St Aug. parking? and where to stay

Question

Hello,

we will be in St. Augustine 2/23 and 2/34. (next week) is Parking a problem? If so, where can we park while we do things like hop on/off tour?

Also, our 1st time here, so we will be going the basic tourist stuff. Could you suggest a hotel that would be easy to use for our touristy stay?

Thanks!

Answer

St. Augustine is a popular destination, so parking can be a bit challenging, especially in the historic downtown area. However, there are plenty of options available, and with a little planning, you should be able to park and enjoy the sights without too much hassle.

Regarding parking:

St. Augustine Parking Garage: Located at 1 Cordova Street, this is the most convenient parking garage for tourists. It’s within walking distance of many major attractions and is a good base for hop-on/hop-off tours. It’s a pay-by-hour system, and you can park for the day for a flat fee.
Metered Street Parking: There are metered parking spots throughout the historic district, especially near the major tourist spots like the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. George Street area. Keep an eye on the signs, as the meters have time limits.
Francis Field Parking: Located a little further from the main attractions, Francis Field offers affordable parking and is often a bit less crowded. From there, it's a short walk or a quick shuttle ride to the historic district.
Free Parking: There are some free parking spots available in the residential areas surrounding the historic district, but they can be tricky to find and typically require a bit of walking to get to the tourist sites.

For your stay, if you’re looking for easy access to the major tourist attractions, I recommend staying near the historic district. Here are some great options:

Casa Monica Resort & Spa: This beautiful hotel is located right in the heart of the historic district, within walking distance of all the major attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, and the hop-on/hop-off tour stops. It’s an elegant choice with lots of amenities, including a pool and spa.
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront: Located near the bayfront, this hotel offers a convenient location with stunning views of the water and a short walk to downtown. It’s perfect for tourists who want easy access to attractions and don’t mind a little extra comfort.
Best Western Bayfront Inn: If you're looking for something more affordable but still close to the action, the Best Western Bayfront Inn is a solid option. It’s within walking distance to the downtown area and offers basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens: This boutique hotel offers a quieter, more unique stay with beautiful gardens and an intimate feel. It’s still just a short walk to the historic district, making it perfect for tourists who want to stay close but also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

These hotels offer easy access to the historic district, so you'll be in a prime location to explore St. Augustine's iconic sites, museums, and attractions like the Old Jail, Lightner Museum, and Flagler College. Enjoy your trip!