Local Shopping Markets and Malls to Visit in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL, the nation's oldest city, seamlessly blends history and shopping into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking unique antiques or modern treasures, shopping here immerses you in the local culture and charm. Dive into our guide to discover the best shopping spots that St. Augustine has to offer.
Historic Downtown Shopping
Historic downtown St. Augustine is a shopper's dream, with its cobblestone streets lined with unique boutiques and artisan shops.
Aviles Street is a must-visit, known for its eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and eateries. This charming street, the oldest in the city, offers a perfect blend of history and modern flair. Key highlights include:
The Pena-Peck House and Woman's Exchange: This historic house offers a wide array of antiques and handmade gifts. Operated by the Women's Exchange of St. Augustine, supporting the preservation of the building and local artisans.
High Tide Gallery: Specializes in coastal-themed art and decor, featuring works by local artists. It's the perfect place to find a unique piece that captures the essence of St. Augustine's seaside charm.
Aviles Street Gallery: A cooperative gallery showcasing the talents of local artists. From paintings to sculptures, you’ll find a variety of artwork that reflects the vibrant culture of the city.
Traveler Tip: Aviles Street often hosts street fairs and art walks, making it an exciting spot for spontaneous finds.
St. George Street is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare that captures the essence of St. Augustine. This bustling street is lined with an array of shops and attractions, making it a hotspot for both tourists and locals. Some must-visit shops include:
Whetstone Chocolates: Renowned for handmade chocolates and confections. Take a tour to learn about the chocolate-making process and enjoy free samples of their delicious treats.
The Pirate Store: Offers pirate-themed merchandise perfect for unique gifts. The store also features interactive pirate experiences for kids, making it a fun stop for families.
St. Photios Greek Shrine Gift Shop: Features religious items and unique gifts from Greece, located within a historic shrine that celebrates Greek heritage and the first Greek settlers in America.
The street's ambiance is enhanced by occasional street performers and live music performances at various establishments like Sangrias and the Colonial Quarter, where you can also experience living history with costumed guides and interactive exhibits offering a glimpse into life in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
Fun Fact: St. George Street was originally a residential street and has evolved into one of the city's most vibrant commercial areas.
San Marco Avenue
San Marco Avenue is a delightful blend of antique stores and boutique shops. Known as “Uptown” in the historic district, it's the ideal spot for those seeking unique home decor and local crafts. Notable stores include:
Antique Emporium: A treasure trove of vintage finds, including furniture, collectibles, and rare items. This store is perfect for those who love the charm and character of antique pieces.
Dianthus Vintage: Specializes in retro and mid-century modern pieces, offering unique home accents and vintage clothing. It's a favorite among those who appreciate the style and quality of bygone eras.
Market to Market: Offers a variety of local crafts, gifts, and handmade items. Often sourced from local artisans, you can find everything from jewelry to home decor that reflects the local culture and craftsmanship.
Coastal Traders: A colorfully eclectic shop featuring fine handcrafted Indonesian furniture, home decor, clothing, accessories, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. Coastal Traders also features the works of several local artists.
After shopping, take a break at one of the cozy cafes or restaurants along the avenue, such as Sunday Gathering Table, known for their classic cafe fare and sourdough bread, or Juniper Market, offering fresh, healthy bites in a relaxed setting.
Traveler Tip: Many shops on San Marco Avenue offer shipping services, making it easier to send your unique finds home without the hassle of carrying them.
Outlet Shopping
For those looking for brand names at discounted prices, St. Augustine offers one excellent outlet mall and two other nearby options depending on the brands you’re looking to shop from:
Home to luxury brands like Coach, Kate Spade, and Polo Ralph Lauren, as well as budget-friendly options like Gap Outlet and Old Navy Outlet. The mall often hosts seasonal sales and events, providing even greater savings opportunities.
