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You are here: Home / Free in Florida / Beaches, Wine and History – 12 Free Things to Do in St. Augustine
St. Augustine FL
View of Aviles Street, where the O'Reilly House is located. Photo credit: FloridasHistoricCoast.com

Beaches, Wine and History – 12 Free Things to Do in St. Augustine

April 24, 2020 //  by Judy Antell//  24 Comments

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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • 1. More than 42 miles of beaches: the top free thing to do in St. Augustine
  • 2. Sip Free Wine at San Sebastian Winery+−
    • 3. Explore St. Photios Greek-Orthodox National Shrine
  • 4. Visit the Peña-Peck House Museum
  • 5. Learn about History at the Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum
  • 6. Feel Like a Conquistador at Fort Matanzas National Monument
  • 7. Tour Cathedral Basilica St. Augustine
  • 8. Enjoy the Art
  • 9. See the Ancient City Nights of Lights
  • 10. First Friday Art Walk
  • 11. Tour the Memorial Presbyterian Church
  • 12. Visit Mission Nombre de Dios
  • Explore Budget-Friendly Hotels in St. Augustine
  • More Things to Do in St. Augustine

Known as The Ancient City, St. Augustine, Florida, is also the oldest city in the United States. Not only are there a dozen free things to do in St. Augustine, but the centrally located Florida city boasts a mild climate year round. The old city’s architecture and landmarks are heavily influenced by the early Spanish Empire of the New World. The city, which dates to 1565, appeals to both beach worshippers and history buffs.

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Spanish explorers, led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, discovered St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565. To learn about the history of the city, you have to pay admission at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. But for families looking for free things to do in St. Augustine, you can take a self-guided walking tour of the Historic District and see buildings that are over 450 years old.

Even if you don’t pay for the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, you will hear weapons demonstrations while you explore the Historic District. Read on for 12 FUN and free things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.

There are free things to do for kids and adults in the Ancient City of St. Augustine, Florida. Miles of beaches, museums and wineries top the list of freebies. #TMOM #Florida #StAugustine #Freein50States #BudgetTravel | TravelingMom | St Augustine | Budget Travel Tips
It’s time to travel to St. Augustine. Why? Because there is tons to do there. Bonus: There’s also tons of free things to do there. Photo Credit: Sean Pavone from Getty Images Pro.

1. More than 42 miles of beaches: the top free thing to do in St. Augustine

When my family and I travel to Florida, our favorite activity is free. I mean, what is better than a day at the beach? Even the souvenir seashells are free! St. Augustine boasts 42 miles of well-preserved beaches, where Spanish explorers first set foot hundreds of years ago. The gentle surf, soft sand, and clean water could fill your entire vacation. But there are more free things to do in St. Augustine.

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    2. Sip Free Wine at San Sebastian Winery

    The San Sebastian Winery began creating local wine in 1983 and opened its doors in 1996. The historic building in downtown St. Augustine was Henry Flagler’s 1923 East Coast Railway Building.

    You can taste any of San Sebastian Winery’s Florida-grown wines for free at a complimentary tour of the winery. Tours run Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Kids can join tours, but not taste the wine.

    Free wine tasting in St. Augustine - TravelingMom
    San Sebastian wine tasting. Credit: FloridasHistoricCoast.com

    Wine tours last approximately 45 minutes and no reservations are required except for groups of 20 or more. Last tours leave at 5 p.m. daily.

    Bonus: The St. Augustine Distillery also offers free tours, and free tastings of its vodka, rum, gin and whiskey. Children are welcome though they can’t sample the goods.

    Get More Florida Family Vacation Ideas

    3. Explore St. Photios Greek-Orthodox National Shrine

    Tour the first Greek Orthodox Church in the United States. Exhibits depict the life of early Greeks in America, who came here in 1768.

