10 Best Free Things to Do in St Augustine

As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine has been a destination for centuries. It has everything from world-class beaches, culture, shopping, and historical landmarks.

But when thinking about your expenses for your next trip to this Florida paradise, you don’t have to worry about exceeding your travel budget. St. Augustine has a bunch of free stuff to do.

To help fill your itinerary with budget-friendly activities, this list has 10 of the best free things to do in St. Augustine. Of course, there are things like historical sites and beaches on the list. But amazingly, you’ll also find free music concerts and free distillery tours.

Here is our quick list of things to do for free in St. Augustine.

1. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
2. Ft Matanzas
3. St. George Street
4. Walk Across Bridge of Lions
5. Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum
6. St Augustine Beaches
7. Music by the Sea Summer Concerts
8. Concerts in the Plaza Summer Concerts
9. Mission Nombre de Dios Museum
10. St Augustine Distillery Tour

Keep reading for more information on each of these fun and free activities in St. Augustine Florida.

1. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

First up on the list of free things to do in St. Augustine is the Cathedral Basilica.

This beautiful church has a history that dates back to the 1700s and is the nation’s oldest Roman Catholic parish.

The architecture of the church is a centerpiece of the city’s Spanish heritage. It was rebuilt in 1887 in the Spanish Renaissance style after a fire destroyed the first structure.

No matter your motive for visiting (history, art, or spiritual), you’ll truly enjoy this special place.

LEARN MORE: 50 Things to Do in St Augustine

Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine interior.

Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine is the oldest Roman Catholic parish in the United States

2. Beaches

For centuries folks in St. Augustine enjoyed the beauty of its soft white sandy beaches.

Even Ponce de Leon was drawn to its beautiful shores.

Today spending the day on the beach is one of the best things to do for free in St. Augustine.

With public access points, enjoying the water, sun, and sand are totally free at many of the beaches.

Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine Beaches are favorites among locals and visitors. Ponte Vedra beach in particular is known as a great spot for seashells.

LEARN MORE: 9 Beautiful Beaches in St Augustine

St Augustine Beach seashells and waves rolling onto the beach.

The gorgeous beaches of St Augustine are wonderful for shells, sand, surf, and sunshine

3. Walk Across Bridge of Lions

Since its construction in the 1920s, a walk across the Bridge of Lions has been a favorite activity for visitors and locals alike.

And the best part of all is that it doesn’t cost anything to do.

This beautiful bridge crosses the Intercoastal Waterway from Anastasia Island to downtown St. Augustine.

It gets its name from the large lion sculptures on either end.

The best time to do this walk is when color fills the sky at both sunrise and sunset.

Walk across Bridge of Lions for beautiful views of the marina, especially gorgeous at sunset in St Augustine

4. Fort Matanzas

One of the coolest free things to do in St. Augustine is to visit Fort Matanzas.

It all starts with a free ferry ride over to Rattlesnake Island (sounds cool already, right?).

Once on the island, you’ll love exploring this small but important watchtower.

Built in 1742 by the Spanish it was used to protect St. Augustine against any attacks coming from the south.

Entrance to Fort Matanzas National Monument and the ferry ride are both free. Perfect for any history buff looking for free stuff to do in St. Augustine.

LEARN MORE: 11 Florida National Parks and Monuments to Visit

5. St. George Street

There’s no better way to experience St. Augustine than to take a stroll along St. George Street.

This pedestrian-only street has everything from historic sites to places to eat, and of course shopping.

In the heart of the St. Augustine’s historic district, St. George St. has plenty of places to brush up on your history like the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and Pena Peck House.

While some places require entrance fees others are free to enjoy like Old City Gate.

Oldest wooden schoolhouse in USA, St Augustine FL.

Walking along St George Street in St A you’ll see the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the USA

6. Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum

One of the best things to do for free in St. Augustine for history buffs is to visit the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum.

Stepping back in time, you’ll be able to explore the place where governments have ruled since 1598–including both Spanish and English.

The museum gives insights into the nation’s oldest European settlement, St. Augustine, and continues the timeline of history all the way up to the present day.

7. Music by the Sea Summer Concerts

You can’t get much better than the beautiful waterfront and a free music concert.

But that’s what awaits you in St. Augustine on Wednesday evenings during the summer, just head over to St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park.

To be comfy all evening, remember to bring a lawn chair or beach blanket. Food trucks at the concerts make dinner choices super easy too.

No wonder Music by the Sea Summer Concerts is one of the best free things to do in St. Augustine.

View of the ocean from under St Johns Pier at St Augustine Beach.

St Johns Pier in St Augustine Beach is on a beautiful sandy beach

8. Concerts in the Plaza Summer Concerts

If you’re planning to visit during the summer months, one of the absolute best things to do for free in St. Augustine is to enjoy Concerts in the Plaza.

Hosted by the City of St. Augustine in the Plaza de la Constitución, there’s a free concert every Thursday night from June through August.

You’re welcome to bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and even a picnic. Then just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music.

9. Mission Nombre de Dios Museum

As the first Spanish explorers stepped off their ships in 1565 they celebrated by praying and held their first mass in the area.

Today, the Mission Nombre de Dios is a place to reflect.

The quiet serenity allows for visitors to enjoy the grounds including the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum.

Entry is free to this beautiful location, making it one of the great free things to do in St. Augustine.

10. St Augustine Distillery Tour

How about learning about the history of distilling in Florida?! And for free? It’s a no-brainer.

On a self-guided tour, you’ll learn all about the way St. Augustine Distillery makes its finest bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka.

You’ll get a look at the copper pot stills, and learn how they are preserving history and striving to improve the community.

You’ll even be able to enjoy a taste of the spirits. No wonder it’s one of the best free things to do in St. Augustine.

Final Thoughts

And that’s my list of 10 of the best free things to do in St. Augustine. It’s clear to see that this magnificent location has everything from beautiful beaches to historical sites. And, what makes it even better is that so many of these great things to see and do are free.

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