Top Rated Shopping in St. Augustine

If you love chocolate, Whetstone's Chocolate Factory selling a wide range of fudges, smoothies, gelato, coffees, chocolate bars, chocolate bags and dessert toppings is the place to be. Here, you can watch firsthand preparation of all the chocolate products, thanks to the tour organized here throughout the week. The tour lasts about an hour and in addition to eating chocolates, you can even design your own personalized piece to take home.The shelves filled with chocolate eatables at Whetstone's Chocolate Factory is a sight capable of impressing any chocolate lover.

St. George Street follows a historically old pathway that was once used by the Timucuan Indians before the first European colonists arrived. Over the last 400 years it was used by the Spanish, British and Americans as the main thoroughfare in which commerce commenced in the New World. Today, it is a pedestrian-only street that begins at the Castillo de San Marcos and meanders past Maria Sanchez Lake until it ends at South Street. Along the way, there are many sights, restaurants and the place where guests will find all of the city's kitschy, sometimes tacky souvenir shops.

If vintage is on your mind, then head to Red Pineapple in St. Augustine for a fine selection of retro dresses, purses and jewelry. The selection of items is vast, choose from their soft flowing dresses or pick up a few items of home decor, you'll definitely leave home with something. The boutique also has a lot of well thought out gifts for your loved ones, especially those who are impossible to shop for.

360 Boutique on San Marcos Avenue is the perfect place to shop for women's apparel and hand-crafted jewelry. All of the items at 360 Boutique are personally hand-picked by the owner, who is more than happy to help you choose the right ensemble and jewelry perfect for any occasion. The stock ranges from the purely fun and kooky to the classy and chic, and will surely garner you compliments the first time you wear it.

Ponce de Léon and his naval contingent first set foot upon the shores of the swampy Matanzas River in 1513. Thereafter, various European nations tried in vain to establish a permanent colony along this beautiful, but rugged coastline. The settlement wasn't permanent until Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés finally succeeded in 1565. Named after Augustine of Hippo, this 'ancient city' began its fledgling existence countering attacks by indigenous peoples as well as those against the British and French. The boundaries of the old city usually begin at the magnificent Castillo de San Marcos, however visitors can start from the Ponce de Léon Fountain of Youth Archaelogical Park for a more comprehensive tour. Some notable sights along the way include the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the aforementioned Castillo, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and lovely, historic Colonial Quarter along St. George Street.

Christé Blue is a women's fashion boutique and home furnishing gallery located across the Bridge of Lions and just south of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Inside, the racks and shelves feature designer duds, jewelry and accessories. On the floor, guests will find both vintage and contemporary home decorations like art, furniture, and rugs. Moreover, lots of pieces come from the handiwork of local artisans and artists.