St Augustine Area Florida Hotels, Lodging and Bed and Breakfasts

St. Augustine, the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States, is home to some of America's most historic sites, including the Mission de Nombre de Dios, the fort Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas national monuments, the Oldest House and beautiful, ancient churches. More than 60 popular attractions, including Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, also entertain visitors. Unique shops, many featuring art and antiques, are situated throughout the historic district. More than 40 festivals and themed special events bring the colorful ambiance and history of the Old City to life throughout the year. Forty-two miles of unspoiled beaches and outstanding year-round fishing make this northeast Florida area one of the Sunshine State's most popular playgrounds.

St. Augustine is located on Florida’s northeast coast – a 45-minute drive north from Daytona Beach, a one-hour and 40-minute drive north of Orlando and a 35-minute drive south of Jacksonville, Fla. Guests can fly a number of commercial airlines into the Jacksonville International Airport, Daytona Beach Airport or Orlando International Airport; or they may fly a private plane into the St. Augustine/St. Johns County Airport, just five minutes from downtown St. Augustine.

St. Augustine offers a panorama of shopping and art galleries ranging from one-of-a-kind art and antique stores to two of the most popular outlet malls in the Southeast. In the very heart of the city, anchored by historic St. George Street, visitors can stroll down 11 pedestrian-only blocks and browse in specialty stores and souvenir shops. The experience of shopping in an Old World atmosphere is accentuated by the area’s narrow streets, distinctive wooden and metal shop signs and overhanging balconies. For shoppers who enjoy art and antiques, shopping in St. Augustine is particularly attractive. The number of art galleries in the Old City has nearly quadrupled since the late 1980s and is home to one of Florida’s most productive arts communities. Explore art shops, stores and galleries and glance at the works of artists from around the world, including more than 230 artists from St. Augustine alone. The art community’s active schedule includes a bi-annual art and crafts festival, Gallery Art Walks on the First Friday of each month and, each October, the annual Colonial Art and Craft Festival. If antiques are desired, then St. Augustine is an ideal place to shop. Three distinct antique shopping areas are grouped within five minutes walking or driving distance of the center of St. Augustine. The Antique Dealers Association of St. Augustine lists 25 members, nearly all of them within two miles of the city’s historic district.