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A Comprehensive Guide to Historic St Augustine, Florida

Jen and I have been visiting St. Augustine for years, and itโ€™s remained one of our top destinations in Florida! Whether itโ€™s the charming, walkable streets of the old town, the stunning beaches, or the vibrant food scene, St. Augustine always offers something new with each visit. In this Ultimate Guide to St. Augustine, we’ve compiled everything we know about things to do, places to eat, where to stay, and everything else you need to make your visit to St Augustine unforgettable!

โ›ต If you’re coming in by boat, don’t miss our Boater’s Guide to St. Augustine.

Note: We use affiliate links which provide us a little kickback each time you use one of our links and make a purchase, without any additional cost to you. We do not recommend products that we donโ€™t already love or have heard great things about, so you can trust weโ€™re only suggesting great products to you.

Drone view of downtown historic St Augustine

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • โ„น๏ธ About St. Augustine
  • Our 11 Favorite Things to Do in St. Augustine
    • 1. Walk around the Historic District
    • 2. Visit Castillo de San Marcos
    • 3. Free Wine Tastings at San Sebastian Winery
    • 4. Free Spirits Tastings at St. Augustine Distillery
    • 5. Take the Ferry to Fort Matanzas
    • 6. Visit the Lightner Museum
    • 7. Visit the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center
    • 8. Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
    • 9. Tour the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
    • 10. Visit the Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum
    • 11. Visit the Alligator Farm Zoological Park
  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Our 4 Favorite Tours in St. Augustine
    • 1. Old Town Trolley Tour
    • 2. Ghost Tours
    • 3. Boat Tours
    • 4. Flagler College
  • ๐ŸŽธ Live Music in St. Augustine
  • ๐ŸŒดBeaches in St. Augustine
  • ๐Ÿฅพ Our Favorite Hikes in St. Augustine
    • 1. Anastasia State Park
    • 2. Fort Mose Historic State Park
    • 3. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Where to Eat in St. Augustine
    • Lunch and Dinner Restaurants
    • Bars + Breweries
    • Coffee + Sweets
  • ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Map of St. Augustine
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Events & Festivals in St. Augustine
  • ๐ŸŒณ Why Visit St. Augustine?
  • ๐ŸŒค๏ธ When to Visit St. Augustine
  • ๐Ÿจ Where to Stay in St. Augustine
    • Hotels and B&Bs
    • Campgrounds and RV Parks
  • ๐Ÿš— Getting to St. Augustine
    • Getting Around
    • Where to Park
  • โฐ How Much Time Do You Need in St. Augustine?
  • โ›ต Boaterโ€™s Guide to St. Augustine
    • Free Docks
    • Anchoring
    • Marinas
    • Provisioning
    • Hardware + Marine Supplies
    • Wifi
  • Read Next: 19 Must-Try St Augustine Restaurants
  • ๐Ÿ“ฐ Related Articles
  • ๐Ÿ”Ž Ready to Explore St. Augustine?

โ„น๏ธ About St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the continental United States. Founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menรฉndez de Avilรฉs in 1565, this cityโ€™s rich history is apparent on every corner. Whether youโ€™re visiting Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the country, or walking down the cobblestone streets of the Historic District, youโ€™ll be blown away by this cityโ€™s old-town feel.

But St. Augustine is more than just a relic of the past. Today, itโ€™s a lively, modern city that draws visitors for its incredible mix of history, culture, and leisure. Alongside historical landmarks, you’ll find quaint shops, art galleries, live music venues, as well as some of Floridaโ€™s best restaurants. Visitors also come to enjoy the cityโ€™s natural beauty, with pristine beaches just minutes away from the downtown and scenic state parks dotting the outskirts.

Drone view of historic St Augustine at sunset

Our 11 Favorite Things to Do in St. Augustine

This historic city is brimming with fascinating museums, captivating attractions, memorable tours, and exceptional dining options. To help you kickstart your itinerary, we’ve compiled our favorite free as well as paid activities, alongside the must-see attractions that make St. Augustine a unique destination.

