St. Augustine is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history, but the oldest city is also bursting with culture with music and arts at every corner. What better to do on a rainy day than visit one of the many historic museums, stroll through a gallery, or catch a movie in one of the oldest buildings in the city? Here are 11 musts for a rainy St. Augustine Day.
Crisp-Ellert Museum
Serving first and foremost as an educational resource for Flagler College students, the Crisp-Ellert Museum exhibits the work of regional as well as national and international artists. The museum opens the door to creativity, historical awareness, and critical thought for students, the St. Augustine community, and the public at large through their free art exhibits. Find information about the current exhibition here.
Lightner Museum
Formerly known as the Alcazar Hotel, the historic Lightner Museum houses one of the finest 19th century art collections in the country. Offering self-guided and group tours, the museum offers patrons a look through fine and decorative art, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and Tiffany stained glass. Find more information about current programs and events here.
Visitor’s Tip: Visit the Café Alcazar located within the museum for a unique dining experience located in what was once the world’s largest indoor swimming pool.
Flagler Legacy Tours
Explore the masterful architecture of Flagler College, formerly the Hotel Ponce de Leon, on a Flagler Legacy Tour. Built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the college is considered to be one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. On the tour, guests explore the courtyard, grand lobby, dining room, and the Flagler Room while learning of the innovative techniques that exemplified Flagler’s vision as well as viewing original hotel art and furniture. Find more information about tours here.
Prohibition Kitchen
This vintage gastropub brings guests into the world of flappers, swing, and speakeasies with delicious food, spirits, and entertainment. Almost any night of the week, you can hear the sounds of jazz and blues radiating from their stage. Find a calendar of musical events here.
Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
Take a trip through time at the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. With exhibits dedicated to St. Augustine’s African American heritage, patrons can trace history from the last 450 years to present day, including the construction of Fort Mose, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights era. Find more information here.
Visitor’s Tip: You can request to take part in group tours led by guides that are full of information and interesting stories.
Butterfield Garage Art Gallery
Since first opening its doors in 1999, the artist-run Butterfield Garage Art Gallery has encouraged creative experimentation for artists. Alongside the interesting mix of traditional and contemporary art the gallery offers, it also serves as one of the only local galleries where the public can interact accessibly with artists. View the featured artist schedule here.
St. Augustine Distillery
Have a passion for spirits? So does St. Augustine Distillery. This business collaborative came together with the dream of bringing premium, small batch spirits to the community. As they develop new and exciting product choices for their customers, they invite you to share and learn alongside them, through free tours of their distillery that run every 30 minutes. Find more information and FAQ’s about tours here.
San Sebastian Winery
Ranking as one of Florida’s premium wineries, San Sebastian’s pioneering efforts in winemaking have earned them more than 700 awards of excellence. The winery offers tastings and tours that include the full winemaking process, running every day each 20 minutes. On the weekends, patrons can also visit the rooftop where they can relax in view of the St. Augustine skyline, with live jazz and blues music in the background. Find more information about tours here.
Visitor’s Tip:The Wine Shop offers gift items and wine accessories including glassware and, of course, bottles of their famous wine.
Whetstone Chocolates
If you have a sweet tooth, Whetstone Chocolate’s is the perfect place to spend your rainy day. Join the Whetstone Chocolatiers on St. Augustine’s “Original Chocolate Tour.” Through a four-tiered tasting, you will be able to try dark, milk, and white chocolates, and cocoa nibs while you learn the history and process of chocolate making, as well as the Whetstone story starting with the idea’s conception. Find more information about factory tours here.
Limelight Theatre
The show must go on at the Limelight, a community theatre in uptown St. Augustine where theatregoers can find beloved stage classics as well as modern box-office hits. Not only does the theatre stage eight live shows each season, but they offer year-round theatre education for students of any age. You can find tickets to the currently running show here.
Visitor’s Tip: Are you celebrating your birthday with a night out on the town? The Limelight offers free admission to a show on your actual birthday (no rainchecks are permitted).
