Planning a trip to St Augustine, Florida? Whether you’re headed to historic downtown or the beach, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate travel guide for St Augustine. Keep reading for the best things to do, restaurants to check out, where to stay, and more!

Ultimate Travel Guide for Historic St Augustine Florida

St Augustine will always be one of my favorite vacation spots in Florida! I’ve been visiting since I was in elementary school, so I have a lot of great memories to look back on, AND there always seems to be something new to explore every time we go, which keeps me coming back!

My husband and I visited together a few years back and had such a great time, so when we started planning our six-month-long road trip, St Augustine Florida, was obviously the first place that came to mind to kick off our adventure.

I love St Augustine because it’s a relatively short drive from St Pete and unlike any other place in Florida that we’ve visited. It almost feels like you’re in a different country, and there are so many unique places you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. You also get the best of both worlds because historic downtown St Augustine and St Augustine Beach are so close to each other!

With that said, sharing all of the details from our trip below, including where to stay in St Augustine, my favorite St Augustine hotels, things to do in St Augustine, and the best historic St Augustine restaurants to check out!

Planning in a hurry? Check out these quick links!

Travel resources:

WayAway (Find the best rates on airplane tickets)
Discover Cars (compare rental car prices and save $$$)

Best St Augustine tours to book in advance:

St Augustine trolley tour (Best way to explore St Augustine)
St Augustine ghost tour (Fun for the whole family)
Sunset Cruise (Likely to sell out)
Corks & Forks food tour (Eat your way around St Augustine)

Best hotels St Augustine FL:

Casa Monica Resort & Spa (Luxury stay + excellent location)
Bayfront Marin House (charming B&B + waterfront views)
The Local (budget-friendly + instagram worthy)

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Things to know before you go!

Where is St Augustine? Historic St Augustine, located in Northeast Florida, is claimed as the oldest city in the United States and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and beautiful beaches. St Augustine historic district is the place for you if you’re interested in experiencing old-world charm, flavorful dining, and an abundance of art and culture.

How to get to St Augustine Florida

TRAVEL BY CAR: St Augustine Fl is only two hours away from some of Florida’s major cities like Gainesville and Jacksonville and less than four hours from Savannah and Tallahassee. St Augustine is easily accessible by Interstate 95, Interstate 10, and Interstate 4. If you’re in need of a rental car, I recommend using Discover Cars to compare the best prices and save $$$!

TRAVEL BY PLANE: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) are the largest airports near St Augustine Florida, and only about 50 minutes away. Orlando International Airport is another good option that services over 135 destinations worldwide; however, it is 90 minutes from St Augustine.

TIP: Need some help finding a flight? I personally recommend WayAway to help you find the best rates on airplane tickets!

How to get around St Augustine

Once you get there, it’s relatively easy to navigate around the city since most attractions are located in historic district St Augustine.

The easiest way to get around Historic St Augustine is by trolley. This will take you to all of downtown St Augustine’s popular destinations, which includes up to 23 stops. There is also a beach shuttle that is free for trolley ticket holders.

Another fun way to get around the city (if you don’t feel like walking) is by bicycle or scooter. We usually bring our bikes with us, but St Augustine has quite a few places like this one that offers rentals.

My last recommendation would be Uber or Lyft, which we primarily use when we travel. You can get around to most places in St Augustine for under $10, which is well worth it, especially if you plan on drinking.

TIP: Looking for a rental car? You can compare the best prices and save on Discover Cars, my personal fave when we travel!

St Augustine weather

As I’m sure you already know, Florida is a sub-tropical/tropical climate. Therefore, the weather in St Augustine is extremely hot and humid most of the year. I’ve lived here all my life and still can’t get used to the heat!

If you’re planning to visit St Augustine (or Florida in general), be prepared for hot temperatures in May-September. Summer is a great time to visit Florida if you plan on hanging at the beach, but it is also one of the busiest times of the year. If you’re planning on being outside and doing a lot of walking, I recommend visiting in early Spring or Fall when the weather is a little cooler.

We’ve visited in May and September, and although we had a lot of fun both times, the St Augustine Florida weather was definitely more manageable in the Fall. I’ve also heard that December is a great time to visit so you can see the St Augustine lights and enjoy the holiday festivities.

TIP: Need some help packing for your trip? Check out my packing lists for every season, including travel essentials to keep you organized throughout your vacay!

Best places to stay in St Augustine Fl

Airbnb St Augustine

I absolutely loved the St Augustine Airbnb we stayed at! It was a one-bedroom/one-bathroom condo located on Anastasia Island (a short walk from downtown and only a couple of miles from the beach) and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

We also brought our bikes with us, making navigating downtown a lot easier. Traffic in St Augustine can get crazy, and parking can be challenging, so that’s something to keep in mind when searching for places to stay!

