voco St. Augustine - Historic Area Local area

Standing guard over Matanzas Bay, star-shaped Castillo San de Marcos was built in the 17th century as an outpost of the Spanish Empire. Tour the oldest stone fort in the US and discover more than 340 years of colonial history within its fortified stone bastions. Explore the military prison and chapel on self-guided tours, watch weaponry demonstrations by rangers in period military costume, and see brass cannons fired on the gun deck on the weekends.

Discover white-sand beaches, tidal marshes, and ancient sand dunes at this captivating destination. A five-minute drive from our hotel, Anastasia State Park is a haven for adventure and wildlife viewing. See eagles soar and pelicans dive for fish. Take guided bird walks to see egrets on the coastal dunes. Swim off Atlantic Ocean beaches, go kayaking with sea turtles, and hike and bike the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail.

St. Augustine is a renowned creative hub, and the city's lively shopping scene starts right outside our hotel. You can find wildlife paintings, handcrafted jewelry, and sea-glass souvenirs in local galleries, or join a guided art walk on the first Friday of the month. Pick up colorful beachwear and flip-flops in cool indie boutiques, or head across the Bridge of Lions to browse for vintage coins, military memorabilia, and pre-loved furnishings at historic downtown antiques stores.

With nearly 50 miles of beautiful beach to choose from, you’re sure to find the right one for you close to our hotel – and many are dog friendly, so your pet gets to come along too. Take the kids on beachcombing expeditions along South Ponte Vedra Beach, surf Atlantic breaks off The Middles, or picnic on the dunes at Crescent Beach. You can explore Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park on horseback, fish for mackerel off the pier at Vilano Beach, or simply kick back in the sand to enjoy the sun.

Explore St. Augustine Old Town and immerse yourself in the culture of the nation's oldest city. View beautiful buildings and landmarks that date back to the 1700s, like the Gonzales Alvarez House, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Stroll through St. George Street with restaurants, quaint shops, local crafts, and attractions like the Colonial Quarter and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.

Get wild at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park – one of Florida's oldest attractions. See 24 species of crocodile and encounter reptiles, lemurs, Komodo dragons, and toucans. Join wildlife shows, soar above the park on two zip lines, and try the aerial adventure courses. Take up the Crocodile Crossing's Python Challenge, offering a 40-foot controlled free fall adventure. 

Learn about 500+ years of maritime history at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Climb 219 steps and enjoy breathtaking views of America's oldest city and the beautiful coastline and beaches. Join a guided tour and explore the Keeper House and Maritime Archeology Center exhibits. Go inside the lighthouse and encounter ghosts on the nighttime Dark of the Moon tour.

Located on Anastasia Island, this historic city offers 42 miles of beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy beachcombing along South Ponte Vedra Beach, surf Atlantic breaks off The Middles, and picnic on the dunes at Crescent Beach. Go fishing at St. Johns County Ocean Pier and walk the nature trail at Ocean Hammock Park. Enjoy shopping and dining on A1A Beach Boulevard with eateries and shops.