๐Ÿ’ก Check out Our 15 Favorite Free Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida for a list of exclusively free things to do!

1. Walk around the Historic District

The Colonial Quarter offers a fascinating glimpse into historic St Augustine with its well-preserved buildings and cobblestone streets. We’ve walked through this area countless times, and it never gets old. We recommend starting by the Old City Gates and then running the length of historic St. George Street. Donโ€™t skip exploring quieter side streets like Aviles Street or resting your legs in Plaza de la Constituciรณn.

View down Aviles Street in the Historic District
Meandering through the quiet sidestreets of the Colonial Quarter
There are tons of signs detailing the history of this plaza!

2. Visit Castillo de San Marcos

Walking around the outside of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is one of our favorite free activities in St. Augustine. You can enjoy beautiful views of the waterfront while stopping to read signs about this centuries-old fort. We always recommend this spot to visitorsโ€”whether theyโ€™re interested in paying to enter the fort or just enjoying the waterside views!

Access to the grounds surrounding the fort are 100% free!
Drone view of just how big the Castillo de San Marcos is!

3. Free Wine Tastings at San Sebastian Winery

We’ve visited San Sebastian Winery many times, and their free tastings are always a hit. You can sample their award-winning white and red wines, learn about the winemaking process, and take a self-guided tour of their facilityโ€”all without spending a dime. It’s a must-visit for wine lovers!

The treatment we receive at this winery is always 10/10!
Elliot sampled a white wine and Jen went for a red!

4. Free Spirits Tastings at St. Augustine Distillery

If you’re not a wine person, St. Augustine Distillery offers another one of the best free experiences in town. We love visiting for their free tastings of handcrafted spirits, from rum to bourbon. The guided tour also gives you insight into their sustainable practices and distillation process.

Samples for their spirits come in these cute small cups!
If you like one of the spirits, you can take home a bottle!

5. Take the Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Visiting Fort Matanzas is both educational and free! This lesser-known fort is located south of the city and is accessed with a short ferry ride. The ferry and fort entrance are free, making it a great low-cost adventure. We’ve taken the trip ourselves and can confirm it’s worth the visit!

We recommend going at sunset, the views are gorgeous!

๐Ÿ’ก For even more budget-friendly activities to enjoy during your trip, check out our detailed guide on free things to do in St. Augustine.

6. Visit the Lightner Museum

Now moving on to museums, the Lightner Museum is at the top of our list when in the mood for a museum in St. Augustine. Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, it showcases everything from Victorian-era artifacts to fine art.

Side entrance to the Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum’s iconic facade

We love exploring its quirky exhibits, including vintage typewriters, old bicycles, and even an Egyptian mummy! Its gardens are equally as impressive as its interior, so don’t miss out on exploring the exterior of the museum as well.

Jen admiring a photo exhibit in the Lightner Museum
The architecture is stunning in and of itself!
Elliot admiring an antique bicycle

Hours – Open Daily from 9 am – 5 pm
Tickets – $19.00 per adult

7. Visit the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center

Located right by Stop #11 on the Old Town Trolley Tours, the Lincolnville Museum celebrates the rich African-American history of St. Augustine. Displaying information about the cityโ€™s location on the Underground Railroad to the Civil Rights Movement, its curated exhibits highlight the resilience and contributions of the Black community in St. Augustine.

Hours – Open Daily from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, 1 pm – 4:30 pm on Sundays and Mondays
Tickets – $10.00 per adult

8. Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

A trip to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse rewards you with stunning views of the city and coastline. We loved exploring the exhibits within the Maritime Museum as well, which tell the stories of shipwrecks and maritime history.

The iconic white and red St. Augustine Lighthouse

Besides offering general admission tickets, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum also holds special tours and experiences. Some of their tours include the Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour and Sunset and Moonrise Tour. You can find more information on their tours and other special experiences on their ticket website.

