St. Augustine Military and Veteran Travel Guide
Exclusive discount, must-see attractions, travel tips, and more.
For military personnel and veterans, the nation's oldest city is more than just a vacation spot — it’s a place to explore historic sites and stories of service. From exploring iconic forts like the Castillo de San Marcos to attending military-focused events, St. Augustine offers the chance to connect with the nation's history while enjoying its natural beauty and charm. With military discounts available at many local attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, veterans and active-duty service members can experience everything our historic city has to offer while feeling welcomed and supported.
This guide will help you plan your visit, offering insights on must-see attractions, tips for finding the best deals and accommodations, and advice on making your trip memorable.
Planning Your Trip
Making the most of your trip to St. Augustine as a military member or veteran starts with planning ahead and taking advantage of exclusive military discounts and finding the best times to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Best Times to Visit
October is the best time to visit for many veterans and service members, offering temperate weather and fewer crowds, perfect for exploring our city’s attractions at a relaxed pace. For veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), September's quieter atmosphere creates a more comfortable experience, while veterans with mobility disabilities benefit from easier parking, improved navigation, and more space to move around the city’s historic sites and attractions.
Additionally, the off-peak season often aligns with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) schedules, providing active service members more flexibility in using their leave to enjoy St. Augustine at a quieter time.
Of course, there’s plenty of things to do in St. Augustine beyond exploring Historic Downtown. April and October are perfect months for hitting up our best golf courses, offering warm weather and fewer crowds — ideal conditions for a day on the greens. And if you prefer relaxing on the beach, May and September provide the best weather for sunny outings, with pleasant water temperatures and quieter shores, allowing you to fully enjoy your visit.
Planning for Peak-Season Events
If you're interested in popular events like Nights of Lights and the 4th of July, planning ahead can make these peak-season events all the more enjoyable. For Nights of Lights, visiting after the 1st of the year offers a chance to enjoy the festivities with fewer crowds. As for 4th of July, securing your accommodations and transportation in advance will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit during this busy time.
Special Considerations for PTSD
Another important consideration for travelers with PTSD is avoiding the area near the fort during the weekend cannon firing, which takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Visitors are also advised to browse our full list of events to plan their trip around events likely to draw large crowds.
Veterans Crisis Line Information
Transportation Options
Driving from JAX airport
Getting to St. Augustine often involves a car rental, as Jacksonville International Airport is located about 50 miles away. Many car rental companies, including Avis and Hertz, offer discounted rates for military personnel, making it easy and affordable to rent a car and explore the area on your own. If you prefer not to drive, there are several convenient shuttles and taxi services to get you from Jacksonville to St. Augustine.
If you are planning to drive, check out our complete guides to Parking in St. Augustine and Getting Around Town.
Public Transportation, Local Rentals, and Tours
Once you're in town, there are plenty of ways to get around. Old Town Trolley Tours offers a fully narrated tour with 22 stops at the city’s top attractions. The city's STAR Circulator Bus provides another option, with free rides from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The bus runs a convenient loop with stops at key locations, including the Visitor Information Center, making it a great option for many tourists.
Other options for getting around include taxis, carriage rides, boat shuttles, and a large variety of tour services. Popular options include:
- Ancient City Slingshots: Rent a Polaris Slingshot or a six-passenger golf cart.
- Fun Rentals St. Augustine: Rent a street kart, scoot coupe, scooter, or bike.
- Island Life Bikes & Rentals: Rent cruisers, hybrids, mountain, BMX, and road bikes, kids bikes, and adult trikes.
- St. Augustine Gold Tours: Electric cart tours for up to six people.
Finally, for special events like Nights of Lights, the city offers a free Park and Ride Shuttle service, making it simple to navigate the busy downtown area without the stress of parking. Visitors can also take advantage of dedicated Nights of Lights tours.
Accommodations
St. Augustine offers a wide range of accommodations that cater specifically to military families and veterans. From historic hotels to vacation rentals, to a variety of local Airbnb accommodations, there’s something for every preference:
Hotels & Motels
Many well-known chain and local hotels and motels near popular attractions offer special military discounts and easy access to many of St. Augustine's most popular points of interest.
Bed & Breakfasts
St. Augustine is known for its charming bed & breakfasts, many of which offer military discounts. These B&Bs, such as Carriage Way Inn, St. Francis Inn, and Casa de Sueños, provide a more intimate and personalized experience, often located in historic buildings that reflect the city’s unique character.
