Things to do in St. Augustine in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit St. Augustine. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 57—69°F (14—21°C).

St. Augustine has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to St. Augustine. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in St. Augustine in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in St. Augustine in December

Top experiences in December
Take a holiday-themed cruise on the St. Augustine waterways
Several tour companies offer special holiday-themed cruises during December, allowing you to enjoy the festive lights and decorations along the waterways of St. Augustine. Whether you choose a sunset cruise, a dinner cruise, or a sightseeing tour, you'll be treated to stunning views of the city's holiday displays from the water. It's a relaxing and memorable way to experience the holiday season in St. Augustine.
Visit the St. Augustine Winter Beach Run
Held in late December, this annual event features a series of races along the beautiful beaches of St. Augustine. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to stay active during the holidays, the Winter Beach Run offers something for everyone. The scenic ocean views and festive atmosphere make it a unique and enjoyable experience.
Holidays in St. Augustine in December
December

There are no holidays in St. Augustine in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in St. Augustine in December

Temperatures on an average day in St. Augustine in December

The average temperature in St. Augustine in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 69°F (21°C) to a low of 57°F (14°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in St. Augustine, July, has days with highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in St. Augustine in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
69°F
highs
57°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, breezy
Feels like
17%
Chance of rain
0.074 in
Amount
12.0 mph
Wind speed
79%
Humidity
10.3 hrs
Daylight length
7:12 AM
Sunrise
5:28 PM
Sunset
55%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 69°F (21°C) and a low of 57°F (14°C), it generally feels mildly cool and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for St. Augustine in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities St. Augustine has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in St. Augustine that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in St. Augustine for December.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
1. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
4.7
(36673)
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Historic fort offering self-guided tours (from the drawbridge to the gun deck) & Matanzas Bay views.
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Very cool fort with great views. It was an extremely hot day so I highly recommend bringing a bottle of water with you and maybe even a small towel. 🥵There were 2 main levels and you could self guide yourself through it although they had a guided tour option. There was zero shade when you’re up on the top but you were able to see where they had the old firing cannons which was super cool. As you walk through each room they had plenty of artifacts and information which was helpful to understand. I felt that it was very well maintained and full of rich history! They do offer bathrooms inside as well.
In the heart of St. Augustine, Florida, a city steeped in history, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument rises as a beacon of the past. Completed in 1695 after 23 years of painstaking labor that began in 1672, this breathtaking structure stands as a testament to Spanish ingenuity and determination. Originally conceived as a fortress to safeguard their treasures and secrets, its immaculate architecture commands attention, overlooking one of St. Augustine's most picturesque vistas. Though tours offer an immersive experience within its walls, even a glimpse from the exterior reveals the monument's unparalleled grandeur. Constructed from unique Coquina stone, the walls exhibit a mesmerizing mosaic of tiny shells, a strategic choice that proved impervious to English sieges. Today, the Castillo stands resolute, each piece of Coquina holding echoes of the past, while the land upon which it rests cradles everlasting memories along the bay. As visitors approach, they are transported back in time, captivated by the stories etched into every stone. The Castillo de San Marcos not only stands as a physical structure but also as a living narrative, preserving the legacy of those who built and defended it. Its enduring presence ensures that the tales of courage, strategy, and cultural heritage will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come.
This was an amazing experience, I enjoyed visiting the Castillo de San Marcos. The history here is incredible — it really feels like stepping back in time. The fort itself is beautiful, and the views of the water are awesome. The cannons were definitely my favorite part. It’s just one of those places that makes you appreciate how much history St. Augustine has to offer. Highly recommend it, go during the day and at night.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An incredible piece of history! The Castillo de San Marcos is absolutely breathtaking. The views of St. Augustine Bay are stunning, and the old Spanish stone walls make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. The park rangers do a great job explaining the fort’s history, and the cannon firing demonstrations are a must-see. It’s very well preserved, clean, and easy to explore at your own pace. Highly recommend bringing water and comfortable shoes — and take a moment to just enjoy the ocean breeze from the top walls. A perfect stop for history lovers, families, or anyone visiting St. Augustine!
Awesome experience! The fort has many places to explore and learn new things. I would recommend everyone visit. You can buy the tickets online or at the entrance. We bought ours at the entrance in minutes with very helpful and pleasant staff. There are multiple places to sit, rest and take in the magnificent views.
Very cool historic castle to tour! The top offers a great view of the water and surrounding area, plus old cannons you can check out. On the ground level there are multiple rooms to explore, each with interesting displays and information about the history of the fort. You can also see step-by-step demonstrations of how soldiers would load and fire the cannons as well as their muskets, which is really fascinating. The staff dressed in Spanish army costumes brought the place to life and made the whole experience feel even more authentic. Definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in history or just want to see something unique.
What a fabulous place to go with friends family or just to go for a visit on your own. Great for family with children as well. Lots of history to learn about. There's a small gift shop with really cute items. Because this is also a National Park if you have a park pass your entry is free. If you're military you'll also get in free and can bring a visitor with you at no extra cost.
The Castillo de San Marcos is always well worth the visit. The structure alone clearly articulates its history and its various functions from the 17th through the 20th centuries The grounds are well-maintained by the NPS and are excellent for walking. This fort is one of the many treasures that makes Saint Augustine the beautiful city that it is. To see the ancient walls lit up at night is breathtaking.
Saint Augustine Distillery
2. Saint Augustine Distillery
4.8
(2940)
Distillery
Food & Drink
Working distillery in a restored circa-1907 ice plant offering tours & tastings.