Hours – Open Daily from 9 am – 6 pm
Tickets – $14.95 per adult

9. Tour the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Whether youโ€™re a history buff or just curious about the legend, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Not only can you drink from the legendary spring, believed to have rejuvenating properties, but you can also explore historical exhibits, watch blacksmith demonstrations, and see a recreated Timucua village.

Live cannon demonstration in the park
Recreation of a Timucuan Village
Entranceway to the Fountain of Youth

There’s also plenty of space to walk around, with beautiful grounds featuring lush gardens, peacocks roaming freely, and scenic waterfront views. Itโ€™s a mix of history and myth, but definitely worth a visit to say youโ€™ve โ€œdiscoveredโ€ the Fountain of Youth! We’ll let you determine for yourself whether you believe it’s the real location of the fountain or not.

Jen on one of the boardwalk trails in the park
Elliot taking in the riverside views in the park

Hours – Open Daily from 9 am – 6 pm (last tour at 5 pm)
Tickets – $22.95 per adult

10. Visit the Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum

The Governorโ€™s House Cultural Center and Museum is a pleasant and 100% free local history museum. This small museum houses a variety of artifacts from the early days of St. Augustine. On our visit, they also had a unique collection of local Florida art on display!

We loved how they curated their expositions!
Exterior of the Governor’s House

Although a short visit, itโ€™s worth it if youโ€™re interested in learning about the history of St. Augustine indoors and want a free alternative.

Hours – 10 am – 5 pm Everyday
Tickets – Free

11. Visit the Alligator Farm Zoological Park

One of the most unique attractions in St. Augustine is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, home to hundreds of alligators, crocodiles, and even rare species like the massive saltwater crocodile. We visited and were amazed by the interactive exhibits, thrilling alligator feedings, and the chance to see every living crocodilian species in one place. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, you can even zipline over the alligator enclosures!

Not only is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park home to alligators, but it also features flamingos, lemurs, Komodo dragons, and even a sloth! During our visit, we were impressed by their conservation efforts, supporting endangered species research, wildlife preservation, and education.

Hours – 9 am – 5 pm Daily
Tickets – Adults $37

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Our 4 Favorite Tours in St. Augustine

St. Augustine offers no shortage of unique tours that give you a deeper look into the cityโ€™s history, mystery, and charm. Whether you prefer to explore by trolley, on foot, or even on the water, thereโ€™s a tour for every kind of traveler. Here are four unique tours to help you experience St. Augustine in a new way.

1. Old Town Trolley Tour

Old Town Trolley’s Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to see St. Augustineโ€™s countless attractions while learning about its history. The hop-on hop-off tour takes you around 100 points of interest, covering all the major landmarks from Castillo de San Marcos to the Fountain of Youth.

This is a great option for first-time visitors wanting a quick overview of the city. If youโ€™re interested in more trolley options, check out our article where we lay out everything you need to know about St. Augustineโ€™s trolley tours. There are a few companies offering trolley and golf cart tours, but Old Town is our personal favorite.

2. Ghost Tours

St. Augustine is known for its haunted history, so a ghost tour is the perfect way to experience the spookier side of this historic city. From classic ghost walking tours to spooky bar crawls, and even haunted trolley tours, St. Augustine’s ghost tours are a fun and thrilling way to learn about the cityโ€™s eerie past.

Ghost City Tours is one of the main ghost tour companies in the area
Learn the history of some of St. Augustine’s oldest cemeteries

These tours have been popular in St. Augustine for years nowโ€”Jen even remembers going on a Ghost Tour with her Girl Scout troop in elementary school!

3. Boat Tours

Ditch the land for the water! Located right on the Matanzas River, experiencing St. Augustine by boat is a unique way to explore the area. We took our boat, Pivot, up the ICW and thoroughly enjoyed the views of the old town from the water.

