MileHacker Logo
Time-Based Itineraries

Time-Based Itineraries

Florida, USA

-Hour Layover Highlights

If you have just one day in St. Augustine, focus on the core historic district for an immersive experience.

Start early at the Castillo de San Marcos, walk to St. George Street, browse shops, and grab lunch. Choose between the Lightner Museum or a Flagler College tour. Conclude with dinner and a ghost tour.

Activities

  • Morning: Castillo de San Marcos & St. George Street.
  • Afternoon: Lightner Museum or Flagler College.
  • Evening: Dinner & ghost tour.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your St. Augustine trip to your specific interests, creating a personalized experience.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Spend ample time at the Castillo de San Marcos, explore the Colonial Quarter, visit the Oldest House Museum Complex, and immerse yourself in the St. Augustine History Museum.

Historical Dive

  • Take a guided historical walking tour.
  • Visit Fort Mose Historic State Park.
  • Explore the Lincolnville Historic District.
  • Bring a historical walking tour guidebook.
Explore more experiences with GetYourGuide.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

St. Augustine outdoor activities include water sports and nature exploration.

Outdoor Thrills

  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore Salt Run.
  • Book a fishing charter (inshore or offshore).
  • Hike trails at Anastasia State Park or GTM Research Reserve.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Many attractions are engaging for children, balancing historical sightseeing with active beach time.

Kid-Friendly Fun

  • Visit Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
  • St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
  • St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
  • Climb St. Augustine Lighthouse for views.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Explore the spiritual side of St. Augustine with visits to historic faith sites and tranquil natural areas.

Places of Peace

  • Visit Cathedral Basilica, oldest Catholic parish in U.S.
  • Mission Nombre de Dios for peaceful grounds and large cross.
  • Explore serene beach areas of Anastasia State Park.
  • Consider local yoga studios for drop-in classes.

Food & Culinary Experiences

St. Augustine culinary experiences explore local flavors and unique tastings.

Local Flavors

Seek out restaurants serving Minorcan Clam Chowder and dishes featuring the Datil pepper.

Tastings & Tours

Take a tour and tasting at the St. Augustine Distillery, and enjoy a wine tour at San Sebastian Winery.

Dining Diversity

Experience fine dining, casual seafood shacks, and diverse restaurants along St. George Street.

Efficient Planning

For a weekend, consider a hop-on-hop-off trolley pass. It provides efficient transport between major sites and includes historical narration.

Budget-Based Plans

St. Augustine suits various budgets. Choose a plan that aligns with your financial preferences.

Backpacker's Guide

For budget savings, stay in a hostel or a budget motel outside the historic core.

Savings Focus

  • Prioritize free attractions like walking St. George Street.
  • Cook some meals from groceries; pack picnic lunches.
  • Consider bicycle rentals for efficient, low-cost movement.
  • Use public buses for longer distances if needed.
Explore day trip options with GetYourGuide Day Trips.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Stay in a comfortable mid-range hotel or a charming B&B.

Balanced Approach

  • Mix paid and free attractions like Castillo de San Marcos.
  • Enjoy a ghost tour or a scenic boat tour.
  • Dine at mid-range restaurants, enjoy local specialties.
  • Use the Old Town Trolley for efficient sightseeing.

Luxury Experience Plan

Stay at a luxury hotel or historic inn, like Casa Monica Resort & Spa or The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens.

Premium Choices

  • Enjoy fine dining experiences.
  • Book private tours (historical, culinary, or boat charters).
  • Indulge in spa treatments.
  • Opt for private car services or rent a premium vehicle.
Consider an Ethical tour operator for a luxury experience with a conscience.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Consider combining attraction passes and dining deals to save more.

Smart Savings

  • Purchase combination passes like the St. Augustine Sightseeing Pass.
  • Look for happy hour deals for drinks and appetizers.
  • Park at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility and use its shuttle service.
  • Visit during the shoulder season (May, Sep-Nov) for lower prices and fewer crowds.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A full week allows ample time to explore St. Augustine at a relaxed pace, explore its history, and enjoy its natural surroundings.

Extended Exploration

  • Visit St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (bird rookery).
  • Take a free tour and tasting at St. Augustine Distillery or San Sebastian Winery.
  • Spend more time at beaches (St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach).
  • Take a day trip to Fort Matanzas National Monument by free ferry.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

With two weeks, you can experience St. Augustine extensively and embark on multiple day trips to other Florida attractions.

Beyond St. Augustine

  • Consider multiple day trips to Jacksonville or Flagler Beach.
  • Explore more specialized museums or natural areas.
  • An overnight or multi-day trip to Orlando theme parks or Kennedy Space Center.
  • Day trip to freshwater springs near Ocala or Gainesville.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays of a month or more, renting a vacation home or apartment is often the most practical option. Focus on living like a local: utilize farmers markets, attend community events, and explore hidden gems.

Seasonal Specialties

St. Augustine's appeal shifts with the seasons, presenting distinct experiences throughout the year.

Summer Highlights June-August

Focus on beach activities, swimming, and water sports to manage the heat. Indoor attractions provide cool escapes during midday.

Summer Activities

  • Spend time at St. Augustine Beach for swimming.
  • Enjoy water sports like paddleboarding or surfing.
  • Indoor attractions like museums offer relief from the sun.
  • Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
For outdoor excursions, choose cooler times of the day.

Winter Highlights December-February

This period is ideal for comfortable walking and exploring the historic district. The air is crisp, and humidity is low.

Winter Experiences

  • Enjoy comfortable walking weather for historic tours.
  • The most outstanding event is Nights of Lights.
  • City transforms into a magical display of millions of white lights.
  • Book well in advance if visiting during Nights of Lights (mid-Nov to late Jan).

Festival or Event-Centered Visits

Plan your trip around specific festivals for an unique experience.

Datil Pepper Festival

  • Typically in October.
  • Offers a spicy culinary adventure.
  • Check local calendar for exact dates.

St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival

  • Usually in March.
  • Celebrates the city's unique cultural roots.
  • Features music and dance performances.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

With two weeks, you can experience St. Augustine extensively and embark on multiple day trips to other Florida attractions.

Extended Adventures

  • Consider multiple day trips to Jacksonville or Daytona Beach.
  • Explore more specialized museums or natural areas.
  • Overnight trips to Orlando theme parks or Kennedy Space Center.
  • Day trip to freshwater springs near Ocala or Gainesville.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays of a month or more, renting a vacation home or apartment is often the most practical and cost-effective option.

Living Like a Local

  • Utilize local farmers markets for fresh produce.
  • Attend community events and festivals beyond main tourist offerings.
  • Explore hidden gems and quiet neighborhoods.
  • Enjoy extensive outdoor activities like cycling paths and quiet beach stretches.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Considerations

Be prepared for the heat and humidity. Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day. Shoulder seasons (May, Sep-Nov) have pleasant weather and good prices.

Explore St. Augustine

Check the official tourism calendar for other seasonal events to align with your interests.