St Augustine is a beautiful place with a lot of history. It’s also a very popular tourist destination, which means there are plenty of things to do in the city. There are dozens of things you can see in St Augustine without spending any money.
- St George Street
- The Oldest Wooden School Building
- Bridge of Lions
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
- Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum
- Matanzas Castle
- National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in Mission Nombre de Dios
- Flagler College
- Old Spanish Road Zero Milestone
- Fuente de los Canos de San Franciso
- Memorial Presbyterian Church
- Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Below you can see a list of the best free attractions in St Augustine, Florida. Whether you want to explore the city’s history or just enjoy its natural beauty, be sure to check out these free things to do in St Augustine.
St George Street
George Street is one of the most popular tourist attractions in St Augustine. This historic street is full of restaurants, shops and cafes and is a great place to people watch or enjoy the many free events organized throughout the year. It is a car-free zone, open only to pedestrians.
The Oldest Wooden School Building
The oldest school building in the area is a wooden structure on St. George Street. The schoolhouse was built in the early 18th century and is one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in the United States. The school building is a must-see on your St. Georgia walk.
Bridge of Lions
It is a beautiful and historic bridge across the Matanzas River that connects the center of St Augustine, the historic part of the city to Anastasia Island and its beaches. The bridge takes its name from the two lion statues standing guard at the entrance. You can see these statues on the city center side.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is the oldest Catholic church in America and is definitely worth a visit. The basilica was built in the 18th century and is located in the historic district of St. Augustine, right in the center, very close to the lion bridge. The interior of the church is much more remarkable for its interior design. Free concerts are often organized in the church. If you are interested in the architecture of the church, take a look inside.
Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum
The Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum is one of the free things to do in St Augustine for travelers. It is located on King Street and is open Monday through Friday. The museum is dedicated to Florida’s governors and their families. This building, known as the Government House, has served as many government offices from the 17th century until today. It is a few minutes’ walk from the Lightner Museum.
Matanzas Castle
Fort Matanzas is a free national monument located on Rattlesnake Island in the St. Johns River, just south of St. Augustine, Florida. The fort was built by the Spanish to defend the river entrance to St. Augustine from attacks by the British. It is one of the best preserved Spanish colonial fortifications in the United States. Visitors can take a free ferry from the visitor center to the fort and tour the well-preserved fort.
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in Mission Nombre de Dios
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios is another of St Augustine’s distinctive and unique tourist attractions. The shrine is located on the grounds of Mission Nombre de Dios, founded in the 16th century by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles. The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of La Leche (Virgin Mary), the patron saint of mothers and pregnant women. The shrine has a life-size statue of the Virgin Mary, a chapel and a museum. Entrance is free. But the difference is in the exterior.
Flagler College
If you’re looking for a dose of history on your trip to St. Augustine, look no further than Flagler College. This four-year private liberal arts college was founded in 1968 and is housed in the former Ponce de Leon Hotel. Built in 1888 by railroad magnate Henry Flagler, the hotel is a National Historic Landmark and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
While you can’t go inside the university (unless you’re a student or faculty member), you can explore the beautiful grounds and take a look at the stunning architecture. Be sure to check out the stunning stained glass windows in Memorial Hall, built in memory of Flagler’s wife Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. If you visit in the summer, you can even catch a free concert on the lawn. Flagler College is located in the city center.
Old Spanish Road Zero Milestone
The milestone marks the point where the Old Spanish Trail, the first transcontinental highway in the United States, began. The road ran from St Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California. Today, the milestone is located just around the corner from the Huguenot Cemetery, a must-see when visiting St Augustine.
Fuente de los Canos de San Franciso
Built in the 18th century, the Fuente de los Canos de San Franciso is a beautiful Spanish fountain located in the heart of St. Augustine. This popular tourist attraction is free to visit and there is no better way to cool off, especially on hot days.
Memorial Presbyterian Church
Memorial Presbyterian Church in downtown St. Augustine is one of the oldest churches in the city. It was founded in the early 19th century and is still active today. The church was built in Spanish Colonial style and has a beautiful sanctuary with stained glass windows. Memorial Presbyterian Church also has a museum that displays the history of the church and its members. Entrance to the church and museum is free.
Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is one of the oldest surviving structures in St. Augustine. The museum is housed in the former keepers’ house and features exhibits on the history of the lighthouse, shipwrecks, and the maritime heritage of Northeast Florida. Although there is a fee to enter the lighthouse, you don’t have to pay anything to see this lighthouse up close. Don’t forget to add this popular St Augustine tourist attraction to your list of things to do in St Augustine.
There are plenty of free things to do in St Augustine for travelers. If you’re looking for a great place that won’t break the bank, St Augustine is definitely worth a look. From historic sites, old and historic architecture to beautiful parks, there is so much to see here.