Our own personal tour boat, Pivot!
Boat tours are particularly gorgeous at sunset

But, for those not traveling by boat, there are several options for exploring the high seas. Some of the most popular include a kayak and history tour, a pirate-themed tour on the Black Raven Pirate Ship, scenic boat rides, and even a romantic sunset cruise!

4. Flagler College

Explore the stunning architecture of Flagler College, once a grand luxury hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. Get a glimpse into the Gilded Age splendor of St. Augustine, with a tour of the grand lobby, the worldโ€™s largest collection of Tiffany stained glass windows, and more!

1-hour tours of the college can be purchased on Flaglerโ€™s Legacy Tours website and cost around $12.00 per person.

The exterior of the historic Flagler College

๐ŸŽธ Live Music in St. Augustine

St. Augustine boasts a variety of event spaces with ongoing concerts and shows, making it easy to catch something during your visit. In the past, we didnโ€™t think to check for events going on when traveling, but now we make it a point to explore local performances! Here are two of the spots we frequent the most:

  • St. Augustine Amphitheater – The St. Augustine Amphitheater is an outdoor amphitheater located on Anastasia Island near Anastasia State Park. We love their outdoor, laidback venue where weโ€™ve seen several great shows. Be sure to check out whoโ€™s playing when youโ€™re in town as many big names pass through here!
  • Limelight Theatre – The Limelight Theatre is another popular event space in St. Augustine, known for its engaging performances and community focus. This theatre offers a diverse range of productions, making it a vibrant cultural hub for visitors and locals alike. For details on upcoming shows, visit their official site here.

๐ŸŒดBeaches in St. Augustine

There are over 42 miles and six beaches in St. Augustine. Except for Anastasia State Park Beach, the beaches are all dog-friendly and allow car access for $10 per car. Some of the top ones that we’ve visited include:

  • Ponte Vedra Beach
  • Vilano Beach
  • Anastasia State Park Beach
  • St. Augustine Beach
  • Crescent Beach
  • Butler Beach
All of the beaches in and around St. Augustine have the best sunrise views!

St. Augustine Beach is the closest to downtown St. Augustine, located on Anastasia Island and just south of Anastasia State Park. They have a Visitors Information Center, free beach access, a splash pad and jungle gym for kids, a covered pavilion, restrooms, volleyball courts, a gift shop, and free parking.

They do require a small fee to access their pier, $2 for sightseeing and $4-6 for fishing, but it is one of our favorite spots to watch the sunset in St. Augustine! This is also the location of the weekly St. Augustine Beach Farmers Market which we’ll talk about a bit later.

๐Ÿฅพ Our Favorite Hikes in St. Augustine

Beaches arenโ€™t the only place to visit in nature while in St. Augustine. If you’re craving scenic views, wildlife, and a peaceful walk (or a heart-racing hike) here are some top spots that show a different side to historic St Augustine. Below each park, weโ€™ve listed a trail you can download and follow on AllTrails!

1. Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is a 1,600-acre park that offers multiple trails that meander through dunes, maritime forests, and tidal marshes. As you hike, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, from wading birds to playful dolphins off the shore. We recommend checking out the Ancient Dunes Trail, youโ€™ll get a glimpse of the parkโ€™s natural beauty in just under a mile.

Hours – 8 am to sunset, 365 days a year
Admission – $8 per vehicle, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.

With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!

2. Fort Mose Historic State Park

More than just a hiking spot, Fort Mose is the site of the first free African-American settlement in the U.S. Walk along its boardwalks and nature trails, which wind through a peaceful salt marsh. As you explore, youโ€™ll learn about the parkโ€™s significant role in African-American history while enjoying the serene coastal scenery.

Elliot upon arriving at the Walkway to Freedom in Fort Mose Park
There’s so much history to read about while walking the grounds even if you don’t pay to enter the Visitor’s Center
You can enter the Visitor’s Center which doubles as a museum for $2

One Saturday a month, they put on a live historical reenactment to get a glimpse into what life was like for these settlers in the 1700s. If you’re visiting St. Augustine on a weekend, contact their visitor’s center to see which date the reenactment has been scheduled for.

