Victoria Lupascu 
Are you excited to discover the oldest city in the United States?
I sure am! This town in Northeast Florida has such a fascinating history, and in this post, you will find a well-detailed guide to the top neighborhoods in St. Augustine, plus some amazing hotels listed from most to least expensive so you can decide in a second which one to choose!
The Historic District is the best area where to stay in St. Augustine, as here you’ll find the main attractions in the city, great hotels, and some unique restaurants.
But that’s not all there is! Here you’ll see 3 more areas perfect for different interests like relaxation, beach activities, or families; Vilano Beach, Saint Augustine Beach, and Anastasia Island, and finally, a bonus with some beautiful beachfront hotels.
St. Augustine is the oldest city in America, so many tourists come here annually and I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance to get the best deals!
Let’s start our trip!
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Historic District – where to stay in St. Augustine, FL, for the first time
- 2. Vilano Beach – best place to stay for relaxation
- 3. Saint Augustine Beach – where to stay for beach lovers
- 4. Anastasia Island – best place in St. Augustine for families
- BONUS: Best beachfront hotels in St. Augustine
- Frequently asked questions about hotels in Saint Augustine
If you are in a hurry
Don’t want to waste any minute longer? Then have a look at this list with the best hotels where to stay in St. Augustine, all located in the Historic Downtown
Here’s a map of all the areas where to stay in St. Augustine that I will be talking about in this post:
- Historic District: for first-timers
- Vilano Beach: for relaxation
- Saint Augustine Beach : for beach lovers
- Anastasia Island : for families
1. Historic District – where to stay in St. Augustine, FL, for the first time
They don’t call this city the oldest one in the US for no reason! St. Augustine’s Historic District is like a time capsule. When you enter it you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the 18th century!
Spanish explorers founded the city in 1565, so its history goes way back. This neighborhood is the oldest part of Saint Augustine (and most romantic if you ask me). Just wait until you see its narrow bricked streets filled with unique colonial buildings.
Saint Augustine is a beautiful sight for sore eyes!
Of course, the streets are also filled with quirky cafes and restaurants where you can dine, drink and just enjoy the atmosphere of St. Augustine’s Historic District.
Speaking of atmosphere, Saint Augustine always buzzes with activity since all the tourists come here to see the stunning attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the famous St. George Street.
But since it’s so popular, most travelers will also look for where to stay here. The hotels are fabulous but they sell out super fast. Why? Well, everyone wants to stay in these accommodations that are within walking distance from the oldest attractions in town. So I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to book your hotels in advance.
Admire the views of the Castillo de San Marcos from the terrace of this fancy hotel set in the heart of the Historic District! This boutique hotel has all the amenities you need including family rooms, free wifi, and a bar.
Other accommodation options in Historic District
Chill on the patio of this Saint Augustine hotel that has a prime location, a garden, and rooms with a flat-screen tv
An affordable hotel in the Historic District that has rooms with coffee makers and free wifi
I like the design of this place! It looks so cozy and it has 2 spacious rooms, a kitchen, and air conditioning
As I mentioned earlier, St. Augustine’s Historic District is super famous, and most likely, the hotels here will be booked out (especially if you don’t secure your room months in advance). That’s why I thought to offer you a few more St. Augustine hotels below:
Luxury:
- Hilton Saint Augustine Historic Bayfront – Sunbathe under the Florida sun by the outdoor pool of this hotel that has a fitness center and an on-site restaurant. You can also relax in the hotel’s hot tub.
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa – A beautiful hotel that features Moorish Architecture dating back to 1888. Casa Monica Resort Spa has an outdoor pool and a restaurant.
- Sebastian Hotel – A modern yet elegant hotel to stay on the outskirts of St. Augustine’s Historic District that offers a complimentary shuttle service into town. The Accommodation has a pool and a restaurant.
Mid Range:
- Bayfront Inn – Grab a quick breakfast, then head to the outdoor pool to swim before exploring the Historic Downtown.
Budget:
- The Pirate Haus Inn – A cool pirate-themed B&B in Saint Augustine that offers family rooms, a sun terrace, and an indoor play area.
