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

It would take several days to experience all the free attractions here. Plus, there’s a ton of fun to be enjoyed for just $20 or less per person. Here are the best free activities, attractions and tours on Florida’s Historic Coast.

Details last verified November 2026. Hours and schedules for attractions and events can change, so please confirm with each venue before making your plans.

Happening Now: Nights of Lights

St. Augustine's free Nights of Lights shines nightly from Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 18, 2027, with millions of white lights draping about 20 blocks of the Nation’s oldest city. The season kicks off with Light-Up! Night on Saturday, Nov. 21, with live entertainment starting at 4 p.m. and the lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución.

Seeing the lights on foot costs nothing. Stroll the Plaza, walk the Bridge of Lions for the view back across the water, or join St. Augustine City Walks' free one-hour lights tour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m. The free Park & Ride Shuttle runs on select nights so you can skip downtown parking. Plan your Nights of Lights visit.

Free Things to Do with Kids

• Project SWING Playground (#19): Wooden towers, a lighthouse and a space shuttle to climb in historic downtown, open daily 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Splash Park (#14): A free splash pad at Ocean Pier Park on St. Augustine Beach, open until dusk. It may close on days cooler than 70 degrees.
• Fort Matanzas (#1): A free ferry ride and ranger-led tour of a 1740s Spanish watchtower, Thursday through Monday.
• Militia Muster at Fort Mose (#31): Living historians demonstrate 18th-century drills on the first Saturday of each month.
• Beach Exploration at the GTM Research Reserve (#35): A docent-led "Beaches 101" walk on the third Saturday of each month.
• Picnic on the Fort Greene (#16): Grassy hills to roll down beside the Castillo de San Marcos.

Free Things to Do at Night

• Nights of Lights (#29): Millions of white lights glow downtown every evening from Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 18, 2027.
• First Friday Art Walk (#30): New exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries, 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
• Colonial Oak Music Park (#33): Free live music under a centuries-old oak tree on St. George Street on many evenings.
• Sunset on the bridges (#10 and #11): Walk the Bridge of Lions or the Vilano Bridge as the sun goes down.
• Summer concerts (#27 and #28): Music & Art by the Sea on select Wednesdays and Concerts in the Plaza on Thursdays, late May through September.

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.
Grounds: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Visitor Center & Museum: Thurs - Mon

Fort Mose Historic State Park is recognized as the site of the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States. The park and visitor center honor the legacy of enslaved people who escaped the American colonies in search of freedom, and in 2025 the park opened a three-story replica of the 1738 fort so visitors can step inside the story. Learn more about the rebuilding of Fort Mose. 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 replica fort, offered Friday through Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

3. St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine

41 St. George St.
Sun - Sat | 10 a.m.-5 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.-4 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.

7. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

38 Cathedral Pl.
Open daily | Check the Mass schedule before visiting

Facing the Plaza de la Constitución, the Cathedral Basilica is home to the oldest Catholic parish in the United States, founded in 1565. Admission is free, with donations welcome, and visitors can step inside to admire its ornate interior. Guided behind-the-scenes tours are also available for a fee.

8. 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. Plan your stroll with our walking guide to St. George Street, then explore what’s off the main drag of St. George Street when visiting St. Augustine.

9. Coquina Quarry

Within Anastasia 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.

10. Sightseeing

One of the best ways to enjoy the Ancient City is on foot along its brick-lined streets. Stroll across the Bridge of Lions, follow the bayfront seawall at sunset or wander the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos for some of the most photographed views in town.

11. 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 Tolomato River. Look for a dolphin! And be sure to grab a selfie with the local icon on the Vilano Beach Pier, the Bluebird of Happiness.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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. The St. Johns County Ocean Pier next door is temporarily closed for piling repairs; once it reopens, admission is $2 per person for sightseeing and $6 for non-residents who would like to fish. Splash Park and beach access are free.

15. GTM Research Reserve

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

One of the nation’s National Estuarine Research Reserves, 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. St. Augustine Free Walking Tour

10 S. Castillo Dr.
Daily | 10 a.m. (additional 1 p.m. tours seasonally)

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 daily. Guides work on a tip basis, and advance booking online is requested. Learn more about St. Augustine's history and culture, ask questions, and discover little-known facts that just might surprise you!

