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 itinerary guides visitors through some of St. Augustine’s most significant historic cemeteries, revealing stories of lighthouse keepers, community leaders, veterans, and early residents before ending with a spirited experience at the St. Augustine Distillery.
The journey begins at Evergreen Cemetery, home to several notable figures in local history. Among them are six former St. Augustine Lighthouse keepers—John Lindquist, William T. Lindquist, Peter Rasmussen, William A. Harn, Francis Philip Fatio Dunham, and Cardell Daniels—along with English illustrator and sculptor Randolph Caldecott. Visitors may also discover the grave of Fred Gomer Francis, namesake of Francis Field. Historical markers throughout the grounds add depth to the experience, with the oldest located marker dating to 1858. The cemetery is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Adjacent to Evergreen and sharing a boundary fence, Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries are believed to be the oldest segregated Black cemeteries in Florida. While many grave sites remain unmarked, discovered headstones date some burials to the 1840s. These cemeteries offer a compelling glimpse into burial traditions and community history. Visitors may seek out the resting place of Artemisia Holloway Jones, a noted columnist for Versanoie’s Corner in The St. Augustine Record. Due to age and natural wear, locating specific graves can be challenging but rewarding.
Next, visitors can explore San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery, opened in 1892 by Bishop John Moore. The grounds include numerous veterans, including Confederate soldiers, as well as Major League Baseball player Lyle Judy. Older graves—some dating back to 1868—are located toward the rear of the cemetery near Old Moultrie Road. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the site provides peaceful paths for reflection and discovery.
The day concludes at the St. Augustine Distillery, set within the restored 1917 FPL Ice Plant. Visitors can take a free self-guided tour to learn about the distilling process, or book a premium guided experience for a deeper look behind the scenes. Guided tours require advance reservations and are open to guests 21 and older, while self-guided tours welcome visitors of all ages. Tours run daily from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
After the tour or tasting, visitors may enjoy a meal at Ice Plant Bar & Restaurant, St. Augustine Fish Camp, or choose from numerous dining spots throughout the area.