Click here to check it out!

Best hotels in St Augustine:

Airbnb’s are usually the first place we look when traveling (especially if we have our dog), but it honestly depends on the length of your trip. Airbnb tacks on a lot of service/cleaning fees, so unless you’re going for more than a few days, it might not be worth it.

Click here to compare and save on the best hotels St Augustine FL and make sure to check out some of my recs below too!

Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a historic luxury hotel nestled in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, offers a lavish escape with its well-appointed rooms, a rejuvenating spa, and world-class amenities. Proximity to popular attractions and upscale dining establishments makes this hotel a true gem.

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, a boutique hotel of meticulously restored historic buildings set amid lush gardens, offers a combination of historic charm and modern sophistication. Each room is unique, offering a cozy and intimate ambiance. The attention to detail, coupled with exceptional service, guarantees an unforgettable stay.

Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, nestled against the picturesque Matanzas Bay offers a comfortable stay and spectacular views. You’ll appreciate the convenience of being close to the city’s historic district while enjoying contemporary amenities and services.

Bayfront Marin House, a charming bed and breakfast, offers a relaxing retreat along the waterfront, where personalized service and attention to detail create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast on the veranda or unwinding in a comfortable room, Bayfront Marin House sets the stage for an idyllic St. Augustine vacation.

The Local St Augustine, an adorable 20 room motel located on Anastasia Island, offers a nostalgic throwback to retro Florida and is probably one of the most instagrammable hotels in St Augustine. This charming digital property has contactless check-in and is within walking distance to historic downtown St Augustine and only a leisurely bike ride to St Augustine Beach.

Wondering where else we went on our road trip? Check out these related reads!

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Best things to do in St Augustine Florida

Another thing I love is that there are so many fun things to do in St Augustine Fl for everyone! Whether you’re a history buff interested in the St Augustine historic sites or a foodie looking to indulge in St Augustine’s food and wine scene, this unique city has it all.

Below are a few top things to do in St Augustine Fl that I have personally done and highly recommend!

Stroll St George Street

There are so many fun restaurants, bars, and shops in downtown historic St Augustine! Most are found on St George Street, but I recommend walking down surrounding streets too! If you’re looking for fun things to do at night in St Augustine, you can grab a drink and dance the night away at one of the many music venues on St George Street.

Check out Castillo De San Marcos Fort

I’m not going to lie, history isn’t really my thing, but the St Augustine fort is a must-see if you visit (at least once)! You can take a self-guided tour for $15/per person, and the fort is right on the water, so the views are incredible!

Explore St Augustine on Old Town Trolley Tours

If you’re looking for the best way to see the city and want to learn about the history of St Augustine, you have to go on a St Augustine trolley tour. Tickets include unlimited hop on, hop off privileges and free admission to many St Augustine attractions. If you’re visiting during the holidays, you also have to check out the St Augustine Night of Lights tour here.

Tour the St Augustine Distillery

Take a free tour through the St Augustine Distillery, Florida’s oldest ice plant that has been transformed into a craft distillery. Make sure to stop by the restaurant upstairs for a delicious cocktail before you leave. City Gate Spirits is another great place to stop for a complimentary tasting experience.

Do a wine tasting at San Sebastian Winery

I can’t say these wines were my favorite, but it’s still fun to visit the St Augustine winery (especially since it’s free) for a unique tasting experience! The tour is self-guided and has ten tasting stations around the winery.

Soak up the sun at St Augustine Beach Florida

If you’re looking for free things to do in St Augustine, St Augustine Beach is only a 15 min drive from historic downtown and is a great place to escape to for some R&R. It is dog friendly, surrounded by many local shops and restaurants, and has a great beachfront park with a fishing pier.

Tour the St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

The St Augustine lighthouse is located on Anastasia Island and was built in the late 1800s. It is still an active, working lighthouse and has some of the best views in St Augustine. Tickets are $15/per person and include admission to the lighthouse (which is 219 steps to the top) and access to the other museums and kids’ activities.

Visit the St Augustine Alligator Farm

On the hunt for things to do in St Augustine with Kids? This is it! The alligator farm St Augustine is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can see every living species of crocodilian and other wildlife. They also offer daily wildlife shows, and you can even zip line over the zoo if you’re feeling adventurous.

Go on a St Augustine ghost tour

Looking for the best things to do in St Augustine with family? This ghost tour of St Augustine shows you all of the spookiest sites while listening to spine-tingling tales of the city’s past. A must-see if you visit historic St Augustine.

