Discover the best things to do in St. Augustine Florida including historic landmarks, beaches, wineries, family attractions, and hidden gems.
20+ Top Things To Do In St. Augustine
If you are looking for one of the most charming destinations in Florida, you absolutely have to visit St. Augustine. St. Augustine sits on the northeastern coast of the Sunshine State.
Known as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the United States, St. Augustine is packed with history, beautiful beaches, and unique attractions that make it perfect for families, couples, and weekend getaways.
Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, He named the settlement San Agustín because his ships had first sighted the Florida coast eleven days earlier on the feast day of St. Augustine. This was a strategic move to fortify Spain’s claim to the New World and to protect Spanish treasure fleets returning to Europe from the Caribbean. St. Augustine blends Spanish colonial history with classic Florida coastal charm. Today visitors come to explore historic forts, climb a lighthouse, stroll through centuries-old streets, and relax on miles of beautiful Atlantic beaches.
My family has been visiting St. Augustine for more than 20 years, and it never gets old. We often make the road trip from the Tampa area for spring break or when we head to the Daytona 500, and it has become one of our favorite Florida getaways.
We usually stay at a campground right on the beach, which makes it easy to spend our days exploring the historic district and our evenings relaxing by the ocean.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic weekend getaway, or fun day trip, here are the best things to do in St. Augustine Florida.
Many fun and important attractions in this city are within a frugal travel budget, so anyone can build an exciting itinerary for their visit.
We camp in our RV when we visit usually, we stay at Bryn Mawr Ocean Front Resort. This St. Augustine campground has two pools, a playground, and most importantly…it is directly on the beach. Just a short walk over a bridge and you have reached the beach. Grab some boogie boards at the drug store, Winn Dixie or any of the beach shops and watch your kids have fun for hours. If you live in Central Florida – the drive to St. Augustine isn’t bad at all, it takes us about 3.5 hours from the Tampa area and it’s about 2 hours from Orlando. Now that the kids are in college at UCF, they make the drive over a few times a year!
There are many things to do this historic city that are affordable, many of the events and activities listed here are under $10, with some activities being free of charge. Since the city is such an important landmark, you don’t even have to travel outside of the city limits to fully enjoy the area!
If you are planning on making the trip to St. Augustine with your partner, be sure to check out this St. Augustine Weekend Itinerary For Couples.
Top Things To Do In St. Augustine Florida
Best Historic Attractions in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is famous for its incredible history. These landmarks are some of the most fascinating places to visit in the city.
When you are in St. Augustine you should definitely take the time and explore the Castillo De San Marcos National Monument. The Castillo de San Marcos is considered as “America Begins Here”. It is a monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance, the Castillo de San Marcos symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation. These original walls provide tangible evidence of America’s grim but remarkable history.
Admission is $15 for adults (16+), and the pass is valid for seven consecutive days. Children under 16 enter free with an adult.
Just south of St. Augustine you will find Fort Matanzas, a smaller but equally fascinating Spanish fort built in 1742.
Visitors take a short ferry ride from the visitor center to the fort where National Park Rangers lead guided tours explaining the strategic role the fort played in protecting St. Augustine.
After exploring the fort, take time to walk the nearby nature trails and beach access areas.
Best of all, this attraction is completely free.
If you enjoy stepping back in time, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is a fascinating stop in St. Augustine’s historic district.
This beautifully preserved 19th-century boarding house gives visitors a glimpse into daily life during one of St. Augustine’s earliest tourism booms. Knowledgeable guides lead tours through the historic rooms, sharing stories about the travelers who once stayed here and the women who managed the inn.
One of the most interesting parts of the museum is the active archaeological site, where artifacts from centuries past have been uncovered. Many of these discoveries are now on display inside the home.
Admission is approximately $10 for adults, $8 for students, military members, and seniors, and $25 for families.
If you enjoy history and historic homes, this museum is definitely worth adding to your St. Augustine itinerary.
This lighthouse is another historical landmark, built back in 1874. You can climb to the top and witness breathtaking views, but be prepared that there are 219 steps to reach the observation deck. If you think you may need a break, they do have eight landings, one with a bench, where visitors can rest. Don’t leave after you have made the climb, included in the admission is hands-on activities and exhibits, daily programs, Heritage Boatworks and nature trails to explore.
Admission for Adults is $12.95 and children (Age 12 or under and 44″ or taller) are $10.95. For their safety children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the tower and must be able to do so under their own power. Carrying children in the tower is prohibited. Children under the height requirement have free admission and one accompanying adult gets in half price.
