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

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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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.

Free Attractions & Things To Do

PicturedFort Matanzas

1. St. George Street

St. George Street is the heart of St. Augustine, lined with quaint shops, cozy bistros, art galleries, and gift shops. This pedestrians-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.

2. 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.

3. Fort Matanzas

Take the free ferry to Rattlesnake Island and explore Fort Matanzas, a fortified watchtower built by the Spanish in 1740 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.

4. Fort Mose Historic State Park

Fort Mose Historic State Park is the first free African settlement in North America. The original fort is no longer there, but the site and visitor center memorialize slaves who fled the American colonies. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, park admission is free and museum admission is only $2.

5. Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

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. This free attraction is open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

6. Church Tours

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.

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PicturedCity Gate

7. St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine

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. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday – Saturday and noon–6 p.m. Sunday.

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

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. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday – Saturday and Sunday noon–4 p.m.

9. Project SWING Playground

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

10. Splash Park

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 that would like to fish. Splash Park and beach access are free.

11. City Gate Spirits

This micro distillery crafts moonshine, vodka, rum and whisky inspired by the flavors of Florida. Enjoy a free tasting seven days a week until 7 p.m. as you take in the incredible bayfront view.

12. San Sebastian Winery

San Sebastian Winery offers free tours and daily tastings of their superb wines. Open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

PicturedGTM Research Reserve

13. The St. Augustine Distillery

The St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours and daily tastings of their award-winning vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey. Open daily from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

14. Coquina Quarry

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.

15. The Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass

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. Golf lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the famous 17th island hole on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

16. GTM Research Reserve

One of the nation’s 29 special estuarine research areas, the GTM Research Reserve begins in the north at Ponte Vedra 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.

17. 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.

18. Picnic on the Fort Green

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

PicturedAlpine Groves Park

19. Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum

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 Aviles 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.

20. Check out a County Park

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. While Treaty Park is a sport’s 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.

21. Huguenot Cemetery Tours

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

22. Coquina Rocks at Marineland

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.

23. Walk to Vilano Bridge to the Bluebird of Happiness

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

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.

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Free Events

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

25. Music by the Sea

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 May through September. 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

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. First Friday Art Walks

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.

28. Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose

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.

29. Farmers Markets

There are several open markets taking place on Florida’s Historic Coast each week. Attending the markets is free and a great way to shop local produce and to see the talents and work of local artisans and crafters. Weekly markets take place on Wednesdays at St. Augustine Beach Ocean Pier Park and Saturday mornings at the The St. Augustine Amphitheatre. The Nocatee Farmers Market and Vilano Beach Artisans Market Walk take place every third Saturday.

30. Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tours

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.

31. Historic Walking Tour

On the last Saturday of the month, get a personal view of the Old City’s narrow brick streets on a Historic Walking Tour. A licensed, professional guide will share more than 400 years of St. Augustine’s past during this 1.5-hour free history exploration. The tour departs from Tour Saint Augustine at 4 Granada Street and advanced reservations are required.

32. St. Augustine Art Association

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, located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine is open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call 904-824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org

33. Beach Exploration at the GTM Research Reserve

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.

34. Concerts at the Colonial Oak Music Park

On weekends and many other nights of the week, 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.

35. Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing

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. 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton 904-588-8017 www.sjchc.org