Best restaurants in St Augustine Fl

Now on to my favorite part! If you can’t tell by now, eating and drinking is one of our favorite things to do when we travel. When we’re at home it seems like we tend to cook the same meals over and over again, which is probably why we go a little overboard when we travel. I mean, the whole purpose of a vacation is so you can “treat yo self” right?

Historic St Augustine Florida has every kind of cuisine you can imagine, but they are best known for their Southern & European inspired dishes. This includes things like shrimp & grits, gator tail, and lots of fresh seafood. Sharing some of my restaurants St Augustine recommendations below!

Best coffee St Augustine

Chocolattes is by far our favorite St Augustine coffee spot. Their coffee is delish, they have the cutest patio, the restaurant is dog friendly, and the customer service is superb! City Perks Coffee Co and The Kookaburra are some other great spots if you want to grab a coffee and take a walk along the water.

Best breakfast St Augustine

If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast in St Augustine, Maple Street Biscuit Company is the perfect spot and absolutely delicious. I would best describe it as a fancier version of Chick-fil-a. If you’re in the mood for brunch with a view, Harbor View Cafe is one of the best St Augustine waterfront restaurants and has all the yummy traditional breakfast fixings.

St Augustine dog friendly restaurants for lunch

The Florida Cracker Cafe is a great St Augustine pet friendly restaurant located right on St George Street that has the cutest patio with tiki umbrellas. It is reasonably priced and has many delicious seafood options, including the shrimp po’boy, my favorite.

Best seafood restaurants in St Augustine

If you’re looking for a great dinner spot with a view, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille is one of the best restaurants in St Augustine Fl on the water that specializes in New Orleans-style cuisine and flavorful seafood dishes. Additionally, St Augustine Seafood Company and Catch 27 are some other best restaurants in St Augustine Florida, that specialize in fresh-catch seafood and seasonal fare.

Best restaurants in St Augustine Historic District for dinner

No trip to St Augustine is complete without having a meal at Columbia restaurant. It originated in Ybor City and is one of Florida’s oldest restaurants that has been family owned and operated since 1905. Columbia restaurant St Augustine has a variety of family-style Spanish-inspired dishes and the yummiest sangria I think I’ve ever had. Also, make sure to try the 1905 salad!

Best vegan restaurants in St Augustine

If you’re looking for a casual dinner spot and in the mood for something on the lighter side, The Floridan is your place! Although it’s not a vegan-only restaurant, they have many creative vegan and vegetarian dishes made with regionally-inspired fresh ingredients PLUS lots of other delicious entrees made for the herbivore in mind.

Best romantic restaurants in St Augustine

Feel like getting dressed up for a more intimate dinner? I would definitely check out Micheal’s. It is a little on the pricey side, but the food is well worth it, and their service is fantastic. They specialize in steak and seafood and have quite the wine selection. I would recommend making a reservation!

Have an appetite for experiencing the best food and wine St Augustine has to offer? Book a St Augustine food tour here!

Best bars in St Augustine Fl

Whether you’re on the hunt for a good glass of wine, enjoy the occasional martini, or are in the mood for a delicious craft cocktail, historic St Augustine has every kind of bar you can imagine. Rounding up all of the best St Augustine bars below!

Grab a glass of wine at Casa Vino 57

If you’re looking for one of the best St Augustine bars with live music, Casa Vino 57 is your place! They have an amazing patio out back, an extensive wine list, and light bites, including a bomb charcuterie board.

Enjoy a martini with a view at Tini Martini Bar

Located at the Casablanca Inn, The Tini Martini bar is by far one of the best bars in St Augustine Florida on the water. They have an amazing selection of martinis (my favorite is the lemon tini), wine, beer, and cocktails. The martinis are also served in a shaker and end up being two or three!

Have a craft cocktail at Ice Plant Bar

If you plan to tour St Augustine distillery, make sure to stop upstairs for a cocktail at the Ice Plant Bar before you leave. I ordered the Moscow mule, and it was SO yummy. They also serve farm-to-table food for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and the menu looks fantastic!

Grab a beer at No Name Bar

No trip to St Augustine is complete without a visit to No Name Bar, one of the best St Augustine bars downtown. If you’re looking for more of a local’s hangout, this is the place to be. It’s the perfect chill spot to post up and listen to live music while enjoying the beautiful views of the St Augustine fort.

Eat, drink, and be Irish at Meehan's

If you enjoy a cozy locale with classic Irish food and ice-cold beer, Meehan’s Irish Pub is your place, AND they have a fabulous deck overlooking the Matanzas River.