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St. Augustine Distillery Review This was my third time visiting the St. Augustine Distillery, and it continues to be an enjoyable and worthwhile stop—and best of all, it’s free! The self-guided tour includes four tasting stations. I didn’t grab photos of all of them and can’t recall every name, but I do remember sampling a Mule, an Old Fashioned mix, and what I believe was a Grapefruit Hibiscus blend. All four were delicious. The tour is short, informative, and fun. The staff is friendly, and the overall vibe is welcoming. While the free tasting doesn’t include their gin, I highly recommend trying it at the bar—it’s remarkably smooth. There’s also a full bar on site where you can purchase cocktails, and a restaurant attached to the building that I haven’t tried yet, but maybe next time. If you're in the area, this place is absolutely worth a visit—whether it's your first time or your third.
Best Distillery Experience in Florida! Yep another non-food review! What a blast! From the first sip to the last, this place knows how to deliver an experience. The rum, gin, and vodka samples were great — but the bourbon? Absolute favorite. And The Saint… wow. Hands-down the star of the show. Dominick was our guide and he crushed it — friendly, funny, and clearly loves what he does. He made the whole tour feel like we were hanging out with a friend who just happens to know everything about spirits. The classroom is gorgeous and super organized, which made learning as fun as the tasting. I’m already planning my next trip — certification, here I come! You're in the St Augustine area, stop by and as always, tell them we sent you!
This distillery is known for its famous bourbon. We stopped by and took a FREE self-guided tour which includes 4 cocktail samples. It took us about 45min-an hour to get thru with reading info provided. The staff were friendly and obviously love their jobs. They were fun to talk to about the history. After you done you could go for more tasting. The parking are on the side of the building sharing with the restaurant.
My son and I toured the distillery while traveling through Saint Augustine and had a fantastic time! The tour was extremely engaging and informative, we learned a lot, all the employees were extremely friendly in each room had a different tasting. It was a lot of fun. We actually wind up buying several pieces of merchandise in the shop before leaving. If you are in the area, it is a free tour and a lot of fun. Definitely add it to your list!
I’ve been coming here since shortly after they opened in 2013 and somehow they manage to outdo themselves each time. Today, we did the bourbon tasting tour. Dominick was amazing! We learned a lot, tried some incredible bourbon, and had a great time.
Saint Augustine Distillery was such a fun time for our group! We loved trying the tasty cocktails and liquors—they were all delicious and unlike others we’ve had before in S Florida. The gift shop was also a blast, with lots of cool items to take home. Highly recommend stopping by!
This place does complimentary cocktail tastings with their spirits. Everything we tried was tasty. You work your way through the building on a self guided tour as you make stops at different tasting stations. The last tasting station is in the gift shop.
The Florida Bourbon tasting was fantastic! Dominick is an entertaining and knowledgeable guide and he’s passionate about experiencing the good moments in life! The saint is a lovely, smooth bourbon and we went home w two bottles. You should go but make sure you get Domenick!!
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
3. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
4.7
(14797)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Climbing tours of an 1874 black-&-white striped lighthouse, plus a museum & shipyard playground.
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The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a pretty cool place to check out if you’re in the area. Admission is a little over $17 per adult, which is on the higher side, but it does give you access to the lighthouse, the museum, and the grounds. The lighthouse climb itself is 219 steps, but it’s really not too bad and the view at the top is beautiful, you get a great look at the coastal front and surrounding area. On a hot day, the museum is a big relief with air conditioning and has some interesting history and artifacts to browse through. The gift shop is also nice, with a big selection of souvenirs ranging from smaller keepsakes to more detailed items. Overall, it’s a neat experience if you want to see one of St. Augustine’s landmarks up close.
Cool place to check out if you’re in the area. The lighthouse was the main attraction of course and it has signs to let you know how far up and how much further you have left as you climbed it. Once you get to the top the views and breeze are nice. The stairs are very narrow so you have to stop and wait or let people go by sometimes. But it’s not a bad hike at all! The rest of the sites are self guided and in old buildings but are maintained. Most have AC which is where you found the most people with it being so hot. There’s plenty of information and artifacts in each part you entered. Unless you’re stopping to read everything, the tour goes by pretty quickly. I highly suggest bringing water with you if you’re going during the summer months.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is an absolute must-visit. The property is full of rich history, and the view from the top of the lighthouse is truly breathtaking. While the climb does involve a lot of steps, it is well worth the effort. Beyond the lighthouse itself, there’s so much to explore—from learning how boats were built to seeing how recovered artifacts are carefully cleaned and preserved. This site offers a wonderful mix of history, hands-on learning, and stunning scenery. Definitely worth a stop when visiting St. Augustine.
My wife and I went to the special event at the top of the beautiful historic lighthouse. The event is held once a month to watch the sunset and the full Moon rise. We were rewarded with a beautiful sunset and the full moon rise over the ocean was awesome. Our experience was seriously diminished by the male volunteer that was supposed to be pouring champagne for all the guests but seemed totally focused in looking after two younger women whose glass were always full while we had to ask several times for a second half glass. The volunteer attitude changed a five star experience to barely a three stars. In future please have the volunteer treat all guests equally. At the opposite end we wish to commend Tammy as very pleasant and helpful with information about the lighthouse and in passing food around.
The set up is serene. Before even walking into the museum you're greeted immediately and all questions answered. Then you can walk leisurely through out. 218 steps in the lighthouse. Then exhibits , even little hiking trails around made it a full immersive experience. It's honestly a romantic, scientific and historical experience. Worth it.
My first time at a lighthouse and it did not disappoint. So much history! The view from the top is stunning. It will take 219 steps to see it. The discount being offered on the front porch is worth it, if you plan on purchasing merchandise. The staff is friendly and helpful. Thank you.
