| St. Augustine Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| State | Florida, USA |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English, Spanish heritage |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Daily Budget | $80 to $300+ per person |
| Best Time | March to May, September to November |
| Getting There | Jacksonville (JAX), about 45 minutes south |
St. Augustine is the oldest European-established settlement in the United States, founded by the Spanish in 1565. The city has a beautifully preserved historic district with Spanish colonial architecture, a 17th-century stone fort (Castillo de San Marcos), cobblestone streets, and the ornate Flagler College building that looks like it belongs in Spain. The city also has excellent beaches, a growing food scene, and a compact walkability that makes it one of the best small-city getaways on the East Coast.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit St. Augustine
March through May and September through November offer the best weather (70s to 80s F) and manageable crowds. Summer (June through August) is hot and humid (90s F) with afternoon thunderstorms. Nights of Lights (mid-November through January) transforms the historic district with millions of white lights and is the most popular tourist season.
Getting to St. Augustine
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is about 45 minutes north. Daytona Beach (DAB) is about 1 hour south. From Orlando, St. Augustine is about 2 hours northeast. The historic district is very walkable once you arrive. Parking can be challenging; use the city parking garage near the Visitor Center.
Top Things to Do in St. Augustine
- Castillo de San Marcos: The oldest masonry fort in the US, built by the Spanish in 1672 from coquina (shell limestone). The walls are 14 feet thick. Walk the ramparts for views of the bay and the Bridge of Lions. $15 per adult.
- St. George Street: The main pedestrian street through the historic district with shops, restaurants, and colonial-era buildings. Walk from the City Gate to the Plaza de la Constitucion.
- Flagler College: Henry Flagler’s former Ponce de Leon Hotel (1888) is now a college with stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture. Guided tours of the interior ($12) show the Tiffany stained glass windows and ornate dining hall.
- Lightner Museum: Across from Flagler College in another Flagler-era building. Collections of Gilded Age decorative arts, natural history, and a Victorian-era indoor pool. $17 per adult.
- St. Augustine Beach: About 15 minutes east of the historic district. A wide, family-friendly beach with free access, fishing pier, and casual restaurants. Good for a half-day between historic sightseeing.
- Ghost Tours: St. Augustine markets itself as one of the most haunted cities in America. Several companies run evening ghost tours through the historic district ($15 to $25). Fun regardless of your belief in the supernatural.
Where to Stay
The historic district has B&Bs and boutique hotels in restored colonial buildings ($120 to $350 per night). The Casa Monica Resort is the most upscale option ($250 to $500). St. Augustine Beach has more affordable options with beachfront hotels and vacation rentals ($100 to $250). Chain hotels along US-1 and I-95 offer budget options ($70 to $130). The historic district is the best place to stay for first-time visitors.
Sample 2-Day St. Augustine Itinerary
- Day 1 – Historic District: Morning at Castillo de San Marcos. Walk St. George Street for shops and lunch. Afternoon tour of Flagler College and the Lightner Museum. Evening ghost tour through the historic streets.
- Day 2 – Beach and Exploration: Morning at St. Augustine Beach. Afternoon at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum (climb the 219 steps for views, $17). Walk the Bridge of Lions and the bayfront. Farewell dinner at a historic district restaurant.
Budget Estimate
Budget travelers can manage on $80 to $130 per day with a budget hotel, walking the historic district (free), and casual dining ($10 to $20 per meal). Mid-range travelers should plan for $150 to $250 covering a B&B in the historic district, Castillo entry ($15), Flagler College tour ($12), restaurant meals, and a ghost tour ($20). Many of the best experiences (St. George Street, the historic architecture, the bayfront) are free to walk and explore.
Planning Tools
Ready to start building your St. Augustine trip? Our free AI trip planner can generate a custom itinerary based on your dates, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in St. Augustine?
Two days covers the historic district, the fort, and a beach day. Three days lets you add the lighthouse, a day trip to Fort Matanzas, and deeper exploration. One day works as a day trip from Jacksonville but feels rushed.
Is St. Augustine walkable?
The historic district is very walkable and compact. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a 15-minute walk of each other. The streets are cobblestone in places, so wear comfortable shoes. The beach requires a car or Uber (about 15 minutes east).
When are the Nights of Lights?
Mid-November through January. Millions of white lights illuminate the historic buildings, trees, and streets. It is the most magical time to visit but also the most crowded and expensive. Walking tours and trolley tours with light-viewing routes are available.