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

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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
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Crescent Beach

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
Basilica Cathedral showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral

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
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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
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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
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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
The price is €128 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€128
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (2,613 reviews)
Anniversary/Vacation Getaway
"We enjoyed our stay at the Guy Harvey Resort in St Augustine, FL. The staff was helpful, the view was good, with easy beach access!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 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
The price is €65 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€65
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,862 reviews)
"This was a good hotel. It was close to everything. The pool was great. The hotel was quiet. It was close to everything and not that expensive. They were very very great at the front desk. We got our complementary drinks. The shuttle took us for five dollars downtown to enjoy all of the Places on ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Southern Oaks Inn
Villa 1565

Villa 1565

3 out of 5
137 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL
The price is €67 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€67
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in St. Augustine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,848 reviews)
"Great location if doing the history stuff. Trolley has a stop there. Rooms are very simple and plain, breakfast was fine."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Villa 1565
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! (184 reviews)
"Needs more lights at night"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Inn at Camachee Harbor
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! (160 reviews)
"Very clean, spacious. Host was excellent. Everything you need in the kitchen for eating in."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Walk to EVERYTHING Downtown within minutes. Shotgun House in Lincolnville.
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! (279 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 4 Aug 2025

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.

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