Things to do in St. Augustine
Spring and fall bring warm, dry days ideal for walking the historic district and beaches without summer humidity or crowds. Late November through January glows with the Nights of Lights displays.
Best months: March, April, October, November
What is worth your time in St. Augustine
Cathedral Basilica of St. AugustineDo not miss
The seat of the nation's oldest Catholic parish, a Spanish Mission style basilica with a bell tower and luminous murals on the Plaza.
Architecture · 45 min4.8
St. George StreetDo not miss
The car-free spine of the old city, lined with colonial buildings, shops, cafes, and street performers from the historic city gate.
Neighborhood · 1.8 hr4.8
Bridge of LionsDo not miss
A graceful Mediterranean Revival drawbridge guarded by marble lions, linking the old town to Anastasia Island over Matanzas Bay.
Landmark · 33 min4.7
Castillo de San Marcos National MonumentDo not miss
The oldest masonry fort in the continental US, a 17th-century Spanish coquina stronghold guarding Matanzas Bay with cannon firings and bay views.
Historic Site · 1.9 hr4.7
Flagler CollegeDo not miss
The former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a Gilded Age Spanish Renaissance masterpiece with Tiffany stained glass, open for guided historic tours.
Architecture · 1.3 hr4.7
Lightner MuseumDo not miss
Housed in Flagler's former Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age collection of fine and decorative arts set around a grand indoor courtyard.
Museum · 2 hr4.7
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological ParkDo not miss
A century-old zoo home to every living crocodilian species, plus a treetop rookery boardwalk and zip lines over the gators.
Activity · 2.8 hr4.7
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime MuseumDo not miss
Climb 219 steps up the black-and-white spiral tower for sweeping coastal views, then explore maritime exhibits and a shipwreck archaeology program.
Landmark · 2.3 hr4.7
Colonial QuarterDo not miss
A recreated 18th-century Spanish settlement with costumed interpreters, blacksmithing, musket drills, and a watchtower climb.
Historic Site · 1.9 hr4.6
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological ParkDo not miss
The legendary spring marking the site of the original 1565 settlement, with Timucua exhibits, peacocks, a cannon firing, and bayfront grounds.
Historic Site · 2.3 hr4.5
Anastasia State Park
Four miles of wild Atlantic beach, tidal lagoons, dunes, and a coquina quarry, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Beach · 3.5 hr4.8
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
A vast protected estuary north of the city with hiking trails, a quiet undeveloped beach, and birdwatching across maritime hammock.
Nature · 3 hr4.8
Memorial Presbyterian Church
Henry Flagler's soaring 1889 Venetian Renaissance church with a copper dome, a mausoleum, and intricate terracotta detailing.
Architecture · 45 min4.8
Mission of Nombre de Dios
The site of the first Catholic Mass in the US, a serene riverside shrine with the Our Lady of La Leche chapel and centuries-old oaks.
Historic Site · 1.1 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The historic core is tightly walkable, so park once near the visitor center or use the trolley and explore on foot.
- Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, so plan outdoor stops for mornings and save museums for the heat of the day.
- Try the local datil pepper specialties and fresh Minorcan clam chowder, a flavor unique to St. Augustine.
- Many historic house museums close by 4:30 or 5:00 PM, so do indoor sights early and leave evenings for ghost tours and the bar scene.
- Beaches on Anastasia Island and Vilano are a short drive over the bridges, so build in time for both the old town and the coast.