Known as the Oldest City in America, St. Augustine, Florida is filled with history, charm, and romance! If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry – we’ve compiled a list of free things to do in St. Augustine that will keep you entertained and allow you to experience the city’s history and culture without breaking the bank!
Things TO DO FOR FREE IN ST. AUGUSTINE
1. Capture Instagram-Worthy Photos
Josh and I visited St. Augustine for our 6th wedding anniversary and fell in love with this charming city! There are so many quaint places to take photos. If you really want to capture the serenity and essence of St. Augustine, get up early one morning and take some pictures on St. George Street before it comes alive!
While not necessarily “free,” seeing St. Augustine by boat was a unique, inexpensive, and romantic experience. If you’re lucky (unlike us), you may even see some dolphins, bald eagles, and other wildlife!
The marina is a quick walk from the historic district, making this convenient for hotel-goers in the area. If driving to the marina, it’s important to plan ahead as parking around the marina is metered parking and can be very difficult to find.
2. Stroll Along St. George Street
Probably the most famous street in St. Augustine’s historic district is St. George Street. It is known for its quaint cobblestone streets, local artisans, and plentiful food options.
An early morning stroll is an easy way to beat the crowds, capture photos of historic sights, and enjoy a peaceful view of everything that St. George has to offer.
Make sure to snap a photo of the Old City Gate (see pic above), Oldest Wooden School House, and Pena Peck House while walking St. George Street. Most shops don’t open until mid-morning, so keep that in mind if shopping is your goal.
3. Visit Castillo de San Marcos (Exterior)
The most visited tourist attraction in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos. It is one of two forts constructed of coquina, a soft limestone composed of broken shells. It’s also the oldest remaining masonry fort in the United States! Originally built by the Spanish, Castillo de San Marcos was designed to protect the Spanish settlement in St. Augustine from pirate raids and other hostile neighbors.
After paying an entrance fee, walking inside the fort and exploring many of the hidden rooms is welcomed. Without the entrance fee, it is still possible to walk along the exterior and capture an Instagram-worthy photo.
4. Enjoy Free Live Music
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a popular venue for live music performances and events. While some shows require tickets, there are also many free concerts and events held throughout the year. Check the amphitheatre’s schedule to see if there are any upcoming free shows that interest you. Even if you don’t catch a concert, the amphitheatre is still worth a visit for its beautiful architecture and scenic location.
In addition to the amphitheatre, there are also many other places in St. Augustine where you can enjoy live music for free. The Colonial Oak Music Park often hosts live music performances on their outdoor stage. You can also check out local bars and restaurants, as many of them feature live music on certain nights of the week.
Josh and I personally witnessed the lively nightlife of downtown St. Augustine from our BnB. Live music played into the night from a local bar. While there is a noise ordinance for St. Johns County, sometimes musicians get carried away.
7. Relax at St. Augustine’s Beautiful Beaches & Parks
St. Augustine is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and parks in Florida, and many of them are free to visit!
Anastasia State Park is a popular destination for beachgoers, with miles of white sand and crystal-clear water. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the park.
Other free parks in the area include the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, which offers a glimpse into the city’s history, and the St. Augustine Wild Reserve, where visitors can see exotic animals up close. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure in the great outdoors, St. Augustine has something for everyone.
9. Walk the Historic Bridge of Lions
This historic bridge connects downtown St. Augustine with Anastasia Island and offers stunning views of the Matanzas Bay and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
The bridge was named after two marble lions that guard its entrance and was constructed in the 1920s. Today, it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a leisurely walk or jog while taking in the scenic surroundings.
Whether you’re an early riser or a late-night adventurer, the Bridge of Lions is accessible 24 hours a day. If you visit during sunrise or sunset, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable view of the city skyline, the historic fort, and the surrounding marshes.