Hours – 9 am – 5 pm, 365 days a year
Admission – Free entry to the park, $2 to enter the Visitor’s Center

3. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Known for its breathtaking mix of salt marshes, mangroves, and coastal habitats, the GTM reserve provides more than 10 miles of trails. Hike along trails like the South Point Loop Trail, where you can take in panoramic views of the estuary and spot everything from eagles to manatees.

Hours – Trails are open 8 am – Sunset Everyday
Admission – $3 per vehicle, $1 per pedestrian, bicyclist, etc.

With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Where to Eat in St. Augustine

On to what we’ve all been eagerly waiting for, where to eat! St. Augustine’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from Southern cuisine to innovative cocktails and delightful sweets. Hereโ€™s our shortlist for some of our favorite favorites:

Lunch and Dinner Restaurants

Jenโ€™s Green Herb Bucatini and Local Clams with a Mocktail at Ice Plant
The tacos at Mojo’s are to die for!
  • The Floridian – A fresh take on Southern cuisine; try the Catch of the Day sandwich and peach shrimp salad.
  • Mojo’s – Our new favorite taco spot in St. Augustine (if not of all time), serving up tacos, burritos, arepas, and more, all with their signature Mojo’s mild hot sauce.
  • Ice Plant – A fine dining experience with seasonal local ingredients, highly recommend for their exceptional service.

Bars + Breweries

Exterior of Forgotten Tonic Tavern and Bottleshop
Ask to try a local IPA if you are a beer fan!
  • Dog Rose Brewing Co. – Craft beer hub with live music, darts, and shuffleboards, a great gathering spot.
  • Forgotten Tonic – Stylish bistro with small plates and cocktails, voted #1 bar on Aviles Street in 2023!

Coffee + Sweets

The Kookaburra is a go-to for us!
Alms + Fare is the perfect option for a light breakfast
The donuts at Parlor Donuts are soooo good!
  • Alms + Fare – Gluten-free bakery and coffee shop serving fresh, nutritious baked goods daily.
  • Parlor Donuts – Local donut shop offering fresh donuts, including vegan and keto options.
  • The Kookaburra – Australian-inspired coffee house known for specialty coffees and savory โ€œAussie Pies.โ€

Checkout Our 13 Favorite Spots for Breakfast in St. Augustine Florida and 19 Must-Try St Augustine Restaurants for even more eatery recs!

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We’ve been using travel credit cards since 2019 and have saved thousands of dollars on travel. You donโ€™t have to be a genius to learn miles and points! Sign up for our favorite newsletter, Daily Drop, and learn how to land your next trip for nearly free!

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Map of St. Augustine

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

๐ŸŽ‰ Events & Festivals in St. Augustine

St. Augustine comes to life with its variety of annual festivals as well as weekly events. From lively farmers markets to festive holiday celebrations, these gatherings offer a great way to experience the local flavor and community spirit. Here are some of the best annual as well as more frequent events to enjoy when visiting historic St Augustine.

Jen checking out the produce at Wednesday’s Farmers Market at the Pier
  • Wednesday Farmers Market at St. Augustine Beach Pier – Held every Wednesday, offering local produce, crafts, and delicious food at the scenic St. Augustine Beach Pier.
  • Saturday Farmers Market at St. Augustine Amphitheater – Held every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, this market also has live music.
  • St. Augustine Amphitheater Night Market – Special evening market with live music, food trucks, and local vendors one Tuesday each season, from 4 to 9 pm. Google โ€œSt. Augustine Amphitheater Night Marketโ€ and youโ€™ll find the next upcoming date, usually listed on a St. Augustine travel website.
  • Nights of Lights – A magical festival during the holiday season where millions of tiny lights illuminate the historic district. Special trolley tours, like the Old Town Trolleyโ€™s โ€œNights of Lightsโ€ tour, offer a cozy way to view the displays while enjoying festive music and narration.
  • Music and Art by the Sea Concert Series – This is a beloved event in St. Augustine that runs on Wednesdays from May through June and from the end of August to the beginning of October. Held at the St. Augustine Beach Pier, you can bring a cooler, beach chairs, and a blanket to sit back and enjoy the music. Food trucks pull in at 5 pm!
  • Summer Concerts in the Plaza – Enjoy free Concerts at Plaza de la Constituciรณn in historic St Augustine from Memorial Day weekend through August from 6 to 8 pm.
  • Sing Out Loud Music Festival – One of the largest music festivals in Northeast Florida, offering a diverse lineup of performances across multiple venues in St. Augustine in September.
Jen and Elliot at the Sing Out Loud Festival in St. Augustine.
Sing Out Loud Festival occurs every September.

