12 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida

Headed to St. Augustine soon? You’re in for a pretty special Florida getaway!

With centuries-old landmarks, cobblestone streets, and stories around every corner, this historic coastal city is such a fun place to explore. You can spend hours wandering past Spanish-style buildings and hearing tales of the people who lived here. And if you join a ghost tour, you might hear about a few who supposedly never left!

But beyond all that fascinating history, there’s plenty more to love, with sandy Atlantic beaches, beautiful waterways, and delicious local food to work into your plans.

So to help you make the most of your visit, we’ve rounded up our 12 favorite things to do in St. Augustine, including the experiences we think are most worth your time. We’ve also included three hotel picks if you still need somewhere to stay.

Ready? Let’s get to it!

St. Augustine at a Glance

St. Augustine’s historic district is easy to explore on foot, but you’ll want to venture beyond downtown for beaches, paddling, and an airboat adventure. A little planning will help you fit everything in without spending half your trip searching for parking.

Here are a few practical tips to know before you go:

Prepare to explore on foot: Many of the historic district’s sights, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Just make sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes, as the brick streets can be uneven in places. 

Leave time for parking: Finding a downtown parking spot can take longer on weekends, holidays, and during Nights of Lights. We recommend choosing a parking location before setting off and allowing extra time so you’re not rushing to reach a tour or reservation.

Group your Anastasia Island stops: The beach, Anastasia State Park, and several water activities are across the Bridge of Lions. Grouping your island plans can save you traveling back and forth, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the coast.

How We Would Spend 3 Days in St. Augustine

🏰 Day 1: Castillo de San Marcos, Old Town Stroll & St. Augustine Ghost Tour 
Explore St. Augustine on a private electric-cart tour, visit the historic Castillo de San Marcos, stroll through the Old Town, and end your day with a spooky ghost walk.  

🌅 Day 2: Paddling Adventure, Anastasia State Park & Sunset Cruise 
Spend the morning on a guided wildlife paddling tour, explore Anastasia State Park, and finish with a sunset sail followed by dinner by the water. 

🏛️Day 3: Fort Mose, Walking Food Tour & Dinner by the Bay
Explore Fort Mose or the Lightner Museum, then choose between a walking food tour and an afternoon with alligators before dinner at Harry’s. 

Things to Do in St. Augustine

1. Step into St. Augustine’s spookiest stories after dark

With centuries of history and more than a few spooky legends, St. Augustine is a pretty fitting place for a ghost tour! That’s why we always recommend this evening ghost walk, which offers a fun introduction to the city’s darker tales after sunset.

You’ll meet near the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse on St. George Street, then head out with your guide. Over the next 90 minutes, you’ll pass spots such as the City Gate, historic cemeteries, and the area around Castillo de San Marcos, hearing the stories that make these familiar landmarks feel a little eerie. 

Alongside the spooky tales, you’ll also hear about the city’s past and the people connected to the places you pass. The storytelling and setting are the main attractions here, so don’t expect haunted-house sets or elaborate jump scares!

We think this is a great pick for your first evening in town. You can enjoy dinner downtown before joining the walk, then spend the rest of your stay deciding whether those old streets feel quite as charming once you know their ghost stories. 

This tour welcomes families, although you’ll know best whether your kids will enjoy the spooky subject matter. You’ll also want to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light rain jacket if showers are forecast, as the tour runs rain or shine.

2. Get closer to Florida wildlife on the water

If we had to choose just one tour for a St. Augustine trip, this guided wildlife paddling adventure would be our top pick! 

You’ll set off from a boat ramp on Anastasia Island and paddle alongside Anastasia State Park, with tall sandy dunes providing a pretty spectacular backdrop. Along the way, your guide will help you look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and coastal birds, so keep your eyes on the water and the scenery!

Of course, the animals are wild, so what you’ll see changes with every outing. But even between sightings, there’s plenty to enjoy as you paddle along the coast and take in a completely different side of St. Augustine.

