Summer break was a busy one for us, with preparing my daughters for their new school and running our businesses, so we almost didn't get a chance to have a summer vacation.
It's not like us not having a summer family vacation, so I made sure to squeeze in a trip before my girls returned to school.
Planning this trip was very last minute, and it seems like all our trips are that way due to our schedules.
The list of places that were in the running for our summer trip was:
Lauren came up with the idea of returning to St. Augustine, FL, since we haven't visited there for a while.
St. Augustine is a City on the Northeast Coast of Florida
St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city (EST. 1565) that offers plenty of dining, specialty shops, historic hotels, and award-winning inns, giving that Old World Charm that travelers love.
St. Augustine is an excellent destination for those looking to unwind while enjoying the city's ancient architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful bayfronts. This gorgeous city will have you feeling like you stepped foot in Europe.
During our last trip to St. Augustine in 2018, we stayed at the Renaissance Hotel at The World Golf Village.
For this trip, I wanted to be on a beach to enjoy some relaxation by the ocean, so we stayed on St. Augustine Beach.
St. Augustine Beach is a small city on Anastasia Island known for its wide, Atlantic Ocean-facing beaches with miles of white-sand beach and clear water.
The beach includes a beachfront park with volleyball courts and a playground, a sea turtle nesting site, a nature trail, and picnic areas, making this beach perfect for families.
Beachfront Resort at St. Augustine Beach
Since lodging was limited due to peak season, we managed to score a last-minute deal at The Embassy Suites Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort.
Embassy Suites oceanfront hotel is steps from the ocean shore, with balcony views of St. Augustine Beach. Downtown attractions are only 10 minutes away from this resort, so it's convenient to get to all the attractions.
The resort also offers water sports, family-friendly activities, cabanas, and a poolside bar with a cantina.
Each morning, Embassy Suites offers complimentary made-to-order breakfast, a Starbucks in the lobby, an indoor bar, and a restaurant.
Our drive from Atlanta to St. Augustine was over six hours, and we arrived very late in the evening on the day of our check-in.
Due to the resort being sold out for the night, we were put into one of the last rooms available. Unfortunately, the room we were placed in was on the first floor, right on top of the parking garage, plus the view outside the balcony was of the courtyard when we wanted the ocean view.
Both issues weren't a big deal; however, the bathroom was not well ventilated, so it had a lingering odor that wouldn't go away. And the two Queen size beds seem to be the size of a full size. So, Mr. M and I were very uncomfortable sleeping in the small bed together.
Another bad thing was the complimentary breakfast; not very good. The food tastes bland and cold. But that's how it always is with Embassy Suites. However, the made-to-order omelet was decent.
Not all was bad with this Embassy Suites at St. Augustine; it's a beautiful, immaculate resort! It's one of the best Embassy Suites I've ever stayed in! Our room had soft, coastal tones that gave the space a nice nautical touch.
The ocean panorama views at the resort will help immediately put you in relaxing Zen as you step outside by the pool.
Grab a coffee at Starbucks in the morning and lounge by the pool while watching the sunrise. And in the evening, sip on a complimentary cocktail from Embassy Suites' evening reception, and watch the sunset. This resort will have you not wanting to leave!
Outside the Embassy Suites, are local casual eateries and ice cream shops within walking distance.
What We Ate and Things We Did in St. Augustine
Salt Life Food Shack
Across the street from the resort, my family and I went to Salt Life Food Shack, a surf-themed hangout with an eclectic seafood menu that included sushi, tacos, and burgers.
I never knew that Salt Life had a restaurant. Salt Life is known for being a store to get all your beach gear. So when I saw they had a restaurant, I had to give them a try.
Salt Life Food Shack did not disappoint! My grilled skirt steak tacos were flavorful with the right amount of savory spices that had my mouth watering!
Also, the restaurant is excellent for beachgoers, with tasty foods, ocean views, live music, roof-top dining, and a shaded patio in a laid-back atmosphere.
Old Town Trolley Tour St. Augustine
The last time we visited downtown St. Augustine it was freezing cold, so we didn't do the Old Town Trolley Tour around town; however, this time, we got to do it!
Old Town Trolley Tour in St. Augustine is an open-air sightseeing hop-on and off tour of St. Augustine with 22 stops (the tour is 80 min, and you can hop on and off all day). In addition, the driver gives a live narrated historic tour of downtown St. Augustine during the drive around town.
Ice Plant Bar
We hopped off once to dine at The Ice Plant Bar. The Ice Plant serves farm-to-table food and craft cocktails at their unique 1927 industrial 'Ice Plant' building.
Again, another delicious place! I could tell everything was freshly made. My meal of choice was the Roast Beef and Gruyere Melt with a side salad. The horseradish cream gave the sandwich the perfect tangy kick in taste, with the brioche that just melts in your mouth. Yum!
Also, while in St. Augustine, we checked out the historic district's unique shops and did some shopping at St. Augustine Premium Outlets.
St. Augustine is a Wonderful Florida Destination for Everyone
St. Augustine is one of Florida's most delightful cities, filled with history, beautiful beaches, friendly locals, extraordinary museums and churches, fine dining, local shops, and so much more!
St. Augustine may not be a top Florida destination like Orlando and Miami, but it's still worth visiting if you're looking for a more laid-back vacation.
The best time to visit St. Augustine is from March to May for mild weather. Unfortunately, it was sweltering while we were there, but not unbearable. Also, the crowds are at their largest from June to August due to summer break. The weather is freezing between December and February, with temperatures in the 40s.
After our trip from St. Augustine, I felt refreshed and recharged. Usually, after my vacation, I feel like I'm drained and need a couple of days to recover.
I can't wait to take another trip to St. Augustine!
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