๐ŸŒณ Why Visit St. Augustine?

Just a short, one-hour drive from Jacksonville, the city is easily accessible for a weekend getaway or a day trip. Itโ€™s also a popular stop for boaters traveling the Great Loop, offering a charming respite along their journey with its historic waterfront and marina facilities.

Old Town Trolley passing through

Over the years, we’ve brought countless friends and family to St. Augustine. History buffs are taken directly to Castillo de San Marcos, the Colonial Quarter, or the Lightner Museum. Outdoorsy visitors enjoy exploring Anastasia State Park or Fort Mose, while city lovers get a thrill out of experiences like the Ghost Walking Tours or the iconic Old Town Trolley Tours.

๐ŸŒค๏ธ When to Visit St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s climate makes it an ideal year-round destination, with each season bringing its own charm. Winters are mild (64-70ยฐF), allowing you to comfortably enjoy the outdoors even in December. Then in the summer, it gets quite hot (87-90ยฐF)โ€”perfect for beach days but less so for walking tours. Spring and Fall (73-84ยฐF) bring warm, pleasant weather and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor as well as indoor activities.

Exploring downtown St. Augustine by foot is our favorite way to explore!

๐ŸŒž We personally love visiting St. Augustine during the spring and fall for the temperate weather even in the afternoon!

All in all, it depends on what youโ€™re looking to get out of your trip to St. Augustine. If youโ€™re dreaming of spending your days lounging by the ocean, the height of summer is a great season to visit! But if youโ€™re looking to enjoy downtown activities like walking tours or trolley rides, the spring and fall are preferable.

๐Ÿจ Where to Stay in St. Augustine

From cozy campgrounds to charming boutique hotels, thereโ€™s something for everyone in and around historic St Augustine. To kickstart your accommodation search, weโ€™ve outlined some of the best hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks. During high tourism seasons such as Nights of Lights in November-January or the height of summer, itโ€™s extra important to book your accommodation in advance!

Victorian House Bed & Breakfast in downtown St. Augustine
Swap the city for seaside views at a Beach House!

๐Ÿ’ก You can also check for vacation rentals throughย VRBO.

Hotels and B&Bs

  • $ The Pirate Haus Inn – Budget, Downtown Location, 9.8 Location Score on Booking
  • $$ Saint Augustine Beach House – Moderate, Vilano Beach location, Free transport to downtown
  • $$ Victorian House – Bed and Breakfast, Moderate, Downtown Location
  • $$$ Casa Monica Resort & Spa – Luxury, Downtown location

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 – Our favorite, 6-minute drive from downtown, RVs and tent camping
  • North Beach Camp Resort – Good alternative to Anastasia, RVs, tents, and cabins, 8-minute drive from downtown St. Augustine
  • Sun Outdoors – 10-minute drive from downtown St. Augustine, RV camping and Cabins, no tent camping

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๐Ÿš— Getting to St. Augustine

By Plane – St. Augustine is easily accessible by air, with the closest major airport being Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), located about an hourโ€™s drive away. If you’re flying in, car rentals are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive into the city.

By Car – If you’re traveling by car, St. Augustine is conveniently located just off I-95, making it an easy destination for those coming from within Florida or nearby states.