Located in the heart of the historic district, this charming schoolhouse dates back to the 1700s. This homestead now acts as a tribute to one man’s contributions to education in the southeast. The schoolhouse is located right in downtown, so after school be sure to walk around and see the rest of the town. Students at the schoolhouse were taught English and math for a few pennies each week at a time when education for former servants was considered a privilege. Today, you can visit the schoolhouse to learn about school in the 1800’s and the lives of Minorcan settlers, who were servants upon arrival in Florida. You’ll even get a diploma after your visit!
It’s a quick stop but a fun way to experience St. Augustine’s early educational history.
“Tuition” fees for the schoolhouse museum are $5 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12, and free for children aged 5 and under.
I will be honest, I have yet to visit this! But, it’s in my near future. I’m not getting any younger so maybe a visit here will help a girl out 😉 Located in historic St. Augustine, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a 15-acre historical site of where St. Augustine came to be in the year 1565. You can enjoy seeing stars from the park’s planetarium, exploring the native Timucua village, watching an old cannon fire, visit the two-story Discovery Globe, take a walk through the waterfront outdoor park, and much more.
Admission is $18.00 for adults, kids (ages 6-12) are $10, and kids 5 and under are free. If you are a local, a St. John’s County Resident, you will save $15 on your admission fee. It depends, to get the full effect and see all the exhibits, you will need a minimum of 2.5 hours.
Flagler College
Even if you’re not a student, visiting Flagler College is one of the most beautiful experiences in St. Augustine.
Originally built in 1888 as the Hotel Ponce de Leon, this stunning Spanish Renaissance building was developed by railroad magnate Henry Flagler during Florida’s Gilded Age tourism boom.
Today the building serves as the centerpiece of Flagler College, but visitors can still admire its incredible architecture, including:
- hand-painted ceilings
- Tiffany stained glass windows
- grand courtyards
- ornate dining halls
Guided tours are available and are a wonderful way to learn about both the building’s fascinating history and Henry Flagler’s impact on Florida tourism.
Even if you don’t take a tour, walking around the exterior and the surrounding historic district is absolutely worth it.
At Flagler College, there’s an art museum that is open to the public. It was built as an educational resource for Flagler students, with works from regional, national, and international artists on display. Artists often visit the museum for walk-throughs of their work, and the museum hosts public events involving these artists on occasion.
Best Outdoor Things To Do In St. Augustine
If you love sunshine and ocean views, St. Augustine offers plenty of outdoor adventures.
Hit The Beach
If there is one thing that Florida doesn’t lack, it’s beaches. St. Augustine Beach is not crazy crowded and filled with a million vacationers…it’s filled with white soft sand, shells galore, and memories just waiting to be made. Cost for a day at the beach…completely free. St. Augustine Beach has a wide sandy shoreline. The beach stretches for miles, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and other activities. The Atlantic Ocean provides good opportunities for surfing and other water sports. My son recently took surf lessons!
What would a coastal Florida city be without a public beach? Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park is the perfect place to sunbathe and swim. The handicap accessible beach has restrooms and showers to keep you from bringing sand back into your car. For your safety, the beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer.
It’s a great spot for families who want a convenient and relaxing beach day.
Anastasia State Park is a 1,600-acre beachfront with wildlife, hiking spots, and 4 miles of sandy terrain. For your convenience, there are two shops at the park. One sells beach supplies, like umbrellas and ocean toys. You can also grab concessions and eat in the outdoor dining area. Anastasia Watersports rents kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes to visitors who didn’t bring their own.
Admission fees are $8 per vehicle with up to 8 people in it, $4 per single-occupancy vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.
It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here enjoying Florida’s natural beauty.
For a unique way to explore St. Augustine from the water, I highly recommend Florida Water Tours. I recently did their wine tasting tour, and it was such a fun experience! We cruised along the scenic waterways, sipped on wines, and even spotted dolphins swimming nearby – definitely a magical moment.
They offer a variety of tours, including sunset cruises, history tours, and private charters, so there’s something for everyone. The boats are comfortable and spacious, making it perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a relaxing and scenic adventure.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, seeing St. Augustine from the water gives you a whole new perspective on this historic city and pairing it with a wine tasting is the ultimate way to enjoy the afternoon. Cheers!
Best Food & Drink Experiences in St. Augustine
St. Augustine has an incredible food scene, and discovering new places to eat is one of our favorite parts of visiting.
One of our favorite downtown St. Augustine traditions? A visit to The Tini Martini Bar every time we’re in town! This bayfront cocktail bar, is located in the Casablanca Inn and overlooking Matanzas Bay. It’s classic St. Augustine – relaxed, a little quirky, and perfect for sipping slow and people-watching as horse carriages clip‑clop by.
