By Stacey Wittig
December and January are the most woof-worthy months for traveling with your pets to St. Augustine, Florida. From now until the end of January, the oldest European city on the continent gleams with thousands of dazzling white lights.
National Geographic chose St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights festive event as one of the world’s ten best holiday lighting displays. But that’s not all! Here are more reasons your next port of call should be Florida’s Historic Coast.
Beach Escape
During the day, you and your furry traveling companion can romp and play on 42 miles of dog-friendly beaches. Who couldn’t use a beach getaway this time of year?
You’ll find convenient doggie bag stations and outdoor showers to rinse the sand from two feet or four paws. Of course, leashed dogs are always welcome.
Pet-Friendly Dining
Unleash your taste buds at almost 100 restaurants that offer pet-friendly patio dining. The Floridian, Aunt Kates, and Ancient City Brunch Bar are three of our favorites for local flavors. Be sure to slurp up some St. Augustine-style shrimp, datil pepper sauce, and Minorcan pilau (pronounced per-low) for tastes that are part of the St. Augustine food culture.
To be sure, local professional shrimping and fishing boats keep restaurants supplied with fresh fish year-round. Indeed, with average December daytime temperatures at 69F, the semi-tropical climate is just right for outdoor dining with your sweet pup.
Sip and swirl at Casa de Vino 57, where locals meet after hours in the hidden backyard. Watch for special events like Yappy Hour, a fundraiser for a local animal rescue. There’s also a pet-friendly rooftop bar at San Sebastian Winery.
Pet-Friendly Museums
Incredibly, the Ancient City offers more pet-friendly attractions than you can shake a stick at! Bring your pooch when you explore the Oldest Wooden School House or the Spanish Military Hospital Museum in St. Augustine’s historic district.
You and your fur baby can sit in a planetarium together as the experts at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park turn the night sky back to how it appeared on April 2, 1513, the night before Juan Ponce de Leon landed here.
The Spanish explorer used the stars as guides, but you don’t have to. Knowledgeable tour guides navigate you and your pet through kayaking and sailing experiences (St. Augustine Eco Tours) or walking tours (Ancient City Tours or Saint Augustine Historic Walking Tours.)
Hit the ale trail with your canine companion on a craft beer tasting tour (St Augustine Experiences).
Bark Ranger Badge
Earn a virtual Bark Ranger badge at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine’s iconic coastal fort. When you:
B – Bag your poo
A – Always wear a leash
R – Respect wildlife
K – Know where to go…
you and your four-legged buddy can download an official badge and then read the Bark Ranger Pledge. Get it all at https://tinyurl.com/2ajedavh. Although pets aren’t allowed inside the structure of the picturesque Castillo de San Marcos, they are allowed on the exterior grounds of the national monument when leashed.
When in the colonial quarter, don’t miss the unique gifts for dogs and their owners at Faux Paws. There you and your top dog can find something to bring home to remind you of your pet-friendly St. Augustine beach getaway.
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer based near Flagstaff. Follow her adventures at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
[editor’s note: from photo captions link FloridasHistoricCoast.com]
