Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Cornavirus rescrictions, lists of open businesses, and what to expect in St. Augustine and the county.

The information below was written between March of 2020 and August of 2021 as St. Johns County businesses and residents as welcoming as possible during the pandemic. Those who visited here and those who lived here during that time greatly appreciate the companies that worked to remain open as safely as possible. This article was updated a number of times each week from March 2020 through March of 2021, and updated as needed through 2021.

As of May 10, 2022, there are not mask requirements or restrictions in St. Johns County. Currently, the only major change in St. Augustine's normal routine is that the National Parks Service has not yet reinstated the live demonstrations and cannon firings. All other programs, including concerts, theater performances, and restaurant dining have resume normal operations.

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The Summary as of August 16, 2021

Welcome to VisitStAugustine.com. We are delighted you have an interest in visiting St. Augustine now or in the future. We wish you and yours well and provide this information so you may have a safe and enjoyable vacation in our Old City.

What's New?

On August 11, 2021, The board of the St. Augustine Music Festival cancelled their two August concerts due to COVID.
As of July 28, 2021 the national monuments that are Fort Matanzas and the Castillo de San Marcos now require all visitors to wear masks when inside the buildings and rooms.
The ferry at Fort Matanzas has begun operating again. The ferry carries 35 people on a first-come, first-served basis and leaves the dock Wednesday through Sunday on the half hour from 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Flagler Legacy Tours starts operating again on May 27. Tours will be conducted on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays - Sundays.
Per a mandate from the CDC, masks are required on all public transportation, including ride-shares, taxis, and tour vehicles.
As of May 17, 2021, the Castillo de San Marcos is now open on seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are still no live demonstrations and the number of people allowed inside is limited. Masks must be worn.
As of May 14, 2021, at Fort Matanzas National Monument, the beaches, beach boardwalks, and beach parking lot are open. The visitor center access and the parking lot there, as well as restrooms, ferry service to the fort, and nature trail access areas remain closed.

Here's where we are in St. Augustine.

Masks are not required in city offices. The city encourages people to continue wearing masks in crowded areas. Individual businesses may opt to have a rule requiring masks for anyone over the age of 2. As a result of new CDC Guidelines, masks must be worn when on all public transportation, ride-shares, taxis, and tour vehicles.

Fall Festivals and Events: St. Augustine has been adding festivals and events to be held in the foreseeable future.

Here is a partial list of events will take place:

Concerts in the Plaza , every Thursday until Labor Day at 7:00 p.m.
Music by the Sea, every Wednesday until Labor Day at 7:00 p.m.
Sing Out Loud Music Festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September 10 through September 26, 2021
EMMA Concert Series — Multiple dates throughout the year
Creekside Music & Arts Festival, October 9-10, 2021
Rhythm & Ribs Festival, October 15-17, 2021
St. Augustine Songwriters, October 22-24, 2021
St. Benedict Blues Festival, October 22-24, 2021

What about all the things that make St. Augustine great year-round, such as restaurants, attractions, places to stay, shops and galleries, and beaches?

Hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals are open with enhanced protocols and no restrictions.
- There are no quarantine orders or restrictions in effect for those traveling to Florida from other states.
- As of October 7, 2020, all area places to stay are open. Therefore, we have discontinued the Open List.
- Click on the link to see more of the Places to Stay in St. Augustine.
Retail Shops are allowed to open at full capacity. We believe that all retail shops are open, some require masks. Others do not. Their operating hours may be reduced.
- Click on the link to see where to Shop in St. Augustine
Restaurants and Bars are allowed to open at full capacity. Please be aware that some restaurants require staff and guests to wear masks, while others do not. Some have elected to remain open at less than full capacity. In short, things are fluid. We strongly suggest that you call any bar or eatery before creating plans, driving some distance, and looking for parking.
- As of October 7, 2020, nearly all area restaurants and bars are open. Therefore, we have discontinued the Open List and map on this page. That list, and whether restaurants have outdoor dining, can be found here.
- For more information on the restaurants in St. Augustine, including a phone number for each, go here to see the Restaurants in St. Augustine.
Attractions and Museums are allowed to open. Most of the attractions are open, but some remain closed.
- Click here to see all Attractions in St. Augustine
- Click here to see the few that are still on the Closed List.
Live Music has returned to St. Augustine.
- Most of the large venues, such as Colonial Oak Music, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, and the Amphitheatre, are still closed.
- Restaurants, pubs, and bars have added live music back to their calendars. Click here to see where to find Live Music in St. Augustine.
State, County, City and Federal Parks and Beaches
- All city and county parks are open.
- The Beaches of St. Johns County are fully open.
- The St. Johns County Fish Pier at St. Augustine Beach is open and use fees apply.
- Most state parks are open in some capacity, but some have not fully opened their visitor centers. See here for more information.
- Anastasia State Park is open for day use and camping.
- Castillo de San Marcos reopened on October 21. New hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Only 100 people will be allowed in at a time, and there will be no programs or live cannon demonstrations. The fees are as normal, but only debit and credit cards will be accepted. No cash. Masks are required inside all buildings. For guidance, the park staff asks folks to follow the CDC Guidelines for Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities. Visitors are encouraged to download the Park App, for an enhanced experience of the Castillo.
Movie Theaters bowling alleys, concert houses, theaters, and auditoriums may reopen, but are advised to maintain social distancing guidelines and to continue frequent sanitization protocols.
Gyms and fitness facilities may operate at full capacity.
Hair salons, nail salons, and barbershops are open with enhanced protocols.
Each business may require their patrons and staff to wear masks. The City of St. Augustine strongly encourages people to wear masks, wash their hands often, and maintain social distancing.

