- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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- Vacation Rentals
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Why Visit St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine's core is Spanish Colonial architecture built from coquina, a local shellstone. This is what is St. Augustine famous for. Explore the Castillo de San Marcos or walk Aviles Street, the nation's oldest thoroughfare.
Beyond history, Anastasia State Park offers four miles of protected beach and tidal marsh, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Kayak the Matanzas River or climb the 219 steps of the Lighthouse for a unique perspective when visiting St. Augustine.
Any St. Augustine travel guide must include its unique cuisine. Taste the sweet heat of local Datil peppers in Minorcan clam chowder. This flavor, from 18th-century settlers, defines our food scene alongside fresh local shrimp and craft distillery spirits.
- St. AugustineUnited States
- St. AugustineUnited States
- St. AugustineUnited States
- St. AugustineUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, pleasant weather, moderate crowds
- Jun-Aughot, humid, high tourist traffic
- Sep-Novwarm, fewer crowds, potential storms
- Dec-Febcool, occasional rain, lower tourism
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightweightClothing
- #WaterBottle
- #RainJacket
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #CastilloDeSanMarcos
- #StGeorgeStreet
- #FlaglerCollege
- #LightnerMuseum
- #AvilesStreet
- #StAugustineLighthouse
- Sunset at the beach
- Try Minorcan clam chowder
- Explore historic forts
- Visit the Fountain of Youth
- Kayaking in the Matanzas River
- Ghost tour of old town
Recommended Hotels in St. Augustine by Experience
Things to do in St. Augustine
Discover
Exploring St. Augustine reveals America's oldest city, home to the Castillo de San Marcos, the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the natural beauty of Anastasia State Park. Discover historic architecture and stunning coastal views.
Experience
Walk the historic streets of the Colonial Quarter, take a spooky ghost tour, or enjoy the Nights of Lights festival in winter. Experience living history demonstrations, climb the lighthouse, or relax on the city's pristine Atlantic beaches.
Castillo de San Marcos
Oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Historic lighthouse with panoramic views of the coast.
Colonial Quarter
A living history museum depicting colonial life.
St. George Street
Pedestrian-only thoroughfare with shops and historic sites.
Anastasia State Park
Protected beach and salt marsh for wildlife viewing.
Lightner Museum
Museum of Gilded Age art in a former historic hotel.
Flagler College
Historic campus, formerly the luxury Hotel Ponce de León.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Jacksonville (JAX), a 50-min drive. Your options for getting from the St. Augustine airport to city center include shuttles or car rentals. The nearest train to St. Augustine is Amtrak in Palatka (PLK), requiring a taxi for the final leg.
Getting Around
The historic district is highly walkable. For broader travel, the Old Town Trolley is a popular St. Augustine shuttle bus with hop-on, hop-off service. Consider a car rental in St. Augustine for visiting the beaches. Pedi-cabs are also common.
Local Essentials
Valuable St. Augustine travel tips for first-timers: parking is scarce downtown, so use the Historic Downtown Parking Facility. Driving in St. Augustine involves narrow one-way streets. Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance of your trip.
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in St. Augustine where Spanish and Minorcan roots run deep. Taste the unique heat of local datil peppers in Minorcan chowder or fresh-caught seafood. Dining is a relaxed affair, favoring leisurely meals.
Enjoy
The best restaurants in St. Augustine offer diverse vibes. Eat at The Floridian for Southern fare in a vibrant setting. Reserve ahead. Explore Ice Plant's industrial-chic bar for custom cocktails. Specify ice. Or taste The Hyppo's unique pops.
Collage Restaurant
Globally-inspired fine dining. Intimate, book far ahead.
The Floridian
Innovative Southern comfort food. Funky, popular courtyard.
Columbia Restaurant
Historic Spanish and Cuban dining. Famous 1905 Salad.
O'Steen's Restaurant
Famous for its fried shrimp. No-frills, expect long lines.
MOJO Old City BBQ
Authentic barbecue with a lively blues soundtrack.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore St. Augustine's heritage through events celebrating its founding. Founder's Day features a 1565 landing reenactment. The Colonial Night Watch includes a torchlight parade, illuminating the city's Spanish colonial past.
Enjoy
Discover St. Augustine's creative pulse at modern festivals. The Sing Out Loud Festival showcases indie and folk music. The Plein Air Paint Out brings outdoor painters to the city's streets. There are many things to do for art and music lovers.
Nights of Lights
Millions of holiday lights illuminate the historic downtown.
Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
March celebration of Celtic culture with Highland games & music.
Spanish Wine Festival
February event with Spanish wine tastings, tapas, and culture.
St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival
March festival with fresh seafood, live music, and arts.
Founder's Day
September reenactment of Pedro Menéndez's 1565 landing.
Plein Air Paint Out
Artists paint outdoors, capturing cityscapes and landmarks.
A City with an Old Soul
St. Augustine is a wonderfully walkable city; it feels like you've stepped back in time. The old buildings and narrow lanes are beautiful. We spent so much time just exploring St. George Street and popping into the unique shops.
Perfect Beach Getaway
The beaches were just what we needed. They're so wide and clean, with soft white sand. It wasn't overly crowded, making it easy to relax. Driving on St. Augustine Beach was a cool experience too. Great for a proper seaside holiday.
So Much History to See
St. Augustine has an incredible amount of history packed into it. The old colonial architecture is everywhere. Visiting the Castillo de San Marcos was the highlight; the sheer scale of the fort and the views of the water are amazing.
Great for the Whole Family
What a great trip for us and the kids. There was a lot to keep them entertained besides the beach. We all loved the Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Seeing all the gators and other animals up close was really cool for everyone.
Lovely and Romantic
A really nice place for a couple's trip. We loved the quieter side streets, especially Aviles Street with its art galleries and cozy cafes. It felt very romantic, particularly in the evening when all the city lights came on.
Unique Architecture and Flavors
The Spanish-style buildings are stunning and so different from other cities. The food scene has its own local feel too. I had to try the datil pepper hot sauce on a few things; it has a really unique sweet and spicy taste.