Nightlife

Especially on weekends, the Old Town is full of strollers and partyers making the rounds of dozens of bars, clubs, and restaurants. For up-to-date details on what's happening in town, check the local daily, the St. Augustine Record (www.staugustine.com), or the irreverent Folio Weekly (www.folioweekly.com). Another nighttime activity is taking one of the many ghost tours.

The best-looking and rowdiest crowd in town can be found at the A1A Ale Works. Twenty-something hipsters and middle-aged partyers mingle at this New Orleans-style microbrewery and restaurant. You'll find live music Thursday through Saturday at the bar -- usually light rock and R&B tunes.

Ann O'Malley's, 23 Orange St., near the Old City Gate (tel. 904/825-4040), is an Irish pub that's open until 1am. Besides the selection of ales, stouts, and drafts, this is one of the only spots in town where you can grab a late-night bite.

Also popular with locals, Mill Top Tavern, 19 1/2 St. George St., at the Fort (tel. 904/829-2329), is a warm and rustic tavern housed in a 19th-century mill building (the water wheel is still outside). Weather permitting, it's an open-air space. There's music here every day from 1pm to 1am.

At Scarlett O'Hara's, 70 Hypolita St., at Cordova Street (tel. 904/824-6535; www.scarlettoharas.net), a catacomb of cozy rooms with working fireplaces in a rambling, 19th-century wood-frame house, is the setting for everything from DJs and karaoke to live music. Sporting events are aired on a large-screen TV; and, if you're hungry, check out the Southern fried chicken.

Across the river, the Gypsy Bar & Grill, part of the Gypsy Cab Co. restaurant, 828 Anastasia Blvd. (tel. 904/824-8244), often has live music, as well as a comedy club next door.