The Perfect Weekend in St Augustine: A Complete Guide

We’ve been visiting St. Augustine for 15 years, sometimes for just a weekend and sometimes for weeks at a time. So we thought it time to bring together everything we’ve learned into this can’t-miss Weekend in St Augustine Guide to maximize your time in this historic city. Whether you’re a foodie or an avid hiker, this weekend itinerary packs in a taste of all the top things St. Augustine has to offer.

From exploring historic state parks to hopping on the trolley, this guide will make planning your weekend in America’s oldest city a breeze! And with your wallet in mind, we’ve made sure to include a balance of paid and free options. Stay tuned to the end to read our recs on top places to stay, where to find parking, what to pack, and more! Consider this article your one-stop shop for all things St. Augustine.

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Table of Contents

About St. Augustine, Florida

Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine holds the title of the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States—that’s right, older than Jamestown!

Situated along Florida’s historic coast, St. Augustine offers a journey through time. This city is an American history buff’s paradise with its beautifully preserved colonial and Gilded Age architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos.

St. Augustine also holds a special place in Black history. It is home to Fort Mose, the first free Black settlement in the U.S., also having served as the end of the Underground Railroad! The city later became a focal point of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, with pivotal events shaping the nation’s history.

But St. Augustine isn’t just a history hub. It’s also celebrated for its stunning beaches, quaint downtown, and vibrant culinary scene that keeps visitors (like us) returning for more.

When to Visit St. Augustine

We prefer visiting St. Augustine in the cooler months. Our favorite seasons for visiting St. Augustine are spring and fall when the weather is pleasant even in the afternoon. If you do visit in the peak of summer, we recommend spending the morning and early afternoon outdoors. Plan indoor activities, like museums and restaurants, for the middle of the day. If you’re looking to cool off outdoors, you’ve got some of the top Florida beaches to visit, just adjacent to the downtown!

Second to spring and fall, we also really enjoy the holiday season in St. Augustine. This is when the historic downtown lights up for Nights of Lights, a popular festival. Although it can get quite touristy, we can’t deny that the city becomes extra beautiful during the holiday months.

Where to Stay in St. Augustine

For a weekend in St Augustine you’ll be competing for a Friday and Saturday night, so be sure to book in advance to ensure you get your dream stay! From cozy campgrounds to charming boutique hotels, there’s something for everyone. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks to kickstart your accommodation search.

Hotels

We suggest checking Booking.com for the most current pricing. Rates may vary depending on the season and the day of the week.

$ Budget – The Pirate Haus Inn

The Pirate Haus Inn is located one street away from the famous St. George Street, Bridge of Lions, and Plaza de la Constitución. Its central location has earned it a whopping 9.8 location score on Booking! This budget hotel balances its competitive pricing with an excellent location and clean accommodations. It’s one of the most affordable options we found so close to downtown St. Augustine!

$$ Moderate – Saint Augustine Beach House

Located directly on Vilano Beach, The Saint Augustine Beach House offers comfortable, mid-range accommodations with stunning ocean views. Each room comes with a private balcony, ideal for visitors who want to be near the sand and the city. There’s even a small bus company that offers free transport from Vilano Beach to downtown St. Augustine Monday through Saturday!

$$$ Luxury – Casa Monica Resort & Spa

For a touch of luxury, Casa Monica Resort & Spa is hands-down our top pick. This historic hotel combines Spanish-Moorish architecture with modern elegance. With its upscale dining, luxurious rooms, and proximity to top attractions, this is a must for those looking for a high-end stay.

Campgrounds and RV Parks

We suggest checking the official RV Park and campground websites for current pricing. Rates may vary depending on the season and the day of the week.

Anastasia State Park Campground

One of our favorite campsites hands-down has to be Anastasia State Park, ideal for both RVers and campers. This 1,600-acre park offers shaded sites just a 6-minute drive from downtown St. Augustine. The park features 139 campsites with electric and water hookups, suitable for tents and RVs up to 38 feet. Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and access to clean restrooms with hot showers.

For RVers, the park’s paved roads and spacious sites make setup easy, while campers can enjoy hiking trails, beach access, and water activities like kayaking. They even have an enduring Lending Library with picture books for younger campers in the ranger station!

💡 This is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area so try to book ahead!

North Beach Camp Resort

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Tolomato River, North Beach Camp Resort is another popular option among RV travelers, tent campers, and even those looking for cabins. It’s a great backup option when Anastasia State Park is sold out. The campground offers full RV hookups, as well as access to beachfront sites.

You can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by nature, while still being a short 8-minute drive from the historic district and St. Augustine Beach. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, making it an ideal option if you’re traveling with your furry friends.

Sun Outdoors St. Augustine

For those seeking a more upscale RV park, Sun Outdoors is one of the top RV parks in the area. Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown St. Augustine, this well-kept park offers a variety of amenities. Think RV hookups, laundry facilities, a dog park, a fitness center, a pool, a playground, hiking trails, cable TV, and more!

Its location makes it close enough to enjoy all the historic sights and attractions, yet offers a peaceful retreat with large, shaded sites. Although they don’t allow tents, Sun Outdoors also offers “Premium Park Models” for rent which are like mini houses!

TIP: You can also check for vacation rentals through VRBO or Airbnb, which offer a variety of unique lodging options. Many of these rentals provide added conveniences like full kitchens, private pools, and outdoor spaces.

Weekend in St Augustine: 2-Day Itinerary

Let’s dive into the fun part! We’ve put together this 2-day St. Augustine itinerary with the idea that you’ll spend the weekend in St Augustine. While a few activities are geared towards Saturdays and Sundays, most of the itinerary is flexible enough to enjoy on any two days of the week.