By Train – Unfortunately, there is no train service directly to St. Augustine. However, travelers can take an Amtrak train to nearby Jacksonville and then use other forms of transportation to reach the city.

By Bus – Since 2023, Greyhound buses donโ€™t run from Jacksonville to St. Augustine, but there is another bus route to St. Augustine that takes just under 2.5 hours with one transfer.

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Getting Around

Once you arrive in St. Augustine, you’ll find that the city is highly walkable, particularly in the historic downtown area. If your plans revolve around exploring downtown and the nearby beach, a car isnโ€™t essential. But if you’re looking to visit destinations like Anastasia State Park or outlying beaches, having a car is recommended.

Downtown St. Augustine

Two great ways to get around St. Augustine are Old Town Connect, which offers single-use rides, day passes, and monthly passes, and Old Town Trolley Tours, a scenic and convenient hop-on, hop-off service that stops at the city’s top attractions.

๐Ÿšถ๐Ÿผโ€โ™‚๏ธ St. Augustine has a walkability score of 75-80, classifying it as โ€œvery walkable!โ€

Where to Park

Take advantage of free parking if you purchase a trolley day pass!
There are options to park your RV in the downtown during the day!
  • Old Town Trolley Tours – Free parking included with trolley tours
  • Free Street Parking – Just a few blocks outside of downtown St. Augustine youโ€™ll start to see free street parking. This is where the locals park.
  • Metered Parking in the Downtown – Rates typically range from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour, depending on the location.
  • Historic Downtown Parking Facility – Garage, $20 for the day
  • Visitor Information Center – Garage, $15 for the day
  • RV Parking St. Augustine – Daytime RV parking right near the historic downtown, no overnight parking!

โฐ How Much Time Do You Need in St. Augustine?

St. Augustine is one of those places where you can spend an entire week and still not see and do everything. Donโ€™t get us wrong, itโ€™s no New York City, but weโ€™ve been visiting St. Augustine for over 20 years and still find new things to do after all these years!

Enjoying the waterfront views by Castillo de San Marcos

A weekend is a great starting point to explore the highlights, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the historic downtown area, and the local cuisine. However, if your schedule allows for a longer stay, 4 or 5 days will give you time to enjoy strolls along the cobblestone streets, take guided tours, relax at the beautiful beaches, and explore surrounding areas without feeling as rushed.

โ›ต Boaterโ€™s Guide to St. Augustine

We visited St. Augustine by boat three times and have compiled all of our notes from free docking to Wi-Fi access and reprovisioning for boaters. St. Augustine has a Cruisers Net broadcast daily at 9:00 am on channel 72 between November and May. We recommend checking the Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Proudly posing on our boat, Pivot!

๐Ÿงญ The St. Augustine Inlet is a challenging inlet to navigate, it’s recommended to call your local Boat US, SeaTow, or Marinas for local and up-to-date information.

Hereโ€™s our quick guide to essential services for boaters visiting St. Augustine, from free docking to Wi-Fi access.

Free Docks

  • City of St. Augustine Municipal Marina: Free dinghy dock with up to 72-hour stay.
  • Vilano Beach Town Dock: Located north of St. Augustine near Vilano Beach, this town dock allows boats to stay for a maximum of 4 hours. There is a Publix grocery store within a 7-minute walk, or 0.3 miles away.
Great Loop Anchorages and Free Docks

Check out our Great Loop Anchorages and Free Docks Spreadsheet with 600+ anchorages!

Anchoring

  • St. Augustine Anchorage – There are technically several areas to anchor North and South of this point listed on Waterway Guide, so you have a bit of wiggle room as to where you anchor.
  • Vilano Beach Anchorage – This anchorage is south of Usina Bridge and offers good holding in sand.
  • Salt Run: Scenic spot near Anastasia Island, popular with boaters for its natural beauty and calm waters. This spot is just north of Salt Run’s mooring ball field, specifically at 29.89907ยฐ N, 81.29084ยฐ W, and is best suited for low-draft boats.