Things to do in the Historic District
- See the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- Take pictures with the wax figures at Potter’s Wax Museum
- Learn new things at Lightner Museum
- See the architecture in the Colonial Quarter
- Admire the views of San Sebastian River in Downtown St. Augustine
- Take the kids to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
- Spend a day at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
2. Vilano Beach – best place to stay for relaxation
Dreaming of a vacation where you can be by the beach 24/7, eating the best food and just relaxing?
Aren’t we all!
Let’s face it, exploring a town like this one can be draining. So if you’re looking for where to stay in St. Augustine, to relax, forget all about your daily activities and avoid the big crowds, then Vilano Beach is perfect for you!
This area is super chill, and of course, the ocean breeze and stunning views will put you in a vacation mood as soon as you arrive here.
It’s not only the pristine beaches and tranquility that attract tourists to Vilano Beach. Their local restaurants are pretty popular as well and most have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the seaside all day long.
Vilano Beach sits just 4 miles (6 km) north of St. Augustine Historic District so you can always visit it when you want your dose of history. And if you’re looking for more fun locations near Saint Augustine, I think you’ll love Orlando (also known as the world’s Disney capital).
Now, let’s have a look at the best hotels in this area!
Drink a cup of coffee in your comfortable room and get ready for a full day near the ocean! The hotel sits only a short walk away from the beach, and it has an outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace.
Other accommodation options in Vilano Beach
Relax in the hot tub of this Vilano Beach hotel that has a pool, a sun terrace, a picnic area, and a fitness center
Sunbathe all day long during your stay in St. Augustine on the beach chairs by the outdoor swimming pool of this affordable motel
Enjoy some peace and quiet while staying in this cozy house near the beach that has a patio and lots of space
Things to do in Vilano Beach
- Sunbathe all day long on Vilano Beach
- Walk on the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk
- Catch the sunset at North Beach Park
- Spot some cute dolphins on a boat tour
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Vilano Grill 180 in Saint Augustine
3. Saint Augustine Beach – where to stay for beach lovers
If you’re looking to get as tanned as possible during this holiday and to surf, kite, and swim all day long, then there’s no better place than St. Augustine Beach!
From tourists to locals, everyone comes here to escape the city noise and enjoy the sun and ocean. St. Augustine Beach sits 5 miles (8 km) south of the Historic District, so you can always visit the central area if you wish so.
But with so many things to try here and the perfect weather, I’m sure you’ll want to spend as much time as possible on St. Augustine beach.
The atmosphere is super laid-back here, and Saint Augustine Beach hosts many restaurants and beach bars where you can have a drink or 2 after a full day of swimming and surfing.
Or maybe you’re up for some fishing? That’s right!
In Saint Augustine Beach, you’ll also find a fishing pier and a park where you can come with your kids (there’s a playground) or with your friends to have a picnic or play some volleyball.
Nothing compares to a holiday at the beach!
Featuring spacious and elegant rooms, this St. Augustine Beach hotel sits only a short walk away from the beach. The outdoor swimming pool looks amazing, and there’s also a fitness center for anyone who wants to work out. Or, you can just relax in the hot tub for a few hours, you’re on holiday after all!
Other accommodation in Saint Augustine Beach
This cool boutique hotel in St. Augustine Beach offers access to a steam room, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub
Order some cocktails or chill on the sun loungers by the outdoor heated pool of this affordable hotel
Enjoy your stay in St. Augustine in this cozy house that has a backyard, a kitchen and free wifi
Things to do in Saint Augustine Beach
- Go for a walk in Ocean Hammock Park
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Playa Chacmool restaurant
- Take the kids to the Splash Park at the Pier
- Chill on the sand at St. Augustine Beach
- Catch a sunset by the fishing pier
- Have a coffee at The Kookaburra Beachside
4. Anastasia Island – best place in St. Augustine for families
Planning a family trip to Saint Augustine?
Hop on board! In this section, I’ll tell you all about Anastasia Island, which turns out to be the best area where to stay in St. Augustine with the kids.
The island is home to Anastasia State Park, a super popular place in Florida. The park is made of beaches, dunes, and wetlands and is a great place to take the kids to enjoy some time outdoors. Plus, it’s a paradise for any nature lovers (there are so many types of birds you can see here)!
You can even book kayaks and boats to observe the wildlife better if you want! What a fun family activity?
