Jade and I have been traveling together to St. Augustine for decades now, we had our college weekend getaways there, got married at The Fountain of Youth, and now travel across the country just so our daughter can experience Florida’s Historic Coast. I’ll never forget the sparkle in Jade’s eye when she first took me to see the Fort, returning for post-wedding photos on the sea wall, and carrying Augustine across the drawbridge on her initial visit. So when Hotels.com asked us to write a St. Augustine Trip Guide, I couldn’t wait to tell you all about this beautiful city.
Over the years, we’ve watched the city change from a quiet seaside day trip into a full blown coastal destination. So, I can tell you without a doubt, there is no better time to visit St. Augustine than now.
Planning Your Trip
When to Visit
The best time to visit St. Augustine depends on the type of traveler you are. For the best weather spring and fall are the ideal times to visit – warm enough to swim in the ocean but without the heat and humidity that sets in during the summer. Summer is high travel season in Florida, and is great if you want to play in the water all day but can get crowded in the Historic Downtown. Winter is the least crowded season with the clearest skies.
How Long to Visit
Three to Four days is the ideal time to visit St. Augustine. A long weekend is just enough of a trip to check off all the must-try aspects of the city, pack in some beach time, and leave more to be discovered on your next trip.
Getting to St Augustine:
While there is a small St. Augustine airport, most visitors will find it easier and more affordable to fly into one of the two nearby airports, Jacksonville International or Orlando International. The first is about an hour away, and Orlando is about a two-hour drive away from St. Augustine.
For many a better option is to drive from home. If you’re traveling from the East Coast consider the flight time + commute time and see if you won’t have a shorter overall travel day if you simply drive directly to St. Augustine.
Getting Around
You will need a car to explore St. Augustine. With its sprawling landscape and numerous beaches, there is no convenient way to explore the area without one. Especially if you plan on visiting downtown and the beach, you’ll need to drive from one to the other.
For getting around Downtown St. Augustine, there are numerous fun options. The trolly will get you around the town as well as out to all the nearby attractions, while more adventurous travelers can rent scooters.
Areas of the City
Historic Downtown St. Augustine
The main attractions of the city are all located in the conveniently walkable downtown area. Here you’ll find the Fort, the Historic School House, and St. George Street. Also walkable, but equally accessible from the trolly is the Fountain of Youth and The Old Jail.
Vilano Beach
Visible from downtown, and just across Tolomato River is Vilano Beach. This is a super accessible area with wide sandy beach and very few tourists. You’ll need a car to cross to the beach and from there you can either find parking near the end of the bridge or in one of the parking lots North along A1A. There are also a few restaurants and bars the cluster closer to the Tolomato River – two of our favorites are Vilano Grill 180 and Beaches at Vilano.
Anastasia Island
Across the historic Lions Bridge, Anastasia Island is a short walk from downtown – though you’ll want a car to visit the attractions and beaches. The area has more tourists than Vilano Beach, but still far fewer than downtown and the beaches are rarely crowded. There are plenty of restaurants and attractions like Anastasia State Park and the Alligator Farm that make this a necessary part of any visit to St. Augustine.
Where to Stay
St. Augustine has a ton of hotel options, and, while your knee jerk reaction might be to stay right on the water, the convenience of being able to walk around the historic downtown and back to your room can be a huge vacation boost.
In Town ::
The Sebastian Hotel – Located right near King Street, with a free shuttle and bikes for rent so you don’t have to worry about parking downtown, The Sebastian Hotel is the newest member of Radisson Individuals. With all the perks of Radisson Rewards, you get huge rooms and a great pool, making this the perfect family friendly option downtown!
The Collector Inn – This Adults Only option offers the classic elements that make this city historic combined with all the amenities of a modern luxury resort.
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront – This has been on my list of places to stay since I first saw it. It’s got an amazing location, on the Matanzas River while attached to the Historic Downtown.
Near the Beach ::
The Saint Augustine Beach House – This spot is right across the bridge from Historic St. Augustine and right on a usually empty beach. This is a great spot for being able to wake up on the ocean but a very short drive to the downtown attractions. (This is also where Jade and I spent our Wedding Night)
**Special Mention**
The Magic Motel – Maybe it’s the bright neon lights, the murals on the wall, or the 1960’s motel vibe, but there is something special about the Magic Beach Motel. We’ve stayed here twice, once after our college graduation and once on the nights leading up to our wedding. I would say this is property better suited for a budget friendly trip, missing some of the luxuries of nearby resorts but making up for it in charm. Also, being next door to the Saint Augustine Beach House, staying here is just a half-block from the water and is just across the bridge from the downtown shops and attractions.
Top Sights to See
The Old Fort – Castillo de San Marcos
This is the oldest and largest masonry fort in the continental US. Completed in 1695, it began as a Spanish Fort built from coquina – small shells that have bonded together to form stone. Now it is a National Park and open for tours daily. While a trip inside very informative and fun, don’t miss out on walking along the outside walls or relaxing in the large surrounding field.
The Fountain of Youth
I’m going to go ahead and tell you that I drank from the well – everyone from our wedding did – and we’re all older now. However, there is much more to this attraction than just grabbing a glass of ‘Youth-Water’. Inside here peacocks roam the open grounds, costumed characters greeting guests, historic reenactments and even a canon firing.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Plan an afternoon here and climb to the top of the lighthouse to see a 360-degree view of St. Augustine. You’ll learn about the history of St. Augustine in a really unique venue.
St. Augustine Distillery
This is literally a place where hard work and dreams paid off. Though I can’t figure out when the last distillery was opened in Florida, I know that this is the first in a very long time because before the doors could open here – the founder had to work to have the state laws rewritten, enabling him to offer something brand new to St. Augustine. Tours are free and include a tasting and if you want to explore further, check out the upstairs restaurant The Ice Plant for craft cocktails and an artisanal food menu.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
I recommend a trip to the alligator farm to (yes) see loads of alligators, but mostly for the zip line experience. Snaking its way through the treetops above the park and alligator enclosures, the zip line/ropes course is a fun course on its own but there’s really something cool about flying over an alligator pit.
Where to Eat
These are our local picks, where we eat when we’re in town. There are other great places that we have eaten and love, but these are under the radar gems that deserve special recognition.
Mango Mango’s Caribbean Grill & Bar
This can best be described as American-Jamaican-Seafood. To me the defining characteristics of their menu are sweet, fruit flavors on fresh seafood with a slight Mexican twist. I dream about the food here, and it’s a ‘must stop’ every time I visit. If you visit, you must try the Famous Corn Cake, Conch Fritters, and Crab Cakes.
Aunt Kate’s
Up the A1A in Vilano, this waterfront restaurant is a local treasure that serves up delicious seafood – especially the shrimp. For years this was our nightly restaurant of choice for a laidback meal with a spectacular view of the sunset. Please try the fried shrimp, lump crab cakes, and (if you’re feeling real hungry) the low country boil.
