St Augustine Travel Guide
St. Augustine is a captivating blend of history, charm, and coastal allure. From the cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings to the pristine beaches and vibrant attractions, this Florida gem offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a history buff seeking to explore ancient fortresses, a family craving fun-filled adventures, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, St. Augustine welcomes you with open arms.
Whether you have a day, a weekend, or a week to explore, we’ve got you covered. Discover family-friendly activities, pet-friendly accommodations, haunted history, and more. Let’s create unforgettable memories together in the nation’s oldest city!
Contents
- Airports Near St Augustine and Ways to Get Around Town
- Day Trip to St Augustine with 6 Things to Do in One Day
- How Many Days to Spend in Augustine (suggestions for 2, 3, 5+ day trips)
- Attractions and Fun to definitely add to your itinerary
- Events and Seasonal Festivities to plan your visit around
- Beaches, the Pier and Ancient Sand Dunes
- Places to Stay plus kid-friendly and pet-friendly options
- Restaurants and Snack Stands not to miss
Airports Near St Augustine Fl and Ways to Get Around Town
For most visitors, the best way to reach St. Augustine is by flying into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to the city. Renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience all that St. Augustine offers. The closest airport is the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, but generally only an option for some private travel scenarios.
While the historic downtown district is charming and walkable, many of the city’s top attractions, including beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, and diverse dining options, are located outside of the core area. Having a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and make the most of your time.
If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, the open-air Old Town Trolley offers 22 hop-on, hop-off stops in front of the most popular sites. It’s a delightful way to see the sights within the historic district and current cost is about $36 per day per person. Taxis and rideshare services are also available in the area.
Day Trip to St Augustine with 6 Things to Fit In!
Make the most of your limited time with a packed itinerary! It IS possible to see a lot of St Augustine in one day, if you have a good plan in place. Here are some must-see attractions and activities that can fit into one day, all within the walkable Old City Historic District area:
- Old Town Trolley Tour: Open air trolley system with 22 stops where you can hop-on and hop-off at the most popular sites and locations.
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: Immerse yourself in history at this iconic fort, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Easily self-tour through it in an hour, walkable from Historic District and St. George Street.
- Explore the Historic District: Wander through charming cobblestone streets, admire Spanish colonial architecture, and indulge in unique shopping. Grab lunch or a snack here. This area is completely walkable and within close walking distance to Castillo de San Marcos.
- The Oldest School House: Step back in time at this meticulously preserved school house, offering a glimpse into early St. Augustine life. Located right on St. George Street in the middle of lots of shopping and food options.
- Pirate Museum: Located in the same walkable area of St. George Street by taking an alleyway towards to ocean/A1A, also next to the Colonial Quarter.
- Colonial Quarter: Interactive museum-like attraction next to the pirate museum featuring entertaining tours, a tall fort with great views, blacksmiths, cannons and more.
If you plan to stay early evening, we recommend taking a ghost tour! There are a bunch to choose from… most of them start right on St. George Street.
St Augustine Travel Guide Tip:
Take the St Augustine Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour serving more than 100 points of interest all around town!
Great (fun!) way to get to each destination!
Check St Augustine Old Town Trolley ticket prices on Experia here – affiliate link.
How Many Days to Spend in St. Augustine
The ideal length of your St. Augustine stay depends on your interests and how much you want to explore. While it’s possible to get a taste of the city in just one day, immersing yourself in its history and culture while enjoying the beach, relaxing after a delicious meal, and visiting even more attractions and historical sites… requires more time.
To experience the highlights of St. Augustine, including the historic district, Castillo de San Marcos, and some of the surrounding attractions, two to three days is a good starting point.
St. Augustine in Two Days
A two-day itinerary allows you to explore the historic district in depth and visit iconic landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos (see “Day Trip to St. Augustine” for the list of things you can squeeze into one day, above).
Your second day could mean heading east on the Lion’s Bridge over Matanzas River towards the ocean where you can visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and St. Augustine Lighthouse, have a couple hours of fun at Anastasia Mini Golf, or explore Anastasia State Park (an easy 10 minute drive from the historic Old City part of St. Augustine) relaxing at the beach, renting kayaks or paddleboards or just have lunch at the Island Beach Grill.
St. Augustine in Three Days
With three days, you can see and experience even more outside of the walkable Old City part of town. After enjoying walking around the Old City and visiting the attractions across Lion’s Bridge, you’ll have another day to see even more attractions!
Consider heading 10-20 minutes north of the Old City to visit additional attractions like the Old Jail (there’s a tour, it’s fun!), Fort Mose State Historic Park, or veer to the east and visit beaches like Crescent Beach and Vilano Beach, each unique experiences. Take a different ghost tour at night (Old Jail, Walking Ghost Tour, Trolley Ghost Tour, Ghost Tour with a Pirate… and more!).
St. Augustine in 5 Days for the Most Ideal and Full Experience
To truly experience all that St. Augustine offers, a 4-5 day stay is a good timeframe to fit the majority of everything into, if you keep an active pace. This timeframe gives you time to relax and sit and enjoy the atmosphere in between attractions and tours.
Attractions and Fun in St Augustine
There are lots of attractions and fun that appeal to all ages and most every type of interest. From history to nature, and shopping to food… plus pirates and ghosts… here are the top attractions and fun to add to your itinerary!