This is a beautiful place set back in some trees, not far from water. There's plenty of history to learn and over 200 steps to reach the top, which has some beautiful views of the area. This is a worthwhile place to explore. The staff are very friendly and eager to answer questions or help.
This is a very well maintained lighthouse and facilities. Allowing self guided tours to the top was a nice feature. Nature trails, restored light keepers house, Coast Guard barracks, and other buildings brings a lot of historical facts to life. The ship wreck and military displays were great too. One of the best lighthouse visits I've had. Spent over two hours here.
St George St
4. St George St
4.8
(336)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Pedestrian thoroughfare with eateries, retailers, a historic church & an 18th-century schoolhouse.
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Nice historical street with plenty of shops and restaurants. Everything walkable and located on the street. I definitely recommend checking it out. It is hard to find parking so I recommend doing the old town trolley tour with multiple drop off and pick up spots. This charming historical street is packed with shops and restaurants, all conveniently located on the same street. It’s a great place to explore on foot. Just be prepared for limited parking options, so consider taking the old town trolley tour for multiple drop-off and pick-up spots. Trust me, it’s a must-see!
Loved our time here ! Lots of shops we went to and plenty of places to eat at and enjoy outdoor seating in such pretty garden settings. Definitely will go back.
What a nice street for a stroll! Lots of interesting stores and restaurants. Never miss a good stroll on this street. In fact, it is a must when visiting St. Augustine, Florida. I enjoyed every bit of its historic significance to America.
Nice bustling street with a variety of stores and great architecture! Must visit when in St. Augustine!
This is a very scenic and historic district of St. Augustine! Plenty of shops and restaurants with anything you could want to eat and do. The buildings had great design and courtyards for sitting. It also hd trolley stops and plenty of restrooms. It’s very nice but beware of the crowds, it’s packed thick!
So cool, the shops , the restaurant's, the outside bars with live music the inside bars with live music. The food great. This place has it all for everyone. Tons of sweets for those who love all sweets, they have everything.
Love this street , St George St it feels like ( Krupòwki ) in Zakopane, you just walk and shop and eat and enjoy. I couldn’t pass by without stopping . I will be back 😂❤️ Every year we travel to FL I want to stop by
One of the most interesting streets in the city. Be sure to take a walk along it!
Flagler College
5. Flagler College
4.7
(470)
Private college
Sights & Landmarks
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I toured Flagler College and downtown along with my brother. Architecture of this college is fabulous. Some of the detail is absolutely remarkable. Nice tour available without ever stepping foot on the property. Plenty of photo opportunities. I’d like to see the inside of some of the buildings at some point on a later more in-depth tour.
St. Augustin the oldest city in Florida. Went their at night. The city is so beautiful! Alot of beautiful old architecture. Feels like your in a different country! Definitely a place to see!
The Flagler College area is absolutely beautiful. The Spanish architecture is breathtaking. From the terracotta roofs to the red iron gaits and railings, this place is eye candy. Walked around and looked at the various hotels and other various buildings, all the same style and flair. When you tour the downtown Saint Augustine area, venture a little further down to see these sites.
Taking the free architectural tour at Flagler College was absolutely fascinating and beautiful! It was like time traveling back to the Gilded Age where conspicuous luxury and customized environs and decor knew no bounds. Learning the history of the visionary team behind the project and the short amount of time this hotel was completed yielded many surprises for us!
Located in a great place I wonder if people really concentrate study as the city has lots of fun places and attractions. I Really enjoyed and recommend. Public Parking lot by the water and the old castle. $5 for 2 hours. Please click the Like icon if it is helpful
Very well kept grounds and amazing historical significance to this town! Walk their gardens and observe their Spanish inspired architecture. This review helped in anyway please give us a thumbs up 👍👍👍
We didn’t do the official tour but we would next time. We just wandered around for a bit. A really neat campus and interesting history. The architecture, wood work, stained glass and ceilings were beautiful.
What an awesome piece of historic architecture this place is! Loved the tour and the old world feel of this place. Further, it’s full of firsts for its time. I’ll not spoil it for you but if you’re a history buff as I am you can’t afford to miss a stop at this place!!
St Augustine Beach
6. St Augustine Beach
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
St. Augustine Beach is a small city on Anastasia Island known for its wide, Atlantic Ocean-facing beaches. St. Johns County Ocean Pier offers fishing, plus a beachfront park with volleyball courts, a playground, and a children’s splash zone. A sea turtle nesting site, Ocean Hammock Park has a nature trail and picnic areas. A1A Beach Boulevard is scattered with ice cream shops and casual seafood and Mexican eateries.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
7. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
4.7
(11233)
Zoo
Nature & Parks
Over 100 years old, this attraction offers gator & reptile shows plus zip lining over the grounds.
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Amazing place! All the animals look to be very well taken care of. A beautiful layout most of which is under tree canopy. You feel like you in the country that the animals come from. We absolutely loved it Great parking and tons of stuff to do for the little ones.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Must-See Attraction in Florida! The Alligator Farm in St. Augustine was one of our top must-see attractions during our summer trip to Florida, and it did not disappoint! I work with an individual with a disability, and having accompanied the individual, we were both able to get in free—an unexpected and much-appreciated blessing. Before visiting, I called ahead and the staff were incredibly pleasant and helpful in answering all of my questions. Check-in was smooth and easy, though the area right outside the entrance was a bit crowded. Once inside, it was fascinating to see the variety of alligators and other wildlife. There are some quieter areas away from the crowds where you can truly appreciate the natural beauty and watch the alligators in their element. One memorable moment was walking across a bridge when the alligators suddenly let out a loud growl—we didn’t make it all the way across, but it was definitely a unique experience! Now, fair warning: it does smell in quite a few areas, which is to be expected with so many animals and the heat. Just be prepared for that—it’s part of the experience. It was extremely hot the day we went, but thankfully there was an air-conditioned area and a shaded spot (the theater) to cool off. For the adventurous, there’s even a zip line that goes right over the alligators—such a cool feature! Overall, it was a fantastic experience and definitely one for the memory books. Highly recommend!
