Did you know St. Johns County is home to the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States? For over 450 years, this historic Florida destination has welcomed visitors to explore its rich heritage, pristine beaches, and natural wonders. From the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine to the upscale resorts of Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns County offers an incredible mix of history, outdoor adventure, and family fun that keeps travelers coming back year after year.
Getting to St. Johns County
St. Johns County is conveniently located in northeast Florida, making it easily accessible by air or car. Most visitors fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is approximately 40 miles north of St. Augustine. The airport offers numerous daily flights from major cities across the United States.
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Alternatively, you can fly into Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), located about 50 miles south of St. Augustine. For those driving, the area is easily accessible via Interstate 95, which runs north-south through the county, and Interstate 10, which connects to Jacksonville just north of the county line.
Best Time to Visit St. Johns County
St. Johns County enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring (March to May) offers pleasant temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F with lower humidity and fewer crowds before the summer rush. Fall (September to November) is similarly comfortable with temperatures gradually cooling from summer highs.
Peak Season (June-August)
Summer brings the warmest weather with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s°F. This is the busiest time for beaches and attractions, especially during school holidays. Expect higher accommodation rates and larger crowds at popular sites.
Off-Season (December-February)
Winter offers mild temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s°F. While too cool for swimming, it’s perfect for exploring historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities without crowds. The holiday season in St. Augustine features the spectacular Nights of Lights festival.
Getting Around St. Johns County
Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way to explore St. Johns County, as attractions are spread throughout the area. A car allows you to easily travel between St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, and the many state parks and beaches in the region.
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In downtown St. Augustine, you can park at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility and explore the compact historic district on foot. For a unique experience, consider the Old Town Trolley Tours or Ripley’s Red Train Tours, which offer hop-on-hop-off service to major attractions with informative narration about the city’s history.
Where to Stay in St. Johns County
St. Johns County offers accommodations for every taste and budget, from luxury resorts to charming bed and breakfasts. The area you choose depends on the experience you’re seeking—historic immersion in St. Augustine, beachfront relaxation in Ponte Vedra, or natural seclusion in the county’s more rural areas.
Historic St. Augustine
Stay in the heart of the action at historic inns and boutique hotels within the colonial quarter. Many historic properties offer period furnishings and are within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Ponte Vedra Beach
Known for upscale resorts and golf courses, Ponte Vedra offers luxury accommodations with beach access, spa services, and world-class golfing. The area is more serene than St. Augustine and perfect for a relaxing getaway.
St. Augustine Beach
For a beach-focused vacation, choose from oceanfront resorts, condos, and vacation rentals along St. Augustine Beach. This area offers easy beach access while still being just minutes from historic downtown.
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Historic Attractions in St. Johns County
St. Johns County’s rich history spans more than four centuries, with St. Augustine standing as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. The area’s historic attractions offer fascinating glimpses into America’s colonial past and the development of Florida.
Castillo de San Marcos
This impressive Spanish stone fortress is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Built in the late 1600s, the Castillo protected St. Augustine from pirate raids and enemy attacks. Today, visitors can explore the fort’s rooms, climb to the gun deck for panoramic views of Matanzas Bay, and watch live cannon firing demonstrations on weekends.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Discover the site where Ponce de Leon supposedly searched for the legendary Fountain of Youth in 1513. This 15-acre waterfront park features archaeological excavations, reconstructed historic buildings, and yes—you can sample water from the legendary spring. Don’t miss the Planetarium show explaining how early navigators used the stars to find their way to the New World.
Colonial Quarter
Step back in time at this living history museum spanning three centuries of St. Augustine’s colonial history. Watch blacksmiths and other artisans demonstrate their crafts, climb a 35-foot watchtower for views of the city, and explore authentically recreated buildings from the Spanish and British colonial periods.
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Beaches and Outdoor Activities
With 42 miles of pristine beaches and abundant natural areas, St. Johns County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From swimming and surfing to hiking and wildlife watching, the area offers countless ways to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.
Top Beaches
St. Augustine Beach is a family favorite with its wide, white-sand shores and fishing pier. Ponte Vedra Beach offers a more upscale experience with pristine dunes and excellent shelling opportunities. For a more natural setting, visit the undeveloped beaches at Anastasia State Park or Guana River State Park, where you can enjoy the shoreline in a more secluded environment.
Water Activities
The county’s waterways provide endless recreation options. Try surfing at Vilano Beach, known for its consistent waves, or kayak through the peaceful salt marshes of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line from the St. Johns County Ocean Pier or join a deep-sea charter from St. Augustine’s municipal marina.
Parks and Preserves
Anastasia State Park offers 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes, and maritime hammocks to explore. The GTM Research Reserve features hiking trails through diverse ecosystems and an educational center explaining the importance of estuaries. Fort Matanzas National Monument combines history and nature with a free ferry ride to a historic Spanish watchtower surrounded by natural beaches and woodlands.
Adventure Awaits
Book eco-tours, kayak rentals, fishing charters, and more to experience the natural beauty of St. Johns County.
Family-Friendly Attractions
St. Johns County offers plenty of attractions that will delight visitors of all ages. From interactive museums to wildlife encounters, families will find no shortage of memorable experiences throughout the area.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
One of Florida’s oldest attractions, this unique zoo features all 24 species of crocodilians plus exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles. The park’s Crocodile Crossing zip line lets adventurous visitors soar above the alligator habitats, while the daily wildlife shows provide educational entertainment for all ages.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
Housed in a historic castle-like building, this odditorium showcases bizarre artifacts, optical illusions, and interactive exhibits that will amaze and entertain the whole family. The museum’s collection includes shrunken heads, unusual artwork, and mind-bending visual displays.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Established in 1938 as an underwater filming location, Marineland now offers intimate dolphin encounters where visitors can meet, touch, and even swim with these intelligent marine mammals. Educational programs explain dolphin behavior and the importance of marine conservation.
