Explore St. Augustine

Rich history, beautiful views, and miles and miles of shore and sky are just the beginning.

Exploring St. Augustine, Student on a Bicycle

Discover Where History and Adventure Meet

Wake up surrounded by history and possibility in one of the most welcoming places in the U.S., with St. Augustine as your classroom, your playground, and your inspiration. From cobblestone streets to coastal sunsets, this is a city that invites exploration at every turn. 

See the landmarks, beaches, study spots, and hidden gems just beyond campus!

Student skateboarding

History Lives Here

St. Augustine’s story begins right outside your residence hall. From the iconic Ponce de León Hotel, now home to Flagler College, to centuries-old forts and churches, every corner tells a story. Here, history isn’t something you study… it’s something you live!

Virtual Tour

Student holding up surfboard

Sunshine. Surf. Serenity.

With 223 sunny days a year, the beaches of St. Augustine are part of everyday life. Catch a sunrise surf at Anastasia State Park, soak in the sand at Vilano Beach, or unwind after class to the sound of waves. Here, studying by the sea isn’t a dream, it’s your daily routine.

Living Local Video Thumbnail

A City That Sparks Creativity

From local art walks and live music to tucked-away cafés and coastal cuisine, downtown St. Augustine is alive with color and culture. Just steps from campus, every street offers something new to discover… and a story to tell.

Watch Living Local: Friday Art Walk

Step Outside Your Door and Discover Downtown St. Augustine

With a unique blend of the charming historic district, old architecture, and boutique shops, it’s not just us who love this city. St. Augustine has been named one of the Best Small Towns in the South by Southern Living and among the Top 25 U.S. Beaches by TripAdvisor. There’s a reason the world keeps falling in love with our hometown.

Student surfing
Tripadvisor (February 2025)

In February 2025, Tripadvisor named St. Augustine Beach to the top 25 in the Country in its Travelers Choice Awards.

Read the Article

Downtown St. Augustine and the fort
Booking.com (January 2025)

Booking.com named St. Augustine one of its top 10 most welcoming places on Earth. 

Read the Article.

Students walking with friends down St. George Street
Booking.com (January 2025)

Booking.com analyzed 360 million reviews to name St. Augustine the nation's most welcoming city. 

Read the article.

Flagler Students at the Beach
National Geographic (September 2023)

St. Augustine featured as a top U.S. beach town for fall visits in "Adventures Everywhere" Magazine.

Student Overlooking the Water
USA Today 10 Best Awards (June 2023)

Readers voted Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, a Top 10 must-visit beach in the south. 

Group of Students talking to each other
Budget Travel (May 2023)

The editors at Budget Travel named St. Augustine as one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in 2023.

Two students on Paddle boards
USA Today Outdoorswire (April 2023)

The editors at Budget Travel named St. Augustine as one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in 2023.

Student taking picture in front of a mural
Southern Living (March 2023)

South’s Best Awards, featuring St. Augustine as the Best Small Town in the South

Group of students at the St. Augustine Historical Society
BestLife (August 2022)

St. Augustine makes the list of The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Visit for History Buffs

The Castello de San Marcos at dusk

Whether you’re chasing history or sunshine, there’s no shortage of ways to explore.

  • History Buffs: Climb the Castillo de San Marcos or visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
  • Art Lovers: Explore the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum and downtown galleries.
  • Outdoor Explorers: Paddle the Intracoastal Waterway or hike Anastasia State Park.
  • Foodies: Savor everything from coastal seafood to hidden local gems.

Every path leads to discovery, and every discovery begins here. For more ways to explore the area, check out this ultimate spring bucket list article.