One of the best zoos we have ever been to ever. Never seen so many crocodilians in one day. There are 26 species in the world and this place HAS THEM ALL!! It was in the upper 80’s and sunny when we were there, but it was never hot at all because the whole place has big trees that provided shade everywhere. My favorite area was the swamp walk way. I felt like I was walking through the Everglades. All the enclosures were big, beautiful, and well maintained. Lots of other animals also like giant tortoises, turtles, birds, snakes, sloths, and lemurs. No bad odor anywhere. We went on a weekday, and there weren’t too many people at all. Would go back again next time we’re in St Augustine.
Highly recommend! A fantastic park featuring education, safety and protection of alligators, crocodiles, snakes and lizards. We loved the displays, presentations and personal interactions with the reptiles and birds. The staff was very engaging and friendly and made us feel safe while interacting with the wildlife. Maximo must be the hugest crocodile on the planet! Incredible! 5+ stars in all aspects of this park - truly a treasure on the First Coast of Florida. Thank you - we will be back!
We had a blast on the ropes /zipline course. Staff friendly and safety oriented. Do NOT do the red course if you are not somewhat fit or have mobility issues. Enjoyed the park. They have a 10% veteran/military discount. Relatively cheap beer and buying a souvenir cup gets you FREE soda refills. All staff very friendly. Food is good, 4 pc chicken strip meal could feed a mom and kid. I am a FL native so pretty used to gators but man, they have some big fat boys here.
This place would be amazing for children. When we went we did not have kids and we still had fun. The alligators make a loud sound. It’s like, growling? I don’t know how to describe. The path is stroller friendly. It is very unique to see this many alligators. I would go back here, kid free or with kids it’s a great time.
One of the cooler zoos I’ve visited in a long time. It was a HOT day so I’m glad I brought a cold bottle of water 🥵. They have so many cool sections about all the different alligators. I had no idea there were so many species and how big they actually could get. As you walk by, there are other wildlife like birds and tortoise. Very family friendly and also good for a solo traveler like me. I found the indoor exhibit about Gomek was really cool and informative. They had short shows that were scheduled at different times like alligator feeding or an educational one about reptiles. At the end there is a huge gift shop to check out. Would recommend this as a tourist stop if you’re in the area!
Really enjoyed our visit to see a large varieties of alligators / crocodiles, birds, turtles, snakes and dragons. Witnessed an alligator and vulture feeding, which was amazing. Visited the Kids Zone to eat lunch and take a playground break.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
8. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
4.6
(3886)
History museum
Museums
The history of pirates told through interactive exhibits, artifacts, movie props & scavenger hunts.
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Lots of history and one-of-a-kind artifacts here. They have bios on the most famous pirates. There are examples of pirate weaponry and tactics. The displays depict how life was on a pirate ship, and the responsibilities of the Captain and the crew. There are lots of interactive and hands on displays. There is a section with displays of actual pirate treasure, and a section that showcases pirates as shown through the eyes of Hollywood. There is also a museum shop. Family friendly.
The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is an absolute must-see! What a fascinating and fun museum to explore. The clever details in each area, the authentic artifacts, and the masterful use of lighting and shadows create a truly immersive experience. The interactive exhibits and the thrilling treasure hunt tie everything together, making it a blast for both kids and adults. This museum is a unique and entertaining experience that I highly recommend if you're in St. Augustine.
Five Stars! An Adventure for All Ages! ​This museum was an absolute hit with my family. I took my 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, and they were both completely captivated from the moment we walked in. The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum truly transports you back over 300 years to the Golden Age of Piracy in Port Royal, Jamaica. ​The experience manages to be both exciting and educational. For my 7-year-old, it was an inspiring deep dive into history, bringing the tales of pirates to life with real artifacts. My 4-year-old daughter was just as engaged, especially with the fantastic interactive exhibits that made sure she was part of the fun. The museum proves it's the perfect place for groups of all ages, keeping everyone entertained and learning simultaneously. ​We loved every minute of the experience. If you are looking for a unique family outing that will leave your kids feeling inspired to sail the seven seas, this museum is a must-see. We highly recommend it!
An absolutely amazing place! The atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto a real pirate ship — fascinating exhibits, great interactive areas for kids, and so much excitement. Our children were thrilled, eyes full of wonder and joy. Pure happiness — highly recommend!
This was our family’s first trip to St. Augustine and had to stop at the Pirates & Treasure museum. It was fun and interesting to see artifacts and even got to interact in a pirate hunt during the visit. The gift shop had pretty neat souvenirs to purchase and the kids really enjoyed it! We loved being able to see real silver and gold shipwreck treasure and a real pirates chest! Would recommend stopping in!☺️ Staff was really friendly!
A tourist trap and nothing more. I’d suggest to ONLY do the colonial tour next door in the future. Skip this self guided tour. It’s very basic and just a time filler. Not interactive and our kids couldn’t wait to get out. It was to be fair pretty boring.
My kids (ages 8 and 10) had a great time at the Pirate Museum! We were able to go through the whole museum in just under an hour, which was the perfect amount of time for them. There’s a guided tour and an audio room available, but since both of my kids are Deaf, those parts weren’t accessible to them. Even so, they still really enjoyed the treasure hunt and all the highly visual and interactive displays. The interactive cannons were definitely their favorite! The staff was very kind and made the experience enjoyable. A fun stop for families visiting St. Augustine.