Known for its creative martinis (think flavors like Bellini, After Eight, Orange Blossom, salted caramel, and lots more), each one is mixed tableside and served in a shaker – which is basically two drinks in one, which feels like a fun little bonus. They also offer wine by the glass, a selection of beers, and a handful of small bites if you want to pair your cocktails with a snack.
This place holds a special spot in our hearts…not just because of the drinks, but because it was my son’s number one request when he turned 21! Relaxing with a martini in hand is one of those quintessential St. Augustine moments we make sure to experience every visit.
Pro tip: arrive a little early for a table on the veranda – those bay views are worth it! Or honestly…any table! They fill up quick….but we always wait in line for this spot!
Wine lovers should definitely stop at San Sebastian Winery!
Each guided tour of the winery includes free samplings of their Florida-grown wine, along with some tips to get the most out of your tasting experience. While guests under age 21 can’t drink the alcohol, they’re welcome to join you on the tour!
Each tour is about 45 minutes long, and they’re held every day that the winery is open. You don’t need to make a reservation unless you’re in a group of more than 20 people. Be sure to check their Calendar of Events too, sometimes they have live music on the rooftop.
This distillery offers free spirit tastings to anyone above the legal drinking age! You’ll have a chance to sample their flavored vodka, rum, whiskey, and moonshine. You can’t find these creations anywhere else, since City Gate drinks are not sold in stores and are not on tap at local bars. You’ve got to try their Apple Pie Moonshine!
Remember to drive responsibly! Always attend alcohol tastings with a designated driver, or use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21.
This family-owned, eco-friendly distillery focuses on small-batch, handcrafted spirits made with locally sourced ingredients. Their lineup includes award-winning gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey, all made on-site using grains from Florida farms.
The distillery offers free guided tours for guests 21 and over, where you can watch the entire process – from mashing and fermentation to distillation and learn about the history and science behind each spirit. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to sample several of their signature creations. Favorites include the smooth Florida White Rum and the bold Lightning Gin.
Tours are typically 45 minutes long and are a perfect way to sip, learn, and experience the passion behind local craft spirits. Be sure to check their website for tour times and special tasting events – they often host seasonal releases and cocktail nights that are not to be missed!
Take a guided tour of a chocolate factory, where you’ll learn about how different kinds of chocolate are made. Throughout the tour, you’ll get to sample freshly-made confections with your family. Each tour lasts for 45-55 minutes, and you’ll be given hairnets to keep the factory sanitary. If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity in St. Augustine, this is a great one to add to the list!
Tour tickets cost $8 per adult, $5.50 for guests ages 5-17, and admission for children under 5 is free.
There are some amazing restaurant in St. Augustine. In the actual city itself and all around the surrounding area. I definitely recommend enjoying some local favorites. Café del Hidalgo in St. Augustine is known for its gelato and coffee, but they also serve smoothies, paninis, and other creations. All of Café del Hidalgo’s coffees are made with an Italian espresso bean called Antica Tostatura Triestina. The atmosphere inside the café is relaxed, making it a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in one of the United States’ oldest cities.
Cafe Alcazar is one of the most unique dining spots in St. Augustine.
Yes, you can eat here, but it’s pretty neat to just walk around. Have you ever seen a restaurant inside of a pool before? This elegant cafe is actually situated in the space of the Lightner Museum originally designated for the largest indoor swimming pool. You can walk through the museum for a fee, but we thought it was neat to just see the pool area!
Saltwater Cowboys
One of our favorite restaurants for dinner in Saltwater Cowboys. Just get there early, they are only open from 5 – 9, and they fill up fast every night.
Fun Things To Do in Downtown St. Augustine
Explore the Historic District
One of my favorite activities in St. Augustine is simply walking around the historic district.
You’ll find:
- charming shops
- historic architecture
- art galleries
- cozy wine bars
- hidden courtyards
Every time we visit, we discover something new.
St. George Street
One of the best ways to experience the charm of St. Augustine is simply walking along St. George Street.
This lively pedestrian-only street runs through the heart of the historic district and is filled with:
- unique local shops
- bakeries and cafes
- historic buildings
- street performers and live music
You’ll find everything from handmade crafts and art galleries to local wine bars and sweet shops.
It’s also one of the best places to grab a quick snack or stop for a coffee while exploring the city.
Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or just enjoying the atmosphere, St. George Street is a must-visit while exploring downtown St. Augustine.
Parking in Downtown St. Augustine
Parking in downtown St. Augustine can be a bit tricky, especially during weekends and holidays, but there are plenty of options if you plan ahead.
