St. Augustine Outdoor Activities That Are Worth Your Time

Let’s be honest, most lists of “St. Augustine outdoor activities” could actually apply to anywhere in Florida. You’ve seen the recycled suggestions: go to the beach, take a trolley tour, walk around town. But if you’re looking for memorable, low-effort ways to enjoy the sunshine and get a feel for what makes the oldest city in the U.S. truly special, this is the list for you. In this article, we’re not just sharing what to do—we’re sharing what’s worth doing. From our local team to your family, let’s get planning!

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Tell Me Fun Things About St. Augustine 

Outdoor Crowd-Pleasers Everyone Will Love

Matanzas Inlet

This peaceful beach access point just off A1A is a go-to for both locals, and now you know about it too! With free parking along the highway, an easy walk to the shore, and way fewer people than the city’s central beaches, this is one of the best spots in St. Augustine.

• Cost: Free
• Parking: Just off the bridge on A1A
• Address: 8655 A1A South, St. Augustine, Florida 32080
• Why go: Beach days without the crowds
• Nearby rec: Cool off with a scoop of ice cream from Scoops by the Sea, just a few minutes down the road.

Red Boat Tours

Arguably the best sightseeing boat charter in town, Red Boat Tours offers excellent narration and gorgeous views of the city you just don’t get from dry land. Plus, you’re sure to spot dolphins, pelicans, and possibly even sea turtles and manatees! A sunset charter along the Intracoastal Waterway and Matanzas River is one of the most picturesque outdoor activities there is, so this has to be on your list of worthwhile things to do.

Don’t take our word for it, though – see what one recent passenger had to say:

• Cost: Sunset BYOB tour is $39 for 1.5 hours (Adults Only on this one) 
• All Tours: https://redboattours.com/tours/ 
• Departs from: Vilano Beach Pier
• Why go: Scenic, educational, and ideal for groups or low-energy afternoons
• More Reviews:Tripadvisor.com

Colonial Oak Music Park

This open-air venue in downtown St. Augustine, off St. George Street, offers free concerts underneath a massive 300-year-old oak tree. Grab takeout from a nearby restaurant and settle in for a great evening of fantastic talent.

• Cost: Free
• When is it open: Thurs- Sat 6 PM to 10 PM and Sunday from Noon to 7 PM
• Why go: Family-friendly, free outdoor entertainment in the heart of the historic district

Picnic at Castillo de San Marcos

Even if you don’t want to go inside the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, you can still enjoy incredible views and gorgeous weather. Spread out a blanket anywhere on the expansive grounds and watch boats drift by in the bay. Nearby River and Fort has a great lunch menu of shrimp tacos, club sandwiches, salads, and other easy-to-transport items, and is only three minutes away.

• Cost: Free to picnic (fort entry is $15)
• Parking: Paid lots nearby. $2.50 per hour.
• Why go: Scenic, historic, and central

Easy Outdoor Experiences (Minimum Effort, Maximum Reward)

Traveling with little ones or older family members? Not everyone is up for strenuous paddling adventures or intense nature hikes. These St. Augustine excursions were chosen with that in mind. Find something the whole group can do together! 

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Accessed by a short (and free!) ferry ride, this riverside fort offers raised boardwalks, short forest trails, and beautiful marsh views. You’ll want to arrive early to get a ferry pass, especially during peak season.

The ferry boat ride lasts approximately 5 minutes, and the fort tour takes 30-45 minutes. After the tour you can explore the grounds. The boardwalk guides you through gorgeous nature and forests while keeping the ground beneath your feet sturdy, level, and easy to traverse.

• Cost: Free
• Ferry runs: Thurs–Sun, hourly 9:30–3:30
• Parking: Free in the lot at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center
• Why go: Historic, scenic, and easy to experience nature without much hassle.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

A peaceful, shaded space with manicured gardens, forested trails, and a rare coquina rock shoreline. You don’t need to be a plant person to enjoy the vibe here—it’s calm, scenic, and relaxing. Visiting on the first Friday of the month? Check out the guided Garden and History walk. They also host second Saturday Plant Sales!