Day 1 is all about exploring the rich history and cultural offerings of downtown, visiting historic sites like the Lightner Museum and Castillo de San Marcos, trying handcrafted local spirits, and more! Then for Day 2, we’ll be leaning into St. Augustine’s natural wonders, exploring state parks, relaxing by the beach, and even climbing a lighthouse! Let’s get into it!

Day 1: Explore the Historic Downtown of St. Augustine

Today we’re going to be exploring the historic downtown area of St. Augustine. As you’ll spend a good amount of time walking and on your feet, make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

If you want to explore the city by trolley, we highly recommend buying a day pass for the Old Town Trolley Tour. This narrated hop-on hop-off tour takes you to all the key spots and lasts for about 90 minutes. It’s a great way to learn about the history of St. Augustine, make unique memories, and save on walking time. But, it is completely optional if you’re looking to cut down on costs.

Morning

Start with Breakfast at The Blue Hen Café
Fuel up for Day 1 with a hearty breakfast at The Blue Hen Café, our favorite spot for a traditional Southern breakfast. They’re known for their biscuits, omelets, and fresh coffee, and serve up several vegetarian options. We usually go for their Corned Beef Hash and Breakfast Burrito, but last time Elliot also ordered their pumpkin pancakes and loved them!

If you’re looking for vegan options, just across the street you have Buena Onda, another solid spot for good eats and great coffee! This spot will blow away vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike with their colorful plates and high-quality ingredients. For more breakfast recommendations, feel free to peruse our 13 favorite spots for breakfast in St. Augustine.

Hop on the Trolley at the Old Jail Museum
Follow up breakfast with a classic St. Augustine attraction—the Old Town Trolley Tour. This iconic tour winds through the historic district’s charming cobblestone streets and along the scenic waterfront, offering stunning views and engaging live narration about the city’s rich past. We suggest parking by the first stop, the Old Jail Museum (your trolley ticket includes free parking!), and hopping on for the full 90-minute loop.

As you ride, you’ll uncover fascinating stories about St. Augustine’s founding, its role in the Spanish-American War, and the legendary figures who shaped its history. Though you can hop on and off as you like throughout the day, we recommend experiencing the Old Town Trolley Tour from beginning to end at least once to get a comprehensive feel for the city from Day 1.

🚎 Trolley service runs from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
After taking the full length of the trolley tour, make your way to Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Spend some time touring the fort and learning about the city’s military history while enjoying stunning views of Matanzas Bay. You can enter for a fee, but we usually just explore the surrounding grounds and take in the stunning views of the water.

Mid-Morning

Stroll down St. George Street
After taking in the views from the fort, it’s time to explore the heart of St. Augustine’s historic downtown. Make your way over to the Old City Gates where you’ll start to descend St. George Street, a pedestrian-only road lined with charming shops, art galleries, and cafes. Feel free to stop by the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and any other historic landmarks or storefronts that pique your interest as you wander.

After walking down St. George Street, we like to rest our feet in Plaza de la Constitución, one of the main squares in the city. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is another quiet and free place we like to relax in after the hustle and bustle of St. George Street. We also really love walking down Aviles Street, a nearby street that’s just as charming as St. George Street, without the crowds.

Lunch

Enjoy Lunch at The Floridian Restaurant
For lunch, we highly recommend The Floridian, a cozy restaurant offering a farm-to-table menu with a Southern twist. It’s an ideal spot to try local fare with options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. They also serve up a bunch of local IPAs and their servers are happy to recommend one to pair with your dish. For more lunch options, check out our list of the 19 best restaurants in St. Augustine.

Afternoon

Visit the Lightner Museum
After lunch, head to the Lightner Museum, just across the street from the historic Flagler College. This stunning museum, housed in the historic Hotel Alcazar, offers an eclectic collection of art, antiques, and curiosities from the Gilded Age. We both are absolutely in love with their gardens, so don’t miss out on exploring those as well!

Enjoy Free Tastings at the St. Augustine Distillery or San Sebastian Winery
Just a 9-minute walk from the Lightner Museum is the St. Augustine Distillery, a spirits factory located in an ice plant dating back to 1907. This fully operational distillery offers free tours of their facility as well as free tastings of their rum, vodka, and bourbon.

If you’re particularly interested in spirits, consider going on one of their Premium Spirits Tasting and Pairing experiences! Elliot and I have been coming to St. Augustine for years, and this has been a favorite spot among us and our friends.

More of a wine drinker? The San Sebastian Winery is a pleasant local winery just a few minutes away from the distillery. Having opened in 1996, this family-run business offers complimentary wine tastings as well as free tours of their facility. They’ve grown to be one of the top wineries in all of Florida, with a wide range of award-winning wines.

Evening

Grab Dinner at Ice Plant
Located right next to the St. Augustine Distillery, Ice Plant offers a truly unique dining experience. The building’s exposed industrial features provide a glimpse into its past as an ice plant, and its convenient location next to the St. Augustine Distillery makes it a must-visit after your tour.

Between their consistently exceptional food that changes with the seasons and a notable commitment to excellent service, Ice Plant has become our favorite fine-dining restaurant in St. Augustine!

End the Day with a Sunset Walk
For us, there’s no better way to end the day than a sunset walk along one of St. Augustine’s boardwalks, piers, or parks. If you prefer to stay in downtown St. Augustine, opt for Harbormaster Park or Castillo de San Marcos. Another great spot for sunset views over by the beach is St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier.

Day 2: Beaches, Nature, and a Ghostly Adventure

After a history-packed first day, your second day will focus on the natural beauty of St. Augustine and the surrounding area. We’ll be spending the majority of the day around St. Augustine Beach, just east of downtown St. Augustine. Get ready for a more laid-back but equally memorable day!

🥪 Today you’re going to want to pack your lunch for the day!