Street Parking:
Metered street parking is available throughout the historic district. Most meters accept coins, credit cards, or the ParkMobile app, and time limits range from 1 to 4 hours depending on the street. Keep an eye out for signs – tickets are strictly enforced!
Parking Lots and Garages:
If you prefer not to hunt for a street spot, there are several public parking lots and garages downtown. Daily rates are typically $20 – with a discounted option after 5PM.
Tips for Stress-Free Parking:
- Arrive early if you’re visiting on weekends or during special events.
- Use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft if you’re planning a wine tasting or distillery tour.
- Some hotels offer complimentary parking, so check if your accommodation provides this perk.
By planning ahead, you can spend less time worrying about your car and more time exploring all the charm, food, and drink experiences downtown St. Augustine has to offer!
Visit Local Farmers Markets
There are many Farmer’s Markets in St. Augustine, they are fun to walk through, plus shopping local is always a good idea. You will find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to unique gifts. My mom and I always go to the The Farmers Market at The Amp on Saturdays and The Wednesday Pier Farmer’s Market. The Wednesday Pier Farmer’s Market is right by the pier, obviously, so it’s the perfect time to walk the pier and see if you see a whale swim by. I will admit that we have never seen one, in the 20+ years we have been visiting, but many have!
Shop
Who doesn’t love to shop? And window shopping is completely free to do. Walking through the shops in Downtown St. Augustine is on our to-do list every year. I have been in almost every store every year for at least 15 years and it never gets old. You will find rare finds – like alligator heads and crazy coconuts, to beautiful dresses, and fun jewelry. There is definitely something for everyone. And when you are done shopping, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the relaxed vibe of the city.
Best Things To Do In St. Augustine With Kids
We have walked through the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium in St. Augustine several times, it’s always interesting to see these crazy sites! This is actually the very first permanent Ripley’s!
There is three stories of odd and unusual exhibits collected from around the world, including some of Robert Ripley’s own personal collection. Keep a look out for coupons, and it never hurts to google promo codes before you buy your tickets.
Admission for adults is $14.99, kids (5 -11) are $6.99 and kiddos 4 and under are free with a paying adult. If you are a local, you will save 50% on your admission.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is one of the most popular family attractions in the city.
Opened in 1893, it is one of Florida’s oldest attractions and is home to every species of crocodilian in the world — something you won’t find anywhere else!
Visitors can see:
- hundreds of alligators and crocodiles
- exotic birds
- reptiles and wildlife exhibits
- daily wildlife shows
For thrill seekers, the park also offers a zip line course that runs directly over the alligator habitats.
If you’re visiting from outside Florida, this attraction gives you a chance to safely see one of the state’s most famous animals up close.
Unique Tours in St. Augustine
If you want to see a lot of the city in a short time, tours are a great option.
Popular options include:
- Trolley tours of the historic district
- Walking history tours
- Ghost tours
- The Creepy Crawl Pub Tour for adults
These tours are a fun way to learn more about the city while exploring its historic streets.
Trolley tours are a great way to see a lot in the city and relax, and there are also walking tours. For the adults that are of drinking age, I definitely recommend the Creepy Crawl Pub tour. These tours are about $20 per person, but they frequently offer coupons, so keep a look out online and while you are shopping in town.
Whether you’re visiting St. Augustine for the history or the beaches, there’s plenty to do on a small budget. It’s possible to fill your entire day with free and low-cost activities during your trip, so go ahead and use that hard-earned vacation fund on a beachfront hotel!
Tips For Visiting St. Augustine
- Plan to spend at least 2–3 days exploring the city.
- Wear comfortable shoes – the historic district is very walkable.
- Visit popular attractions early to avoid crowds.
- Take time to enjoy both the historic sites and the beaches.
Free Things To Do In St. Augustine
- Visit St. George Street
- Walk the historic district
- Relax at St. Augustine Beach
- Explore Fort Matanzas
- Browse farmers markets
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting St. Augustine for the history, the beaches, or the incredible food, there’s truly something for everyone.
From exploring historic forts and climbing a lighthouse to relaxing on the beach and enjoying local wine, this charming coastal city is one of the best places to visit in Florida.
My family has been visiting for over 20 years, and every trip brings a new favorite spot.
Have you been to St. Augustine? What are your favorite things to do in St. Augustine?
Looking for more Florida travel destinations? Daytona Beach and Jacksonville are both within an hour of St. Augustine.
Top Things To Do in Daytona Beach
Best Free Things To Do in Jacksonville
Willing to drive a little further?
11 Free Things To Do In Fort Myers
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