    Called “The Jewel of St. George Street,” the shrine features Old World architecture and centuries-old Byzantine art. Take a self-guided tour of St. Photios on Sundays from noon- 6 p.m. or Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    4. Visit the Peña-Peck House Museum

    Legend has it that pirates once traveled to St. Augustine to loot this home, the former home of the royal Spanish treasurer, one of the fun free things to do in St. Augustine, Florida. (Note: if your kids are interested in pirates, you might want to visit the Pirate & Treasure Museum – but you’ll have to pay for it.)

    Built in 1750 by order of the King of Spain, the Peña-Peck house has passed through only a few different families. The last owners, the Peña family, owned the home for 94 years before donating it to the city of St. Augustine in 1931 to serve as a house museum. 

    The Woman’s Exchange, a community service organization, manages the historic home. Guided tours of the house museum are offered Sundays through Fridays 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    5. Learn about History at the Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum

    Built in 1691 during the First Spanish Period in St. Augustine, the O’Reilly Museum is one of the oldest structures in St. Augustine. Parts of the building date back to 1565.

    Named after one of its first owners, Father Miguel O’Reilly, an Irish priest in service of the Spanish Crown, the museum is operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The Catholic order came to St. Augustine after the Civil War to teach former slaves to read and write.

    This house is in the oldest continuously settled section of the city of St. Augustine, and is open for guided tours Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 am.- 3 pm.

     Fort Matanzas National Monument is one of the free things to do in St. Augustine
    Take a free ferry ride to see Fort Matanzas National Monument. Credit: FloridasHistoricCoast.com

    6. Feel Like a Conquistador at Fort Matanzas National Monument

    Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in 1742 to guard the southern mouth of the river that was used as an entrance to the city of St. Augustine. Exploring the monument is fun for kids. You take a free ferry ride to Rattlesnake Island. Pick up a free boarding pass in the Fort Matanzas visitor center. The historical fort is 12 miles south of St. Augustine, at the southern end of Anastasia Island.

    National Park Rangers lead tours. There is also a nature trail through the forest and a beach. Be sure to bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

    Fort Matanzas National Monument is open from 9 a.m. to- 5:30 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

    7. Tour Cathedral Basilica St. Augustine

    Mission Nombre de Dios, one of the free things to do in St. Augustine FL - TravelingMom
    Explore the Mission Nombre de Dios. Credit: FloridasHistoricCoast.com

    The Cathedral Basilica, the oldest Catholic Church in St. Augustine, is a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours show off the stained glass, murals and Spanish architecture.

    8. Enjoy the Art

    Beautiful painted church ceiling in St. Augustine FL - TravelingMom
    One of the many houses of worship to explore in St. Augustine. Credit: Memorial Presbyterian Church

    Even if you skip the Fountain of Youth you can enjoy being around young people. The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at Flagler College is free and open to the public. The museum is closed in July and August.

    You can also participate in the site-specific Dream Garden on Flagler College’s West Lawn. You text a 7-word dream that joins the garden to show how community can lead to change.

    9. See the Ancient City Nights of Lights

    Nights of Lights fill the Old City with thousands of holiday lights each year. The annual event runs from mid-November through early February.

    A free shuttle runs on some weekends or you can take the Old Town Trolley. Parking is limited and expensive; if you have to pay for parking, you might as well take one of the trolley tours.

    10. First Friday Art Walk

    The respondent Memorial Presbyterian Church. Credit: Memorial Presbyterian Church

    On the monthly list of free things to do in St. Augustine is the first Friday of every month when art galleries offer free, self-guided walking tours. From 5 – 9 p.m., enjoy new exhibits, live music, and refreshments. Free Art Walk trains and trolleys are provided by Ripley’s Believe it or Not Red Trains and Old Town Trolley Tours.

    11. Tour the Memorial Presbyterian Church

    Developer Henry Flagler built this church in 1889 as a memorial to his daughter, Jennie Louise. Take a self-guided walking tour, free. Or take a guided tour given by a docent Monday -Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3:45  p.m.

    This is Florida’s first Presbyterian congregation, established in 1824, and it is still an active congregation. The church has spectacular stained glass throughout.

