St. George Street

St. George Street pulses as the vibrant core of St. Augustine, bustling with charming boutiques, cozy cafés, art galleries, and unique gift shops. As you wander down this pedestrian-friendly avenue, you’ll be transported back to the early days of the Old City. But don’t stop here—there’s even more to discover when you venture off the main path of St. George Street.

Beaches

St. Augustine’s coastline boasts over 42 miles of pristine, sandy beaches perfect for relaxing, exploring, and water sports. One popular spot is St. Augustine Beach, known for its relaxed vibe, iconic fishing pier, and a tempting lineup of beachside dining options to satisfy any craving.

Fort Matanzas

Hop on the complimentary ferry to Rattlesnake Island to explore Fort Matanzas, a Spanish watchtower constructed in 1740 to guard St. Augustine’s southern approach. The ferry and park admission are free, making it an accessible adventure with incredible views and history. Be sure to check their website for current hours or ferry updates.

Fort Mose Historic State Park

Fort Mose marks the site of the first free Black settlement in North America, honoring the courage of enslaved people who sought refuge here. While the original fort no longer stands, the site and visitor center commemorate their remarkable story. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a nominal museum fee of just $2, while park admission is free.

Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

Once home to Spanish and English colonial governors, the Governor’s House has hosted many notable visitors, including two Spanish kings. Today, its lobby exhibit provides a fascinating look into St. Augustine’s rich colonial past. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this is a free attraction you won’t want to miss.

Church Tours

St. Augustine is rich in historic churches, each with its own story to tell. Visit the beautiful Memorial Presbyterian Church, built by Henry Flagler in memory of his daughter, as well as Mission Nombre de Dios and the grand St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica. Check each church’s schedule for available tour times and enjoy a glimpse into the area’s religious and architectural heritage.

St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine

This beautiful shrine celebrates the arrival of the first Greek settlers in America in 1768. Visitors are welcome to explore its free museum, featuring a vibrant chapel adorned with Byzantine-style icons and frescoes. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, the shrine is a serene space steeped in heritage.

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios Museum

Situated on the historic mission grounds, this museum shares the origins of Catholicism in the early U.S. Nearby, the towering Great Cross—known as the tallest free-standing cross in the Western Hemisphere—marks the landing site of Spanish settlers in 1565 and the location of the first Catholic mass in the country. Just a short walk away, the peaceful La Leche Chapel invites visitors to reflect. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

St. Augustine Free Walking Tour

Discover St. Augustine’s historic sites on this free, 90-minute walking tour led by knowledgeable local guides. A fantastic introduction to the city, this tour runs twice daily and covers many iconic locations in America’s oldest city.

Splash Park

Located at the County Ocean Pier, Splash Park is a refreshing getaway for children, providing a fun, safe space to cool down. Open daily until dusk, it’s free for families to enjoy. Be sure to check out the nearby St. Johns County Ocean Pier, where you can sightsee for just $2, or fish for $6 as a non-resident.

City Gate Spirits

This local distillery blends Florida-inspired flavors into small-batch spirits, including moonshine, vodka, rum, and whiskey. Stop by for a complimentary tasting while taking in the scenic bayfront view. Open daily with tastings available until 7 p.m.

San Sebastian Winery

Take a free tour and indulge in tastings of San Sebastian Winery’s exquisite wines, crafted with skill and tradition. Tours and tastings run daily, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The St. Augustine Distillery

Discover the art of craft distilling with a free tour and tasting at St. Augustine Distillery. Known for award-winning spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey, this local gem opens its doors daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., offering visitors a chance to sip and learn about the distilling process firsthand.

Coquina Quarry

Explore the birthplace of St. Augustine’s iconic building material at Coquina Quarry. This self-guided tour unveils the source of the coquina blocks used in many historic structures, offering an intimate look at the material that helped shape the city’s architectural charm.

The Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass

Step into elegance at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse, a Mediterranean-inspired gem where golf lovers can enjoy a free daily tour. Located on the PGA Tour’s renowned grounds, the Clubhouse offers a visit to the celebrated 17th island hole on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, a must-see for any golf enthusiast.

GTM Research Reserve

This extraordinary 74,000-acre reserve stretches from Ponte Vedra to Marineland, featuring estuarine landscapes perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The GTM Visitor Center, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcases the reserve’s diverse habitats with impressive, life-sized displays of local marine life.

Sightseeing Spots

Experience the essence of St. Augustine by strolling its charming, brick-paved streets. Snap memorable photos at iconic spots like the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and the waterfront—each stop an Insta-worthy blend of beauty and history.

Picnic on the Fort Green

Relax with a picnic on the scenic grounds of Castillo de San Marcos, where you can enjoy sunny weather and open green spaces. Perfect for families, this area invites kids to tumble down grassy hills, while everyone can bask in Florida’s coastal breeze and iconic fort views.

Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum

Step back in time and experience St. Augustine’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage at the Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum. Located at 32 Aviles Street, this historic house offers a glimpse into the city’s oldest Catholic traditions dating back to 1565. Admission is free, and you can visit Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather permitting).

St. Johns County Parks

From scenic riverside trails to sport-filled parks, St. Johns County has a park for every adventure. Alpine Groves Park provides beautiful views along the St. Johns River, while Treaty Park offers facilities for tennis, skateboarding, and even a dog park. For a nature getaway, check out the majestic oak canopy at Canopy Shores or hike the unpaved trails of Nocatee Preserve.

Huguenot Cemetery Tours

This historic burial ground, dedicated to Anglo-American civilians, offers a window into St. Augustine’s 19th-century past. The Huguenot Cemetery hosts free tours on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with donations encouraged to support this sacred landmark.

Coquina Rocks at Marineland

If you’re a rock enthusiast or sunrise chaser, the stunning coquina rock formations just south of Marineland are a must-see. Follow the boardwalk along the ocean to this photographer’s dreamscape, where waves crash against the unique shoreline formations at dawn.

Sunset Stroll on Vilano Bridge

Catch a breathtaking sunset over Matanzas Bay with a walk along Vilano Bridge. Keep an eye out for dolphins and snap a selfie with the whimsical Bluebird of Happiness statue on the Vilano Beach Pier.

Cruise the Scenic A1A

The A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway offers an unforgettable drive along Florida’s Historic Coast. Meander through beachside towns, past nature preserves, and state parks from Ponte Vedra Beach to Marineland. Stop to explore historic sites, nature trails, and picturesque beaches along the way.

Project SWING Playground

Bring the kids to Project SWING Playground, a unique, wooden play area featuring a lighthouse, space shuttle, and whimsical towers. Located just behind the Historic Downtown Parking facility, it’s a fun spot for the whole family to enjoy until 7 p.m. daily.