15 FREE Things to Do in St. Augustine - A Travel Guide

Our list of 15 FREE things to do in St. Augustine, Florida. Let us know in the comments if we left anything off that should be included next time.
#StAugustine #SaintAugustine #FreeThingsToDo
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[@ChadGallivanter]

What are your favorite FREE things to do in St. Augustine? What should be on our next list?

[@mitchellwintercat]

Tarpon Springs

[@zipadeedooda7938]

The coquina quarries and the smphitheatre on Anastasia Island. Actually, just walking around the St. Augustine neighborhoods and seeing the buildings and houses is fun. I try to go to St. Augustine at least once a year, for the Taste of St. Augustine at the amphitheatre in April. It was cancelled last year, but looks like it's happening again this year.

[@beckyishere5908]

My husband and I go to SA 2 or 3 times a year. Here are our budget friendly tips. We plan a head and reserve a camp site at Anastasia State Park ( during peak time you must plan months in advance) . We can stay a full week there ( with water and electricity at our site) for the same cost as a hotel room for 1 night. We already have fishing poles so we can spend less than $10 a day on bait and spend most of our vacation time exploring and fishing. Saltwater shoreline fishing licenses are FREE for Florida residents. Because we have a campsite, we save a ton of money by cooking most meals, but we do splurge on most visits and have at least one meal at the World Famous Oasis Restaurant on A1A south of Anastasia State park

[@evahernandez8156]

@@beckyishere5908 do you need a trailer or can you just pitch a tent at the site?

[@beckyishere5908]

@@evahernandez8156 they have both trailer and tent sites....

[@MACX-eb3cn]

I lived in Daytona for many years, I'm from MA, but I visited and loved St. Augustine. I want to move back.

[@elisabethseaton6521]

The Fr Miguel O'Reilly House museum at 32 Aviles Street is not only free, it's amazing. It's the true oldest house on the true oldest street. The garden is intact and the interior is historically original. The Sisters of St Joseph taught the children of newly freed slaves in this house. They still own it and gladly accept donations but the tours and film are completely free. You will see some priceless archeological items, equipment, antique musical instruments as well as original art and even a first class relic. It's small but packed full of history and art. The Hurricane Lady is there, America's first unsolved mystery, be sure to get the story of that! I know about St Augustine's best kept secret because I am a volunteer docent at the Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum. Come see us, you'll be glad you did.

[@ChadGallivanter]

We just returned from a couple of days in St. Augustine. We’ve always wanted to go inside the O’Reilly House and will definitely put it on the list for next time. Thanks for watching, Elisabeth!

[@MsKena08]

I'm going next weekend and this museum is saying temporarily closed on Google.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Extensive work is being done on the property. Or at least that has been the case for the last year and a half or so. We spoke to a nun outside the house, off-video in early 2021 who told us of the repairs.

[@stevenbaldwin6355]

I was born and raised in st. Augustine it is a beautiful. I moved 11 years ago, I do miss it but it's hard to find a job and rent is very high. St. Augustine was a small town but as my grandmother would say it's getting too big for it's Britches lol. I'm not trying to put the town down. For Saint Augustine will always be my home No matter how long I'm away from it. I have good friends there who I miss And family. I'm always Drawn back To Saint Augustine.

[@ChadGallivanter]

I agree Steven! But like I always tell Abby, where else in Florida can you go to see the depth of architectural and cultural history that St. Augustine has? I think that’s why we return so often. I’m always disappointed when they have to raze a historic building and replace it with something new. I hope it never loses its charm and character.

[@cherylbillett2645]

I moved 2 Florida 2yrs ago just now went to st Augustine..I just had surgery so we didn't see but a few things..we didn't see those that you mentioned. But we will now that I live 40 min away..yes I would love to more of st Augustine..thankyou for telling us about these places..try the burger bucket ..the line was about 40 min but it was worth it

[@jimagent1826]

We visited St. Augustine May 2021. I wish I knew about all these wonderful free things to do even though we did hit a few by accident. We shall return. One of my favorite towns in the USA

[@rustyshackleford3320]

For a city know for it's history, they sure will change it. I lived in st. Augustine from the mid 80s through early 2000s and I went back first time in 20 years and it changed so much. When I lived there traffic wasn't a thing. I couldn't find a parking space even lol but it still was nice to see it again

[@ChadGallivanter]

I’ve been going to St. Augustine for just over 20 years and have noticed the same changes.

[@giannabella9183]

Great video. Thank you. I pray that the historic monuments and statues and buildings will not be destroyed by crazy people who are angry at the world.

[@timbowden5220]

In September I took the A1a from Daytona to st. Augustine which is a beautiful scenic route. St. Augustine is beautiful with all nationalities walking around enjoying the city.

