I would stay at one of our local B&B’s because they take good care of you and you can save some money on food. I would ride the Old Town Trolley to move about the Old City.  

What would I visit? 

• Castillo de San Marcos
• St. George Street
• Fountain of Youth
• The Great Cross
• St. Augustine Lighthouse
• St. Augustine Lighthouse Ghost Tour
• Flagler College Tour
• Memorial Presbyterian Church Tour

I would also visit one of the beaches in either:

• St. Augustine Beach
• Vilano Beach
• Natural Estuarine Reserve Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas (GTM)

Where would I eat?

• Fine dining
  • Columbia Restaurant
  • Old City House
  • Michael’s
• Comfort Food
  • O’Steens (best fried shrimp)
  • Pizzalley’s Chianti Room (fabulous pizza)
  • Gas Full Service Restaurant (great burgers)

Other tips I have for you would be to walk onto the Bridge of Lions and take a few terrific photos of the Old City, sailboats parked in the Matanzas and marina. The Chamber of Commerce won’t like this, but I would take a day-trip to a city/event nearby. I am an explorer, so of course I would do this. The Kennedy Space Center seems fun to a traveling man like me. 

• Collage
• Columbia Restaurant
• Michael’s
• Old City House

Ponce’s Favorite Dinner Options:

• Columbia Restaurant
• Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill
• Old City House
• O’Steen’s 
• River & Fort

My reason for selecting these tours are really simple, they’re fascinating. There is so much history and understanding about Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel that peaks one’s interest in architecture, art, business, education, and technology.  The tour cost is reasonable at $13. Check their website for the latest information. 

The Memorial Presbyterian Church was dedicated on March 16, 1890. It is the oldest Presbyterian church in Florida. Built by Henry Flagler, the church is designed after the Basiica of St. Mark in Venice, Italy. It is absolutely stunning. Flagler built his church to honor his daughter, Jennie Louise, who died in 1889. They don’t offer daily tours. The current tour days are on Friday’s (11am-3:30pm) and Sunday’s (12:30pm-3:30pm) and they are free of charge. They do accept donations and suggest a rate of $5.00/per person.