Vacation Rentals
For those looking for a more comfortable and private stay, vacation rentals and Airbnbs provide a home-away-from-home atmosphere and are often discounted for military members. These rentals offer the flexibility of extended stays, perfect for families or longer visits.
Condos & Resorts
For those seeking a resort-style experience, many condos and resorts in St. Augustine offer military discounts. These luxurious accommodations provide top-tier amenities like beach access, recreation areas, gyms, and spacious living areas, making them ideal for visitors looking for extra comfort and convenience. To find the perfect condominium or resort, consider booking directly through a property management company like Resort Rentals of St. Augustine for a hassle-free experience.
Camping
If you prefer to be closer to nature, St. Augustine campgrounds and RV sites offer the opportunity to enjoy Northeast Florida's natural beauty, with many offering military discounts for a more affordable outdoor adventure.
Military Lodging
Don’t forget to explore VA-approved lodging options that provide additional comfort and affordability specifically for military personnel. For those guests who prefer to stay at military lodging or military campgrounds and RV sites, the closest bases are located at:
- Naval Station Mayport (Jacksonville, FL)
- Approx. 45 miles from St. Augustine
- Offers lodging, RV parks, and campsites such as Pelican Roost RV Park and Osprey Cove Campground.
- NAS Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL)
- Approx. 40 miles from St. Augustine
- Offers base lodging and RV camping at sites like the RV Park at NAS Jacksonville.
- Camp Blanding Joint Training Center (Starke, FL)
- Approx. 60 miles from St. Augustine
- Offers cottages, lodging, and RV camping options.
Budgeting for Your Trip
St. Augustine offers plenty of affordable activities, especially if you're eligible for the many military discounts available around town. For more information on these discounts, be sure to ask about discounts when booking your accommodations or purchasing tickets to attractions. You can also browse our article, Military Discounts in St. Augustine, for exclusive deals for veterans and service members.
Things to Do and Experience
St. Augustine offers veterans and military families the chance to explore significant landmarks that highlight the city’s connection to America’s defense. From iconic sites like Castillo de San Marcos, where military personnel can explore centuries-old fortifications, to the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which played a key role in World War II, visitors can explore our history. Other important sites like the Old City Gates, Military Hospital and Fort Matanzas offer insight into colonial defense strategies.
Additionally, St. Augustine honors service members through annual events like Veterans Day parades and Memorial Day ceremonies. These celebrations are wonderful opportunities for veterans and their families to connect with the local community while being recognized for their service.
St. Augustine offers a variety of activities tailored to veterans, military families, and visitors of all interests. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or family-friendly fun, this historic city has something for everyone.
- Outdoor Activities: From kayaking and fishing along the scenic coastline to golfing and biking through historic streets, there are plenty of military-friendly rentals and tours available to help you make the most of the area’s natural beauty.
- Dining Options: Enjoy the diverse flavors of St. Augustine with its mix of local cuisine and fresh seafood. Many restaurants, including favorites like O.C. White's Seafood & Spirits and The Floridian, offer military discounts to show their appreciation.
- Nightlife: St. Augustine’s vibrant nightlife features a range of bars and live music venues where visitors can relax and enjoy local entertainment. Popular spots like Colonial Oak Music Park and Prohibition Kitchen are well-loved for their lively atmosphere and talented performers.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Perfect for families, St. Augustine offers attractions such as historical reenactments, interactive museums, and water parks. Military discounts are available at top spots like the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and St. Augustine Alligator Farm, making family outings even more affordable.
- Veteran-Specific Activities: The city also provides veteran-specific activities, such as kayaking tours and fishing expeditions designed to offer a supportive environment for veterans to relax and bond. Veterans can also participate in local veteran support groups and special events throughout the year.
Be sure to check out these 15 Must-See Military Points of Interest in St. Augustine.
Thank You for Your Service!
To all veterans and service members, we want to sincerely thank you for your service and the sacrifices you’ve made for our country. Here in St. Augustine, we deeply value the dedication of those who have served. Whether you explore the historic grounds of Castillo de San Marcos, participate in special events, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area, we hope our city provides you with the connection, peace, and enjoyment you deserve.
We’re grateful for your service and we can't wait for you to experience the best our city has to offer.
