We arrived early and bought tickets for the first Scenic (Boat) Cruise of the day, aboard Victory III.

We had time for a coffee and pastry at Bistro De Leon, 12 Cathedral Place.  They offer a superb selection of freshly baked pastries etc. and delicious coffees.  Although a little more expensive, it is the most immaculately clean establishment – Hyacinth Bouquet would be  impressed!  The restrooms were also sparkling clean and large enough for a wheelchair and helper.

The Victory III took us out to see dolphins and various seabirds, and there was an on-board  commentary explaining the various landmarks.  It was very interesting and enjoyable.

We then drove to the Old Fort where there is a large car parking area (apparently disabled badge holders can park free) otherwise there are parking meters.  We then walked a little further back to where the Pony and Carriages were lined up and took one of their city tours.  There are also city tours by tram and small trains that go along the streets, but we couldn’t resist the horse and carriage ride – it was the highlight of my day.  The leisurely walking pace of the horse, which could negotiate some of the older narrow streets than the trams and trains were not allowed access to, made the trip even more enjoyable.  The carriage drive stops at various points and explains the history of the surroundings.  Everywhere was pristine – no litter anywhere to be seen, and all the gardens and lawns were beautifully maintained.   I would thoroughly recommend this trip.  It isn’t mentioned at all in the St. Augustine information leaflet we picked up at one of the shopping malls.

We had a late lunch at a pub opposite the Old Fort.  Not as nice as the Bistro which had spoiled us! 

St. Augustine has so many attractions to visit, that ideally I would recommend an overnight stay.  There are lots of hotels & guest house accommodation.

Attractions include various museums – wax museum, lighthouse with museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Old Florida Museum, plus the Colonial Spanish Quarter, Old Jail, Oldest House, Marineland, Oldest Wooden School House, Alligator Farm, San Sebastian Winery,  Spanish Military Hospital, Golf Hall of Fame & Imax Theatre, and candlelit night time ghost tours, and another boat ride – Schooner Freedom Tall Ship which looks fabulous.

Parking is very restricted with double yellow lines on roads and streets and I imagine car parks soon fill up at busy times.

I enjoyed the trip to St. Augustine immensely – in my daydreams I like to imagine myself living there!  I will definitely return again and stay overnight next time.