St Augustine Vacation Rentals

The oldest consistently-inhabited city in the U.S and the state capital for 200 years when under Spanish rule, St. Augustine is a picturesque northeast coast gem. From its atmospheric Spanish colonial architecture and Atlantic Ocean beaches like sandy St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach, to its protected wildlife sanctuary, Anastasia State Park, a vacation in St. Augustine can be as rich and varied as you'd like it to be!

The top 10 things to do on vacation in St. Augustine, Florida

1. Explore Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, with panoramic bay views and live cannon demonstrations.

2. Stroll St. George Street, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, museums, and historic architecture.

3. Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where 219 steps reward you with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and city skyline.

4. Visit the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, showcasing Gilded Age art, antiques, and curiosities.

5. Tour the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where you can sip from the legendary spring and see peacocks roam the grounds.

6. Walk the grounds of Flagler College, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture and former luxury hotel built by Henry Flagler.

7. Take a ghost tour by lantern light, uncovering centuries of haunted history through graveyards, old inns, and alleyways.

8. Relax on St. Augustine Beach, a laid-back stretch of sand just minutes from downtown, perfect for swimming and surfing.

9. Hop on the Old Town Trolley Tour, offering a narrated loop of 20+ stops covering the city’s top attractions.

10. Admire the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the oldest Catholic parish in the U.S., with beautiful frescoes and a bell tower.

For those looking to flock to the beach whilst on vacation in Florida, St. Augustine offers a fantastic selection of Atlantic Ocean beaches to choose from!

The top St. Augustine Beaches

1. Anastasia State Park A stunning 1,600-acre coastal refuge east of downtown featuring wide beaches framed by dunes and maritime forests - perfect for hiking, paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and picnic areas (entry fee applies).

2. St. Augustine Beach A classic seaside destination - with a long boardwalk, fishing pier, splash pad, volleyball courts, and multiple rental amenities. Whether arriving early for sunrise or hitting the beach all day, it’s ideal for families and beach lovers alike. You can even drive on the sand in designated areas with a permit.

3. Crescent Beach A peaceful, wide crescent‑shaped shoreline south of downtown, offering soft dunes and minimal crowds, with bike and dog-friendly access, picnic pavilions, and beach horse access in season. It's perfect for shelling, walking, and soaking up slower-paced Florida vibes.

4. Butler Beach (Frank B. Butler County Park) A family-focused beach home to endangered wildlife and surrounded by dunes and shade. Complete with restrooms, picnic areas, boardwalks, and beach-driving access, it’s also pet-friendly and offers seasonal lifeguards.

5. Vilano Beach & North Beach Park Located just across the Matanzas River, Vilano offers picturesque dunes, a long pier (great for fishing and sunset watching), dog-friendly access (whilst on a leash), and a laid-back local community feel.

6. Matanzas Inlet Beach Where the river meets the sea - mix surf and calm waters as you kayak, fish, or birdwatch. This unique inlet setting draws fewer crowds and features a quiet, family-friendly vibe, as well as easy parking access.

Top Tips on getting to St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida’s historic gem on the Atlantic coast, is surprisingly easy to reach - whether you're coming in from across the state or across the country. Here’s how to get to the Nation’s Oldest City, no matter where you’re starting your journey:

Reaching St. Augustine by Road

Traveling to St. Augustine by car is one of the most scenic and convenient options. Located right off I-95, the city is easily accessible from Jacksonville to the north, Daytona Beach to the south, and Orlando to the west via I-4 and US-1. Whether you're planning a Florida road trip or heading straight to the coast, driving allows for flexibility - and plenty of charming stops along the way. Parking is plentiful around the historic district, beaches, and major attractions.

Reaching St. Augustine by Air

There are three main airports that serve travelers heading to St. Augustine:

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – About an hour north of St. Augustine, JAX is the closest major airport and a top choice for both domestic and limited international flights. It's serviced by most major U.S. airlines and offers a smooth gateway into Northeast Florida.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) – Roughly 1 hour south, DAB is a smaller airport with several daily flights from major hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte. It’s a convenient option for domestic travelers looking for a low-key arrival experience.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) – About 2 hours away, MCO is a major hub for both international and domestic flights, making it ideal for those flying in from Europe, Canada, or Latin America. From there, it’s an easy drive east through central Florida to the coast.

Car rentals, shuttle services, and private transfers are available at all 3 airports, with scenic highway drives bringing you directly into St. Augustine.

Reaching St. Augustine by Train

Another popular - and often overlooked - way to reach St. Augustine is by Amtrak. While the city doesn’t have its own station, the nearby Palatka Station (about 30 minutes away) is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service line, which runs from New York to Miami. From Palatka, you can catch a rideshare or rent a car to make the short journey into St. Augustine.