauling your suitcase along. Allow extra time if you’re leaving around the evening commute or during a busy weekend.
Back at Bombora, trade the day’s brick streets for the sound of waves. Our four oceanfront suites range from one bedroom to a three-bedroom penthouse, with full kitchens, sleeper sofas, and unobstructed Atlantic views. There’s free on-site laundry, too. Handy after a beach day or a longer stay.
Did I mention the location? Just steps from the sand. Just steps from the dune walk-over. Just steps from the shared ocean-side patio, Flagler Pier, and the restaurants, bars, and cafés around town.
That’s what makes Bombora a relaxing choice among Flagler Beach vacation rentals: room to settle in, home-style comforts, and the beach right outside. Spend the morning in St. Augustine, then come back for a sunset stroll or an easy dinner in Flagler Beach.
And if you’re planning a longer stay, there are plenty of things to do in Flagler Beach, from the pier to local spots for a bite and a drink. It’s a lovely way to make a St. Augustine outing just one part of a laid-back Florida beach getaway.
A simple day-trip game plan
- Start early: Have Coffee at your suite or make a café your first stop.
- Park once: Explore the historic district on foot.
- Choose your highlights: The Castillo, St. George Street, and the Lighthouse make a full day.
- Check current details: Confirm attraction hours, parking, and beach conditions before leaving.
- Leave breathing room: A leisurely lunch or an Ice Cream stop is part of the itinerary, too.
St. Augustine brings the history, the Lighthouse, and the cinnamon-sweet smell of something tempting from a nearby café. Flagler Beach brings the salt air and a softer landing at the end of the day. Make yourself at home at Bombora, and let the Old City adventure fit neatly into your beach escape.
Explore Bombora Oceanfront Suites and start planning your stay.