[@TheEpicRoadTrip]

Outstanding Video, the narrative is ready for TV

[@dbolton1975]

As a long time FL resident I came to this video expecting to be disappointed. Probably the best video of places to see in St. Augustine.Highly recommend the distillery. This is truly one of the must sees of Florida. :)

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks for watching and those compliments!

[@nikkiclark242]

Thank you so much for sharing. I live within 50 miles of St. Augustine, and have most of my life. I knew about most of these, but not all. It's a good reminder of what this historic area has to offer.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank you!

[@birdman9265]

Excited to visit in a few months!

[@lacymackey9289]

Love seeing a video on things to do in my town

[@mariahendrickson1443]

Thks! We'll enjoy touring St. Augustine. Blessings!!

[@justdowntheroad5666]

Love St Augustine.

[@Nancy-iv1yj]

St. Augustine looks like a very nice to visit. Thanks for sharing.

[@marcuskastler9772]

Love your narration. Want to do a day trip here when we go to Orlando.

[@anacruz5664]

Thank you! This is very helpful for my visit to St. Augustine tomorrow. :)

[@robintyde5441]

Thank you. I go often to St. Augustine....but as always there are new places to discover and so many things to do.

[@sharrose7594]

thank you for your video, i plan to visit there in the Fall and will definitely be checking out a lot of these places.

[@FloridaandBeyond]

Great list of things to see for free! We were just there over Christmas break. It is a Beautiful area!

[@fanatichighdesertrailroader]

Nice to know when one has to keep an eye on finances. Keep it up, it's very informative Chad .

[@bobross7005]

Much better than other St Augustine videos.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank u Edmund!

[@yankeeinthesouth]

Another Great vlog wow Thanks for sharing

[@Whalermansteve84]

I will be there in 2 weeks. Can’t wait, my 3rd time going

[@mariaqueiroz-freire7286]

Loved

[@bdruggan]

Another good one is the Visitor Information Center at 10 W Castillo Dr.

[@zezinhomiami]

i been in st augustine 3 times and next october ill be there again , is amazing historic city , i liked and enjoyed ur video thanks for share .........

[@chrishenderson07]

Very well done. Thank you!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks!

[@ElenyInoueNatureFlores]

Thanks a lot for the informations

[@DavidGarcia5300]

Great Video! Thanks so much!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks David!

[@monicacorrea6106]

Thanks Chad for your recommendations. Can’t wait to visit.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thx Monica!

[@vilmatabares6896]

Excellent information. Thanks

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@candacejackson5044]

We only live about 45 minutes southwest of St. Augustine. We have been to town a few times, but haven't spent much time exploring. Hopefully today we can see a few of these free things ourselves.

[@MikeRuh01]

Great information and vlog. Thanks

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thx Mike!

[@AAhab1967]

freaking awesome, great video!!!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thx!

[@tesscot]

Great suggestions, thanks so much. I hope to go there next year.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad the video can help!

[@paladinhill]

Nice video of my favorite US city!! Well done indeed.... and cool alias, Mr Gallivanter.

[@TurtleSoupBeads]

I live in St Augustine and you guys did a beautiful job giving a wonderful taste of the city 👏😍

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank you so much!

[@potatoeyawesome1350]

Its so cool to see this cause I live here

[@cringybaldheadedfreaks3824]

Hay I do too

[@waynecombs4050]

Great information, and you have an outstanding voice for narration!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank you Wayne! Appreciate the compliments!!

[@tonyde6744]

Going back for a second time from Toronto Canada, Nice place to visit. Thank you , nice video.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NativeFireStar]

Super Great video and very informative. I was in St. Augustine last year and I loved it so much, I just bought a NEW HOME in near-by Palm Coast. This is TRULY the life to live. So Awesome and VERY PEACEFUL. It's so cultured and so much to do, both FREE and low-cost, my family and I are "NEVER" BOARD ! Absolutely LOVE it and I highly recommend it as well.

[@beverlylamon2169]

I lived there and will go back.

[@valevlogs6098]

Going a couple days for my honeymoon and so excited!! Thank you for these videos 🙏🏼

[@ChadGallivanter]

Congrats! Have fun!!!

[@AlabamaOUTSIDErs]

Great video! We're coming down to Cumberland Island, soon, and were debating on whether to check out St. Augustine. I think you've convinced us! 😁

[@tristanroot2230]

Alabama OUTSIDErs Don’t the city are taking down grave sites. But if you go the Spanish bakery is the best in my opinion.

[@A10TOES]

I've never been there but WOW lovely place, putting it on my bucket list for next time I'm in FL.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Definitely! You'll love it.

[@CIDdrums]

I can't wait to go next week with my Godson. It'll literally be his first time anywhere out of Ohio. Love it!

[@cfaz6763]

How was it!??

