St. Augustine Day Trip from Orlando: What to Do and How to Get There

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, settled by the Spanish in 1565, and it's the most popular day trip from Orlando. Here's how to get there and what to do once you arrive.

How far is St. Augustine from Orlando?

About 105 miles, or roughly 1 hour 45 minutes each way by car, mostly on I-4 and I-95. That's an easy day trip, but plan to leave early to get a full day in town.

No car? A St. Augustine day trip from Orlando includes round-trip transportation from Orlando, Kissimmee, Disney and Universal area pickups, with options to add a trolley tour or a bay cruise.

What to do in St. Augustine

• Castillo de San Marcos. The Spanish stone fort on the bay, finished in the late 1600s, is a national monument and the city's most famous sight.
• St. George Street. The pedestrian heart of the old town, lined with shops, cafes and historic houses.
• Flagler College. The former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a Gilded Age landmark from 1888. Guided tours run most days.
• St. Augustine Lighthouse. Climb to the top for views over the ocean and the city.
• Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Part history, part legend, with grounds on the site of the original settlement.
• The beach. St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park are 10 to 15 minutes from downtown.

How to see it in a day

1. Morning: the Castillo when it opens, before the crowds.
2. Late morning: walk St. George Street and the Colonial Quarter.
3. Lunch: in the old town.
4. Afternoon: Flagler College, then a trolley tour or the lighthouse.
5. Sunset: a walk along the bayfront and the Bridge of Lions.

Tips

• Ride the trolley. Hop-on hop-off trolleys connect the main sights and save your feet.
• Park once. The historic district is walkable, and the downtown parking garage is near the visitor center.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Many streets are narrow, and some are brick.
• Going between late November and mid January? Stay after dark for Nights of Lights.

Closer to Orlando

Short on time? Real Florida is 30 minutes from the theme parks: airboat tours at Boggy Creek and baby highland cows at Mini Moo Land, both 10% off through us.

See all day trips and Orlando deals