Flight
RECOMMENDED FOR UK GUESTS Orlando offers direct and cost-effective flight options from the UK. Located a 90-minute drive to the South West of St. Augustine, it also has more car rental options (recommended). Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the most frequent travel days. RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL: 31ST MAY RECOMMENDED DEPARTURE: 7TH JUNE
Flight
RECOMMENDED FOR US GUESTS Jacksonville is the closest airport to St. Augustine, located a 60-minute drive to the north, with plenty of direct flights from US cities. There are less direct flights to JAX from the UK, but if you are open to indirect flights then we'd recommend taking a look as you may find a deal. TIP: DON'T FORGET TO BUY PANDEMIC TRAVEL INSURANCE - JUST IN CASE!
Rental Car
St. Augustine is a small, pedestrian-friendly city but for those staying the week at the beach area (you can drive onto the beach), you may wish to rent a car for your traveling party. Driving is the easiest way to get to/from the airports and you'll have North and Central Florida at your disposal (Disney World anyone?). Expedia (US & UK) offers price comparisons across all the major car rental companies. TIP: Expedia's Damage/Collision cover is cheaper than buying insurance directly with the car rental companies. If you opt-in, make sure you decline that option in person when collecting the car. You can also choose to book with free cancellation.
Travel Note
Though we recommend renting a car, it is by no means essential. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are plentiful in St. Augustine. There is also a Beach Trolley Bus service that picks up and drops off from all the major hotels on St. Aug Beach. Downtown, you will notice several Trolley Tour companies stop at all the main tourist locations. This is the best way to see everything and is perfect for a day out when driving isn't an option - it stops at the Distilleries and Winery too ;). You can also rent golf carts, scooters, bikes and "ScootCoupes" from multiple downtown locations. TIP: Rideshare waits can sometimes be longer than you would expect from these companies at busy times, so check wait times in advance of your required pickup times.
House Or Rental
$ to $$$ VRBO is an online vacation rental company offering all manner of private accommodations, from small condos in pool complexes to huge houses with private swimming pools on the beach. Some properties also offer free cancellation. This may be a cost-effective option, particularly for larger groups, guests with children or those who do not require hotel amenities. Also check out Air BnB for similar properties.
Hotel
$$$ - Expensive The newest luxury hotel on St. Augustine Beach, Embassy Suites has an amazing pool area with beach entrance and pool bar, views of the Atlantic Ocean and fishing pier, a seafood restaurant and a Starbucks on site. Conveniently located within walking distance of all the bars and restaurants of St. Augustine Beach, including the famous Salt Life restaurant and Sunset Grille.
Hotel
$$$ - Expensive The Casa Monica is an historic hotel in the beautiful historic area of Downtown St Augustine, opposite Flagler College and the famous Lightner Museum. The hotel has an amazing on-site restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a cute pool area in the courtyard. St George St is a 1-minute walk away.
Hotel
$$$ - Expensive Dating back to 1790, The Collector is as St. Augustine as it gets. A collection of adults only "houses" that blend authentic history and bespoke accommodations. The houses surround a beautiful courtyard with cobbled walkways & fire pit, a private bar and swimming pool within walking distance to all the landmarks in Historic Downtown and the wedding venue.
Hotel
$$ - Moderate The Courtyard is located a few minutes walk from the beach across A1A Beach Boulevard. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. The courtyard contains a large swimming pool and the on-site bistro offers breakfast dinner and cocktail choices.
Hotel
$$ - Moderate The Castillo Real is located 2 mins from the Atlantic Ocean on the main strip (A1A Beach, not to be confused with A1A) in St. Augustine. The hotel features large guest rooms, swimming pool and hot tub and a fitness center. It is extremely popular amongst couples.
Hotel
$$ - Moderate Similar to the other recommendations on St. Aug Beach, the Hampton Inn provides affordable beachfront accommodation in close walking distance to the bars and restaurants on the strip. Rooms are modern, clean and a spacious pool area overlooks the oceanfront. BREAKFAST INCLUDED.
Hotel
$ - Affordable The Best Western offers affordable accommodation in the heart of St. Augustine Beach. Located a short walk from Courtyard by Marriot to the south and across the A1A Beach Blvd from the beach, surrounded by walkable restaurants. The hotel has a pool and hot tub in addition to cable TV.
House Or Rental
$ to $$$ One to Three Bedroom beachfront properties in a great complex and location on St. Aug Beach. Indoor and Outdoor swimming pools, multiple outdoor tennis courts and a fitness center onsite, in addition to private beach access.
House Or Rental
$ - Affordable St. Aug Ocean & Racquet club offers vacation rentals directly on the beach, with a swimming pool and tennis courts and shuffleboard. Situated around a pond it is also next to Fiesta Falls - St Augustine's best mini golf course.