6. Explore Fort Matanzas (Free Ferry Ride)
Fort Matanzas is a historic site located just south of St. Augustine, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past. The fort was built in the 18th century to protect the city from enemy attacks and is now a national monument.
The ferry ride to the fort is free, and, once you arrive, you can explore the grounds at your own pace. Be sure to climb the watchtower for a stunning view of the surrounding area and check out the gun deck to see where soldiers once defended the fort.
The park offers several trails that wind through the surrounding marshes and forests. If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, there are plenty of tables and benches scattered throughout the park.
10. Take a Walk on the St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier (Small Fee)
The St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier can be accessed for a nominal fee for sightseeing or fishing. It is a serene place to listen to the ocean waves, watch the birds, and escape the city center crowds.
It’s a quick 5-minute drive from historic downtown St. Augustine and has its own designated free parking. Because of the area’s popularity, it’s recommended to visit it early as the parking lot can fill up quickly and the pier can become crowded.
Make sure to also explore the attached gift shop, kids’ splash pad, and adjacent playground. If visiting on Wednesdays, be on the lookout for the St. Augustine Beach Wednesday Market!
8. Attend Free Events & Festivals
St. Augustine is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and many of the city’s events and festivals are free to attend. The First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month and features local artists showcasing their work in galleries and shops throughout the city.
The St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival is another popular event, featuring live music, food, and cultural activities. Other free events include the St. Augustine Easter Parade, the St. Augustine Pirate Gathering, and the St. Augustine Greek Festival. Check the city’s event calendar to see what free events are happening during your visit.
In addition to the regular events and festivals, there are also free concerts and outdoor movie screenings throughout the year. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre hosts a free concert series during the summer months, featuring local and regional musicians.
The city also offers free outdoor movie screenings in various parks and public spaces. St. Augustine Beach offers free access and is a great place to spend a day soaking up the sun and playing in the waves.
11. Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse (Small Fee)
Built between 1871 and 1874, the St. Augustine lighthouse continues to be a working lighthouse on the north end of Anastasia Island. Visitors can pay an entrance fee to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse to get a bird’s eye view of the city.
Thankfully, there are several places to rest along the ascent to the top, so it’s encouraged to climb at one’s own pace. Along with the entrance fee, the pass is good for the Maritime Museum, which provides the history of the lighthouse and its era.
12. Visit Buc-ee’s: A Roadside Attraction
Buc-ee’s is a convenience store chain that is popular in Texas, but they recently opened their first location in Florida in St. Augustine. This is not your average convenience store, it’s more like a superstore! There’s an overwhelming amount of merchandise and food options, so even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s still worth stopping in just to take a look around.
The store has become somewhat of an attraction in itself due to its sheer size (it’s over 50,000 square feet!) and its signature mascot, a beaver named Buc-ee. You’ll find all kinds of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, as well as plenty of clean restrooms and gas pumps. Heck, Buc-ee’s was awarded the cleanest bathrooms in America!
One thing you shouldn’t miss is trying their famous Beaver Nuggets – sweet and crunchy corn puffs that are a fan favorite. Even if you’re not planning on purchasing anything, Buc-ee’s is a fun and unique stop on your visit to St. Augustine. It’s definitely a fan-favorite destination!
In Summary
As one can see, St. Augustine provides numerous activities and things to do for couples in all price ranges. St. Augustine is an exciting city to explore while experiencing vibrant culture and American history.
If you want to explore beyond the St. Augustine city walls, there are also some great day trip opportunities! Click here for the 5 Best Day Trips from St. Augustine.
Do you have any favorite things to do in the Oldest City in America? Let us know!
What is the popular street in St. Augustine?
St. George Street
Is St. Augustine Fort free?
No, going inside the St. Augustine Fort (Castillo de San Marcos) is not free. Without paying the entrance fee, you are able to view the fort from the outside and still capture some wonderful photos.
Do you have to pay to see the St. Augustine Lighthouse?
Unfortunately, you do have to pay to climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