[@rsrsuo]

Cool video. Thanks!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks for watching!

[@joseluisruiz142]

I'm on my way to visit this beautiful town for first time and this video will definitely help me find things to do during my stay in Saint Augustine, thank you!

[@ChadGallivanter]

That’s awesome! Enjoy your time in St. Augustine!!

[@MB-qx9vn]

I’ve lived in Jax my whole life and visit st aug frequently. Have passed by the Greek Orthodox shrine many a times. Didn’t know that fort mantanza was free with the boat ride. Great options! I would also recommend Vilano Beach and driving the section of A1A to Ponta Vedra or Daytona.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks!

[@brentt8590]

Glad i came across this Channel. Please keep more videos coming on different topics in Florida. I Love scenic views and beaches.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank you! Will do!

[@pamelajohnson8824]

It was great to watch my town 20 years later. I was apart of the opening of the CASA MONICA HOTEL, as the Executive Housekeeper. I got to see a couple of places that has improved over time. St. Augustine is still the quaint town I remember. some places that I do not remember visiting. I live near the St. Johns River. My favorite thing to do was to ride my bike with my son on the weekend a 6 mile round trip from my home to the Hotel.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@michaelcase6620]

Terrific content. Have been to St. A many times yet still found new must dos for future visits. Terrific voice for narration. I was reviewing paid narrators for an audible version of my book recently. You may want to explore that for paid gigs if you have not already. Thanks for the great video.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank you!

[@robertsmith9786]

Heading to St. Augustine in the next few days before heading to Orlando for the "Disney experience" (empty wallet here). Glad you created this video of free things to see to help out the family budget during this vacation. Great channel!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Hope the video helps!

[@jennifer3551]

Can't wait to move there!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Cool!

[@g_raffthearchlich]

Thanks for making a video of where I live

[@lauralevitan1442]

Thankyou

[@amberjones9520]

I never knew the Matanza fort was free to tour. I will have to go there soon.

[@nunyabizwacks6711]

Im headed to St Augustine right now!! Coming from Nashville

[@ChadGallivanter]

Have fun! I’m from Knoxville originally and love Music City!

[@christinasweetheart2810]

For future info. Some days the Castillio is free off and on throughout the year.

[@justinbrewer3288]

Excellent video

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thx!!

[@lisaanderson2900]

I remember your video on Fort Mose! That was my very first Chad Gallivanter video! This is very helpful because we want to see St. Augustine and we are cheap. lol

[@ChadGallivanter]

Lisa Anderson Thanks for continuing to watch, Lisa! I think Fort Mose was a year and a half ago!!

[@GilbertNichols]

I'm moving soon to Jacksonville and plan to visit St. Augustine soon after. Thanks for the tour. New Subscriber, by the way.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks Gilbert! Northeast FL is beautiful. You’ll love it there!

[@rickpepin3263]

very informative, thanks chad! also, i think i saw you this week in Melbourne, i let you in front of me in traffic on eau gallie near squid lips. i recognize your very cool logo!! looking to go there in march, to celebrate our 25th anniversary, Thanks for the tips!!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks Rick. You didn’t see us in Melbourne. We haven’t been there in a few months, but hope to return soon!

[@mihyunan153]

Hi, thanks for this video. Would you be able to list down the places where you mentioned?

[@chrismorrow4269]

Fun under 🌞

[@milag588]

Thanks

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank you

[@carolmiller760]

Huge Tourist Industry. Been there 3 Times. Killer in Summer you can hardly breathe outside. High Humidity. You jump shop to shop to keep cool.

[@kevinalvarez5316]

Nice video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

You should do a visit to Tampa, Ybor City area. So many new places popping up.

[@TheMohawk102]

eye on finances . If your going to buy souvenirs and don't want to spend a lot . don't buy it downtown . US1 is not far from the tourist trap . about 2-3 blocks going west go to a walgreens , cvs or walmart which is on US1 south . you can find all sorts of items and there places like long horn , Paneras , marshalls and so on

[@ChadGallivanter]

Good tips.

[@albar9592]

Thanks for the vid bro For those who dont know St augustine is the son of santa monica They were both born in east Algeria St Augustine diedin Italy

[@rookieoftheyear3413]

i live in orlando and i didnt know all this is just 2 and a half hours away from me!!

[@evahernandez8156]

Thank you , for sharing. I moved here a bit ago and this helps me to get to know this place.

[@bella25829]

I live here!

[@colinwithey6792]

Very interesting am planning to visit this place if we're allowed over in September/October pray 🙏 we can come. It was originally a 30th wedding anniversary trip but now the newly special 31st wedding anniversary lol

[@ChadGallivanter]

Happy anniversary!