    12. Visit Mission Nombre de Dios

    Mission Nombre de Dios, aka The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers under Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ command. Anyone is welcomed. The shrine attracts pilgrims who pray for fertility and the health of their unborn children.

    Explore Budget-Friendly Hotels in St. Augustine

    Stay across from the beach at the Courtyard St. Augustine Beach and take the Old Town Trolley to the Historic District. It stops right at the hotel. Parking and wifi are included in the room rate. You can find rates as low as $109 per night.  

    If you’re heading to St. Augustine to golf, choose the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort on Legacy Trail, near the World Golf Hall of Fame and championship golf courses. There’s a pool and an IMAX theater nearby this pet friendly hotel.

    If you have saved enough doing all of those free things, spend a little more to stay in the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa. The 100+-year-old boutique hotel, fully restored in 1999, is part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.  The pet-friendly Casa Monica has a pool and free wifi, and offers views of downtown St. Augustine. We found budget-friendly mid-week rates as low as $140 per night. 

    What a way to enjoy St. Augustine, FL Photo Credit: Marriott International

    All of these Marriott International hotels can be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points.  

    TravelingMom Tip: The best way to get the best rate on your room: Book directly with Marriott International. If you find a better rate for the same hotel, dates and room type somewhere else, submit a Best Rate Guarantee claim. If Marriott International approves the claim, the company will match the lower rate and give you an extra 25 percent discount or 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.  

    More Things to Do in St. Augustine

    After you’ve exhausted all the free things to do and just can’t face another day at the beach (is that really a thing?) explore the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the Lightner Museum with its Tiffany stained glass, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, which offers ghost tours. The St. Augustine Wild Reserve offers a closer look at animals than most zoos provide.

    Ziplines, Alligators and More Ways to Thrill Teens in St. Augustine

    7 Historic Sites in St. Augustine to Explore with Kids

    Find More History in St. Augustine

    TravelingMom Tip: Protect yourself while traveling with Medjet. 2020 Medjet Members hospitalized with active COVID-19 infections are now eligible for Air Medical Transport within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Learn more about how to become a Member here.
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    Category: Beaches, Family Vacations in Florida, Free Fun Things to Do in the 50 States, Free in Florida

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    24 Comments on “Beaches, Wine and History – 12 Free Things to Do in St. Augustine”

    1. Adree | The Keele Deal says:
      February 6, 2020 at 8:29 am

      I want to plan a trip to St. Augustine to do all of these things. The only thing we have done before is visit Fort Matanzas and we loved it.

      Reply
    2. Rocsi ali says:
      January 14, 2019 at 9:52 am

      About parking:

      Keep an eye on signs. Some are posted that say reserved 7 or 7am through 6 or 7pm. Meaning free parking during off hours! So many places like that in the heart of downtown. Also, some residential streets have open spots where the house(mainly big ones) has a driveway so they don’t use the sidewalk parking spot.

      For example: the street on the north end of the main fort. Going north/south. Behind Ripley’s but the last street before water. There are several spots there for public use since the mansions next to it have their own garage or driveway. (Local)

      Reply
    3. Cindy Richards, Empty Nest TravelingMom says:
      October 25, 2018 at 3:31 pm

      5

      Reply
    4. Viviane Bonano says:
      September 1, 2018 at 7:53 pm

      It doesn’t have to be about the booze…there is so much more to wine than that. You can talk about the wine makers family history, the grapes, the crops, the land… open your minds

      Reply
    5. TF says:
      March 23, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      The Distillery! FREE samples of several bourbons, gins, and a few cocktails!! I guess I’ll go ahead and the disclaimer of parents only, lol. πŸ˜‰

      Reply
      1. Jasmine says:
        July 3, 2019 at 4:53 pm

        They have grape juice and other stuff for kids if you want to bring the family along

        Reply
    6. Sally says:
      February 13, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      Don’t forget to step inside Flagler College! It’s a masterpiece (look up)! And worth that freebie peek! The gardens are a great place for photography & architecture. We love to just wander around St. Augustine, from St. George Street and through all of those narrow cobblestone alleys.

