St. Augustine

Travel Guide

St. Augustine
St. Augustine
St. Augustine showing boating, sailing and general coastal views
St. Augustine
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum showing 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

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements

St. Augustine Historic District

5/5(11 area reviews)

St. Augustine Historic District is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and St. George Street while you're in town.

St. Augustine Historic District
Default Image

Vilano Beach

Travellers to Vilano Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Vilano Beach and Castle Otttis.

Vilano Beach
Default Image

Crescent Beach

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

Crescent Beach
Default Image

Butler Beach

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
Default Image

Downtown Historic District

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Lightner Museum and Ponce de Leon Hotel.

Downtown Historic District
Default Image

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €183 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€183
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (2,383 reviews)
"Would have preferred heated pool. Otherwise we had no issues"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Guy Harvey Resort on St Augustine Beach
Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort
Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort
3.5 out of 5
300 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
The price is €283 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
€283
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,126 reviews)
Good beachfront resort for the family
"Great location - near lots of restaurants. Water was cold & rough in early spring, which we expected for this region of FL. The pool looked well-maintained with some games in the nearby courtyard, and it was the best free hotel breakfast I've ever had. Roomy, serviceable suites. The service and accommodations ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort
Southern Oaks Inn
Southern Oaks Inn
3 out of 5
2800 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
The price is €96 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€96
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Book a stay at this 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! (1,635 reviews)
"Staff was friendly and helpful. Good breakfast. Shuttle made things convenient. Rooms were clean and shower was hot. Coffee pot in room was convenient. We highly recommend this place when in St Augustine"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Southern Oaks Inn
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! (105 reviews)
"This location is a much better value than any of the luxury hotel chains. Very relaxing and laid back setting."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Inn at Camachee Harbor
Sun & Fun @ Can't Be Beat Beachfront Location!
Sun & Fun @ Can't Be Beat Beachfront Location!
St. Augustine
Book a stay at this beach cottage in St. Augustine. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
Feb. 2025 Stay
"The property was a comfortable place to spend time just relaxing. Just steps to the beach and restaurants. The only discrepancy would be the VRBO description states "Dishwasher" and there is not one available. Also, there are a large selection of pots and pans, but only 3 that worked on the convection ..."

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Sun & Fun @ Can't Be Beat Beachfront Location!
Bluegreen Vacations Grande Villas at World Golf Village
Bluegreen Vacations 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! (269 reviews)
"Room was very nice and loved the pool and hot tub!"

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2025

Bluegreen Vacations Grande Villas at World Golf Village
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do