With so many things to do in St Augustine Florida, the Hampton Inn features a convenient location to both historical attractions and fun beach activities. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos, shop on charming St. George Street or dine on fresh seafood creations at some of the areas best restaurants. Here is a list of just some of the exciting things to do in St Augustine Florida.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

ST. AUGUSTINE SCENIC CRUISE: See St. Augustine from the water. Sightseeing cruise aboard the Victory III provides unique views of historic landmarks and natural points of interest. Regularly scheduled cruises depart at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. with extended cruise times during the spring and summer. Call (904) 824-1806 or e-mail scenic@aug.com for more information.

ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORICAL TOURS: One-hour trolley tour of downtown St. Augustine, stopping at all major attractions. Call (904) 829-3800 for more information.

ANCIENT CITY TOURS: Entertaining tours of historic St. Augustine, Florida with informative guides. We make all tour and trip arrangements including hotel, restaurant and entry into all historical sites. We can also provide a delicious gourmet picnic lunch or dinner.

COLEE'S CARRIAGE TOURS: Horse-drawn carriage tour of downtown St. Augustine beginning on the beautiful bay front. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and lasts 45 minutes to an hour, covering over 2 ½ miles. Rates: adults, $12; children 5-11 years old, $5; children under 5, free. Call (904) 829-2818 for more information.

St Augustine Ghost Tour: Tour the ancient streets as you listen to tales of centuries past with professional guides in period dress. Offered every evening. Voted the # 1 guided tour in Florida. Call 888-461-109 for more information or visit www.staugustinetours.com.

ST. AUGUSTINE SIGHTSEEING TRAINS: Sightseeing trains tour through downtown St. Augustine, stopping at major attractions. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 5 p.m., with departures every 15-20 minutes. Rates: adults, $12; children 6-12 years old, $5; children under 6, free. Tickets are good for three consecutive days. Call (904) 829-6545 for further information.

MUSEUMS

THE MUSEUM OF WEAPONS AND EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY: Admission: adults, $3.50; children 12 and under, $1; children under 6, free. No fee for parking. Call 904-829-3727 for more information.

POTTER'S WAX MUSEUM: Features 150 wax statues ranging from Hollywood celebrities to world leaders. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 15 through Labor Day; after Labor Day through the spring: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: adults, $5.50; senior citizens, $4.50; children 6-12 years old, $2.75. Group rates. Phone number (904) 829-9056.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!: View 750 rare exhibits from over 190 countries. Open daily: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept thru May and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Prices are: adults, $8.95; senior citizens 60 years old and older, $7.95; children 5-12 years old, $4.95; children under 5, free. Call (904) 824-1606 for information.

THE FLORIDA HERITAGE MUSEUM: Tells the amazing story of Henry Flagler through unpublished photographs and artifacts. Model trains run in honor of Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; admission: adults, $4.25; children, 6-12 years old, $3.25; free parking. Contact (904) 829-3800.

OLD ST. AUGUSTINE VILLAGE: The age-old streets of St. George, Bridge, and Cordova make up St. Augustine Village, one of America’s most historically rice areas. The Village features 10 houses; courtyards and gardens that form an entire city block in St. Augustine's oldest historic district.

THE MUSEUM OF HISTORIC ST. AUGUSTINE: Features over 300 artifacts from archaeological digs and Spanish shipwrecks off Florida's coast. In the Government House, at 48 King St., the museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. except Christmas Day. Admission: adults, $2; children 6-18 years old, $1. (904) 825-5033.

ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM: There are 219 steps to the lantern room at the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the view of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and St. Augustine is well worth every step. Admission to the museum and tower: adults, $6.50; children 7-11 years old, $4; senior citizens 55 years old and older, $5.50. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with extended summer and holiday hours. For their safety, children must be 7 years old and 4 feet tall to climb the tower. Free museum admission and activities are offered to children under 7 and an accompanying adult. (904) 829-0745.

LIGHTNER MUSEUM: The museum's features Victorian period memorabilia, stained-glass art by Louis Tiffany, paintings, sculpture, toys, porcelain, and furniture. The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, which was constructed in 1888. Admission for adults is $5; students 12-18 years old, $1; children under 12 free when accompanied by adult. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Contact (904) 824-2874 for more information.

SHOPPING

ST. AUGUSTINE OUTLET CENTER : Choose from over 95 factory direct outlet stores, with a free trolley shuttle for visitors around the mile-long facility. Take a break to enjoy the many choices of the food court. Open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Contact (904) 825-1555 for more information. Located off State Road 16, from U.S. 1 North and I-95 by exit 95.

THE OLDEST CITY'S ORIGINAL STREET OF MERCHANTS: Historic Charlotte Street was the main street of St. Augustine during the 1700’s. Today, it features many shops, restaurants, bed and breakfast inns and beautiful homes to admire.

ST. GEORGE STREET : Historic street in downtown St. Augustine featuring 11 blocks of shops, restaurants and historic landmarks.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN ST AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM: Established in 1893, the Alligator Farm features monkeys, deer, exotic birds, giant tortoises, nature trails, reptile shows and the Gomek Forever exhibit, honoring the giant crocodile with a beautiful taxidermied display.

The farm is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission: adults, $11.95; children, 3-10 years old, $7.95; senior citizens, AAA, military discounts. St. Johns County residents receive half-price admission every day. Contact the Alligator Farm at (904) 824-3337 or send e-mail to Bill Pucket at wpuckett@aug.com.

THE BRIDGE OF LIONS: Constructed in 1927, the historic bridge links St. Augustine with Anastasia Island. Two Carrara marble lions, made to resemble the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, give the bridge its unique charm.

WHETSTONE CHOCOLATE FACTORY OUTLET STORE AND TOURS: Visit The Whetstone Chocolate Factory for a free self-guided tour of the kitchens and the packing room where over 500 chocolate candy pieces are produced per minute. Contact (904) 825-1700 for more information. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

FLAGLER COLLEGE: A masterpiece in Spanish Renaissance architecture, the Flagler College features stained glass by Louis Tiffany and murals by George Maynard. Complimentary guided tours are given each hour from 11a.m. – 4 p.m. daily from June 21 – Aug. 16. Contact (904) 829-6481 for more information.