Check out our anchoring course! We share all our tips and tricks for anchoring with confidence. Use the code “budget” for 10% off the course.

Marinas

  • St. Augustine Municipal Marina: Full services (fueling, laundry, showers) near the historic district. This marina is not super protected from strong northerly, easterly, or southerly winds, but it has the best access to Old Town St. Augustine. Itโ€™s also conveniently located at stop 16 of the Old Town Trolley Tours. The Municipal Marina also has several mooring balls both north and south of the Bridge of Lions. We stayed at these mooring balls twice and enjoyed the convenience of this location. The mooring ball field can get rocky and rolly during the day with boat traffic, ingoing and outgoing tides, and tour boats.
  • Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor: Quiet marina with a ship’s store, Wi-Fi, and shuttle services to town.
  • Rivers Edge Marina: located on the west side of the San Sebastian River, itโ€™s a bit further from Old Town St. Augustine. It is conveniently located to a WinnDixie, West Marine, and other resources.
  • Hidden Harbor Marina: located just north of Rivers Edge Marina, Hidden Harbor is another option with all the necessary amenities. Its location leaves you just a short walk from town.
  • Marker 8 Marina: located on the eastern side of the Matanzas River, right next to the Bridge of Lions, Marker 8 is a hotel and marina with all your necessary amenities.
  • Oasis Boatyard and Marina: Located just off the ICW, this marina offers great protection with a lot less tidal current than the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. This marina is one mile from Old Town St. Augustine.

Use our Referral Code 450ZMS3 for a $15 discount on your Dockwa reservation!

Provisioning

  • Grocery Stores: Publix and Winn-Dixie
  • Dianeโ€™s Natural Market: Organic and specialty items for specialty health food items

Hardware + Marine Supplies

  • West Marine: Large selection of marine supplies near Camachee Cove.
  • St. Augustine Marine Center: Comprehensive parts and technical services for boats of all sizes.
  • Sailorโ€™s Exchange: This is one of our favorite used boating supply stores. They have a combination of both new and used. Sailorโ€™s Exchanged recently moved to 290 N Rodriquez St, St Augustine, FL 32084, making it a bit further from the waterfront area. Weโ€™d recommend getting an Uber or Lyft if you donโ€™t have a bike.
Inside of the Sailor’s Exchange, our favorite used boating supply store

Wifi

  • Municipal Marina and Camachee Cove: Both offer reliable Wi-Fi on-site.
  • Local Cafรฉs & Restaurants: Many establishments downtown provide free Wi-Fi if you’re anchored and looking for shore access.
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Read Next:

19 Must-Try St Augustine Restaurants

๐Ÿ“ฐ Related Articles

  • 7 Fun Date Ideas in St. Augustine for Couples
  • Our 15 Favorite Free Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
  • Everything You NEED to Know About the St. Augustine Trolley Tours
  • The Perfect Weekend in St Augustine: A Complete Guide
  • Our 13 Favorite Spots for Breakfast in St. Augustine Florida
  • 19 Must-Try St Augustine Restaurants
  • The TOP 5 Magical Ways to Experience St. Augustineโ€™s Christmas Lights

๐Ÿ”Ž Ready to Explore St. Augustine?

Pin this guide with the best things to do in historic St Augustine, Florida to help plan your trip!

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Posted

October 2, 2024

in

Destinations, Florida, Great Loop Destinations, United States

by

Elliot Schoenfeld

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St. Augustine

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About Us

We’re Jen and Elliot, aka Scho & Jo, a couple of high school sweethearts who fell in love with travel and decided to live life now. From international travel to boating around America’s Great Loop to converting a Sprinter Van into a campervan and now traveling to all 50 States and US National Parks, we’re here to help you plan for your dream trip! We share detailed guides and expense reports to help turn your dream trip into a reality! Read more about us here.

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