• Cost: $5 per vehicle
• Parking: On-site
• Why go: Uncrowded, breezy, and ideal for slowing down
• Nearby: Pair with Marineland or Matanzas Inlet

Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve (Guana Reserve)

For those who want a deeper nature experience without going fully remote, this preserve offers a mix of wooded trails, estuary overlooks, and bird-watching opportunities that span more than 75,000 acres. People love to visit this area for beach days, fishing, bike riding, gentle hikes, horseback riding on the beach, and educational opportunities to learn about the unique estuarian ecosystem.

• Cost: $3 per vehicle
• Hours: Open 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday
• Parking: 505 Guana River Road Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
• Why go: Secluded, scenic, and a true nature escape

Vilano Beach Pier + Boardwalk

On the river side of the Matanzas Inlet, this charming and laid-back pier is open 24/7 and offers water views, fishing access, and the perfect place for a quiet walk or sunset photos. It’s also home to unique public art, including the iconic “Happiness is Vilano Beach” sculpture.

• Cost: Free (license required for fishing)
• Nearby To-Dos: Vilano Nature Boardwalk. A 0.2-mile raised, scenic boardwalk over the marsh. Free to visit: 128 Vivian Browning Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Why go: No cost, great views, always open

Anastasia State Park

This protected stretch of coastline includes four miles of beach, shaded trails, kayak rentals, and picnic pavilions. It’s flat and walkable—no big hikes required to enjoy the scenery. Think of Anastasia State Park as your official one-size-fits-all destination.

Kids can ride beach cruisers on the hard-packed sand, teens or athletic folks can rent kayaks or SUPs and get out in the water, and those who want to take it easy can go birdwatching or take a quiet stroll. Regardless of what you’re up for, this is the spot to do it.

• Cost: $8 per vehicle, $4 single-occupant vehicle, $2 for pedestrians or cyclists
• Parking: On-site
• Why go: Beach, trails, and wildlife all in one easy stop

Outdoor Fun for Families with Kids

While these will certainly make the kids happy, we’re pretty sure the grown-ups will enjoy them too. You’re on vacation after all! Each of these outdoor activities was chosen for its appeal, as well as its ease for parents—we’re not sending you on wild races around town, don’t worry.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Sure, this one is one of the more touristy spots—but it’s also packed with 15 acres of educational fun, historic reenactments, booming cannon displays, planetarium shows, peacocks, and much more. You can drink from the famous spring, feed animals, see blacksmithing demonstrations, explore native villages, and most importantly, let the kids run off some energy on the grounds.

• Cost: $21.55 for adults and $9.34 for kids age 6-12
• Parking: Free on-site
• Why go: Interactive and fun without being overwhelming
• On-Site Eats: Smoked Southern BBQ: salads, subs, beer, wine, ice cream, and of course,  all the smoked meats you could want.

Magnolia Avenue

After you leave the Fountain of Youth, take a four-minute walk over to Magnolia Ave. Even kids will appreciate the towering oaks and mossy branches over this famously photogenic street. It’s great for a family photo op or a low-key walk.

• Cost: Free
• Why go: Easy, iconic, and close to other stops
• Along the way: Grab a drink from Fountain of Juice café 

Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Originally opened in 1938 as the nation’s first oceanarium, Marineland is part historic site, part interactive marine center. Families can watch feedings, see educational exhibits, and even book dolphin encounters!

• Cost: $20 general admission. Experiences are individually priced per encounter.
• Parking: Free
• Why go: When else are you going to get to pet or swim with a dolphin?
• Nearby: Combine with Washington Oaks for a full day south of the city

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

A little wild, a little weird—and a whole lot of things your kids will love. In addition to gators, Alligator Farm has exotic birds (even the occasional bald eagle makes an appearance overhead), reptiles, and a raised boardwalk that lets you peer into a natural rookery.

