Waterfront Lodging in St. Augustine
Wake up by the water in the Oldest City
St. Augustine is a beloved city in Northeast Florida, with brick-paved streets in historic downtown and quaint and quiet beaches on Vilano; a charming Anastasia Boulevard hosts local shops and restaurants and stunning white sandy beaches line Anastasia Island. St. Augustine is a gem, and here at Florida Water Tours, we’re so grateful to call it home – and we’d love for you to visit! With waterways weaving through town and our coast nestled on the Atlantic ocean, there is plenty to do and plenty of waterfront places to stay.
St. Augustine, commonly known as the “Oldest City” and “Ancient City,” was founded in 1565, making it the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. The town oozes a unique blend of European and Southern charm, with giant, moss-covered oak trees and palms towering over historic Spanish architecture. Head downtown to see what the locals lovingly refer to as “The Fort” – the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress that sits right on Matanzas Bay. Afterward, stroll the ancient streets to find the beautiful Flagler College, once known as the Hotel Ponce de León, built by visionary railroad magnate Henry Flagler in 1888. The Lightner Museum, right across the street, was formerly Flagler’s Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort hotel from 1889 that once housed the first indoor swimming pool (now a restaurant). Bike or walk over the Bridge of Lions, from downtown to Anastasia Island, for a bite to eat or to climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse, built in 1874. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is just a few miles down the boulevard, founded in 1893, and exhibits 24 species of crocodilians, alligators, other reptiles, mammals and birds. Anastasia State Park is just across the way, a 1,600-acre Florida State Park housing a variety of wildlife, tidal salt marsh and beautiful beaches. And just another few blocks down is the St. Augustine Amphitheater, a 4,000-seat outdoor concert venue that hosts some of the biggest and most popular names in music. And there’s more! The beaches of Ponte Vedra, Vilano and St. Augustine each offer their own version of paradise, and there’s a killer food and cocktail scene. St. Augustine is sure to become your next favorite vacation spot – so where should you stay?
Starting on the northern side of town, the iconic, 5-star Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is located on a stretch of pristine beach just south of Jacksonville and north of Vilano. Open since 1928, they have elegantly appointed rooms that offer Atlantic Ocean views and walk-out access to beautiful beaches. The resort offers a dozen dining establishments, a famous golf course, a full-service luxury spa, Har-Tru clay tennis courts and so much more.
Just south of Ponte Vedra is the quiet Vilano Beach – a barrier island community just north of downtown St. Augustine that sits between Matanzas Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. The town of Vilano Beach is charmingly Art Deco, and its beach is ideal for surfing, with a steeper drop-off and unique coquina sand. Stay at Vilano’s newest beach hotel, the Hyatt Place St. Augustine / Vilano Beach, where Art Deco elegance meets modern comforts. The hotel has a swimming pool, expansive courtyard, fine dining restaurant and rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway.
To experience the quaint and historic charm of downtown St. Augustine, try the Bayfront Marin House Inn, rated the #1 Waterfront Hotel in St. Augustine on Tripadvisor. This elegant and relaxing getaway is situated directly across from Matanzas Bay, with views of the Bridge of Lions and St. Augustine Lighthouse. It offers upscale, spacious rooms with private decks and cozy fireplaces, and has a romantic, laid-back setting. Delicious Southern-style breakfast is delivered right to your lodging every morning, and they offer dog-friendly accommodations as well.
Just across the way on Anastasia Island is Marker 8 Hotel & Marina and Edgewater Inn, sister hotels located at the foot of the Bridge of Lions. With contemporary and comfortable rooms, these hotels sit right on the bay with magnificent views of the city’s skyline. Watch ships sail by and take in sailboats moored in the gentle waves. They each have intimate garden spaces, outdoor pools and convenient amenities to guarantee a relaxing experience.
For an oceanfront experience on St. Augustine Beach, stay at La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites, or their sister property, Beachfront Bed and Breakfast. La Fiesta has garden view rooms, ocean view and oceanside rooms, with townhouse suites available with full kitchens. All guests enjoy free breakfast delivered to their room, and a giant 60-foot, heated swimming pool. It’s great for families, and there’s easy access to Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf, located just next door. If you’re looking for something exclusively for grown-ups, Beachfront B&B is perfect for adults looking to get the most out of their stay. This romantic St. Augustine beachfront hotel is known as that “special occasion” place. Both offer private walkways to over 14 miles of unspoiled beach, and have award-winning landscaped gardens and waterfalls.
And while you’re here don’t forget to stop in to Florida Water Tours! Hop on one of our most popular tours, the Dolphin & Wildlife Adventure, a true ecotour experience where you’ll see dolphins, birds, manatees and turtles. For a more hands-on excursion, book our Marine Field Experience, where you get to be a marine biologist for the day, collecting water samples and logging wildlife. If you’re looking for something more relaxing and luxurious, try our Wine Tasting Cruise along St. Augustine’s bayfront, or the Moonlit Mysteries Tour, which takes you on the water as the sun begins to set. With more unique tours, and private charters available, celebrate the seven seas with Florida Water Tours.
We’re located at the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor marina, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084. We offer free parking and restrooms are on board. Our vessels are just a short walk from our boutique, located at Dock A-23, A-24 and A-25. Email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about your next sail. To learn more about our non-profit or to make a donation, please visit www.FloridaWaterWarriors.org.