- Historic Downtown Old City area for shopping and eating
- Oldest Wooden School House, Colonial Quarter, Pirate Museum
- Mini Golf, Escape Rooms, Alligator Farm with a Zip Line
- Ghost Tours that are walkable or on a trolley
- Castillo San Marcos fort and grounds, Fort Mose historical grounds
- Old Jail, Fountain of Youth attractions
Tip: If you’re visiting St. Augustine for more than 2 days, visit one of the many booths that are selling trolley tickets. They have tickets for lots of attractions, plus combo tickets and packages.
Events and Seasonal Festivities
St. Augustine enjoys a vibrant calendar of events and festivals throughout the year, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit. From dazzling light displays to lively art walks and cultural celebrations, there’s always something to discover.
One of the most beloved events is the Nights of Lights, transforming the city into a magical winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights adorning historic buildings and streets. Another highlight is the St. Augustine Beach Holiday Market to shop locally made gifts for the holidays while walking along the pier at the beach.
Beyond these signature events, St. Augustine hosts a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities at the St. Augustine Seafood Festival or immerse yourself in Celtic culture at the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival.
To enhance your St. Augustine experience, consider planning your trip around one of these exciting events. Check the city’s official event calendar for the latest listings and details.
Beaches in St Augustine
St. Augustine boasts a stunning coastline with a variety of beaches to suit every preference. From family-friendly shores to secluded stretches of sand, there’s a perfect beach for everyone.
Anastasia State Park is a standout destination. This pristine park offers miles of white-sand beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and shelling. Enjoy easy parking, convenient amenities, and a delicious meal at the park’s Island Beach Shop and Grill.
Explore the natural beauty of ancient sand dunes and rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore Salt Run and the beautiful waters full of fish and wildlife. It’s a 20 minute drive from Historic Downtown St. Augustine, and over Lion’s Bridge.
St. Augustine Beach offers a lively atmosphere, and is home to the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Gift Shop and Visitor Information Center. There’s live music and food trucks at this beach too, and other events like the Art Walk in December.
For surfers, Crescent Beach is a popular choice, known for its consistent waves and Vilano Beach is known for its relaxed vibe and stunning sunsets.
No matter your beach style, St. Augustine’s coastline promises relaxation, recreation, and unforgettable memories.
Casa Monica
Collector Inn
Places to Stay
Selecting the perfect accommodation is key to enjoying your St. Augustine getaway. Let’s explore your options.
Historic Downtown Old City: Immerse yourself in history by staying right in the heart of the action, which is considered to center around St. George Street and the . Hotels in or near the Historic Downtown Old City area offer unparalleled convenience for exploring the city’s top attractions on foot. However, be prepared for higher price points.
To stay right on St. George Street (where so much walkable fun shopping and eating is located) consider staying at the St. George Inn, a (small dog) pet-friendly boutique stay with fantastic views right in the heart of it all.
Lions Bridge Area: For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying across the Lions Bridge. This area offers a mix of older boutique motels and modern accommodations, often with amenities like pools and free easy parking.
It’s an excellent choice for families and those traveling with pets. Plus, you can enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk (or 5 minute drive) across the bridge to reach the historic district.
You’ll also find some fantastic beach resorts on this eastern part of St. Augustine (over the bridge) like the Guy Harvey Beach Resort on St. Augustine Beach, or bay view resorts like the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront or Casablanca Inn on the Bay, both on the Matanzas River and within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, mini golf and attractions.
There are also plenty of vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts in the area, many of the pet-friendly.
Luxury Accommodations: While St. Augustine doesn’t have 5-star luxury hotels in the traditional sense, it offers unique and charming accommodations with high-end amenities. For a curated list of the highest-rated luxury options, check out my blog post here: St. Augustine Luxury Stays
Budget-Friendly and Family-Friendly Option: Villa 1565 is a great example of a moderately priced hotel that typically offers a great experience and is located within walking distance to the Fountain of Youth Attraction.
With its recent renovations, free breakfast, and easy parking, it’s a family-friendly choice. Plus, it’s home to the historic Old Senator oak tree, a local landmark.
Finding the Perfect Place: To find the ideal accommodation for your trip, consider your budget, desired amenities, and proximity to attractions. Use a booking platform like Expedia (affiliate link: [Insert Expedia affiliate link]) to compare prices and options
Restaurants and Food Experiences to Add to Your To-Do List
St. Augustine offers a diverse culinary scene, from fresh seafood to Southern comfort food. Here are some dining experiences and foodie delights to add to your to-do list:
- Seafood Delights: Indulge in the local catch at waterfront restaurants like Conch House Restaurant, known for its stunning views and delicious seafood. For a more casual option, try The Seafood Dock for fresh oysters and shrimp.
- Historic Charm: Immerse yourself in the city’s history while dining at one of the many charming restaurants in the Historic District. Enjoy a romantic dinner at The Columbia Restaurant, a beloved St. Augustine institution, or savor Southern cuisine at The Mill Top Tavern.
- Sweet Treats: No visit to St. Augustine is complete without indulging in delicious treats. Explore St. George Street for a delightful array of bakeries and dessert shops. Some popular choices include Whetstone Chocolate & Coffee, with its handcrafted chocolates, and Cupcake Dreams, offering a tempting selection of cupcakes.
Walk down St. George Street and experience all kinds of treats and baked goods, ice cream and unique desserts. - Unique Experiences: For a memorable dining experience, consider a dinner cruise on the St. Augustine Bay. Enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, and stunning waterfront views while cruising along the Matanzas River.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Southern comfort, or sweet indulgences, St. Augustine has something to satisfy every palate.
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