Best Hotels in St. Augustine, Florida for a Historic Coastal Getaway
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There are beach towns in Florida, and then there is St. Augustine. America’s oldest city (and my hometown) has a completely different atmosphere than the high-rise resort strips farther south. Here, you get Spanish colonial architecture, hidden courtyards, walkable historic streets, rooftop bars overlooking the bay, and easy access to beaches that still feel relaxed rather than overdeveloped.
It is also one of the best weekend destinations in Florida because it works equally well for couples, girlfriends’ trips, food-focused travelers, and multigenerational family vacations. You can spend the morning touring historic forts, the afternoon on the beach, and the evening drinking cocktails in centuries-old buildings.
If you are searching for the best hotels in St. Augustine, where you stay matters. The city is spread between the Historic District, the bayfront, and the beach communities, and each offers a completely different experience.
This guide breaks down the best places to stay in St. Augustine based on travel style, location, and overall experience, along with the best tours and activities to book while you are there.
Quick Picks: Best St. Augustine Hotels
Best Luxury Hotel
If you want a romantic and upscale stay in the heart of the Historic District, this is the iconic hotel in town. The Moorish Revival architecture feels transportive, the interiors are dramatic and atmospheric, and you can walk almost everywhere from here.
Best for: Couples, luxury travelers, anniversary trips
Best Historic Inn
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
This adults-only property is made up of restored historic homes connected by gardens and courtyards. It feels intimate and distinctly St. Augustine rather than like a generic hotel chain.
Best for: Romantic weekends, quiet luxury, walkability
Best Oceanfront Resort
Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort
Direct beach access, larger rooms, and a resort atmosphere make this one of the strongest options for travelers who want beach time without sacrificing proximity to downtown.
Best for: Families, beach vacations, longer stays
Best Boutique Hotel
The Saint Augustine Beach House
This smaller beachfront hotel has a relaxed coastal style and excellent water views without the mega-resort feel.
Best for: Relaxed beach travelers, quieter stays
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
Historic District
If this is your first trip to St. Augustine, this is where you should stay. The Historic District gives you walking access to restaurants, museums, wine bars, rooftop cocktails, historic landmarks, and nighttime ghost tours.
You can spend an entire weekend without moving your car.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa
This is the hotel most people picture when they imagine a luxury stay in St. Augustine. Originally built in 1888, the property feels dramatic in the best possible way, with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, rich interiors, and a prime location near the city’s best restaurants.
The pool area feels surprisingly secluded for being downtown, and the hotel’s spa makes this a particularly good choice for couples’ getaways.
→ Book now and see why this is everyone’s favorite stay
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
The atmosphere here is one of the best in the city. Instead of one large building, the hotel is spread across multiple restored homes dating back centuries. There are fireplaces, brick walkways, gardens, and hidden seating areas everywhere.
It feels more like staying in a private historic estate than a traditional hotel.
→ Don’t delay; this one books up fast
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
If location is your priority, this one is difficult to beat. It sits directly on the bayfront within walking distance of nearly every major attraction.
The rooms are more contemporary than some of the city’s historic inns, making it a good fit for travelers who want modern comfort while still staying downtown.
→ Book this hotel for one of the city’s best views
Best Beach Hotels in St. Augustine
Many travelers do not realize St. Augustine also has excellent beaches. Staying near the ocean gives you a quieter atmosphere while still being only a short drive from the Historic District.
Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort
This is one of the best overall choices for travelers who want a true resort experience. Rooms are spacious, the beach access is excellent, and the location works well for both beach time and sightseeing.
It is especially popular with families because of the larger suite layouts.
→ This is the area’s most popular beach resort. Book it here.
Guy Harvey Resort on St. Augustine Beach
More casual and affordable than some of the upscale beachfront properties, this resort is a strong option for travelers prioritizing location over luxury.
The beach here is wide, relaxed, and ideal for long walks.
→ Book early to get the best ocean views.
The Saint Augustine Beach House
Located near Vilano Beach, this smaller boutique-style property feels much calmer than the larger chain resorts farther south.
Many rooms overlook the water, and the atmosphere is quiet and laid-back.
→ Stay here for the most relaxing stay.
Best Romantic Hotels in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is one of the best romantic getaways in Florida because it naturally lends itself to slower travel. The city is built for wandering rather than rushing.
Bayfront Marin House
This waterfront bed-and-breakfast is consistently one of the most popular romantic stays in town. Many rooms include fireplaces and soaking tubs, and the bayfront location is ideal for sunset walks.
→ Book early for a room with all the amenities.
Carriage Way Inn
A charming historic inn with traditional architecture and a quieter residential feel while still being walkable to everything downtown.
→ This property is among the most walkable in town.
Casa de Sueños Bed & Breakfast
This intimate bed-and-breakfast is known for its romantic atmosphere and excellent location near the center of the Historic District.
→ You won’t regret staying at this romantic inn.
Best Tours and Things to Do in St. Augustine
Sunset Sail Cruises
A sunset cruise is one of the best experiences in St. Augustine. Seeing the city skyline and the Bridge of Lions from the water gives you an entirely different perspective of the city.
→ This is my favorite way to watch the sunset
Ghost Tours
St. Augustine is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and ghost tours are among the city’s highest-booked activities
→ This ghost tour is the most fun
Food Tours
One of the best ways to experience the city is through its food scene. Guided tasting tours typically include historic storytelling alongside local restaurants and bars.
→ This chauffeured tour is my favorite way to taste the city
Boat Tours and Dolphin Cruises
St. Augustine is surrounded by water so getting on a boat is the best way to experience the town.
→ This is the best tour to see the marine life.
When to Visit St. Augustine
Spring and fall are the best overall times to visit because temperatures are comfortable and the city is less humid than peak summer.
Winter is also surprisingly popular thanks to Nights of Lights, when downtown is covered in millions of holiday lights. Hotel prices rise significantly during this period, especially on weekends.
Summer brings beach weather and family travelers, though afternoon storms and humidity are common.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in St. Augustine
This is my town so I hope you come visit. St. Augustine works best when you slow down and experience it more like a European coastal town than a typical Florida beach destination. The right hotel can completely shape your trip.
If you want walkability and atmosphere, stay in the Historic District. If you prefer quieter mornings and beach access, stay near St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach.
For first-time visitors, Casa Monica Resort & Spa and The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens remain the strongest overall choices for combining location, atmosphere, and experience.
More Florida Travel Guides
The Best North Florida Beach Towns for Food, Beaches & Weekend Escapes
Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida: A Local’s Guide (2026)