The Saint Augustine center point is approximately the area of Mission Nombre de Dios and the area of Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
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.
If you know where to stay, you can save more money on your trip to St. Augustine by taking advantage of hotel discounts. Most area hotels advertise special offers, which change throughout the year. Casa Monica Resort & Spa, for instance, offers discounts on last-minute weekend rates. You can also save money on spa or dining packages when booking your hotel room.
And upscale lodging establishments aren't the only ones that offer travel packages. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saint Augustine North allows you to lock in savings and enjoy breakfast when you book in advance. IHG Rewards Club members can also purchase bonus point packages to save more. If you prefer a certain hotel group, look for rewards programs and sign up to start earning points to put toward your next stay.
AAA members, AARP members, military families, and government employees can also enjoy discounts at most area hotels. Seniors tend to enjoy discounts of up to 20 percent, so research the venue in advance for discount offers.
St. Augustine has many mid-range hotels that give you plenty of value for the money. Ocean Sands Beach Inn is a brightly colored two-star beachfront hotel close to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Simple guest rooms offer views of the wetlands or Atlantic Ocean, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, coffee makers, and microwaves. You also get a complimentary hot breakfast, access to the outdoor pool, free parking, and access to the downtown trolley tour, which can be enjoyed for a fee.
Comfort Suites Downtown in St. Augustine is a classic all-suites accommodation within walking distance of the Lincolnville Historic District and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Amenities include a free hot breakfast, hot tub, outdoor pool, convenience store, business center, and fitness room. In the guest suites, enjoy features like work desks, sitting areas, free Wi-Fi, and whirlpool tubs.
Hampton Inn St. Augustine – Historic District is a three-star hotel on Ponce de León Boulevard. It offers an easy drive to Vilano Beach and Anastasia Island, both of which are popular attractions for nature lovers. Chic rooms feature custom-designed beds. If you're in a hurry in the morning, you can get a free breakfast bag to go.
With so much to discover in St. Augustine, you can visit several times and feel like you've never fully experienced the city. While you'll want to hit the major visitor highlights, there's something to be said for exploring the Old City like a local. For starters, you'll find a popular but pricey restaurant in Vilano Beach called Cap's On the Water, but you can enjoy a nice Southern dinner at Aunt Kate's Restaurant, which offers an equally impressive view.
For dessert, head to Cousteau's Waffle and Milkshake Bar downtown. This amazing eatery features a distinctive Wes Anderson theme, and the cake-like waffles and milkshake bar are an unexpected combination that feels so right.
Other eateries you don't want to miss include Hot Shot Bakery and Café downtown, the cash-only Mojo Tacos on Anastasia Boulevard, and Ned's Southside Kitchen.
Whatever your reason for visiting St. Augustine, you can find the perfect hotel that meets your needs and budget, so that you can explore St. Augustine's historic treasures.
Below are reviews of the city of Saint Augustine, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great place to visit!
Much to see and do!
Good location and front desk staff.
So much history here and so many things to do.
I just love visiting and bringing family and friends from out of state.
It was quite an interesting city. Had something for each of my family members to enjoy. The food was excellent.
This hotel was good. The rooms were clean. Love it. Will definitely go back.
Very pretty!
The downtown area fun and interesting!
Saint Augustine city and beach are the best. Of all the cities in Florida, we continue to return and spend time only in Saint Augustine. Thanks for the gracious hospitality.
I visited the beautiful beach and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. Great food!
There is so much history and so much to see and do. I love it.
There is so much history. This is my second visit and I want to visit again!
The places to dine!
Very nice city. Everything was close enough you could walk to it if you wanted.
Musts for your visit: Cousteau's Waffle & Milkshake Bar, Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops and Trolley Tour.
Kid friendly!
Very historic. Impossible to see everything in one day. Shuttle service is recommended. A must stop for dinner is the Sunset Grill. About 1/2 mile from the hotel.
We loved the beach!! Also so much to do and see will love to come back and visit so we can do and see more lots of fun things to do:)
It's the oldest city in America. I like the history. The Fort. Try Farmhand KCHN and Coffee on North Ponce de Leon Blvd. Fantastic and away from the touristy section! Try the fried baloney sandwich and grits! Flagler College is open to the public, ornate ceiling as it used to be upscale hotel.
Quaint, beautiful beaches, great food, historic, friendly people.
Walk ability was great as well as the hotel accommodations.
It is really difficult to select something from Saint Augustine that can stand out above other places in the city. But walking through the Historic District with its many craft shops, cafes, typical restaurants and appreciating the exquisiteness of Spanish architecture from the time of the conquest ... is priceless.
The family enjoyed the sightseeing tours and the beaches.
Very poor management of traffic and extreme lack of parking places.
Love Saint Augustine and return often! With the exception of the Bayfront Best Western Hotel we'll return again! Charming, Lovely shops and wonderful history!
The trolley tour is is highly recommended for all visitors.
Enjoyed the wonderful Christmas lights and the quaint shops and restaurants.
The lighthouse museum, the new St. Augustine Distillery, the Ximenez-Fatio house and the Columbian Restaurant are a must do's.
St. Augustine has the best of both worlds: a beautiful, historic downtown with many attractions and activities, and over the bridge a laid back beach resort town. Fantastic places to eat and drink are everywhere, and there's something for everyone: we met retired couples, wild spring breakers, families, and even a church group. Everyone was having a good time.
Natural beauty, proximity to ocean, piers, historic areas.
The city of St. Augustine was beautiful and we had a great time. I highly recommend eating at Harry's. The manager is awesome! The food was spectacular and the ladies bathroom was exceptional!
Tours and history were very worth the trip.