St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement on the U.S. mainland, hence its nickname the “Ancient City.” It was founded by the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, all the way back in 1565 and has been plundered and conquered several times. Visit the sunny Florida city to discover influences from the Spanish, English, Greeks, Africans and Native Americans. Find traces of nearly five centuries worth of history in St. George Street alone. Admire the Spanish-style buildings, the Oldest Store museum and horse-drawn carts traveling along cobblestone streets. Visit the 1740s-themed Colonial Spanish Quarter, a living museum. Stop for a break in one of the old taverns some have dining by candlelight only. St. Augustine’s many 19th-century buildings still display the splendor of the “Gilded Age.” Don’t miss the chance to visit Castillo de San Marcos: The oldest standing European fort in continental America. Book a scenic cruise from the Municipal Marina to see the fort from the water and get pictures of the old lighthouse. While you’re at Castillo de San Marcos, take the kids to the Pirate and Treasure Museum to see artifacts such as treasure chests, maps and flags.St. Augustine has barrier islands accessible via two bridges: Francis and Mary Usina Bridge in the north, and the Bridge of Lions in the south. Head south to Anastasia Island to enjoy the white sand of St. Augustine Beach. Stop by St. John’s County Pier when you visit Anastasia State Park with its bird sanctuary, beaches, nature trails, picnic areas and camping grounds. The quieter northern barrier island has Vilano Beach. Come here for beachfront restaurants and fishing excursions.In St. Augustine most attractions are within walking distance of the city center. Join a narrated hop-on, hop-off trolley tour for a faster, and affordable, way to see more of the city and learn the history. It’s best to rent a car if you plan to visit the barrier islands.
St. Augustine, FL
Where to stay in St. Augustine
St. Augustine Historic District
Explore the colonial heart of St. Augustine, featuring narrow streets and landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and Cathedral Basilica. Discover the city's oldest residences, such as the González–Alvarez House.
Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Vilano Beach and Castle Otttis.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Crescent Beach and Fort Matanzas National Monument while you're in town.
Butler Beach
Butler Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to St. Augustine Beach or Butler Beach.
Downtown Historic District
If you're spending some time in Downtown Historic District, Lightner Museum and Ponce de Leon Hotel are top sights worth seeing.
Uptown
While visiting Uptown, you might make a stop by sights like Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and Mission of Nombre de Dios.
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Getting around St. Augustine
St. Augustine is often described as the oldest city in the United States, and you can travel around the center in vintage style with a ride on one of the city’s retro trolleys. Pedicabs – a type of cycle rickshaw – offer a relaxing, but slower, way to travel, or you can even take a horse and carriage from the harbor. The old streets of the historic center make for a lovely stroll. Visit the Florida Department of Transport website.Browse St. Augustine rental cars.
Best time to visit
Like much of Florida, St. Augustine is subject to a tropical climate with hot, wet summers, and mild, dry winters. Thunderstorms carry on into the fall, making spring the best time to visit. If you do come at this time of year, however, you won’t be the only one with the idea, and you’ll have to contend with bigger crowds and higher prices. Winter is still pleasant, but quieter and cheaper.
Popular places to visit
St. Augustine Beach
Stroll along the shore and enjoy watersports at one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, where restaurants and playgrounds are within walking distance of the sand.
St. George Street
Meander through St. Augustine’s pedestrian center to discover charming boutiques and art galleries among an array of restaurants with delicious specialties.
Flagler College
Explore the campus of Flagler College, during your trip to St. Augustine. Discover the area's fascinating museums, or seek out its local tours.
Anastasia State Park
Camp in the forest and relax on spectacular beaches when you visit one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks.
World Golf Village
You can study the exhibits at World Golf Village, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to St. Augustine. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in this quaint area.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Explore one of the the oldest standing masonry forts in North America and watch cannons being fired from the ramparts.
Things to do
Secrets of St Augustine Ghost Tours
Read travel guides and advice on visiting St. Augustine
Most Haunted Places in America
Other places like St. Augustine
- St. Augustine Beach
- St. George Street
- Flagler College
- World Golf Village
- Anastasia State Park
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- Vilano Beach
- Lightner Museum
- Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- Ponce de Leon Hotel
- St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- St. Augustine Premium Outlets
- Bridge of Lions
- St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
- Butler Beach
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Marineland Beach
- Ripley's Believe It Or Not
- Flagler Hospital
- St. Johns County Ocean Pier
- Crescent Beach
- Castle Otttis
- San Sebastian Winery
- St. Augustine Municipal Marina
- St. John's Golf and Country Club
- St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center
- Palencia Club