Best Places to Stay during Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights is almost here! Rated one of the Top 10 Holiday Light Displays in the World by National Geographic and one of the Best Cities to Visit at Christmas by Condé Nast Traveler, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights runs from Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, to Monday, Jan. 18, 2027. Now that you’ve booked your Nights of Lights tour with Florida Water Tours, it’s time to find a place to stay. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay during Nights of Lights.
Renaissance
Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown | 6 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine
Located at the northern end of Historic Downtown St. Augustine, the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown is a short stroll from St. George Street, the Bayfront and the Plaza de la Constitución. Modeled after the historic Hotel San Marco, the Renaissance evokes the Gilded Age while offering all the modern amenities you could want. It also features Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen, an on-site restaurant specializing in seasonal American cuisine and craft cocktails.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection | 95 Cordova Street, St. Augustine
Originally built in 1888, the Casa Monica Resort & Spa is a storied landmark in downtown St. Augustine. The interior design blends Moroccan charm with modern updates. It’s located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, at the southern end of the Plaza de la Constitución. The property values artistic expression and is home to the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery. Other amenities include the Coastal Spanish-influenced Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar, the Poseidon Spa and a rooftop pool with cabanas.
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront | 32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
You can’t be more in the middle of St. Augustine’s renowned Nights of Lights festival than at the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront. This waterfront boutique hotel is right on the historic downtown bayfront and is fully illuminated for the season. The hotel’s unique design mimics a collection of historic cottages, but inside, it features luxuriously appointed guest rooms, many with bayfront-facing balconies. Amenities include on-site parking, the Avilés Restaurant & Lounge and a 24-hour snack shop.
Bayfront Marin
Bayfront Marin House Bed & Breakfast Inn | 142 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
For an intimate Nights of Lights experience, the Bayfront Marin House Bed & Breakfast is an ideal destination. Located on the southern end of the bayfront in a residential neighborhood, this historic property offers 17 elegant yet comfortable rooms, many with private entrances and decks, and amenities such as soaking tubs for two and electric fireplaces. Your stay includes a Southern-style breakfast and a daily happy hour featuring drinks, appetizers and desserts.
Quality Inn St. Augustine Historic District | 2800 North Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Looking for a spot just outside the city with space for your pet? Explore the Quality Inn St. Augustine Historic District. This pet-friendly motel features an on-site fenced dog park with an obstacle course, and rooms include in-room pet amenities. It’s about 2 miles north of downtown, a short drive from the lights, or you can take the dog-friendly hotel shuttle to the Visitor Information Center across from the Castillo de San Marcos.
The Inn at Camachee Harbor | 201 Yacht Club Drive
Stay right in our marina at The Inn at Camachee Harbor. This quaint hotel sits right on the water – you can sit on a balcony and watch our boats come and go! There are 19 suites, some with a full kitchen, and many with sunset views over the marina and harbor. Select rooms are pet-friendly for dogs and cats with a fee. Common spaces include a barbecue grill area and laundry facilities. And your Nights of Lights Cruise with Florida Water Tours is just outside your door!
Our Sunset Nights of Lights, Nights of Lights and Nights of Lights Live Jazz Cruises are hands-down the best way to see the famous lights festival. Our boats are located at the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, outside the hustle and bustle of downtown, with plenty of free parking. Our vessels are just a short walk from our boutique at Docks A-23, A-24 and A-25. Email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about your next cruise.