This place is so worth the visit!!! They do have a guide in case you want entertainment and much more info. There is so much to look at and interact with. Great for all ages. Make sure to take part in gathering clues to win some treasure. There is an interactive section where you listen to a story on a headset and you are part of the crew. It was well worth it and the gift shop is very nice.
Lightner Museum
9. Lightner Museum
4.6
(4940)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Victorian-era artifacts, musical instruments & other exhibits are showcased in this historic hotel.
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Really enjoyed visiting the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine. Admission was $20 and ends at 4pm and they close at 5pm, I see a lot of people mix up the times. The building itself is beautiful and full of history, and the exhibits have a nice mix of art, antiques, and interesting old items. The old swimming pool area turned into a display space. It’s a relaxing place to wander through at your own pace. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re exploring the area. Bathrooms available through out the building.
The Lightner Museum is definitely worth a visit, with a beautiful historic building and an impressive collection of art and antiques. The architecture alone makes it a special stop, and there’s a lot to see throughout the different floors. That said, it leans more toward being an art gallery than a traditional museum, which might not be what everyone expects. Still, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours, and I’d give it 4 stars for the atmosphere, history, and variety on display.
I am a wedding photographer and I hosted my wedding in the courtyard at the Lightner Museum, my team photographed our wedding and it was everything I hoped for! Despite the work they were doing on the courtyard, everything turned out amazing!!! Staff was amazing, the venue is gorgeous and so much history. I loved every moment. As a wedding photographer, we have photographed weddings at the Lightner Museum and just like my very own wedding day, it is beautiful and everything every bride dreams of. If you are looking for a ceremony venue, this is it!
If you like historic, unique and beautiful museums then you will enjoy this. You have the option of being self guided or with a guide so I opted for self. While I’m not a history buff I did enjoy walking around to the different levels to see how they sectioned off each rooms and area. A couple of my favorite rooms were the stained glass, timeline of the evolution of bicycles, and the crystal and glass room. Each room had its own story and when you get to the end there’s a beautiful courtyard looking down of where you can enjoy lunch at their cafe! It took me about 30 minutes to complete at a quicker pace but it could take up to 45 mins or longer. There were a handful of beautiful pockets to take pictures at outside as well and a cute little gift shop on your way out.
Step into another world perhaps a better world. Beauty and thoughtfulness surround you. What a brilliant contrast to the throw away culture we now inhabit. Imagine a world where people are proud to put their names on things without hiding behind pseudonyms and handles. Imagine making things that can be resold and work long after their creators have collected their eternal reward.
Neat place to go with a lot of history. I wish I could've seen this place in it's day. Definitely have some interesting items, and a great restaurant downstairs.
Beautiful 3 story building with some cool history. The people there were very friendly. It’s in a gorgeous part of St.Augustine with nice things to do near by as well.
Amazing visit to the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine! The self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace, and trust me, you’ll want to take your time. The collection is wildly diverse—no single theme, just an eclectic mix of art, artifacts, and oddities that keep you hooked. The historic pool area is a total showstopper; the longer you look, the more details you notice. A must-see gem in the heart of downtown!
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
10. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
4.5
(8151)
Archaeological museum
Sights & Landmarks
Expansive park showcasing 16th-century Spanish settlement, with historic village sites & cannons.
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What a fantastic place to visit! It was definitely a highlight of my vacation! The people working there are amazing! Friendly..professional..extremely knowledgeable. The young woman telling about the fountain was amazing. I could have listened to her all day. The blacksmith demonstration was great. I learned quite a bit there and then the cannon demonstration along with the rifle demonstration was very interesting. I recommend this to everyone. I will definitely be coming back to tour again.
This is the second time I've visit and it still amazes me. 😁 I'm hoping 🤞that drinking the water will keep me young! There are several things to explore. If you have a good stomach, it could be an experience drinking 🍸 the water. It has a mild sulfur taste to it. I would recommend this place. Happy exploring! If this was helpful to you, please send me a 🙏👍 or ❤️... Have fun!!!
The Fountain of Youth is without a doubt one of the top attractions you have to see when visiting St. Augustine. There’s so much to do here—it can easily take 2–3 hours to see everything, and if you stop to watch all the shows, you could easily spend the entire day. I especially enjoyed the firearm and cannon demonstrations, which were both fascinating and impressive when they were fired. The staff really make the experience even better—everyone I met was friendly and very knowledgeable. A special shout-out to the gentleman by the boat, who patiently answered all my questions and shared so much interesting information. This is definitely a must-visit spot!
So much history all in one place. We really enjoyed the interactive displays and talking with the educators. The planetarium was it's own little experience, and the Discovery Globe definitely was reminiscent of an era gone by. It's well worth the visit!
This the oldest continuous American settlement in the country and a super cool place to visit if your in striking distance of the St Augustine area. I mean come one, how could you not want to have a drink from the fountain of youth?! All jokes aside, for $22 this is a very neat experience.
This place was super cool, mainly for me because of the peacocks! They were everywhere and so beautiful. They were also planning a wedding there which I can imagine would be beautiful. Oh and a pigeon landed on my hand when I was feeding the birds which was the coolest thing ever.
This was a pleasant experience on lovely grounds. Very informative and easy to walk. The cannon firing was fun but we're still waiting for the effects of the fountain of youth to kick in. There were peacocks everywhere and they weren't aggressive.
It was hot and muggy August 28 , 2025. The price of entry for Adults is $26 pp, Dogs are allowed entry ( they have water bowls throughout the grounds for your pet) bring comfy walking shoes, the place has some water filled areas and it can get a little messy. Lots to explore bring plenty of mosquito repellent. They have food and ice cream for sale ( not included with park entry tickets). Educational fun for the family or horticulturalist. Fun place to learn about history.
