Dana's Hot Spots in Saint Augustine, FL

Weather.  Links for Local Weather Info, Tides, Surf Station, Trip Guides, Attractions, and Coupons!

Music on the Beach or Square http://www.plazaconcerts.com/ and http://www.staugbchcivicassoc.com/

Stuff to do Outdoors
 Events
Websites to Help You Find Cool Stuff To Do
  • What to do and see in a 3-day Trip for Arts & Culture; Nature & Beaches; Luxury & Romance. The website is not advertisement driven--it has real ideas about real places, not tourist traps.
  • Another good article about what to do in three days, A Conquistadors’ Beach Vacation. Only instead of going to St. Augustine Beach,  I recommend going to Crescent Beach over the 206 Bridge.  Why?  Because I said so.  Seriously? The beach is not as touristy and has the river side and the inlet.  Plus, you can have the world's best calamari at the Mantanzas Inlet.  Restaurant Address: 8805 A1A South, Summer Haven Fl, 32080 • The first restaurant on the right after crossing the Matanzas Inlet Bridge.
  • St. Augustine Lighthouse has the best view for miles. Good place to go your first or second day in town for an overview of the entire area.  Related post: http://ecoluxuryliving.blogspot.com/2008/10/laid-back-luxury-and-romance-secret.html
  • The Greathouse Butterfly Farm Earlton, Florida.
  • Ripley's Adventure Train Tours. Red trains let you ride around town for up to three days. You can get on and off as often as you like and even catch a ride over to the beach all for one flat fee.  Ghost tour is a hoot for teens and ghost busters.
  • Zany Florida Facts
  • Tour Historic St. Augustine 904-825-0087 800-797-3778 Attraction Tickets, Vacation Planning.  http://www.staugustinetours.com/   info@staugustine.com
  • Related posts on this blog: http://ecoluxuryliving.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results
  • My Favorite Saint Augustine, Secret Florida Day Trip--Head out to Marjorie Keenan Rawlings Home, Cross Creek and stop at the Yearling Restaurant. This place has odd hours, so be sure to check the hours of operation before driving all the way out to this Old Florida establishment.
Restaurants.  I'm a pretty serious cook--among other things--which makes me tough to please and rarely inclined to recommend restaurants because I can often cook better at home. I will tell you where I go out to eat--just keep reading, but keep in mind unless you know that you do in fact like my taste, I can’t make any promises about you lovin' these places;-)

For a full directory of general dining in St. Augustine Beach, click here.

Dana's Fave Eateries
Crescent Beach Café for beach fish sandwiches and drinks on the beach.  Rarely any wait to be seated, sometimes can have too many loud motorcycles and smokers, but that's St. A Beach. You can't beat the local fish and good views!

Present Moment Café for fresh, raw food. If you're not vegan, or into organic you can boost your diet with more healthy choices. Present Moment can inspire and satisfy you. Check out their cooking classes!

95 Cordova in the Hotel Casa Monica is about the only place I recommend for elegant special occasions or late night jazz and desserts. There’s also a good coffee shop in the Hotel if you’re downtown and don’t want touristy places for sandwiches and salads. Don’t be intimidated by the prices or fancy reputation, they’re used to tourists in their shorts, the staff will welcome you.

La Pentola - First class food, tough parking. Reservations Strongly Suggested.
58 Charlotte St, Historic Olde City, (904) 824-3282 - Directions

Zhanra's Art and tapas downtown, easy parking
108 Anastasia Blvd., (904) 823-3367  Click here for directions

Bistro De Leon restaurant opened by fifth generation chef and his wine making wife.  Moderate to expensive.
12 Cathedral Pl., Saint Augustine - (904) 810-2100

Barnes & Noble on US 1 has a good café, sandwiches, soup before 8:30 PM (they run out by 9 even though they’re open).

Creekside or Saltwater Cowboys - My favorite when I want fish, shrimp or authentic low country cooking--think Pat Conroy, Marjorie Keenan Rawlings. Order the shrimp and grits and you’ll probably be so happy you'll put me in your will. Not a fancy place, Creekside has a peaceful deck outside with water views, live music and is the closest of the two restaurants to the condo.  Saltwater Cowboys is good if you're out at St. Augustine Beach.  Reasonable prices.