50 Free & Budget-Friendly Things to Do in St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra Beach

On Florida’s Historic Coast®, some of the most memorable natural wonders, historic sites and family adventures are free (or nearly free).

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Historical Sites & Museums

Uniquely Floridian

Parks & Outdoors

Tours

Seasonal Events

Year-Round Events

Less Than $10

Less Than $20

It would take several days to experience all the free attractions here. Plus, there’s a ton of fun to be enjoyed for just $16 or less per person. Here are the best free activities, attractions and tours on Florida’s Historic Coast.

Hours of operation for attractions and events may have changed. Please check with individual entities to confirm details before making your plans.

"Coolest Small Town"

Budget Travel (May 2023)

Free Attractions & Things To Do

Historical Sites & Museums

PicturedGovernor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

1. Fort Matanzas

8635 State Rd. A1A South
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Take the free ferry to Rattlesnake Island and explore Fort Matanzas, a fortified watchtower built by the Spanish in the 1740s to guard the southern entrance to St. Augustine. Admission to the park at Fort Matanzas National Monument and the ferry ride are free. Please check their website for hours of operation or updates on the ferry to Fort Matanzas. Please note that the ferry does not run on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

2. Fort Mose Historic State Park

15 Fort Mose Trl.
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fort Mose Historic State Park is recognized as the site of the first free African settlement in North America. Although the original fort no longer stands, the park and visitor center honor the legacy of enslaved people who escaped the American colonies in search of freedom. The park offers free admission, with museum access available for just $2. Visitors can explore an interactive museum that shares the full story of the settlement, walk the boardwalk across the marsh to view the historic landscape, and join Ranger-led tours of the newly opened replica wooden fort, offered Thursday through Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

3. St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine

41 St. George St.
Mon - Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sun, Noon-6 p.m.

This shrine honors the 1768 arrival of the first Greek settlers in America. Admission to the shrine is free and includes tours of the museum and the beautiful chapel filled with Byzantine-style icons and frescoes.

4. National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios Museum

101 San Marco Ave.
Mon - Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sun, Noon-4 p.m.

Mission Nombre de Dios Museum is located on the mission grounds and tells the story of the early days of Catholicism in what would become the United States. Admission is free. Nearby, the Great Cross (the tallest free-standing cross in the Western Hemisphere) marks both the landing point of the Spanish colonists in 1565 and the site of the first Catholic mass in the United States. The impressive La Leche Chapel is a short walk away.

5. Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum

32 Avilés St.
Wed - Sat | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Explore the Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum to learn about St. Augustine's rich and unbroken Catholic traditions dating back to 1565. Located south of the Plaza at 32 Avilés Street, in the oldest continuously settled section of the city of St. Augustine, the museum is open free of charge from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday. The Museum is closed on days of inclement weather. Please note that this location does close for lunch between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

6. Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

48 King St.
Sun - Sat | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

As the residence of Florida’s Spanish and English colonial governors, the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum has hosted many visitors, including two Kings of Spain. A lobby exhibit explains the rich history of St. Augustine – the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the United States.

Uniquely Floridian

PicturedSt. George Street

7. St. George Street

St. George Street is the heart of St. Augustine, lined with quaint shops, cozy bistros, art galleries and gift shops. This pedestrian-only street gives you a feel for what life was like when the Old City was first settled, but it’s only the beginning. Explore what’s off the main drag of St. George Street when visiting St. Augustine.

8. Coquina Quarry

Within Anastasi State Park | 300 Anastasia Park Rd.
Sun - Sat | 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Many of St. Augustine’s oldest structures are built with coquina blocks. Visit the namesake quarry for this special building material and explore Coquina Quarry on a self-guided tour.

9. Sightseeing

One of the best ways to enjoy the ancient city is by walking along its brick-lined streets. The Bridge of Lions, the bay front and the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos are Instagram-worthy spots that will make your friends green with envy.

10. Walk to Vilano Bridge to the Bluebird of Happiness

116 Poplar Ave.
Sun - Sat | 24 hours

There’s nothing like a casual walk along a bridge, especially at sunset. While beautiful all over Florida’s Historic Coast, they’re extra special on the Vilano Bridge as you overlook the Matanzas Bay. Look for a dolphin! And be sure to grab a selfie with the local icon on the Vilano Beach Pier, the Bluebird of Happiness.

