St. Augustine
Places to stay in St. Augustine
Things to Do in St. Augustine
Top activities and experiences
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
St. George Street
Flagler College (Formerly Ponce de Leon Hotel)
Kayaking in Anastasia State Park
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Quick facts about St. Augustine
Local weather
clear sky
Humidity
44%
Wind
2.85 m/s
General info
Time zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC -5
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Official languages
English, Spanish
Best time to visit
MAR-MAY
NOV-JAN
Recommended trip duration
3 days
FAQs about St. Augustine
Yes, absolutely. It offers a unique combination of early Spanish-American history, Gilded Age architecture, beautiful sandy beaches, and a vibrant, walkable historic core that cannot be found anywhere else in Florida.
Two to three days are ideal to explore the historic forts, stroll through the old town, take a scenic boat cruise, and spend some relaxing hours on the beaches of Anastasia Island.
St. Augustine is famous for being the Nation’s Oldest City, its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, the indestructible Castillo de San Marcos, and the legendary Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth.
Yes, St. Augustine is considered a highly safe, family-friendly destination, though standard safety precautions should be taken when walking around late at night outside the main tourist zones.
- Parking in the historic district is highly competitive and expensive; save time by parking at the large Historic Downtown Parking Facility next to the Visitor Center.
- The local "Datil pepper" is incredibly spicy but sweet—it is featured in almost every local restaurant's menu, so ask about heat levels before ordering if you are sensitive to spice.
- St. Augustine's historic Drawbridges, particularly the Bridge of Lions, open regularly to let boats pass, which can cause sudden, unexpected traffic delays of 15 to 20 minutes.
- During the Nights of Lights festival (mid-November to late January), the city experiences extreme traffic jams, meaning you should book accommodation in the historic core to avoid driving.
- Many of the historic attractions have uneven cobblestone pathways, narrow doorways, and steep stairs, making comfortable, flat walking shoes absolutely essential.
