St. Augustine, FL

Travel Guide

St. Augustine Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a family
Downtown Historic District which includes heritage architecture and a fountain
St. Augustine which includes boating, sailing and a marina
St. Augustine Municipal Marina featuring a sunset and a bay or harbor
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum featuring interior views

America's “Ancient City” is famous for its historic streets and colonial-era monuments as well as its beaches, wildlife and water sports.

St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement on the U.S. mainland, hence its nickname the “Ancient City.” It was founded by the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, all the way back in 1565 and has been plundered and conquered several times. Visit the sunny Florida city to discover influences from the Spanish, English, Greeks, Africans and Native Americans. Find traces of nearly five centuries worth of history in St. George Street alone. Admire the Spanish-style buildings, the Oldest Store museum and horse-drawn carts traveling along cobblestone streets. Visit the 1740s-themed Colonial Spanish Quarter, a living museum. Stop for a break in one of the old taverns some have dining by candlelight only. St. Augustine’s many 19th-century buildings still display the splendor of the “Gilded Age.” Don’t miss the chance to visit Castillo de San Marcos: The oldest standing European fort in continental America. Book a scenic cruise from the Municipal Marina to see the fort from the water and get pictures of the old lighthouse. While you’re at Castillo de San Marcos, take the kids to the Pirate and Treasure Museum to see artifacts such as treasure chests, maps and flags.St. Augustine has barrier islands accessible via two bridges: Francis and Mary Usina Bridge in the north, and the Bridge of Lions in the south. Head south to Anastasia Island to enjoy the white sand of St. Augustine Beach. Stop by St. John’s County Pier when you visit Anastasia State Park with its bird sanctuary, beaches, nature trails, picnic areas and camping grounds. The quieter northern barrier island has Vilano Beach. Come here for beachfront restaurants and fishing excursions.In St. Augustine most attractions are within walking distance of the city center. Join a narrated hop-on, hop-off trolley tour for a faster, and affordable, way to see more of the city and learn the history. It’s best to rent a car if you plan to visit the barrier islands.

Where to stay in St. Augustine

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Vilano Beach

4.5/5(253 area reviews)

Vilano Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Vilano Beach and Castle Otttis.

Vilano Beach
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral

St. Augustine Historic District

5/5(812 area reviews)

Explore the colonial heart of St. Augustine, featuring narrow streets and landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and Cathedral Basilica. Discover the city's oldest residences, such as the González–Alvarez House.

St. Augustine Historic District
Crescent Beach which includes a lake or waterhole as well as an individual male

Crescent Beach

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Crescent Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Crescent Beach and Matanzas River while you're in town.

Crescent Beach
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Butler Beach

4.5/5(44 area reviews)

Butler Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to St. Augustine Beach or Butler Beach.

Butler Beach
Downtown Historic District featuring a fountain and a sunset

Downtown Historic District

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Historic District, Lightner Museum and Ponce de Leon Hotel are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Historic District
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Davis Shores

If you're spending some time in Davis Shores, Anastasia Island Mini-Golf and Matanzas River are top sights worth seeing.

Davis Shores
Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach

3 out of 5
860 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
$134 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$150 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,631 reviews)
"Staff was awesome and the restaurant was fantastic"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach
Southern Oaks Inn

Southern Oaks Inn

3 out of 5
2800 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
$71 nightly
The price is $79 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$79 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly motel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,902 reviews)
"This property was clean, quiet and well kept. We only stayed one night for a race in Daytona, but would definitely stay here again. The breakfast had plenty of variety and every staff member we encountered was courteous and very professional."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Southern Oaks Inn
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District

4 out of 5
116 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL
$91 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$101 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Me and my wife had a wonderful time there the place will maintain the staff very friendly"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Inn at Camachee Harbor

Inn at Camachee Harbor

2.5 out of 5
201 Yacht Club Dr, St. Augustine, FL
Stay at this aparthotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Vilano Beach and Castillo de San Marcos ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (188 reviews)
"It is off the beaten path. Our units beds were not very comfortable views of the harbor include the highway and all the highway noise"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Inn at Camachee Harbor
Grande Villas at World Golf Village

Grande Villas at World Golf Village

3.5 out of 5
100 Front Nine Dr, St. Augustine, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star golf vacation home in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (280 reviews)
"We felt very safe during our stay. It was very nice that someone was always present at the front gate to monitor who entered the property. The unit was very clean and the beds were the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on away from home. We had a great time at the pool. It was a very comfortable ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Grande Villas at World Golf Village
Walk to EVERYTHING Downtown within minutes. Shotgun House in Lincolnville.

Walk to EVERYTHING Downtown within minutes. Shotgun House in Lincolnville.

St Augustine
Stay at this vacation home in St. Augustine. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions St. Augustine Beach and St. George ...
10/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
"Excellent location and fantastic property. We had a great time in St. Augustine. The property owner is top notch in making sure every need is met. The cottage was cute and clean. We were able to relax and visit our family without worry. We walked to the downtown bay front, historic district, restaurants, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Walk to EVERYTHING Downtown within minutes. Shotgun House in Lincolnville.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around St. Augustine

St. Augustine is often described as the oldest city in the United States, and you can travel around the center in vintage style with a ride on one of the city’s retro trolleys. Pedicabs – a type of cycle rickshaw – offer a relaxing, but slower, way to travel, or you can even take a horse and carriage from the harbor. The old streets of the historic center make for a lovely stroll. Visit the Florida Department of Transport Opens in a new window website.Browse St. Augustine rental cars.

Best time to visit

Like much of Florida, St. Augustine is subject to a tropical climate with hot, wet summers, and mild, dry winters. Thunderstorms carry on into the fall, making spring the best time to visit. If you do come at this time of year, however, you won’t be the only one with the idea, and you’ll have to contend with bigger crowds and higher prices. Winter is still pleasant, but quieter and cheaper.

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