Old Jail Museum
11. Old Jail Museum
4.6
(7285)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Compact prison built in 1890, now a museum offering exhibits & educational tours of old cells.
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I've been here twice before so this would be my third time. Our tour guide was so much fun as she explained all the details with expression. You have to make it a point to also go inside and tour the extra stuff. The gift shop had so much to choose from as far as souvenirs to buy. The staff all over the place was nice. There is a restroom that talks to you while you're using it. That was interesting. Make sure you bring quarters with you so that you can play the machines inside the museum. There is plenty of parking.
So so fun! Informational and interesting! Check this place out you will not regret it! It was history but time in a fun and exciting new way where the tour guides are dressed up and act as though they are inmates. Great memories!
We had an absolutely amazing time at the Old Jail in St. Augustine, FL! The experience was not only fun but also deeply emotional and memorable. Lizzie is truly on another level—she’s a master at bringing history to life through storytelling and making you feel like you’re part of the story yourself. Thank you so much for everything. We loved every moment and truly love this place.
The Old Jail Museum is a fantastic and engaging tour that brings history to life in a truly memorable way. The experience was both educational and entertaining, giving a vivid look into what life was like back in 1908. A special thank you goes to Viola, who made the tour exceptional—she stayed in character the entire time and played her role so convincingly that it felt as though she was truly a prisoner of that era. Her performance added an authentic and fun element that elevated the entire visit. Thank you, Viola, for making our experience unforgettable!
Excellent tour. Our "inmate", Louie was great, very informative and stayed in character the whole tour. Really interesting to learn the history and what conditions would have been like. A bit spooky and might disturb some people but we really enjoyed it
Viola was our guide. She did a wonderful job staying in character and providing lots of knowledge about a would be stay at this jail. Would definitely recommend coming by if you're in the area.
We had a great tour. Learned allot and made us grateful for our lives today! Kids really enjoyed it too! Would make this a go see if in St Augustine!
This tour was so unique and fact-filled, but most of all, fun! Viola was such a hoot! She did a great job! She really made it feel like we were “back in time” and was so engaging with our group.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
12. Fort Matanzas National Monument
4.7
(4540)
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Coastal stone fort built in the 18th century by the Spanish & situated on a salt marsh.
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Great family fun outing in the St. Augustine area. The 45-minute tour includes a ferry ride across the inlet and a guided tour of the Fort. The Park Rangers/ tour guides are engaging but also allow you to explore the site. Highly recommend.
It was a fun little tour of the Fort. Small but mighty. Nice boat ride over to the island. Park Rangers were definitely into what they do for a living, very energetic about giving the history of the fort! Free tour but the spots go fast.
Very interesting, loved the history lesson and had no idea a fort could be so small! Loved Ranger Linda and our Captain was great as well. The nature walk was also pretty awesome and loved learning that the live oaks grow away from the salt water!
Well kept, clean and fort. Short boat ride to the fort with a lot of history. Beautiful place. Bathroom and vending machine with drinks are available. A hiking area is also available.
Great place for a little family outing. They have lots of picnic tables, shade, public restrooms, trash bins and vending machines with cold drinks. The gentleman in the information office was very kind and friendly. He gave us maps and information on the area. The ferry was closed when we went so we did not get to pay the $2 and ferry over to the monument. The walking trails are nice but not recommended for anyone who may have a fear of spiders.
Great morning out, the boat and fort are free and take about 50 mins. Even on a quiet day it filled up so get there a bit before. There is also a lovely loop hike to do by carpark of about 20 mins.
It's a fun free things to do. The fort is so small it only takes a few minutes to see but it's free. The ferry ride is maybe 50 yards but again free for everyone. There is a walking path through the hammock and beach access.
First of all the entrance is free. The staff is very knowledgeable and even passionate about this historic site. It is very cool to see and be at this almost 300 years old fort, not to mention the beautiful scenery. If you are in the area, this is a must visit.
San Sebastian Winery
13. San Sebastian Winery
4.6
(2166)
Wine store
Food & Drink
Convivial local winery offering facility tours, plus a gift shop.
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Great atmosphere, loved the setting. The employee was knowledgeable and very informative. We tasted 5 different wines, all very good, and we found our favorite. All the sweet wine is made with grapes from Florida. We ended up buying 4 bottles of wine. My husband and I had a great time there and if you have guests from out of town I definitely recommend as well.
One of my faves in all of FL; I love the sister winery in Clermont as well. Made the drive to pick up our fave bourbon - infused wine from San Sebastián. We arrived pretty late and were thankful the folks let us shop for our wine! To make the drive from Jax worth the while we checked out the restaurant upstairs and it did not disappoint at all. Food was excellent. Wonderful and welcoming service, our waiter was friendly and offered great conversation.
I love this place! I have wanted to visit them for a while because I knew some of the grapes were grown right here in Florida. I'm so glad I finally had the opportunity. The tasting assistants are very knowledgeable & ready to answer any question. For instance, during my tasting experience, I learned the Ruby Port is aged in whiskey barrels the come from the distillery up the road. How cool is that?
Wonderful experience! My favorite wine brand and I loved seeing its history. We did the $5 wine tasting and WOW! Friendly and informative employees!
