St. Augustine, FL, is known as America’s oldest city. It is a vacation destination filled with entertainment, beach days, great restaurant options, and historical landmarks.
It’s well known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and beautiful Atlantic coastline. Enjoy the historic district, cute shops, beaches, state parks—St. Augustine offers a good mix of culture and leisure.
Best Time to Visit St. Augustine, FL
Spring, from March to May, is the best time to visit St. Augustine, Florida, as the weather is comfortably warm.
From June to August, summer brings the sunniest and hottest days, making it perfect for beach lovers, but be prepared for crowds.
Fall, from September to November, offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it an excellent time for a quieter visit.
Finally, winter, from December to February, brings mild temperatures, and the city is beautifully decorated for the holidays, offering a cozy and festive atmosphere.
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Hotels in St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine has many different options for accommodations, including historic and beachfront hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo. You’ll also find your favorite hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. Here are a few great places to stay in St. Augustine.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa (Luxury and Location)
Originally built in 1888 and beautifully restored, Casa Monica Resort & Spa is in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. This luxury hotel is known for its striking Moorish Revival architecture and lavish interiors.
The resort offers guests a full-service spa, gourmet dining options, and close proximity to the city’s attractions.
The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel (Location and Value)
Less than a mile from St. Augustine’s historic district and attractions, The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay with amenities such as an outdoor pool and on-site dining.
Being just outside the Historic District, it’s a great way to stay near St. Augustine’s attractions without paying premium prices.
Villa 1565 Hotel (Budget Friendly)
Less than a mile from the historic district, Villa 1565 Hotel is a budget-friendly option for those who don’t plan to spend much time in their hotel room.
It is also the site of the Old Senator, a 600-year-old live oak tree, and within walking distance of Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Castillo Resort Hotel (Beachfront)
Castillo Resort Hotel is just a short walk from the Atlantic Ocean and St. Augustine Beach, making it an excellent option for beach vacations.
The hotel offers Spanish-inspired rooms with balcony and hot tub options and includes an outdoor pool, sauna and steam room, and fitness center.
It is located near Anastasia State Park, a 6-minute drive to the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and about 10 minutes from the Historic District.
Restaurants in St. Augustine, FL
The city’s culinary scene includes seafood restaurants specializing in fresh, locally sourced catches. Many establishments serve traditional Southern and Floridian cuisine, featuring fried green tomatoes, gator tail, and key lime pie.
St. Augustine has several Spanish, Italian, and Mediterranean restaurants for those interested in international flavors. The city also offers cozy cafés, charming restaurants, upscale fine dining options, casual eateries, historic taverns, and bars.
Favorites from our St. Augustine, Florida, trip include:
Things to Do in St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine, Florida, offers many activities and attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking to relax by the coast, this historic city has a little bit of everything.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a remarkable example of 17th-century military architecture and is the oldest masonry fort in the United States.
Constructed by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, this historic fortress is made from coquina, a unique sedimentary rock composed of compressed seashells, which has endured centuries of battles and sieges.
The fort’s history includes periods of control by the Spanish, British, and Americans, reflecting the region’s tumultuous past. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into St. Augustine’s storied past.
Pro Tip: Some have reported seeing Spanish soldiers and orbs in photos taken at Castillo de San Marcos at night, so be sure to snap some photos!
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is known as the original site of the 1565 settlement of St. Augustine. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore exhibits and demonstrations that depict the lives of the first Spanish settlers and the Native American tribes they encountered.
One of the park’s most famous features is the legendary Fountain of Youth. This natural spring has been a source of enduring myth and storytelling, famously associated with Ponce de León’s quest for eternal youth. The cool part? You are allowed to drink from the fountain!
The park also includes a planetarium, a reconstructed Spanish watchtower, and living history reenactments, making it an educational and entertaining experience.
Alligator Farm Zoological Park
The Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers an up-close look at various species of alligators and crocodiles, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Established in 1893, it is one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions. It provides entertainment and educational insights into the lives of these ancient reptiles.
The park features several exhibits, including the thrilling Crocodile Crossing zip-line adventure and the exotic bird rookery.
It’s the only place in the world where you can see every living crocodilian species. In addition to crocodiles, the park houses other animals, such as lemurs, monkeys, snakes, and birds.
Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum is a true cultural gem housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. This architectural marvel is an exquisite example of the Spanish Renaissance Revival style.
The museum’s collection is as diverse as it is unique, featuring everything from fine and decorative 19th-century art to curious artifacts of the era, such as cut glass, Victorian art glass, and the intriguing music room with rare mechanical musical instruments.
You can wander through the museum’s spacious halls, exploring rooms filled with Tiffany glass, delicate porcelain, and intricate stained glass works.
Ghost Tours in St. Augustine, Florida
Taking a ghost tour in St. Augustine is a spine-tingling adventure that allows you to experience the city’s eerie and haunted history.
With its centuries-old buildings and tumultuous past, St. Augustine has numerous haunted locations that come to life under the cloak of darkness.
Visitors can take guided tours through dimly lit streets and atmospheric alleys, visiting haunted locations like the Castillo de San Marcos, where ghostly apparitions have been reported, the Tolomato Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city, and the Old Jail, known for its tragic history.
We enjoyed a walking tour with A Ghostly Encounter.
Old Town Trolley Tour
Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine offers visitors an engaging and convenient way to explore the historic city’s rich heritage and landmarks.
Since 1989, this iconic tour company has provided narrated trolley rides that take guests through the centuries, showcasing St. Augustine’s fascinating history.
With knowledgeable guides and hop-on-hop-off flexibility, tourists can discover attractions such as the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, and Flagler College while learning about the city’s Spanish colonial past and Gilded Age.
Flagler College Tour
Located within the former Ponce de León Hotel, a magnificent Gilded Age structure, the college’s student-guided golf cart tours provide an opportunity to explore the lavish halls, Tiffany stained-glass windows, and beautiful courtyard of the campus.
Led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable student guides, these tours offer insights into the college’s academic programs and learn about the fascinating history of the building itself, once a luxurious resort.
You can learn about the legacy of Henry Flagler, the college’s founder, and gain a deep appreciation for the preservation of this architectural gem.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
At the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, you can climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast and the historic city. The maritime museum features artifacts and exhibits about the area’s nautical past.
For those intrigued by the supernatural, the lighthouse offers nighttime ghost tours. Visitors can learn about its haunted history during these tours and possibly experience paranormal activity.
St. Augustine Beach
It’s the perfect destination for beachgoers looking to soak up the sun, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or engage in water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
The St. Augustine Beach Pier is popular for fishing and enjoying scenic ocean views.
In addition to the beach itself, the area features a vibrant beachfront community with a range of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. We enjoyed lunch and key lime pie at Beachcombers, right near the beach!
Click here to learn about other beaches in St. Augustine.
Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park is a natural haven that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. For those looking to explore the great outdoors, there are nature trails that wind through maritime hammocks and salt marshes, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
The park also offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the picturesque Salt Run waterway provides a serene backdrop for aquatic adventures.
You can also enjoy a stay in the park’s campgrounds and experience the beauty of the coastal environment.
St. Augustine, Florida Vacation
Vacationing in St. Augustine, Florida, is an enchanting experience that blends history, natural beauty, and coastal charm.
From exploring the city’s historic district and iconic landmarks to relaxing on the sun-soaked beaches and trying local cuisine, St. Augustine offers a range of activities for travelers of all interests.
Whether you’re drawn to the rich cultural heritage, the opportunity to witness centuries-old architecture, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat by the sea, this historic city has something to offer just about everyone.
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States.
Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.