Just an hour's drive south of St. Augustine, this outlet mall is worth the trip for its extensive selection of brands like Michael Kors, H&M, and Nike. The mall also offers a pleasant shopping environment with beautiful outdoor spaces and a variety of dining options.
St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville
Located just an hour's drive north of St. Augustine, the open-air St. Johns Town Center has more than 175 of the hottest retailers and restaurants including Apple, Sephora, The Capital Grille, Tiffany & Co., Banana Republic, PF Changs, Louis Vuitton and more.
Pro Tip: Visit during weekdays or early mornings for the best deals and a more relaxed shopping experience. St. Augustine Premium Outlets offers VIP Shopper Club memberships for additional discounts and special offers, making it easier to score fantastic deals.
Farmers Markets and Specialty Food Shops
St. Augustine boasts several farmers markets where you can find fresh produce and handmade goods. Notable markets include:
St. Augustine Amphitheater Farmers Market
Held every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, featuring local produce, crafts, and live music. It’s a great place to meet local farmers and artisans, and enjoy the lively community atmosphere.
Held every Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park, this market offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. It's a vibrant market that reflects the beachside community's spirit and supports local vendors.
Held every Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Willie Galimore Community Center, featuring a variety of local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. It’s a vibrant market that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Lincolnville neighborhood.
Specialty food shops such as Hot Stuff Mon (hot sauces) and The Spice & Tea Exchange provide unique local flavors and products. Additionally, Claude’s Chocolates is a must-visit for gourmet chocolates and confections, offering delectable treats made with high-quality ingredients.
Traveler Tip: Bring reusable bags to the farmers markets to carry your fresh finds and help support the local environment.
Gifts and Souvenirs
For those seeking unique St. Augustine-themed souvenirs, the following shops are highly recommended:
Silver Feather Jewelry & Gifts
Known for its beautiful handcrafted jewelry and Native American crafts. This shop offers a wide range of unique items that make perfect keepsakes or gifts.
Offers an array of unique gifts reflecting the city’s history, including hand-painted tiles, traditional Spanish pottery, and other decorative items that capture the essence of St. Augustine's rich heritage.
The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse Gift Shop
Perfect for historical memorabilia and educational gifts, located next to the iconic oldest wooden schoolhouse in the U.S. This shop offers a variety of items that provide a glimpse into the city’s educational past.
Fun Fact: The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is over 200 years old and is made from red cedar and cypress, held together with wooden pegs and handmade nails.
Seasonal Shopping Events
St. Augustine hosts several seasonal shopping events that are worth attending. These include:
Nights of Lights Holiday Market
A festive market featuring holiday decor, gifts, and local crafts. The event runs from late November through January, illuminating the city with millions of lights and creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
Held in March, this festival offers a unique blend of Celtic merchandise, food, and entertainment. Enjoy traditional music, dancing, and a variety of vendors offering Celtic-themed products.
St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival
Held annually over Thanksgiving weekend, showcasing local and regional artists and their works. From paintings to sculptures and handcrafted jewelry, this festival is a celebration of the artistic talent in the area.
These events provide an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and find one-of-a-kind items.
Pro Tip: Check event schedules in advance and plan your visit around these special events to enhance your shopping experience.
Practical Tips for Shoppers
To make the most of your shopping trip in St. Augustine, consider these practical tips:
Best times to visit: Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded, making for a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Parking: Utilize public parking lots or garages in busy areas. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility near the Visitor Information Center is a convenient option, offering easy access to many downtown attractions and shops.
Transportation: Consider using the city’s trolley tours to combine shopping with sightseeing. The trolleys offer hop-on, hop-off service, making it easy to explore different shopping areas without the hassle of finding parking.
St. Augustine offers a rich and varied shopping experience that caters to all interests. From historic downtown shops to modern outlet malls, there’s something for everyone. We invite you to explore and enjoy the local culture through shopping. Share your favorite St. Augustine shopping spots with us and help others discover the charm of this historic city.
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