San Sebastian Winery Review – St. Augustine, FL This was my second visit to San Sebastian Winery, and it did not disappoint. For just a $5 tasting fee, this is absolutely a must-stop when in St. Augustine. During this visit, I sampled several wines: the Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Rosa, Vintner's White, Vintner's Red, and the Ruby Port. While I typically lean toward dry reds, the Rosa was the standout for me. Made from native Floridian Muscadine grapes, it far exceeded my expectations. These grapes often get a bad rap, but I was pleasantly surprised—this wasn’t just good “for a sweet wine,” it was genuinely enjoyable and ended up being my favorite of the bunch. Fun fact: the incredibly popular Erie, Pennsylvania band Ruby Port took their name from San Sebastian’s very own Ruby Port wine. Although we didn’t get the chance to check out the upstairs restaurant, the outdoor seating area looked very inviting and relaxing. I’ll definitely plan to explore more on my next visit. Highly recommend!
Not my first time at a winery, but my first time to San Sebastian and it was great. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. It was a nice mix of wine tasting, history lesson, and camaraderie. On-site wine available for purchase or shipping. They had discounts on buying 4 bottles, 6 bottles, and cases. (20% discount on a case is fantastic.) My girlfriend and I drove from Lake City (about 2 hours away) to come here and we were not disappointed. We drank delicious wine, learned about Florida wine and muscadine grapes, we talked with people on the tour with us, and we chatted up the sommelier-level staff and just had a wonderful time. Highly recommend, great for a date night, or a night out with friend.
The tour is a cheap price; however, I didn’t complete it. You first watch a video about 20 minutes that’s like a time share video. Once we were about 10 minutes into the video, a gaggle of people with 2 noisy kids were let it. Next, we went into the barrel tasting room. The children were shrieking and yelling they didn’t want to be there (why would they?) When I said I couldn’t hear the tour guide explaining what we were drinking, the mom started cursing me out. Rather than engage, I left. I was annoyed that kids were let into the tasting rooms without supervision.
Had the best time here! Learned a lot about the place, toured with Mike, he was great, and got to taste all the wines. We also did the extra tasting with Charlene and she was just wonderful and really a highlight of our whole experience! Highly recommend stopping by this place!
St. Augustine Wild Reserve
14. St. Augustine Wild Reserve
4.8
(686)
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Visited this wonderful reserve today. It was really informative and had a great time looking at all the animals they have taken in. Please visit the reserve, your ticket fee helps support the animals rescued by this wonderful organization. Thank you so much for helping the animals 🐅, 🦁, 🐺!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and tour on August 16, 2025. Our guide Vince along with the other volunteers who came along with us was very knowledgeable and informative. A highlight was learning about the back story on each individual animal.The park is extremely organized and well run. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful. It was a very hot day and the water bottles were greatly appreciated. We will definitely talk up the tour with our friends and neighbors. Thanks for a wonderful outing.
We attended the first Halloween party, Lions, Tigers and SCARES and REALLY enjoyed it! GREAT Experience. We called it an Adventure! Because we had a great time - as much as the weather allowed. The adventure was cut a little short due to a heavy downpour. But it was wonderful to see so many people in the community come out and support the event. It was obvious the turnout was way beyond what was expected. Organizers also faced huge unforeseen challenges before the event even took place... Everyone working at the event was super friendly. And organizers continually expressed their appreciation to everyone who turned out and did all they could to help ensure our experience was enjoyable. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and worked great with the children in our group.
This is a really cool place. Lots of big cats all with interesting stories from their rescue. Also has wolves and some other interesting animals. You have to take a tour to visit, but the animals are incredible. Unfortunately, no pictures. Apparently, people in the past have ruined tours trying to take pictures, so definitely a reasonable request.
It was very impressive to see all the animals up close that were saved by this place. I wasn’t expecting to see so many animals in such a neat and organized environment. The tour was very informative, and it truly made me think about how we can help protect wildlife from humans who seek to profit from them.
Vince, Shelly, Alex, and Margaret were all fantastic! The tour was incredibly informative and you could tell how much the animals love their care takers! I’m so happy there’s a place like this that can give those animals sanctuary. Watching Indigo chase the vultures and the playful lion was a hoot! The send off of the wolves howling was also amazing! These animals really get the best of the best and this place deserves nothing but five star reviews and as many donations as you can give! I will be telling everyone to come give you guys a visit! I really appreciate that they don’t allow photography because it allows a more genuine experience with the animals and you learn more! They offer a flash drive of beautiful images of all of the animals that you can purchase from them. I recommend getting a magnet or two as well. :)
Our group of 11 people from Palm Coast went for a tour of the Wild Reserve. A reservation was made over the telephone prior to the visit. Samantha (Sam) was our tour guide. She is most excellent. We all learned a lot about animals that we did not know. We also were informed about why these animals need to be rescued and cared for. The animals are well cared for and in large, well made containment structures. As a group, we look forward to adopting some of the big cats. Also we were "shepherded" along the tour path by 4 to 6 other staff members who kept us together and behind the safety zone barriers. One staff member drove a 6 passenger gold cart for the walking impaired. The accompanying staff members also took turns feeding the animals "snacks." The Wild Reserve is a hidden treasure in NE FL. We will visit again with friends and family, plus donate regularly.
Went for the Saturday 2pm tour and was totally blown away. Don't be put off by the dated website ( still references covid) or the overall dryness. The actual Wild Reserve is beautifully ran by a core group of staff, along with some great volunteers. You could tell that the animals were loved and well cared for. Enclosures are large and constantly being upgraded. All enclosures were clean, have freash clean water and plenty of enrichment items. I have been to zoos at major cities that dont do the job with their animals that these passionate people do. Will bring all future visitors here. Absolutely loved it!
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
15. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
4.8
(3331)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Stately, historic, 18th-century cathedral with a grand interior, events, a gift shop & more.