11. St. Augustine Art Association

22 Marine St.
Tues - Sun | Noon-4 p.m.

Promoting excellence in the arts since 1924, the St. Augustine Art Association is the epicenter for the arts in the St. Augustine area. Experience the exhibitions of artwork by the area’s most talented artists at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery.

Parks & Outdoors

PicturedAnastasia Beach

12. Beaches

More than 42 miles of white sandy shores line St. Augustine and its surrounding areas. A favorite is St. Augustine Beach, thanks to its laid-back feel, impressive fishing pier and nearby beachside restaurants.

13. Splash Park

350 Beach Blvd.
Sun - Sat | Dawn to Dusk

The Splash Park at the County Ocean Pier offers a delightful diversion for small children to stay cool and active! The park is open daily until dusk and occasionally closes on cooler days when the temperature dips below 70 degrees. Be sure to check out the St. Johns County Ocean Pier nearby; admission is $2 per person for sightseeing and $6 for non-residents who would like to fish. Splash Park and beach access are free.

14. GTM Research Reserve

505 Guana River Rd.
Tues - Sat | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

One of the nation’s 29 special estuarine research areas, the GTM Research Reserve begins in the north at Ponte Vedra Beach and continues south for 40 miles to Marineland. The reserve’s 74,000 acres include salt marshes and a maritime hammock perfect for exploring, hiking or launching boats and kayaks. The impressive Visitor Center offers life-size replicas of key fish and wildlife living in the estuary. Open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

15. Picnic on the Fort Greene

1 South Castillo Dr.
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Have a picnic at the Castillo de San Marcos Fort Greene. This area is perfect for kiddos to get their wiggles out by rolling down grass hills or just soaking up some Florida sunshine.

16. Check out a County Park

Multiple Locations
Sun - Sat | Dawn to Dusk

Did you know St. Johns County offers so many ways to enjoy the outdoors? No matter what kind of outdoor activities you want to pursue, from hiking to pickleball to picnicking, there’s a county park with your name on it. Historic Alpine Groves Park on the St. Johns River is a special place to take in scenic beauty. Treaty Park is a sports lover’s dream with a skate park, basketball, tennis, pickleball and racquetball courts. You can also bring your pet to the dog park, and there is a handicap-accessible playscape. Check out Canopy Shores with its majestic canopy of oak trees, Nocatee Preserve offering 3+ miles of unpaved trails, Vaill Point Park, a nature wonderland on the Intracoastal, and Cora C. Harrison Preserve that features a trailhead with restroom, parking and picnic area.

17. Coquina Rocks at Marineland

South of Marineland | 9600 N. Ocean Shore Blvd.

Ready to go exploring? Love rocks? Just south of the famous Marineland Dolphin Adventure attraction featuring dolphins, sharks and tortoises, look for a parking lot and boardwalk on the oceanside. Head south on the boardwalk, and you’ll come upon one of the most amazing rock formations on the Florida coastline. Bring your camera to this photographer’s paradise and capture the sunrise over the rocks and water.

18. Project SWING Playground

25 W. Castillo Dr.
Sun - Sat | 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Project SWING Playground features wooden towers, a lighthouse, a space shuttle and a picnic area. The park is open daily until 7 p.m. and conveniently located behind the Historic Downtown Parking facility.

Tours

PicturedTPC Sawgrass

19. Church Tours

Multiple Locations
Times Vary

Tour the many impressive and historical churches throughout the area, including Memorial Presbyterian Church (built by Henry Flagler as a memorial to his daughter), Mission Nombre de Dios and St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica. Check church schedules for tour days and times.

20. St. Augustine Free Walking Tour

10 S. Castillo Dr.
Fri - Tues | 10 a.m.

Enjoy a free 90-minute walking tour led by local guides in the oldest U.S. city. Covering major sites, it's a perfect start to your visit, offered once daily. Learn more about St. Augustine's history and culture, ask questions, and discover little-known facts that just might surprise you!

21. The St. Augustine Distillery

112 Riberia St.
Sun - Sat | 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The St. Augustine Distillery offers free self-guided tours of its brewing facilities daily. Wander their many barrels and fermenting processes up close, then take the time to join a tasting of its award-winning vodka, gin, rum and whiskey that accompanies the tour.