      Reply
    7. aMY TURNER says:
      December 8, 2017 at 2:52 pm

      How about some not-very-expensive things to do with kids in St. Augustine?
      *There’s the Alligator Farm – https://www.alligatorfarm.com/ ;
      *the mom-and-pop St. Augustine Aquarium is fun as long as you’re not expecting SeaWorld – https://www.saaquarium.com/ ;
      *the living history docents at the Castillo (by the way, the parking lot in front of the Castillo is the best price on parking if you can get it), https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm ;
      *the merry go round in Davenport Park – https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34599-d7039345-Reviews-Davenport_Park-St_Augustine_Florida.html ;
      *Fort Menendez – https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34599-d1965727-Reviews-Fort_Menendez_at_the_Old_Florida_Museum-St_Augustine_Florida.html ;
      *yummy Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar – http://www.wafflemilk.com/ ;
      *the Hyppo has unusual and delicious ice pops – http://www.thehyppo.com/ ;
      *we haven’t been to the lighthouse yet, but that looks fun – http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/ ;
      *and then of course there is always the beach.

      Reply
    8. Kat H says:
      November 9, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      Really people? The title of this article is “Beaches, Wine and History – 6 FREE Things to Do in St. Augustine” It says nothing about free things to do with kids. If you don’t want to drink wine then just skip that one.

      Reply
      1. Angela says:
        January 26, 2018 at 8:41 am

        Well said kat H.!!! ..BE KIND PEOPLE! If u can’t say something nice why say it all. Ann was the only one who followed directions. Thanks for ur comment on ur experience!

        Reply
      2. Peggy says:
        February 18, 2019 at 10:05 am

        There should be no negativity to this article. I don’t get the folks that have to pick apart everything they see on the internet

        Reply
    9. kim k says:
      August 17, 2017 at 9:54 am

      Great Fun for children!! NOT! Not our idea of a “family” vacation there!

      Reply
    10. Ann says:
      July 1, 2017 at 11:14 am

      When I was little my parents went to the Winery with me, I was about 7 or 8 and they gave me grape juice to drink and something to snack on while my parent’s wine tasted.

      Reply
      1. Sue says:
        December 21, 2017 at 2:34 pm

        Lucky you. Your parents knew and instilled in you the fact that life isn’t All about the kids.

        Reply
    11. Jacob says:
      April 7, 2017 at 7:08 am

      Well Nate, it might be big fun for the parents… and what about teaching children to cope with that too?

      Reply
    12. Nate says:
      March 12, 2017 at 7:48 pm

      You really think sipping wine at a winery is a good fun thing to do with kids?

      Reply
      1. Renard says:
        March 28, 2018 at 8:19 am

        absofreakinlutely…..unless you never want your kids to ‘adult’

        Reply
      2. Shawnna says:
        June 14, 2018 at 9:00 pm

        Right that was my first thought too! lol wow reminded me of the commercial of a mom giving her kids juice boxes and her drinking wine out of a giant box with a straw… SMH πŸ™

        Reply
      3. judy says:
        November 24, 2018 at 1:05 pm

        The article was about free things to do…kids werent in the headline. Im looking too & I dont have kids…so a group of us are adulting

        Reply
    13. Gary Wiegand says:
      September 20, 2016 at 6:55 pm

      Thanks for the post. we are going to see several, but would be help to add addresses.
      Thanks Gary

      Reply
    14. Anonymous says:
      July 16, 2016 at 11:32 pm

      4.5

      Reply
    15. Anonymous says:
      July 13, 2016 at 9:37 am

      1

      Reply
    16. Anonymous says:
      July 12, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      5

      Reply
    17. Anonymous says:
      April 30, 2016 at 12:31 pm

      2.5

      Reply

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