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What a beautiful building! The day we visited the historic district, we were able to go in and self tour. Everything about this building is exquisite. Floor to ceiling, everything is worth viewing. It makes you wonder just how they were able to create this back in the time when there weren't power tools and everything was brought in off boats, trains, horse and buggy. There is a small gift shop also worth visiting on the back side with religious items. Entrance to the church was free and there were volunteers on site to assist with questions. This was an unexpected surprise to be able to see during our visit to St. Augustine.
We attended a 7AM mass on a Sunday. It was divine. One if the best full of wisdom homilies I have ever heard. I would attend mass almost everyday. It gives me peace of mind and yes, I rest in the Lord. The priest noticed my disability and prayed over me. It was such a blessing. We stayed a little bit to take pictures of this beautiful 18th century Cathedeal Basilica. I would comeback here given the chance again.
Whether you’re religious or not, this cathedral is definitely worth a visit. The outside is cool, but the inside is breathtaking. It’s filled with stained glass, figurines, and decor that are absolutely stunning, and there’s a solemn aura throughout the place. I would highly recommend sitting in a pew and taking a few moments to reflect while admiring the interior.
The oldest Catholic parish in the United States — just look at their website! — the Cathedral Basilica is a spectacular if not huge church that one would expect to see in Europe, not Florida. I felt like I was transported several thousand miles in just a few moments. This is a must visit regardless of your religion if you were visiting Saint Augustine.
I recently visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine for Sunday mass while on vacation, and it was an unforgettable memory! The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of the architecture—ornate stained glass windows casting colorful light across the pews, and intricate details in every corner that tell a story of history and the Catholic faith. The peaceful ambiance invited reflection, yet the vibrant murals and gilded accents sparked awe, which brought to life the cathedral’s role as America’s first parish, founded in 1565. The blend of Spanish colonial heritage and sacred serenity is unmatched. God bless!
Beautiful Basilica, we were visiting and attended the 11:00am mass. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine (Spanish: Catedral basílica de San Agustín) is a historic cathedral in St. Augustine, Florida, and the seat of the Catholic Bishop of St. Augustine. Constructed over five years (1793–1797), it was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark on April 15, 1970. Its congregation, established in 1565, is the oldest Christian congregation in the contiguous United States. It was a blessing to attend the Sunday mass.
I missed 7AM Mass, but the Cathedral is beautiful. Eucharistic Adoration was occurring during my visit. Very peaceful church with beautiful hymns.
Great behind the seens tour and gift shop. This is an amazing Basillica. I highly recommend their behind the seen tour.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
16. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
4.4
(9100)
Museums
Specialty Museums
Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons.
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A Fun Museum of Weird Things! I always enjoy visiting the St Augustine Ripley’s location. The staff is always very nice and helpful and the museum is so fun and clean! Every time i go i swear there’s something new i haven’t seen. They have multiple levels of interesting facts, finds, and activities for all ages. They have an elevator as well, which is very accessible. My FAV part of the museum is the display of unordinary swamp creatures; and as you’re looking at them, the bridge you’re standing on suddenly descends and makes a loud noise. It scared the shit out of us but It was so funny and unexpected! 😭 Just one of the museum’s many gems. You can take plenty of pictures, but i recommend going early. Going after 2PM on a Saturday may make your walkthrough feel cramped. Takes about an hour to get through all of It. I recommend buying tickets in advance for this reason. Tickets are about $24 and parking is $5 an hour. If you’re just doing the museum, I’d say 1-2 hours is more than enough, but if you’re doing the red train tour as well you may want to purchase 3-4 hours of parking. Paying for parking is easy, as you pay through a QR code on your camera app. Great experience overall! 😄✨
Enjoyed all the oddities and info that came along with each item. So much to look at. They have some activities you can try throughout the tour. We saw and listened to various stories about different cultures from around the world. There is also a gift shop located upon exiting the tour. We also enjoyed the red train tour. It was about an hour but Ed; our tour guide, made the tour informative, funny, enjoyable and educational. Will certainly be back!
Our family had such a wonderful time on the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Red Train Tour! Our driver, Cheyenne, was absolutely amazing. She was so friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable about the area—we all learned so much during the ride. My three kids had a blast and were engaged the entire time, which says a lot! Cheyenne went above and beyond by even taking family photos for us, which we’ll treasure as memories of this trip. Thank you for making our experience fun, educational, and truly special. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Cheyenne as your driver!
It was great. Lots of fun stuff to learn about. Not to crowded. We took a tour with their train guide tour too. And the guy working it was great. Learnt a lot. And he was funny. Loved it a lot.
Such a nostalgic experience for me because I haven’t been to one of these since I was a kid in California. It was a fun experience walking through and thank God there was a museum with AC! They have several similar things that I could remember from the other location like replicas, but there were also a lot of new things. There were several floors and it was a bit busier when I went so I was stuck behind a few families. My favorite part was the section about the circus sideshow acts! This one was a lot bigger and had more to see than the other one so I enjoyed taking my time through here. Some spots to stop at and take photos with along with some folks who stopped to share some fun facts with you. I think it’s good for families, friends or by yourself!
Really cool and interesting stuff. Bit pricey. Awesome gift shop too.
Ripley's Believe It or Not is great for a one-time visit I did get a good deal on the miniature golf if you like weird stuff then this is definitely a place for you
Super interesting place to visit! I went with my husband and we enjoyed it. The staff here were absolutely incredible! So friendly an d helpful, more than many other places I have been. That also goes for Ripley’s red train tour and their bay front mini golf, which we were able to add on at a fraction of the individual prices. I also think that kids would enjoy visiting here, though maybe not super young kids as it may scare them. There was only one jump scare, but I’ll admit it left me quite on edge. 😅

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