22. The St. Augustine Distillery

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

The St. Augustine Distillery offers free guided tours of its distillery every 30 minutes daily. Wander their many barrels and fermenting processes up close, then enjoy the cocktail tasting featuring its award-winning spirits that wraps up the tour.

23. Third Saturday Cemetery Tours

Huguenot Cemetery: Corner of Orange St. and Avenida Menendez | Tolomato Cemetery: 14 Cordova St.
Third Saturday | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

On the third Saturday of each month, two of St. Augustine's historic burial grounds open for free tours from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., just a short walk apart. The Huguenot Cemetery, just outside the City Gate, was a Protestant burial ground from 1821 to 1884. Nearby, Tolomato Cemetery is the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida, with burials from the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Admission to both is free, and donations are encouraged.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. ACCORD Freedom Trail

Begins at 79 Bridge St.
Self-guided | Open anytime

Follow 31 historic markers through Lincolnville and downtown on this self-guided civil rights trail, which tells the story of St. Augustine's role in the movement that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Pick up a trail brochure at the Visitor Information Center and learn more about the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum & Freedom Trail.

27. Music & Art by the Sea

350 A1A Beach Blvd.
Select Wednesdays, May - Sept. | 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 select Wednesdays from May through September, with a midsummer break. Bring a beach chair or blanket and, starting at 5 p.m., food trucks are on-site. Concert-goers are encouraged to carpool.

28. Concerts in the Plaza

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

From 6-8 p.m. on Thursday nights from the week after Memorial Day through the week before Labor Day, 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.

29. Nights of Lights

10 S. Castillo Dr.
Nov. 21, 2026 - Jan. 18, 2027 | 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

In one of the oldest towns in America, enjoy some Christmas charm with the stunning Nights of Lights. From Light-Up! Night on Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 18, 2027, St. Augustine is draped in Christmas lights, in a sparkling display that makes our Florida town feel like a page out of a storybook.

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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.

33. Concerts at the Colonial Oak Music Park

21 St. George St.
Schedule varies

Live music takes the stage at the music park on many nights, though there is no set schedule. Check the Colonial Oak Music Park listing for upcoming shows. 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.

34. Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing

5840 S.R. 207 E
Select Saturdays, Jan. - Nov. | 1 p.m.

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.

35. 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.

Free Weekly & Monthly Events

Plan around the calendar with this at-a-glance list of recurring free events. Schedules can change, so confirm with each organizer before you go.

36. Anastasia State Park

300 Anastasia Park Rd.
Sun - Sat | 8 a.m.-Sundown

For some of the most spectacular views of nature, head for windswept Anastasia State Park and its nature trails, campsites and pristine sandy beaches. Located 1.5 miles from downtown St. Augustine, the park is open daily 8 a.m. until sundown. Admission is $8 per vehicle (2-8 occupants) and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers.

37. St. Augustine History Museum

167 San Marco Ave. (at the Old Jail)
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The St. Augustine History Museum features unique artifacts that tell the story of the Nation’s oldest city. The museum's admission is $7.99 for adults, $5 for children.

38. The Oldest Wooden School House Museum and Garden

14 St. George St.
Sun - Thurs, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.| Fri - Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Built in the late 1700s as the home of Minorcan settler Juan Genopoly and thought to be the oldest surviving wooden school house in North America, visitors will get a glimpse of education during the 1800s. Open Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is $7.95 for adults; $6.95 for ages 6-12; and free for ages 5 and under.

39. City Gate Spirits

11 St George St.
Sun - Sat | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

This micro distillery crafts moonshine, vodka, rum and whisky inspired by the vibrant flavors of Florida. Enjoy a spirit tasting for just $5, offered daily until 7 p.m., while taking in the stunning bayfront views.

40. San Sebastian Winery

157 King St.
Mon - Sat, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sun, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

San Sebastian Winery offers guided tours and daily tastings of their exceptional wines. The winery is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. A $5 tasting fee includes a commemorative plastic tasting glass to keep.

41. Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine

4730 U.S.1 South
Tues - Sat | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Just a short drive from St. Augustine, the Classic Car Museum offers classic cars from the late 1800s to modern-day sports cars, as well as memorabilia that’ll appeal to car enthusiasts of all ages. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $15 per person, under 12 are free.

42. Miniature Golf

Multiple Locations
Times Vary

Miniature golf is a popular pastime in St. Augustine, and visitors can choose from three courses. The newly renovated Ripley's Bayfront Mini Golf is located beside the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine’s downtown historic district. $11.99 adults; $8.99 children.

Anastasia Miniature Golf features a pirate ship, tunnel, interconnected waterways and a koi pond. $14 adults; $13 seniors; $11 children (4-10); $3.50 (3 and under). Eight waterfalls and a 65-foot Spanish galleon are among the attractions at Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf. $14.50 adults; $13.50 seniors (62+); $11.95 children (3-12 years); children under 3 and seniors over 80 are free.

43. The Oldest Store Museum Experience

167 San Marco Ave.
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Oldest Store Museum Experience contains more than 100,000 essential items and inventions from the early 1900s. Oldest Store admission is about $17.70 for adults (prices vary by date) and $9 for ages 4-12; under 4 free.

44. The St. Augustine Aquarium

2045 S.R. 16
Mon - Sat, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sun, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The St. Augustine Aquarium features an 80,000-gallon enclosure with guided tours every half hour that include shark and ray feedings. Touch horseshoe crabs, urchins and starfish. Admission is $14.99 adults; $9.99 children; ages 2 and under free. Call ahead to reserve a tour time.

45. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

20 Avilés St.
Mon - Sat | Self-guided tours 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. | Guided tours 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is a remarkably preserved Spanish home. Built in 1798, the large home served as a boarding house during the Florida Territorial Period (1821-1845). Guided tours provide fascinating information on everyday life during this period. Admission is $15 for guided tours or $12 for audio tours (ages 12 and up); $10 seniors, students, military, teachers and first responders; $6 ages 7-12; under 6 free.

46. Surf Culture & History Museum

14 St. Francis St.
Sun - Sat | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

From soul surfers to local legends to shapers and surf shop owners, this interactive museum interprets over fifty oral histories, hundreds of historical images, film, music, artifacts, memorabilia, trophies, articles and historic surfboards. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Surf Museum is included in the $12.95 admission to the Oldest House.

47. Gonzalez-Alvarez House

14 St Francis St.
Sun - Sat | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The oldest surviving Spanish residence in Florida offers guided tours every 30 minutes and tells the story of the area’s history through the eyes of past residents of the home. Tours include the house, two museums, an exhibit gallery and an ornamental garden. Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $12.95 adults; $9.95 seniors and military; $4.95 students and ages 4-17; under 4 free.

48. Spanish Military Hospital Museum

3 Avilés St.
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stroll down Avilés Street, the oldest street in the U.S., and stop at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Guided tours conducted by living history interpreters feature a visit to the patients’ ward and a meeting with the Apothecary, who creates medicines and explains how colonial herbs were the origin of some of the most popular medicines today. Tours are conducted daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $17.95 for adults, $15.95 for seniors (60+) and $7.95 for children (6-12).

49. Old Jail Museum

167 San Marco Ave.
Sun - Sat | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Old Jail Museum was built by Henry Flagler in 1891 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was operational for more than 60 years and housed 72 prisoners at a time. Adult tickets are about $18-$21 depending on the date; $9 for ages 4-12; under 4 free.

50. Whetstone Chocolates Tasting Tour

139 King St.
Sun - Sat | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Whetstone Chocolates Tasting Tour offers free samples and a behind-the-scenes look at the factory and how a variety of chocolate confections are crafted. Open daily with numerous tour times from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $10.95 adults (includes $2 Whetstone discount); $8.45 ages 5-17; free for 4 and younger.

You can save on many of the top activities and attractions with combination tickets available through St. Augustine’s Old Town Trolley Tours and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine. Advance online ticket sales will sometimes offer discounts as well.