We especially love that you can choose between a kayak and a paddleboard. If you’ve been wanting to try paddleboarding, this is a fun opportunity to do it with a guide nearby. And if you prefer to explore sitting down, a kayak is a great option, too! 

In warmer weather, we’d book a morning departure and make a day of it on Anastasia Island, with lunch and some beach time afterward. Just make sure to bring drinking water, sun protection, and a secure waterproof pouch for your phone, as you’ll want it handy if a dolphin makes an appearance. 

3. Explore Fort Mose Historic State Park

For an important perspective on St. Augustine’s past, we’d definitely make time for Fort Mose Historic State Park. 

This was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what would eventually become the United States, where people escaping slavery in the British colonies found freedom under Spanish rule. 

When you visit, you’ll find a small visitor center and museum where you can read about the community, check out the reconstructed fort area, and get a better idea of what life was like. You can also stroll along the boardwalk and take in the marsh views.

All in all, we think this is a great stop for families and history lovers, with plenty for photographers to enjoy as well. The grounds are free, and admission to the visitor center and museum is only $2 USD per person, so it’s well worth adding to your itinerary. 

4. End the day on a sunset cruise

After a busy day exploring St. Augustine, we can’t think of a much better way to unwind than this catamaran sunset cruise. You’ve got drinks, live music, and beautiful views to enjoy, all while someone else takes care of getting you around!

You’ll set off from Vilano Beach and cruise along the Intracoastal waterways, looking out for landmarks such as the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. It’s fun to spot places you’ve already visited, especially with the evening light making everything look a little different.

The best part about this cruise, though, is the live music! A local musician plays onboard while you sip your drink and watch the sun go down. Beer, wine, margaritas, and nonalcoholic options are all included, along with a few light snacks to keep you going.

We’d recommend this for a date night or an evening out with friends, especially if you’ve spent most of the day on your feet. Just save room in your plans for dinner afterward, as the snacks won’t replace a full meal.

Before you book, note that check-in is 30 minutes before departure, so leave time in your itinerary to park and find the dock behind Beaches Restaurant. We also recommend bringing a light layer for the breeze, and check your booking instructions to see whether you need to bring a photo ID.

5. Walk the dunes and shoreline at Anastasia State Park

After a day or two of museums and historic streets, you might be ready for some beach time, and Anastasia State Park is the perfect place to do exactly that! 

The park covers more than 1,600 acres (about 650 hectares), with nearly four miles of Atlantic beach, tidal marshes, and maritime hammock forest. Location-wise, it’s a short drive across the Bridge of Lions from downtown, so you won’t have to go far to trade busy streets for sandy shores.

You could easily spend a few hours swimming, walking along the beach, and working your way through a picnic. If you fancy an adventure, the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail takes you beyond the beach and into the park’s shady woodland. Paddling the park’s waterways is another option if you’re keen to get out on the water.

We especially like this stop for families or anyone who wants a slower day between tours. Standard admission is only $8 USD per vehicle for two to eight people, and you can easily make a whole afternoon of it. Just make sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection, plus bug spray if you’re heading onto the trails! 

6. Taste your way through St. Augustine

If your idea of sightseeing involves good food and a glass of wine, this wine, cocktail, and food tour will be right up your alley! You’ll spend the afternoon tasting your way around St. Augustine, with a little local history between bites.

You’ll meet outside Casa de Vino 57 and kick things off with wine and charcuterie before heading to two more local venues. At each stop, you’ll enjoy food paired with wine or cocktails, and the walks between stops give you a chance to learn more about the historic district.

We especially love that the group size is kept to eight people or less. It makes chatting with your guide and fellow travelers much easier, and by the final stop, you might have a few new friends to raise a glass with! 

We typically recommend this tour for couples, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy a social afternoon built around food. It’s also worth booking early in your stay, as you may find a spot you’ll want to return to for another meal.

If you have dietary requirements, it’s worth confirming the tour can accommodate you before booking, as some options are limited. We also recommend sorting out your ride back beforehand so you can relax and enjoy every pairing. 