One place that you shouldn’t miss here is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park! Which is basically a landmark of the city as it has been around since 1893. And here, you can see different species of Crocodilia: crocodiles, alligators, gharials, and caimans.
The Historic Downtown sits 3 miles (5 km) north of Anastasia Island if you want to visit it but you’ll still find some bits and pieces of the city’s exciting past here like the Fort Matanzas National Monument, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
Order a cup of coffee and head over to the pool to start your day right! This St. Augustine hotel has a restaurant on-site and a bar as well. Plus guests can engage in different activities like bike tours and pub crawls.
Other accommodation options in Anastasia Island
Catch a scenic sunset by the pool of this hotel that has spacious rooms and an outdoor pool
Surrounded by nature, this resort offers a marina with boat docking facilities, a pool and family rooms
A spacious and comfortable home that has shared backyard, a kitchen and air conditioning
Things to do in Anastasia Island
- Spend a fun day with the kids at Anastasia State Park
- Visit the Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- Buy souvenirs from the High Tide Gallery
- Go for a walk to Lighthouse Park in Saint Augustine
- Play some golf at Anastasia Miniature Golf
- See the Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Learn new things at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
| 👑 Luxury price: | $350 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $130 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $200 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best area: | Historic District |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Anastasia Island |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | St George Inn |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Hemingway House B&B |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Economy Inn |
BONUS: Best beachfront hotels in St. Augustine
When you think about Florida you immediately picture tons of beaches, sunshine, the ocean, and good vibes! And although St. Augustine is mostly known for its history and colonial architecture, there are as we’ve seen, many spots by the beach!
So if you’re specifically looking for some great hotels in Saint Augustine that are on the beach or right near it, have a look at the list below:
Luxury (US$250 and up)
- Edgewater Inn – Fancy access to a private beach, where you don’t have to face the crowds? Then you’ll love this Saint Augustine hotel that offers air-conditioned rooms and free parking. Make sure you don’t miss the happy hour and catch a sunset near the pool!
- La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites – Every day should be a “fiesta”, right? Especially when you’re on holiday! Enjoy your stay in St. Augustine at this fancy hotel that sits just 1 minute away from the beach and also has a swimming pool and garden.
Mid Range (US$150 – US$200)
- Beacher’s Lodge – I’m a big fan of balconies from where you can admire the sea! It’s the best way to start your day (with a cup of coffee, of course). This beachfront hotel in Saint Augustine offers barbecue facilities, a swimming pool, and free parking.
Frequently asked questions about hotels in Saint Augustine
🤔 Is it better to stay on the beach or in town in St. Augustine?
It depends on what you want to do during your holiday. If this is your first time in St. Augustine, then I recommend staying in the Historic District but if you’ve been here before, you can try something new by the beach.
❓ What is the main strip in St. Augustine?
St. George Street is the main strip in St. Augustine. It goes through the Historic Downtown, and it has many boutique stores and art galleries.
🚶 Does St. Augustine have a boardwalk?
Yes, historic St. Augustine has a boardwalk, and it’s called the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk. This is a lovely place to catch a sunset.
📅 How many days do you need in St. Augustine, Florida?
If you spend 3 or 4 days in St. Augustine, you’ll get to see the main attractions in the historic city and also spend some time on St. Augustine Beach.
Conclusion
Saint Augustine is such a fascinating city! Florida sure has a lot of surprises in store for its tourists!
Let’s do a short recap of all the information that you can find in this post! Firstly there’s the list with the top areas and best hotels in St. Augustine listed from most to least expensive. Then you’ve got the bonus section with some great beachfront hotels.
Making decisions about hotels is hard (I know that) so in case you need some extra help, here are my top 2 favorite options both located in the Historic Downtown:
- St George Inn – A luxury hotel that offers views of the Castillo de San Marcos
- Hemingway House B&B – A mid-range accommodation that has rooms with balconies
As I’ve mentioned these are the best hotels in Saint Augustine! I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to book them in advance!
But that’s it for my part! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in historic St. Augustine! Enjoy your time there, discovering the colonial spots and sunbathing on St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach.
In case you have any questions about Saint Augustine, the hotels, or maybe you’ve got some other suggestions. Leave me a comment below and I’ll answer it ASAP.
Safe travels,
Victoria
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