Pirate & Treasure Museum
Young buccaneers will love exploring the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts. Interactive exhibits let kids fire a cannon, tie nautical knots, and hunt for treasure as they learn about the Golden Age of Piracy and St. Augustine’s connections to famous pirates.
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Food and Drink Experiences
St. Johns County’s culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural heritage, from Spanish and Minorcan influences to fresh Florida seafood and farm-to-table innovations. Food lovers will find plenty to savor throughout the region.
St. Augustine Distillery
Housed in a renovated ice plant from 1917, this craft distillery offers free tours and tastings of their award-winning bourbon, gin, rum, and vodka. Learn about the distilling process from grain to glass, and sample creative cocktails made with their spirits. The attached Ice Plant Bar serves exceptional farm-to-table cuisine in a unique historic setting.
San Sebastian Winery
Located in one of Henry Flagler’s old East Coast Railway buildings, San Sebastian produces a variety of wines using Florida-grown grapes. Free tours and tastings are offered daily, and the rooftop Cellar Upstairs Wine, Jazz & Blues Bar provides live music, light bites, and panoramic views of St. Augustine.
Local Seafood
Don’t miss the chance to sample fresh-caught seafood at waterfront restaurants throughout the county. Try Minorcan clam chowder, a local specialty made with datil peppers grown only in St. Augustine, or feast on just-caught shrimp, oysters, and fish at establishments ranging from casual dockside eateries to upscale dining rooms.
Taste the Local Flavors
Book food tours, wine tastings, and culinary experiences to discover St. Johns County’s delicious offerings.
Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in St. Johns County
Exploring St. Johns County doesn’t have to break the bank. The area offers numerous free and low-cost activities that provide authentic experiences of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
Free Historic Sites
- Stroll St. George Street, the pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants
- Visit the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos (admission required to enter the fort)
- Explore Fort Mose Historic State Park, site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in America
- Tour the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the oldest Catholic parish in the U.S.
- Visit Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum to learn about St. Augustine’s history
Free Outdoor Activities
- Relax on public beaches at Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, or Ponte Vedra
- Take the free ferry to Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Hike the nature trails at GTM Research Reserve (parking fee applies)
- Watch sunset from the St. Augustine Beach Pier or Vilano Beach
- Visit the St. Augustine Farmers Market on Saturday mornings
Free Events
Throughout the year, St. Johns County hosts numerous free events and festivals. During summer months, enjoy free Concerts in the Plaza on Thursday evenings in St. Augustine’s historic plaza. The First Friday Art Walk offers a self-guided tour of galleries with complimentary refreshments. Music by the Sea presents free weekly concerts at St. Augustine Beach Pier from May through September.
Practical Tips for Visiting St. Johns County
Weather Considerations
Florida’s subtropical climate means hot, humid summers and mild winters. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for summer visits, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so bring a light rain jacket or umbrella. Winter evenings can be cool, so pack layers if visiting between November and March.
Getting Around
Downtown St. Augustine is best explored on foot, but wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Parking can be challenging in the historic district, especially during peak season. Consider using the paid parking garage near the Visitor Center and walking or taking a trolley tour. For exploring beaches and attractions outside the historic district, a rental car is recommended.
Saving Money
Purchase combination tickets for multiple attractions to save on admission fees. The Old Town Trolley Tours and St. Augustine TourPass offer bundled savings. Visit the St. Augustine Visitor Center for discount coupons and information about free events. Consider traveling during shoulder season (April-May or September-November) for lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary for St. Johns County
Make the most of your visit with this balanced itinerary that combines history, beaches, and family fun.
Day 1: Historic St. Augustine
- Morning: Begin with a trolley tour to get oriented to the historic district and learn about key sites
- Midday: Explore Castillo de San Marcos and enjoy lunch at a restaurant on St. George Street
- Afternoon: Visit Flagler College and Lightner Museum, housed in former Flagler hotels
- Evening: Take a ghost tour of the historic district or enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant
Day 2: Beaches and Nature
- Morning: Visit Anastasia State Park for beach time and nature trails
- Midday: Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse for panoramic views
- Afternoon: Kayak through the salt marshes or take a boat tour to spot dolphins
- Evening: Enjoy seafood at a casual beach restaurant and watch the sunset
Day 3: Family Attractions
- Morning: Visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- Midday: Explore the Pirate & Treasure Museum and have lunch downtown
- Afternoon: Tour the St. Augustine Distillery and San Sebastian Winery (adults) or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (families)
- Evening: Shop for souvenirs and enjoy a farewell dinner in the historic district
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Experience the Magic of St. Johns County
From the ancient coquina walls of Castillo de San Marcos to the pristine beaches of Ponte Vedra, St. Johns County offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and family fun. Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of Spanish explorers, relaxing on sun-drenched shores, or creating memories with loved ones at world-class attractions, this special corner of Florida promises experiences you’ll treasure for years to come. With its year-round pleasant climate and diverse array of activities, there’s never a bad time to discover the timeless charm of St. Johns County. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be enchanted by one of America’s most historic and beautiful destinations!