7. Catch skyline views from the Bridge of Lions

You don’t need to book a tour to enjoy St. Augustine from the water’s edge! A stroll onto the Bridge of Lions is an easy, free way to take in the waterfront and see the historic skyline from a different angle.

The bridge connects downtown with Anastasia Island across the Matanzas River and has pedestrian sidewalks for walking across. You don’t have to go all the way, though; even a short stroll gives you lovely views of the boats, waterfront buildings, and old city.

We’d come early in the morning or around sunset for the softer light, especially if you enjoy taking photos. Keep an eye out for the marble lion statues that give the bridge its name, too!

Since you’re already downtown, we recommend pairing your bridge walk with the bayfront and Plaza de la Constitución before grabbing a bite nearby. 

8. See the city’s landmarks with a private local guide

If you want to get your bearings in St. Augustine without wearing yourself out on day one, this private electric-cart tour gives you a fun introduction to the city! 

Over the course of about 90 minutes, your guide will take you through the historic streets, sharing stories from the city’s Spanish, British, and Flagler eras. Along the way, you’ll see landmarks such as Castillo de San Marcos, Plaza de la Constitución, Aviles Street, Flagler College, and the Oldest House, with opportunities to stop for photos.

We especially like this option for families or friends traveling together. The cart accommodates up to six passengers, and the tour is private, so you can chat with your guide and ask questions without competing with a big group. You’ll also cover more ground than you could on a short walking tour, which is handy if your time in town is limited!

We recommend booking this well-reviewed tour early in your stay to help you decide where you’d like to return for a closer look. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and a bottle of water. The Florida heat is relentless, even with a breeze as you ride around! 

9. Shop local at the Amphitheatre Farmers Market

If you’ll be in St. Augustine on a Saturday, you’ll definitely want to stop by the Amphitheatre Farmers Market. It’s over on Anastasia Island, and you’ll find everything from coffee and pastries to plants, art, and handmade items. There’s often live music, too, which is always a treat! 

Our best advice is to come hungry and bring a reusable bag for anything you pick up. Even if you’re not planning to buy much, browsing the stalls with a coffee in hand is a pretty lovely way to start the weekend.

The market runs from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays and is free to browse. Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early, or walk or cycle if you’re staying nearby. 

After the market, we recommend heading to nearby Anastasia State Park and making a beach day of it! 

10. Explore Florida’s backwaters by airboat

In the mood for a little adventure? This guided airboat tour takes you inland to explore the freshwater tributaries of the St. Johns River, where you’ll get to see a completely different side of Florida! If most of your trip has been spent downtown or by the beach, we think you’ll enjoy getting out into a completely different landscape for a while.

You’ll start by traveling through the waterways around Trout Creek and Six Mile, listening to your guide’s commentary through a headset as you go. Your guide will help you look for wildlife, so watch for alligators, turtles, and birds both in the water and along the banks. Of course, sightings are never guaranteed, but that’s part of the excitement; you never know what you might spot around the next bend in the creek! 

We especially like this option if you want an adventure without giving up an entire day. At around 90 minutes, the ride leaves plenty of time for other plans, though you’ll need to factor in the drive to the starting point at Trout Creek Memorial Park, about a 30-minute drive northwest of St. Augustine’s historic center.

We definitely recommend bringing sunscreen and bug spray on this tour, so you can spend more time enjoying the scenery and less time swatting mosquitoes! 

11. Step inside the St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine

With so many shops and sights along St. George Street, it’s easy to walk past the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine without realizing what’s inside. We’d definitely pause for a look, though, as the colorful chapel alone is worth a few minutes of your time! 

The shrine commemorates the Greek settlers who arrived in Florida in 1768 as part of the New Smyrna Colony. Through its historical exhibits, you can hear their story and find out more about the Greek Orthodox Church in America. It’s a fascinating introduction to another community that helped shape the region.

For us, the chapel is the biggest reason to stop. The Byzantine-style frescoes are full of beautiful details, so give yourself time to look around before browsing the historical displays and stepping into the courtyard.