Open Beaches

Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Road — As of May 7, 2020, the state park will be open for day-use recreation from 8:00 a.m to sunset. Normal park fees apply.
St. Johns County Beaches (See this map) — (See this link.) Beginning Monday, May 11 2020, The beaches of St. Johns County will allow driving on the beaches, with no restrictions on time or activities.The parking lots are open. The St. Johns County Fish Pier will open to the public with no access fee. The pavilion, gift shop, and volleyball courts will remain closed. The Beaches of St. Johns County are Crescent Beach, Frank B. Butler County Park - East, The Beach at the GuanaTolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, For Matanzas National Monument Beach, Mickler's' Beachfront Park, North Beach, River to Sea Preserve, South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area, St. Augustine Beach, Surfside, Usina Beach, and Vilano Beach. (Vilano Beach has limited driving access due to a replenishment project.)
Washington Oaks Gardens, 6400 Overshore Blvd. North, Palm Coast — As of May 4, 2020, the Beach at Washington Oaks will be open.

Open Parks & Recreation

Castillo de San Marcos reopened on October 21, 2021. They are open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Only 100 people will be allowed in at a time, and there will be no formal programs or live weapons demonstrations. The fees are as normal, but only debit and credit cards will be accepted. No cash. Attendees are asked to wear a mask whenever social distancing is not possible. For guidance, the park staff asks folks to follow the CDC Guidelines for Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities. Visitors are encouraged to download the Park App, for an enhanced experience of the Castillo. (As of February 26, 2021)
St. Johns County Parks, Open Green Spaces, and Trails — All parks that have been open will remain open during normal hours. (The link is a map to St. Johns County sites.) The County reminds everyone that they should maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet and not congregate in groups.
Florida State Parks in St. Johns County: Anastasia State Park, Faver-Dykes State Park, Fort Matanzas, and Fort Mose Historic State Park The beach at Anastasia State Park is open for day use. Faver-Dykes State Park is open for day use. Restroom facilities may be limited. Fort Mose is open for limited use. The museum is closed and restroom facilities may be limited. Fort Matanzas State Park is open for limited use, though the buildings are closed. The beach ramp is now available for vehicle access and access has been restored to the park beaches.
GTM Research Reserve, including Middle and South Beaches, Guana Trails, and Guana Dam, is open for recreation. The visitor's center is now open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m on Tuesdays through Saturdays, with the exceptions of state holidays. The Guided Exploration Hikes are back, with a limit on the number of participants. The restrooms are open, but the restroom at the Dam is undergoing renovation, and a Porta-Let is available.
Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Road — As of May 21, the state park will be open for day use and camping. Normal park fees apply.
Faver-Dykes State Park, 1000 Favor Dykes Road — Open for day use, 8:30 a.m. to sunset. Restroom facilities may be limited. All other park facilities are closed.
Fort Mose State Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail — Open for day use, daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum is open, but the restroom availability may be limited. Masks are required when visitors are inside.
Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail, State Road 207 — Open 8:00 a.m. to sundown. Restroom availability is limited; all facilities remain closed.