In 1565, a Spanish explorer, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, founded St. Augustine, calling the settlement “San Agustín” because the land first came into sight on August 28, 1565, Saint Augustine's feast day. The city was Florida's Spanish capital for more than 200 years and briefly remained the capital when it changed over to British rule.
Today, St. Augustine's historic roots make this city a major tourist attraction. Popular spots include the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Light Station, Fort Matanzas National Monument, the Oldest Wooden School House, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum.
Whether you're hoping to find oceanfront accommodations, a luxury hotel with all the amenities, or a budget-friendly lodging near historic sites, St. Augustine offers a variety of hotels. Whatever your reasons for visiting the city, you'll want to find the ideal hotel so you can be close to the action.
When to Visit St. Augustine, Florida
Even on the hottest summer days, visiting St. Augustine is still pleasant. With the city's location near the Atlantic Ocean, you can easily cool off at the beach amid pleasant weather year-round. Peak visitation season, however, is during the summer months, so you'll have to contend with crowds and higher hotel rates between June and August.
Fall and early winter can be great times to visit St. Augustine, but this part of Florida is susceptible to unpredictable weather during those times. You could experience sweltering temperatures, hurricanes, or a cold snap.
Winter can seem ideal, especially if you're escaping northern snow and ice, but the pleasant temperatures draw some of the bigger crowds. Accommodations are also higher during the winter months, but you're more likely to find better deals than in the summer.
The best time to visit St. Augustine is in the late winter through the end of spring. Beginning at the end of February, the crowds lessen and the hotel rates are at some of their lowest price points.
May, in particular, is a great month to visit because you'll find a decent amount of visitors, but not so many that you feel overwhelmed by the crowds. School trips tend to go on field trips in the spring, and you may meet students while exploring a few of the city's historic sites.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Saint Augustine, FL:
Saint Augustine, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Saint Augustine, FL. Browse these illustrations to determine the best months to stay in Saint Augustine for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in St. Augustine, Florida
4 Star Average Prices: $202.50
If you're looking for an upscale accommodation in St. Augustine, several distinctive options are available. For an unbeatable location in the heart of downtown, stay at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection. Built in 1888, this grand Moroccan-themed hotel makes a statement with an ornate lobby containing chandeliers, fountains, and frescos to transport you to another world the moment you walk through the doors. Not only does the property feature old-fashioned elegance, but it offers the contemporary comforts you would expect from this type of hotel.
While staying at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, be sure to dine in the casual café and the high-end restaurant, both found on-site. Guest rooms feature gold-accented décor with amenities like Bose sound systems, flat-screen TVs, and wet bars.
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront is an impressive facility of 19 Spanish Colonial-style buildings encircling an inner courtyard. The luxury hotel offers views of the bay and an easy walk to Ripley's Believe It or Not! oddity museum. Guest rooms feature custom-designed beds, mini fridges, flat-screen TVs, paid Wi-Fi, and work desks. Some rooms come with balconies and whirlpool tubs. Amenities include a Spanish-inspired restaurant and lounge, an outdoor pool and hot tub, an on-site fitness center, and a business center with ample meeting space.
Affordable Hotel Options in St. Augustine, Florida
3 Star Average Prices: $130.60
Finding an affordable hotel in St. Augustine is easier than you think. Knights Inn St. Augustine/Historic District offers informal lodging near Vilano Beach, off Ponce de León Boulevard. You'll enjoy a 10-minute walk to the water, great restaurants, and top attractions. For some of the area's best eats, you can head to The Manatee Café from the hotel. Guests at the Knights Inn can enjoy a free cup of coffee each morning, complimentary high-speed Internet access, free parking, and rooms with refrigerators and microwaves.
If you prefer to be closer to the beach, Regency Inn & Suites is across the street from a fishing pier and a stretch of white-sand beach. Located a block from Anastasia State Park, Regency Inn & Suites is close to the city's historic center and St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, making this inn one of the most popular budget-friendly accommodations in town. The inn also features a heated indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, free guest parking, and a free continental breakfast.
Red Carpet Inn St. Augustine is a Spanish-style, low-rise lodge conveniently in the business district. While it is 2 miles from the beach, you can enjoy easy access to PGA Golf and the historic district. This accommodation offers a free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, premium movie channels, and RV and truck parking.
Budget Inn St. Augustine is an unassuming, full-service, low-rise motel in the heart of St. Augustine. Combining a central downtown location with an exceptional value, this inn is the perfect place to stay if you're hoping to explore much of the city on foot. Beaches are a short drive away, and the affordable rooms are nicely priced without skimping on amenities. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a mini refrigerator, microwave, and complimentary toiletries.