22. Huguenot Cemetery Tours

Corner of Orange St. and Avenida Menendez
Every Third Saturday | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

A beautiful cemetery located in the Ancient City, this was the first cemetery in St. Augustine dedicated to Anglo-American civilians. The Huguenot Cemetery was a Protestant burial ground from 1821 to 1884. Tours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, admission is free, and donations are encouraged.

23. Drive Scenic A1A

From the golf mecca of Ponte Vedra Beach to the historic shores of Marineland, this officially designated All-American Scenic and Historic Byway is not to be missed. Just hop in a car and take your time traveling through this remarkable road snaking through state parks, the Nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, National Monuments, beaches, nature trails, preserves, estuaries and all kinds of history. You’ll definitely want to stop along the way for some memorable times and photos.

24. The Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass

110 Championship Way
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The TPC Clubhouse is the Mediterranean-style centerpiece of TPC Sawgrass, providing PGA Tour-standard hospitality to members and visitors alike, with free daily tours available to the public every hour on the hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Golf lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the famous 17th island hole on THE PLAYERS® Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

Free Events

Please call and confirm events before driving long distances as some dates and times could vary.

Free Seasonal Events

An audience sits by the Pier Pavilion during the Music by the Sea concert series.

PicturedMusic by the Sea

25. Music by the Sea

350 A1A Beach Blvd.
Wed | 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

This free weekly concert series at St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park features a variety of musical genres from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays during the late spring/ summer season. Bring a beach chair or blanket and, starting at 6 p.m., food trucks are on-site. Concert-goers are encouraged to carpool.

26. Concerts in the Plaza

170 St George St.
Thurs | 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

From 6-8 p.m. on Thursday nights from June through August, Concerts in the Plaza offer free live music under the oak trees in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitución. Bring a chair or blanket for seating and check the event website for the entertainment schedule.

27. Nights of Lights

10 S. Castillo Dr.
November - January | 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

In one of the oldest towns in America, enjoy some Christmas charm with the stunning Nights of Lights. Starting in late November, St. Augustine is draped in Christmas lights, in a sparkling display that makes our Florida town feel like a page out of a storybook.

Free Year-Round Events

PicturedDrum Runner Series Barrel Racing

28. First Friday Art Walks

Multiple Locations
First Fridays | 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

On the first Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m., The Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 locations. The event is held rain or shine inside member galleries and is a free, self-guided walking tour with maps available at participating galleries.

29. Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose

15 Fort Mose Trl.
First Saturday | 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

On the first Saturday of each month from 9-11:30 a.m., visit Fort Mose to be transported back to the 18th century as members of the Fort Mose Militia practice firing drills and demonstrate how to use historic weapons. The park is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission to the park is free, and admission to the Visitor Center is $2 per person.

30. Farmers Markets

Multiple Locations

Several open-air markets take place each week on Florida’s Historic Coast, offering a vibrant showcase of local produce, handmade goods and the talents of area artisans and crafters. Admission is free, making it easy to shop local and experience the community’s creative spirit. Weekly markets include Tuesdays in Palm Valley, Wednesdays at St. Augustine Beach Ocean Pier Park, Fridays at the Ponte Vedra Farmers Market, Saturday mornings at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Sundays at the St. Augustine Weekly Farmers Market. Additionally, the Nocatee Farmers Market is held every third Saturday of the month. For even more local flavor, The Feed Mill Store in Elkton is open Tuesday through Saturday, offering farm-fresh items, specialty products and locally made goods.

31. Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tours

14 Cordova St.
Third Saturday | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

On the third Saturday of the month, Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tours will take you through the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida, with burials from the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

32. Concerts at the Colonial Oak Music Park

21 St. George St.
Sat and Sun | 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

On weekends and some weeknights, live music takes the stage at the music park. With seating for more than 250 visitors and food and drink available on-site, it's easy to see why The Oak has become a mainstay on the local music festival circuit.

33. Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing

5840 S.R. 207 E
Multiple Dates

For something completely different, saddle up and head over to the St. Johns County Fairgrounds for monthly barrel, pole, and other timed speed horse events at 1 p.m. Admission is free for spectators.

34. Beach Exploration at the GTM Research Reserve

505 Guana River Rd.
Third Saturday | 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Join docents from 9-11 a.m. for a beach walk! You will learn about the animals that call the beach their home, as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. For more information, visit www.gtmnerr.org/events.