The Perfect Weekend in St Augustine: 2-Day Itinerary

After 15 years of visiting St. Augustine, Jen and I have gathered everything we know into this ultimate weekend guide. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or outdoor adventurer, this 2-day itinerary packs in the best of America’s oldest city. From historic sites to scenic trolley rides, we’ve included a mix of free and paid activities to help you make the most of your trip!

📝 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. 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. 

8. 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!

9. 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!

1. Grab Breakfast at The Kookaburra

Start your day with a warm cup of coffee and one of their pastries or famous Aussie Breakfast Pies from The Kookaburra. This local favorite has grown to several locations throughout St. Augustine, so we recommend you look up the closest spot to you. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick coffee and breakfast before heading out for the day.

2. Take a Hike in Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Park

If you’re feeling up to a hike, Guana Tolomato Matanzas is an expansive park with 73,256 acres of hiking trails, picnicking spots, and gorgeous lookouts. This large wildlife reserve with free entry is located just north of the city of St. Augustine.

We recommend starting your trip at the GTM Research Reserve visitor center, opening at the same hours as the GTM reserve. Here, the staff can provide you with maps and recommend some well-maintained hiking trails, with several trailheads starting just outside of the research center.

We also love picking out and downloading trails beforehand on the AllTrails app. Below, we’ve shared the map of a 14.3-kilometer, 2.5-hour loop through the park, popular among hikers, bikers, and even birders!

3. Pack a Picnic for Lunch

For a laid-back lunch on day two, pack a picnic and enjoy it after your hike! Find a shady spot under the trees or by the water and enjoy your meal. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to refuel before continuing your outdoor adventures.

4. Head to the Beach

Weather permitting, after lunch, you can head over to Vilano Beach for some sun and sand. Whether you’re up for a swim, a stroll along the shoreline, or just some beach relaxation, this is the perfect place to unwind for several hours. And don’t worry about having to leave behind your furry friend, as Vilano Beach is pet-friendly!

If you have a car and want to explore some other beaches, we also love St. Augustine Beach. If you’re looking for calmer waters, the river-facing Frank Butler County Park West is a great alternative.

If you’re visiting during a non-beach season, another option at St. Augustine Beach is to head over to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Climb the 219 steps of this lighthouse from 1874 for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding marshlands. The museum itself also offers a fascinating look into the city’s maritime history.

5. Dig Into Dinner at Mojo’s Tacos

Mojo’s Tacos has quickly become our go-to spot for tacos and arepas in St. Augustine! We tried the fish tacos and two arepas (avocado and beef), and every bite was packed with bold, unforgettable flavors. The tacos were perfectly balanced, and the arepas had that ideal crispy-yet-soft texture that makes them downright crave-worthy.

A must-try is their famous Mojo Sauce. This signature mild hot sauce isn’t overwhelmingly spicy but has a tangy, vinegar kick that makes it seriously addictive. So addictive that Jenn couldn’t leave without taking the leftovers home, where it made the perfect addition to her breakfast the next morning.

6. Get Spooked with a Nighttime Ghost Tour

Once the sun goes down in St. Augustine, the spirits come out. For a fun and spooky way to end the weekend back in the historic downtown, we love going on one of St. Augustine’s many ghost tours. One of the most popular is the St. Augustine Ghost Walking Tour. For 90 minutes, you’ll walk the haunted streets and learn about the city’s eerie past!

If you’re looking to explore more of the nightlife in St. Augustine, opt for a 2-hour Haunted Pub Crawl. Explore the city’s dark history as you visit historic pubs and enjoy delicious drinks. Your guide will share chilling tales of ghosts of bar managers long passed and strange occurrences in some of the most infamous locals of St. Augustine.

If your feet are tired, but you still are interested in a spooky plan, one of our end-of-day favorites is the Haunted Trolley Tour. As you ride through the city under the moonlight, your guide will share chilling stories of ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal activity. This tour lasts for about 80 minutes.

📅 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 in St. Augustine

$ 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 in St. Augustine

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!

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!

🚗 How to Get to St. Augustine

The closest airport to St. Augustine is Jacksonville International Airport, which is just a one-hour drive away. This makes it easy for visitors flying in from other states, or even internationally, to access the city quickly. Rental cars are also available for hire from the airport if you’re looking to rent a car.

If you’re driving from within Florida, St. Augustine is easily accessible from Interstate 95. Simply take the exit for State Road 16 or U.S. Highway 1.

🅿️ Where to Park in St. Augustine

Planning where you’re going to park during your weekend in St Augustine doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve found several paid and free options for visitors coming in by car. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ve seen.

1. Paid and Free Street Parking

Just a few blocks outside of downtown St. Augustine you’ll start to see free street parking. This is where the locals park, so if you’re lucky you might be able to snag a free spot here as well! Just make sure to review the street signs as some areas are reserved for residents only.

If you don’t have luck with finding free street parking, there’s additional metered parking in the historic district. Rates typically range from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour, depending on the location. Check signage for hours of enforcement, as parking is often free during the evening and on holidays.

2. Old Town Trolley Tours Free Parking

If you get trolley passes, definitely take advantage of their free parking. The main lot is located next to the Old Jail, which marks the first stop on the trolley tour. More info on the Old Town Trolley Tours ahead.

3. Paid Parking in Downtown St. Augustine

For those looking for a secure place to park, consider using one of the parking garages in the downtown area. There are two we’ve used ourselves and can recommend for their fair daily pricing and convenient locations.

• The Historic Downtown Parking Facility offers ample space and is just a short walk from key sites like Castillo de San Marcos. Garage rates are generally reasonable, $20 for the day last time we checked, and you’ll benefit from the added security.
  
• The Visitor Information Center also offers a parking garage at an even lower daily rate, $15 for the day last time we visited.

4. RV Parking in Downtown St. Augustine

RV Parking St. Augustine offers daytime RV parking right near the historic downtown. Although you can’t spend the night here, it’s a great option for RVs who are parked away from the center.

🗺️ Map of St. Augustine, Florida

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.

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