Make the most of your visit to St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights! Download the St. Augustine Nights of Lights App for maps, tips, and event details right at your fingertips. Avoid downtown congestion by using the Free Park & Ride Shuttle—it’s the easiest way to reach the festivities stress-free. Plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the holiday charm safely and smoothly!
This self-guided journey leads visitors through sacred grounds and archaeological landmarks that reveal St. Augustine’s deep and diverse history, setting the stage for a spirited evening experience.
The journey starts at one of the most significant historic sites in the United States. On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed here and claimed the region for Spain and the Church. The mission grounds later became a burial site beginning in 1884, following the closure of Tolomato and Huguenot Cemeteries. Visitors can stroll the peaceful waterfront grounds and reflect on centuries of Catholic history. Open Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday noon–4 p.m.
Continue the experience at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where excavations have revealed Timucua burial sites and illuminated the lives of the Indigenous people who first inhabited the region. Interpretive exhibits tell their story, while the legendary spring invites visitors to sip from waters long associated with healing and vitality. The park is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (admission fee required).
Midday offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy local flavors. Visitors may choose from Smoked. Southern BBQ, Marina Munch Waterside Food Truck Park, or any number of dining options throughout the region, each offering fresh perspectives on Florida’s Historic Coast culinary scene.
The afternoon continues at San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery, opened in 1892 under Bishop John Moore. The grounds are the resting place of numerous veterans, including Confederate soldiers, as well as Major League Baseball player Lyle Judy. Older markers, some dating back to 1868, can be found at the rear of the cemetery near Old Moultrie Road. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the site provides a quiet opportunity to explore layers of local heritage.
Close the day with the ghost tour or paranormal investigation selected that morning—an unforgettable way to explore the supernatural side of the nation’s oldest city.