You don’t need much time here. About 20 to 30 minutes works well for a quick look, though you can stay longer if the exhibits catch your interest. It’s free to visit, too, but donations are appreciated.

Opening hours are generally 10 am to 5 pm daily, but we recommend checking the official website before heading over.

12. See St. Augustine’s top attractions with one flexible pass

If you want an easy way to fit several sights into one day, this trolley and attractions pass gives you a handy way to get around St. Augustine. 

The full narrated trolley loop takes around 90 minutes, but you don’t have to stay on board the whole time. Hop off when a stop catches your interest, spend some time exploring, then catch another trolley when you’re ready to move on. You’ll hear about the city between stops while giving your feet a break, too!

The route has stops near the City Gates, St. George Street, Plaza de la Constitución, Castillo de San Marcos, and Flagler College. Your pass also includes entry to the Old Jail, Oldest Store Museum Experience, and St. Augustine History Museum, though it doesn’t include admission to other attractions (even if the trolley stops nearby).

We especially like this option for first-time visitors and families who want to explore at their own pace. We recommend picking a few must-see stops and building the day around them, so you’re not rushing from one stop to the next! 

Keep in mind the trolleys are open-air, so bring water and sunscreen. We also recommend checking the last departures before heading off to explore; you don’t want to miss your ride back!

Where to Stay in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a city you’ll want to spend plenty of time wandering around, so we’d recommend staying in or near the historic district. Having restaurants, historic attractions, and the waterfront nearby just makes planning your days so easy! 

To help you find the right fit, we’ve rounded up our top three hotel picks in the area. 

Renaissance St. Augustine – $$$

For an upscale stay close to the historic district, the Renaissance St. Augustine is a lovely option!

The hotel is near the Visitor Information Center, with St. George Street and Castillo de San Marcos within easy reach. We especially like this location for a first visit, since you can spend plenty of time exploring downtown without having to drive to every outing.

Inside, the rooms are polished and classic, with balcony and larger-room options available if you’d like to treat yourself. There’s also an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining, so you have somewhere comfortable to unwind between sightseeing and dinner.

Rooms typically range from around $250 to $550+ USD per night, with busy weekends and special events potentially costing more. Check availability and book Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel here!

Bayfront Inn – $$

If waterfront walks are high on your list, the Bayfront Inn is definitely worth considering. It sits on Avenida Menendez overlooking Matanzas Bay, south of the Bridge of Lions, with downtown restaurants and historic sights nearby.

The location is the biggest draw for us. You can start your day with a stroll along the bay, wander into the historic district, and pop back for a rest whenever you need one. It’s a great setup if you enjoy exploring on foot!

There’s also an outdoor pool for cooling off after a hot day, plus included breakfast to get you ready for another morning of sightseeing. 

Price-wise, you can expect rooms to typically range from around $150 to $300+ USD per night depending on the room and season. Book your waterfront stay at Bayfront Inn on your preferred dates here!

Hampton Inn – $

For something a little more budget-friendly, we recommend the Hampton Inn, especially if you’re visiting with family or stopping here on a Florida road trip.

Free hot breakfast is a big reason we like this hotel, as it saves you from having to find somewhere to eat before heading out for the day. You’ll also have an outdoor pool and a fitness center, plus pet-friendly rooms available for an additional fee.

Rooms typically range from around $110 to $275+ USD per night. It’s generally the more affordable pick of these three, and we recommend booking as early as possible if you’re looking to stay on popular weekends and holidays. Check availability and book your stay at Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District here!

For more great hotel accommodations, browse more hotels listed for St. Augustine here!

Thanks for reading!

St. Augustine may be famous for its history, but there’s so much more to discover beyond those centuries-old streets! From paddling alongside dolphins and exploring beautiful beaches to spooky ghost stories and sunset cruises, this charming coastal city has a little bit of everything. We hope our favorite experiences help you plan an unforgettable visit!

Still have more of Florida to explore? We’ve got plenty of other USA travel blogs packed with fun activities, helpful tips, and itinerary ideas to keep the adventures going. Check out a few of our favorites below to start planning your next getaway!

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