Why Go to St. Augustine
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
In St. Augustine, history isn't behind glass. It's the street you're walking on. Founded by Spain in 1565, this northeast Florida town is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, and its cobblestone lanes and colonial buildings make that easy to believe. Look up and you'll also spot grand Romanesque Revival landmarks built by Henry Flagler, the railroad and oil magnate who helped shape Florida's entire east coast.
All that history comes with a spooky side. Many of the town's landmarks are said to be haunted, and after dark the ghost tours are some of the most popular things to do. By day, browse the boutiques of St. George Street, explore the eclectic collections at the Lightner Museum, or catch live music over dinner. Traveling with kids? The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Wild Reserve are big hits.
When you're ready to unwind, the Atlantic beaches are just minutes away with sunshine nearly all year. I'll find you the right historic inn or beachfront stay and line up the tours that make the Ancient City come alive.
BEST FOR
History lovers, couples, families and coastal explorers
BEST MONTHS
March to May and October to November
EXPLORE
The Historic District surrounds St. George Street and the waterfront; Anastasia Island offers beaches and the lighthouse; Vilano Beach sits across the inlet.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
St. Augustine
North America › Southeast › USA › Florida
Spanish forts, cobblestone lanes and Gilded Age grandeur in America's oldest city.
Historical & Heritage
History
Beach
Family
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit during Nights of Lights from mid-November through January, when millions of white lights transform the historic district.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Catch a cannon-firing demonstration.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., completed in 1695, overlooking Matanzas Bay.
Visit in the evening when the street is lively.
St. George Street
A pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and historic buildings.
Take the student-led tour to see the Tiffany stained glass.
Flagler College
Henry Flagler's grand former Hotel Ponce de Leon, now a college with stunning Tiffany windows.
Don't miss the former indoor swimming pool.
Lightner Museum
A museum in Flagler's former Alcazar Hotel, with Gilded Age treasures.
Climb at sunset for the best views.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Climb the 219 steps of the historic lighthouse for sweeping views.
A historic Moorish Revival hotel in the heart of the historic district.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Historic District
Hotel Tags
A boutique inn in restored historic homes, with lush gardens.
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
Historic District
Hotel Tags
A hotel on the historic bayfront, steps from the Castillo.
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
Historic Bayfront
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel near the historic district, with a pool.
Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel
Uptown / Historic Downtown
Hotel Tags
An oceanfront resort on St. Augustine Beach, with a pool.
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort
St. Augustine Beach
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in St. Augustine
High 74°F · Low 56°F · Rain 2.4 in
Nights of Lights begins, transforming the city with millions of lights.
The best times to visit St. Augustine are March through May and October through November, when the weather is warm and pleasant. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November. Winter brings the magical Nights of Lights.
Best Times to Visit St. Augustine
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
St. Augustine's food scene blends Spanish, Southern and seafood traditions.
- Seafood: Try fresh shrimp, including the local Mayport shrimp.
- Spanish flavors: Enjoy Spanish cuisine in the historic district.
- Must-try: Datil pepper dishes, Minorcan clam chowder and fresh seafood.
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Biking
Bikes are great for exploring the historic district and beaches.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are available.
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Rental Cars
A car is helpful for exploring beaches and nearby attractions.
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Trolley Tours
Hop-on, hop-off trolley tours are a fun way to see the sights.
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Walking
The historic district is compact and best explored on foot.
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Flying In
Jacksonville International (JAX) is about an hour away, and Daytona Beach (DAB) about an hour away.
Most visitors fly into Jacksonville and drive to St. Augustine. Once you're here, the historic district is best explored on foot, with trolley tours and a car for beaches and nearby attractions.
Getting Around St. Augustine
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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