10 Things to Do in St. Augustine, FL on a Small Budget
What are the Cheap Things to Do in St. Augustine?
Despite its reputation as the oldest city in the USA and the throngs of visitors every year, St. Augustine offers plenty of great things to do on a small budget. While you could burn through chunks of cash seeing its diverse historical and cultural attractions, it’s entirely possible to explore the city affordably.
With some creative thinking, it’s not difficult to get a feel for the city’s rich past without shedding too much cash. From free, equally worthy alternatives to the most popular sights to inexpensive seasonal activities, St. Augustine is full of options for travellers on a modest budget.
1. St. Augustine’s vast beaches
A dip in the sea won’t cost a penny
Ideal para: Famílias, Econômico
Among the best free things to do in St. Augustine is to explore its vast beaches. Here, the natural beauty truly stands out, and you haven’t really done Florida unless you’ve sprawled yourself out on one of these stunning beaches. With this level of white-sand beauty right on St. Augustine’s doorstep, why would you pay money to do anything else anyway?
Numerous beaches in and around St. Augustine boast 42 miles (68 km) of sandy stretches and clear water, with free public access (and in some cases free parking). Start at St. Augustine Beach, but also check out Butler Beach and Crescent Beach.
Localização: 1B 15th St, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
St. Augustine’s vast beaches
2. Fort Matanzas National Monument
A great freebie alternative to Castillo de San Marcos
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
While the crowds head to famous Castillo de San Marcos, thrifty travellers can switch it out for Fort Matanzas National Monument. If you do decide to visit San Marcos, know that you can enjoy sea views from the grounds without paying admission.
Fort Matanzas was similarly used to guard St. Augustine in the first Spanish colonial period, except this fort sits at what was the city’s southern entrance. Not only is it free to take a tour or explore on your own, you’ll even be able to hop on a free ferry to Rattlesnake Island to get to it.
Localização: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Telefone: +1 904-471-0116
Fort Matanzas National Monument
3. St. Augustine Beach Pier
The kids can splash while you go fishing
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Econômico
The picturesque St. Augustine Beach Pier, also known as the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, is an impressive sight to behold, stretching out over the waters of the North Atlantic. It affords both incredible views and the chance to breathe in the sea air.
For a minor fee, you can head out onto the pier for a spot of sightseeing or simply to relax. Back on land, a splash park and playground beside the pier provide a safe place for kids to have fun. For a small additional fee, you can even partake in a spot of fishing from the pier itself.
Localização: 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
Abre: Daily from 6.30 am to 9 pm
Telefone: +1 904-209-0326
St. Augustine Beach Pier
4. San Sebastian Winery
Daily tours with free samples
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
St. Augustine is home to the San Sebastian Winery and the St. Augustine Distillery, and both offer free daily tours complete with the chance to sample the local liquor. When travelling to St. Augustine on a budget, who can say no to free booze?
Only a 5-minute walk from one another and just a few blocks outside the historic city centre, the winery and distillery’s tours depart every half hour or so. You’ll get to see the production process in action, and then taste a diverse range of award-winning Florida wines as well as bourbon, vodka, gin and rum.
Localização: 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +1 904-826-1594
San Sebastian Winery
5. Historic District
A great area to explore on a walking tour
Ideal para: História, Foto
A tour around the Historic District is an absolute must when visiting St. Augustine. A tram tour is usually the chosen way to get around St. Augustine, but this city’s small size is a blessing, making it far more walkable than most. Indeed, there are few better ways to really get a feel for the historic significance of a place like this than to hit the streets yourself and discover it on foot.
The downtown historic district is compact enough to enjoy on a self-guided walking tour in and around King Street. Be sure to hit up Flagler College, Government House and the Lightner Museum. The city is also a pleasant one to cruise by bicycle.
Localização: King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Historic District
6. Art galleries
Open house at galleries once a month
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
Stopping by some of St. Augustine’s numerous art galleries is a great way to add a creative slant to what can be a notably history-heavy place to visit. The good news is that, once a month, almost 30 galleries across the city throw open their doors and welcome anyone and everyone for the free First Friday Art Walk.
A walking tour map guides you between the venues, where you can expect refreshments and specially laid-on entertainment. Most months, there’s even a free tram shuttle to get you around if you’d rather not walk.
Abre: Every first Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm
Art galleries
7. Free concerts
Al fresco summertime entertainment
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Econômico
In the summer season St. Augustine puts on a diverse array of free concerts out in the open air, meaning the night can drag on a little longer. When the weather is good, no one in the city wants to be heading back inside just because the sun is setting and the evening is drawing to a close.
The historic Plaza de la Constitucion is a particularly evocative outdoor venue, playing host to a regular schedule of live music performances that usually run from June to August. Another popular spot is the Colonial Oak Music Park that hosts free concerts, improv comedy nights with pay-what-you-will ticketing and more.
Localização: 170 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Free concerts
8. Cathedral Basilica
America’s first parish
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
The historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is a recognised national monument, originally constructed in 1793. As the oldest Christian structure of its kind, it proudly holds the title of ‘America’s first parish’.
The Spanish colonial and renaissance revival architectural style, complete with exquisite stained glass and striking murals, makes this a majestic site to explore. Conveniently located in downtown St. Augustine, the Cathedral Basilica is easily accessible and welcomes visitors free of charge (guided behind-the-scenes tours are available for a fee).
Localização: 38 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Abre: +1 904-824-2806
Cathedral Basilica
9. Discount car park and free shuttle
Saving a bundle with convenient flat-rate parking
Ideal para: Econômico, Casais, Famílias
Parking in a small city is often at a premium and streetside meters can become costly, but fortunately St. Augustine offers a discount car park and free shuttle to help. Next to the visitor information centre in the north of the city, the publicly run Historic Downtown Parking Facility offers discounted flat rates.
Open 24/7 and with capacity for 1,200 vehicles, it’s a breeze to park in the Historic Downtown Parking Facility and be freed up to explore the city’s attractions on foot (it’s just a 3-minute walk to St. George Street). Also look out for park-and-ride services from just outside the city during peak visitor periods.
Localização: 1 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Abre: 24/7
Telefone: +1 904-484-5160
Discount car park and free shuttle
10. Parks
Free playgrounds for nature and fun
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Famílias
St. Augustine and its surrounding areas are blessed with an abundance of city, county and state parks perfect for picnicking and outdoor recreation. Many of these green spaces offer free public access.
The recently renovated Project Swing Park in historic downtown is a fantastic family destination. Its slides, swings, wooden forts, pavilion and various exercise and play equipment will keep everyone entertained. For a more scenic experience, visit Vaill Point Park, a 23-acre (9-hectare) oasis that boasts multiple children’s playgrounds, a hiking trail, boating facilities and a fishing pier. With its baseball and multipurpose fields, Joe Pomar Park specialises in sports, while also welcoming your furry friends to run and play.
Localização: W San Carlos Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Parks
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