St. Augustine offers a wide range of unique gift shops that showcase the city’s rich history and local culture. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, handcrafted items, or specialty products, the shopping options are varied and appealing.

I have identified the five best gift shops in St. Augustine to help you find memorable and worthwhile items during your visit. These shops provide a convenient way to bring home something special from this historic city.

1) Fountain of Youth Gift Shop

When I visited the Fountain of Youth Gift Shop, I found it to be a charming spot connected to a site full of history. The shop is part of the larger Fountain of Youth Park, which feels like stepping back in time to an early European settlement. The atmosphere outside and inside the shop reflects this rich historical background.

The gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs that celebrate the legacy of Ponce de Leon’s legendary spring. I saw many unique items tied to the area’s heritage, making it easy to find meaningful keepsakes. The staff was friendly and seemed well-informed about the significance of the location.

The entire site spans 15 acres, and the shop fits neatly among beautiful gardens and historic landmarks. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the last admission an hour before closing, so there is plenty of time to explore both the park and the gift shop. They also welcome dogs, which is a nice touch if you’re traveling with pets.

Rating: 4.6 (269 reviews)
Location: 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Contact: (904) 829-2874
Website: Visit Website

2) Souvenir City

When I walked into Souvenir City, the first thing that stood out was the wide variety of items. From local memorabilia to classic keepsakes, the selection makes it easy to find something that captures the spirit of St. Augustine.

The store is well-organized, which helped me browse without feeling overwhelmed. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, willing to answer questions about various products.

Souvenir City is conveniently located on St. George Street, a popular area for visitors. It’s a good stop if you need a quick gift or a memento from your trip.

Rating: 4.6 (140 reviews)
Location: 135 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Contact: (904) 819-0577

3) Old City Gift Shop

I found Old City Gift Shop to be a well-curated spot in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. The store offers a variety of local souvenirs and unique gifts, making it easy to find something that reflects the city’s charm. The layout is inviting, and the staff were helpful without being pushy.

The items for sale are diverse, from handcrafted products to more typical tourist memorabilia. I appreciated the mix of affordable options alongside higher-end items. It felt like a genuine place to pick up mementos rather than just a typical tourist trap.

Its location on Cathedral Place means it’s easy to include in a walking tour of the area. I stopped by on a weekday and noticed it was not crowded, which helped me take my time browsing. The shop’s phone number is listed if you want to call ahead for specific items or hours.

Rating: 4.6 (46 reviews)
Location: 20 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Contact: (904) 823-0709

4) Alvin’s Island Saint Augustine #751

When I visited Alvin’s Island, I found it to be a well-stocked gift shop geared toward beachgoers. The store offers a variety of swimsuits, suntan products, and towels that fit the coastal lifestyle. It’s an easy stop if you need some last-minute items for the beach or a casual souvenir.

The shop also carries resortwear and toys, which makes it suitable for families. The atmosphere felt laid-back, aligning with the “island vibe” they promote on their website. I noticed they feature well-known brands, including swimwear from Roxy and O’Neill.

What stood out to me was the practical selection of beach-related goods that cater to both locals and tourists. Whether you need swimwear or a fun keepsake, the store covers many bases without feeling overwhelming or crowded.

Rating: 4.3 (802 reviews)
Location: 3848 Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Contact: (305) 471-9394 ext. 751
Website: Visit Website

5) The Irish Gift Shop

When I stepped into The Irish Gift Shop, it felt like a little piece of Ireland right in St. Augustine. The store offers a variety of authentic Irish gifts, including specialty items like shamrock light sets that caught my eye. It’s a cozy spot where you can find unique souvenirs that aren’t typical tourist fare.

The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the origins of many products, which made shopping there interesting. I appreciated the genuine atmosphere and how the shop balanced traditional Irish charm with modern gift options. It’s the kind of place where you want to spend some time browsing.

The location is easy to find in a historic part of the city, making it convenient if you’re already exploring nearby attractions. Prices seemed reasonable given the quality and uniqueness of the items. It’s certainly a go-to for those who want something distinctly Irish in St. Augustine.

Rating: 4.6 (155 reviews)
Location: 26 Cuna St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Website: Visit Website

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift Shop

Finding the right gift shop means balancing convenience, selection, and service. I look for places that are easy to get to, offer items I won’t find elsewhere, and have staff who make the experience smooth and pleasant.

Location and Accessibility

I prefer gift shops located in or near popular areas like Historic Downtown or the beach, which makes them easy to visit during a day out. A shop with parking nearby or access to public transportation saves time and hassle.

Accessibility is also key. Shops with clear signage, wide aisles, and entrances suitable for all visitors improve the overall shopping experience. If I’m short on time, I check opening hours online to avoid arriving when the store is closed.

Unique Product Selection

I always seek stores that carry a variety of local and one-of-a-kind items. Shops offering locally made art, custom apparel, or special editions stand out to me. It’s about finding gifts that represent the character of St. Augustine, like themed t-shirts, handmade souvenirs, or regionally inspired home goods.

Variety is important too. A good shop balances classic souvenirs like mugs and magnets with less common options, giving me more choices for different tastes and budgets.

Customer Service and Reviews

Friendly and knowledgeable staff make a gift shop feel welcoming. I value shops where employees offer help without pushing sales. Personalized touches, such as complimentary packaging or custom decals on shirts, add to the experience.

Before visiting, I read recent reviews to see what others say about their service and product quality. High ratings and comments about staff friendliness or unique promotions often seal my decision to stop by a store.

St. Augustine Souvenirs and Local Artisans

When shopping for gifts in St. Augustine, I found a strong focus on items that reflect the city’s history and culture. Many shops feature hand-crafted goods made by local artists, as well as unique souvenirs that capture the essence of this historic city.

Authentic Local Creations

I noticed that a wide range of shops offer authentic local creations, including handmade jewelry, pottery, and art. These items often use materials sourced from the region or are inspired by St. Augustine’s coastal landscape and colonial heritage. Many artists sell their work directly in small boutiques or artisan markets, ensuring each piece carries a story.

Some shops specialize in products like candles, textiles, or locally distilled spirits. Buying these supports preservation of traditional crafts and gives you a tangible connection to St. Augustine’s artistry, beyond typical mass-produced souvenirs.

Supporting Small Businesses

Shopping in St. Augustine often means engaging with small, independently owned businesses. These stores provide personalized service and often customize items, such as adding decals to shirts free of charge.

By choosing locally owned shops, I contribute directly to the city’s economy. Many of these businesses curate carefully selected goods, giving me access to distinctive gifts unavailable elsewhere. This focus on small business adds to the city’s charm and financial sustainability.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top “what to buy” ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!