[@junkymamasjunkinjourney3410]

Making our 4th trip to St Augustine. I am all about the photos. Can you tell me which church or cathedral is on your cover photo? I need to get this interior photo.

[@robertstacey1700]

I am surprised that you did not include The Old Jail which is next to the Casdello De San Marcos. THE Old Fort. Also, I don't know if they still have it, but used to, on the bay on the north side of Lions Bridge where the port is, there used to be an old style of ship similar to the type used in those days that you could go aboard and tour. If Memory serves correctly, I think the ships name was Red Lion.. This video brought back a lot of memories. I attended Florida School for The Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. I can tell you that we had meny of field trips to a lot of the tourist sites.

[@elisabethseaton6521]

Old jail is expensive but the yard is very interesting and free.

[@apfyang]

This video is clutch!!! Thanks so much!! Where did u usually park at for free?

[@ChadGallivanter]

There’s not a lot of free parking. But if you’re there on the weekend, there’s a city workers lot behind the Lightner Museum that normally allows free parking. That’s the one we use.

[@apfyang]

@@ChadGallivanter Thanks so much.

[@nette49]

I absolutely love lighthouses and you didn't show the lighthouse. I would love to see it and maybe a few more places that cost. Constitution Monument, City of Gates, Sea Wall, Oldest Wooden School House. My friend, a retired school teacher, and I are taking a road trip to St Augustine early November. Kind of like Thelma and Louise without the crime. :) I am 70 and she just turned 74. We love to travel. She is not married, and my hubby won't travel. So we go!! So looking forward to this trip. Actually bought a new vehicle so I could travel as long as I am healthy.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Hi Jeanette. I posted a video back in February just about the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Here's the link --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYaoiKd9jtt9kMU. And funny you should mention the Constitution Moment. I'll be posting a video next week focusing on the monument and a history of the entire plaza. I've produced several videos on St. Augustine, which you can find on my channel. Hope you and your friend enjoy your trip to the Nation's Oldest City!

[@cristinaavalos2398]

Your voice is awesome

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks!!

[@michaelkane2470]

I live and work downtown Saint Augustine

[@elisabethseaton6521]

I do too but not working now because of Covid-19.. we are probably neighbors. Hope you are well and safe and that our beautiful city opens soon

[@donaldpeterson590]

St John's County residents get 50% off every venue, and discounts at every downtown restaurant. Find a local and ask for help.

[@gamayun1224]

So is all this within walking distance of each other? I plan on dedicating one day in St. A, hopefully I'll be able to walk to many places.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Yes, St Augustine is a very walkable town

[@tinamarierobinson5703]

Why have the Minorcan people been left out of St. Augustine's history? The history of these people is fascinating and their descendants still continue to keep their legacy alive. Please consider the Minorcan people as one of your historical research and do a presentation on your video platform. I know it will be a very interesting and educationally important point. Thank you!

[@ChadGallivanter]

You might want to check this out. We teamed up with Ryan Brennan last fall as he prepared to retrace the steps of the Minorcan people from New Smyrna to St. Augustine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYvXXoKof9enbJosi=QguI2r95L0OqJcao

[@potatoeyawesome1350]

Right over the bridge

[@mitchellwintercat]

Do you know how much of this stuff is open because of Covid? Im interested in especially the ferry to the fort. Im proud to see Desantis has left most choice of operations to private choice.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Ferry service to Ft Matanzas is still suspended as of mid-December. However, parts of the park on the mainland are open. I believe they’re doing a “phased reopening.” Many places around town are open again, but there may be capacity limits and mask requirements. Best to check each attraction’s FB for up to date info.

[@mitchellwintercat]

@@ChadGallivanter thank you for taking your time to respond. I was having trouble getting definative answers about the ferry on their page. Seems a transient application of restrictions even in a state with a most sensible approach. Thank you, again!

[@michaelkane2470]

Dude,I live and work in Saint Augustine.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Michael Kane I’ve always wanted to live in St. Augustine! You’re very lucky.

[@lorenabiz4492]

Titulo en españo , explicado en English...?? No entiendo 🤔🤔

[@lindsayomama3481]

What about free parking?

[@frankbayer3787]

Make it 16 free things to do # 16 play pocket pool

[@nicolasrodriguez-cc3ez]

👌🇯🇪❤🇪🇦👍

[@frankstabler1920]

Pensacola Florida was founded before St. Augustine.

[@potatoeyawesome1350]

On a1a and no I'm not telling you the street

[@brysonhendricks]

today 6-18-2022 puccini's pizza dance contest 6 pm to 9 pm Band Check your baggage

[@noxii5191]

Free in St Augustine??

[@elcartucherasrm7077]

Usa's parents are: 🇪🇸🇬🇧🇫🇷

[@alabi2k542]

"A city built on faith"? More like a city built on fables and false hopes.