Vacations, while wonderful experiences, can sometimes be expensive endeavors. But with a St. Augustine getaway at Bayfront Marin House, you can enjoy tons of free things while staying at a comfy home base with all the amenities you need for a great stay. We’ve put together a list of some of the best free (and almost free) attractions near the inn so you can put together an unforgettable retreat!
Every Day:
Fort Matanzas National Monument.
When most people talk about ‘the fort’ in St. Augustine, they refer to the Castillo de San Marcos, the huge coquina fortress at the city gates. But there is another fort on Anastasia Island—and it’s free! Built in 1742, Fort Matanzas is fifty years younger than its larger counterpart downtown but was an important part of protecting the waterways of the nation’s oldest city. Both admissions to the fort and the ferry needed to get there are free, and we highly recommend this fascinating look into the past.
Imbibe at the Distillery and San Sebastian Winery.
Take a free tour of the St. Augustine Distillery and the San Sebastian Winery (both accessible by Old Town Trolley) and enjoy free samples along the way! We love the presentation at the distillery–you get to know some of the farmers who grow the crops turned into their wonderful bourbon, gin, vodka and whiskey, as well as learn about the distillation process. San Sebastian Winery offers free tastings as well–if you go towards the end of the day you can go to their rooftop deck and see some of the most spectacular views of the city.
Lightner Museum/Cafe Alcazar.
The Lightner Museum is spectacular and well worth the cost of admission with a fairly affordable entry fee. But if you don’t have time for a full museum tour, here’s a trick for a mini-visit: go to Cafe Alcazar! It’s a little lunch spot located in the old hotel’s indoor swimming pool. After you’ve munched on one of their great sandwiches, climb the stairs next to the piano player. The bathrooms are located on this floor, but on your way there, you’ll get a great little exhibit on the walls of the old ballroom. The walls have old photos and postcards lining the hallway, an intriguing look at St. Augustine’s past. All that with a delicious sandwich and a free piano concert, a fantastic visit for any itinerary.
Crisp Ellert Art Museum/Flagler College.
Just across from the Lightner is Flagler College, one of the most beautiful schools in the country. Walk into their front lobby and enjoy the over the top mosaic, paintings and sculptures that used to greet the elite when it was Henry Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel. While there, enjoy the contemporary artists featured in the Crisp Ellert Art Museum (next to the library–if you’re standing at the college’s front gates, it’s behind the school and to the left). In a town known for its history, the art museum features contemporary artists in a variety of mediums.
Shrines and Churches.
St. Augustine boasts some of the most beautiful places of worship anywhere. The National Shrine Lady of La Leche at the Mission Nombre de Dios is the oldest shrine in the country, built in 1609. You can also tour The Cathedral Basilica (built in 1793) and the beautiful Memorial Presbyterian Church, built by Henry Flagler. Most churches are open during the week but closed during services; contact them directly for summer hours.
Beaches in St. Johns County.
All the beaches except for Anastasia State Park are freely accessible for waders and sunbathers! Get the inside scoop on all the best spots in our St. Augustine beach overview. And when you’re here, grab one of our complimentary beach chairs, an umbrella, and some towels for a day of fun in the sun!
(Almost) Every Week:
Waterworks Concerts, Performances, and Movies.
The waterworks building is right at the roundabout heading to Vilano Beach. It has a rich line up of cultural events–from poetry readings, to concerts, to storytelling. Some concerts and movies require tickets, but many events are completely free. It’s a great way to meet locals, and enjoy the huge creative community that calls St. Augustine home. See the complete Waterworks schedule here.
Music in the Plaza.
Held every Thursday from the end of May through the end of August from 6 pm to 8 pm, in the main plaza. Music in the Plaza is a popular neighborhood event–residents meet for drinks at 5, walk to the plaza for the 6 pm show, then go out to eat in town after 8. Any of the restaurants on Aviles Street (Bourbon and Boards, Nonna’s, Forgotten Tonic) are solid options for delicious and affordable eats. Stop by Peace Pie on Aviles for the ultimate summer dessert—ice cream and pie filling, sandwiched between two homemade cookies. Yes, Please!
Music on the Pier.
The free music keeps on coming in St. Augustine! Enjoy a free concert every Wednesday night from May through June, and again from August ’til the end of September at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Concerts start at 7:00pm and go until 9:00pm. The events feature a wide variety of musical genres—one week could be jazz, and the next week folk or country. We’ve heard reggae and R&B—it’s always a different experience! A different food truck visits as well so you can grab a bite to eat while there–food starts at 3:00. Grab a chair from our inn before you go—seating is mostly on the sand.
Farmer’s Market at the Pier and at the Amp.
Speaking of the pier, don’t forget the farmer’s market every Wednesday from 8 am til noon. You’ll find lots of produce and baked goods, as well as artisans who make sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. It’s not a big market, but it’s a simply delightful slice of local flavor. Even if you don’t end up grabbing anything it’s still wonderful to walk around and take in the sights and sounds. Sometimes food vendors will offer free samples, so snag a snack or two and try local fruits, honey, and more!