• Cost: $36.99 for adults and $21.99 for kids 3-11 years old
• Why go: Daily wildlife shows, educational programs, even a zipline!
• Nearby: Walk to the St. Augustine Lighthouse afterward. It’s free to visit, but you’ll need to pay to climb to the top.

Adventure Landing

If you're after arcade games, go-karts, and mini-golf, Adventure Landing has classic outdoor fun with a retro vibe. If you’re beached out, you can enjoy some old-fashioned beach-town fun at this beloved local hangout.

• Cost: Varies by activity
• Why go: Easy win for keeping kids entertained

Laid-Back Ways to Experience St. Augustine Like a Local

Kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway

Calm waters, wildlife sightings, and no experience required—this is a relaxing way to get close to nature without much effort.

• Cost: $40-$65 for rentals or tours
• Launch sites: Salt Run, Lighthouse Park
• Why go: Scenic, peaceful, and slow-paced

Bike a Trail

• Palatka to St. Augustine Trail - Wide, paved path runs through rural land and is great for a casual bike ride or morning walk. There are multiple trailheads, but the St. Johns County end has the best parking access.
• Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail - Located a bit south, this former railroad corridor is now a shaded, flat path ideal for kids, older adults.Access near Colbert Lane.
• St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop – Features 260 miles of biking trails that interconnect to parks, springs, beaches and waterways. View the trail map and plan your route.

Shopping along St. George Street + Aviles Street

Strolling these historic pedestrian corridors is more than just browsing—it’s stepping back in time. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and people-watching. Stop into a café or browse art galleries without feeling rushed. You may even find the perfect keepsake to commemorate your trip.

• Easiest Parking: The Historic Downtown Parking Facility at 1 Cordova Street. Open 24/7.

Hit the Links

If your idea of the perfect outdoor activity in St. Augustine includes playing a few rounds, try St. Johns Golf Club—a recently renovated public course with coastal views—or head to World Golf Village, which offers museum exhibits alongside its championship courses.

• Prices at St. Johns Golf Club: After 2 p.m., non-residents can play 18 holes with a cart for $39. Lower rates are available for FL residents.
• Prices at World Golf Village Courses:
  • King & Bear: Starts at $79
  • Slammer & Squire: Starts at $75
• Amenities at Courses? Yes! Restaurants, pro shops, driving ranges, and more.

Book a Better Stay for Your Outdoor Escape

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St. Augustine has no shortage of outdoor activities, but if you want the kind of experiences you’ll actually remember, stick to the ones that offer real moments: a ferry across the river, a dolphin sighting at dusk, a picnic by a centuries-old fort. And when you’re ready to relax? There’s nothing better than coming home to a clean, comfortable vacation rental that’s close to it all.

Browse our full collection of St. Augustine vacation rentals at Coastal Realty and find the perfect home base for your outdoor adventures. Choose from oceanfront properties, pet-friendly rentals, or lock in savings with our available specials!

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Augustine Outdoor Activities

What are the most popular outdoor activities in St. Augustine?

Favorites include kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway, visiting Castillo de San Marcos, exploring Anastasia State Park, walking Magnolia Avenue, and taking the ferry to Fort Matanzas.

What not to miss in St. Augustine?

Don’t miss the Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine Lighthouse, Fountain of Youth, and Castillo de San Marcos. If you want something quieter, check out Matanzas Inlet or Guana Reserve.

Does St. Augustine have a boardwalk?

Yes—several, in fact. Visit the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk, Tolomato River Boardwalk, Founders Riverwalk, and the St. Augustine Beach Pier for easy walks with a view.

Is it safe to walk around outside in St. Augustine at night?

Yes. St. Augustine is generally very safe for walking at night, especially in well-lit areas like downtown and near the bayfront.

Where to go in St. Augustine for free?

Explore Matanzas Inlet, Fort Matanzas, Magnolia Avenue, and Colonial Oak Music Park. For more ideas, check out our St. Augustine on a Budget guide, where you’ll find more than 15 unique ideas.

Are there any amusement parks in St. Augustine?

While there are no traditional amusement parks, Adventure Landing offers mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games for families looking for casual fun.