January Is A Great Time Of Year To Visit St. Augustine, Florida
January is a great time of year to visit St. Augustine, Florida. The weather is nice compared to up north, and holiday cheer is shining throughout the town.
January is not ideal beach weather in Northern Florida, but it is great for exploring. January typically brings Mid 60 temperatures, while July temps are near 90 degrees. With 60-70 degree temps, you can easily hop on and off the trolley, go in and out of businesses, and explore attractions comfortably. Here are some of the best things to do in St. Augustine in January.
More Holiday Lights In The South
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Dress For The Season
When you visit St. Augustine in January, dress in layers. Think sweatshirts, t-shirts, zip-off pants, and jackets. While January is typically in the Mid 60s to 70s, you may experience a cooler or warmer day. When you are prepared, you will be comfortable. Keep an umbrella, a winter hat, and a good pair of walking shoes nearby. It’s also a good idea to have an umbrella, winter hat, and a good pair of walking shoes on hand. You may be asking, “Why a winter hat?” I have been at the beach in January in Northern Florida and found the winds chilly, and a winter hat kept the wind out of my ears.
Where To Stay In St. Augustine
La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites
810 A1A Beach Blvd
St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
There are several incredible places to stay in St. Augustine. We find ourselves returning to La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites on each visit to St. Augustine. This property is located on St. Augustine Beach, which means you will have to drive to the historic downtown sites. The bonus is that the beach is a short walk from your lodging.
Anytime of year is a good time to take a walk along the beaches in St. Augustine Beach. There are several restaurants on St. Augustine Beach to choose from. Our favorite restaurant in St. Augustine Beach is The Oasis. Tip: Eat early or late to avoid the meal rush.
Ride The Old Town Trolley In St. Augustine
Nights Of Lights
Each year you can enjoy the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine. The event typically runs the weekend before Thanksgiving through January 31. Hope on the trolley and take in all of the lights.
With more than 3 million lights, you will be dazzled with the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine. You will quickly learn that January is a great time of year to visit St. Augustine, Florida.
The historic district is lit up like a Christmas tree all season long. Everywhere you look, there’s a magical holiday light display. This evening light show is perfect for viewing with a cup of hot chocolate. Instagram enthusiasts will adore the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine. If you want a magical experience in America’s oldest city, Nights of Lights is where you want to be. Bonus: The Christmas crowds are gone, and you can enjoy exploring St. Augustine.
Visit The St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of my favorite places to visit in St. Augustine.
The holiday decorations stay up for quite some time after Christmas, so go visit. January is a great time of year to visit St. Augustine, as the light house is incredibly beautiful.
If you want more of a specific experience, book a ticket featuring your desired experience. These experiences include Ghost Tales, Lighthouse Illuminations, and a Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour. No matter when you visit, the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers a fun experience.
Hop on Ripley’s Red Train Tour
The Ripley’s Red Train Tour is an overview of St. Augustine. The knowledgeable train drivers take you down the narrow historic streets. With more than 100 historical sites highlighted, you will learn something new on this 60-minute train tour. Night of Lights Tours on the Ripley’s Red Train Tour (30-minute tours) are available during the holiday season, including January.
Tours start at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, giving you a reason to visit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not’s first museum in the country. With more than 800 exhibits, you will find this attraction fascinating.
Stroll through the jungle and into space; there’s always something “strange” to see when you visit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.
Visit The Fountain of Youth
The Fountain of Youth showcases America’s first Colony in St. Augustine. Learn about the first settlements in the United States and experience the rich history. It was in 2,400 B.C. that Native Americans began to occupy central Florida/Southwest Georgia. Ponce de Leon arrived in 1513 and the rest is history. The Spanish Watchtower is a highlight of visiting the Fountain of Youth. The views are incredible.
Before you leave the Fountain of Youth, be sure to drink from Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth.
Visit The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
America’s original American treasure can be found on St. George Street in the heart of St. Augustine. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the United States is ready for you to visit. It’s a short walk from the hop on/hop off Old Town Trolley. Plan to spend an hour soaking in the history and the beautiful gardens that surround the wooden schoolhouse.
As you stroll through the old wooden schoolhouse, reflect on where the children sat and practiced their writing. The wooden floors and chairs were not comfortable, but the children learned in this schoolhouse.
There are notes and letters from students that attended during the 1850s and 1860s. For older students to attend school, it cost 25 cents. The younger students paid 12 1/2 cents per week.
As you leave the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in America, stop at the desk to receive your diploma.
A unique experience is what you will find along St. George Street at America’s Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. Souvenirs and memorabilia is available for purchase in the gift shop. You can take history home with you, as you reflect on your visit to this fantastic historic site in St. Augustine, Florida.
Explore St. Augustine’s Old Store Museum
I have been to St. Augustine several times and this was the first time I have visited the Old Store Museum. It’s fair to say that I have been missing out on a lot of fun.
The treasures that are in this museum are truly some of the best of any museum. Your tour guide will be sure you are immersed into the time period and you may find yourself asking, “Is this really from the past or present?”
Historical Museums You Need To Visit
Visit Potter’s Wax Museum
Potter’s Wax Museum is the first established wax museum in the country. It should come as no surprise, as St. Augustine is home to several first’s and eldest’s. You will find this museum inside the oldest pharmacy in the United States. George L. Potter, the museum’s founder, was fascinated with accuracy and detail in his wax figures.
You will see the “very” best as you explore this iconic museum in St. Augustine, Florida.
You can visit St. Augustine anytime of the year for a fun experience. January is ideal as the weather is mild and Christmas still shines throughout the city. No matter the time of year, you will be guaranteed to have a delightful time in America’s Oldest City.
SaraB
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