The Farmer’s Market at the Amp is held every Saturday from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. It’s a larger market, with lots of food, produce, and locally made items, like local honey, local fermented food (their butter olives are highly recommended), and local datil pepper sauce. If you’re searching for souvenirs or gifts for the folks back home, this is a great place to find local, authentic items that help our small farmers and agribusinesses.
Music at the Colonial Oak Music Park.
If you haven’t seen this beautiful venue, it’s right in the middle of downtown, off St. George Street. It has picnic bench seating with live oaks towering above you—plus romantic hanging lanterns that move in the night breeze for unmatched ambiance. You can buy drinks or food at the restaurants in the Colonial Quarter, or you can just sit and enjoy the music.
Every Month:
West King Wednesday.
If you’re in St. Augustine on the third Wednesday of the month, grab your car and head to West King Street (between Route 1 and Duval Street). West King Wednesday goes from 10 am to 10 pm; park at Murf’s or the new public lot behind Broudy’s. The small businesses in this part of town are all locally owned and completely unique—you can enjoy a beer at Bog Brewery, a cocktail at newly opened Muggsy’s, a vegan sandwich at Buena Ondo, or a cupcake at Sweet City! If you go early in the day, you can also check out A Coastal Home. It boasts new furniture and refurbished treasures with dishware, pillows, candles, napkin rings, and lots of other goodies.
Free tours of the Tolomato cemetery.
This old Minorcan cemetery is on Cordova Street, right across from Mojo’s BBQ, the perfect place to grab lunch before the tour. Their blackened salmon salad with housemade honey mustard dressing and cornbread croutons is absolutely delicious, a fantastic choice if you end up eating there. Tours are on the third Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Free tours usually include a helpful guide to Minorcan history, as the cemetery is kept up by the Minorcan Society of St. Augustine. Donations are accepted.
ArtWalk!
St. Augustine has a huge art heritage—the St. Augustine Art Association has been around since 1924, and for years the SAAA was based on the first floor of our Sanchez House! The first Friday of every month is full of people highlighting that connection—the many galleries in town are open late, and most serve wine or finger foods, a scrumptious accompaniment to the beautiful art on display. You’ll also find some great musicians (try Aviles Street to start) and many talented artists showcasing their work. It’s one of our favorite free things to do in St. Augustine!
Uptown Block Party.
The shops and restaurants in St. Augustine’s Uptown community host a blocks-long block party once a quarter. Shops have extended hours, and many of the stores and restaurants offer specials to add to the party atmosphere. St. Augustine Uptown is between Vilano Beach and the historic district, so if you’re coming from our beach cottages, it’s easy to just swing into the parking lot near the Fountain of Youth and enjoy a walk along San Marco Avenue.
Vilano Beach Artisan Saturday.
Held the third Saturday of every month, artists and artisans line the Vilano pier to showcase and sell their wares. Visit the Bluebird of Happiness and take a photo to remember your stay. Bonus–you can walk to this event from our oceanfront cottages on Vilano Beach!
Other Free Things to Do in St. Augustine Throughout the Year:
Sing Out Loud and Songwriter’s Festival – Every September
There is plenty to sing about during this huge musical celebration. Yes, there are tickets for purchase for the main festival September 20 and 21. Buy now to see HOZIER, BEABADOOBEE, VANCE JOY, THE TESKEY BROTHERS, FATHER JOHN MISTY & MORE! While the concerts on the main stage require a ticket purchase, there is music throughout the town. Every weekend, the city is dotted with free performances—in the plaza, on the street, and even inside private venues.
Private venues include Tradewinds, Prohibition Kitchen, and the Distillery–and all performances are free!
The month wraps up with the Songwriter’s Festival on September 26-28, which is a must for any music lover. Bands and events will continue to be added until the month is chock-full; keep checking their website to see which bands will be confirmed next! Paid tickets are required to see the headliners but lots of local places will be hosting free music as well. You might even get to see a budding talent attending the event to hone their craft!
The Night Market at the Amphitheatre – Select Tuesdays
This is another local favorite and a great place to take advantage of the cooler evenings. It features handmade arts, crafts, and goods along with a variety of local food trucks, a full bar, and free live music! The Night Market takes place on select Tuesdays throughout the year from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Stay at Bayfront Marin House
Wake up to our complimentary breakfast in bed each day, as well as our free happy hour each evening! Our list of free items is extensive: bikes to borrow, bottled water in your room, high-speed internet, and nearby parking. Our cozy and spacious rooms are just what you need after a long day, with king and queen beds, soaking tubs, and rain showers available in some units. Explore the sights with a variety of lodging options, including our picturesque beach cottages, centrally located street cottages, and more! If you want to save some money on your vacation, check out our St. Augustine bed and breakfast!
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