Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental US — a living museum of Spanish forts, coquina architecture, and sun-washed cobblestone lanes just steps from the ship.
Small-ship passengers (American Cruise Lines) dock directly at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina in the heart of the historic district; large-ship passengers arrive by motorcoach excursion from Jacksonville.
💡 Pro move: The historic drawbridge (Bridge of Lions) opens on the hour and half-hour — allow extra time if heading to or from Anastasia Island beaches.
St. Augustine's Municipal Marina sits right on the Matanzas River bayfront, placing small-ship passengers within walking distance of every main attraction.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines | St. Augustine Municipal Marina, Avenida Menendez📍 | Docked |
| Large cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, etc.) | Via shore excursion from JAXPORT, Jacksonville📍 | Docked |
From a half-day history walk to lighthouse climbs, alligator farms, and Atlantic beach breaks, St. Augustine rewards every type of cruiser.
America's oldest masonry fort (1695), built of coquina shell-stone that famously absorbed cannonballs. Rangers lead musket demonstrations and the views over the Matanzas River are superb.
Book history tours →The pedestrian heart of the Old City — centuries-old storefronts, street musicians, the 18th-century Cathedral Basilica, and the oldest public square in the US. All free.
Explore walking tours →Climb 219 steps inside the 1874 lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic and historic downtown. The maritime museum on site covers the city's seafaring past.
Find lighthouse tours →One of Florida's oldest continuously running attractions (since 1893) — the only place on earth where all 24 crocodilian species live together. Zip-lining over the gator lagoons available.
Book wildlife tours →Four miles of undeveloped white-sand Atlantic beach with dunes, kayak rentals, and paddleboard hire. Far less crowded than the town beach strip.
Find beach excursions →Housed in a restored 1907 ice plant, this award-winning craft distillery offers free self-guided tours and tastings of bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka made with Florida ingredients.
Find food & drink tours →The Historic District is flat, compact, and almost entirely walkable from the Municipal Marina.
Follow the bayfront north from the marina past the Castillo de San Marcos, turn south onto St. George Street for shops and the Cathedral Basilica, cut through the Plaza de la Constitución, and return along Avenida Menendez.
Head west from the Plaza to Flagler College (the 1888 Ponce de León Hotel, now containing the world's largest installed Tiffany glass collection — tours available) and the adjacent Lightner Museum housed in the former Alcazar Hotel.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for St. Augustine, Florida, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 64°F / 18°C | 52°F / 11°C | 8 | 7:21 AM | 5:48 PM |
| Feb | 68°F / 20°C | 56°F / 13°C | 8 | 7:04 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Mar | 71°F / 22°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 | 7:34 AM | 7:33 PM |
| Apr | 75°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 9 | 6:58 AM | 7:52 PM |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 9 | 6:32 AM | 8:11 PM |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 18 | 6:24 AM | 8:27 PM |
| Jul | 86°F / 30°C | 77°F / 25°C | 21 | 6:35 AM | 8:27 PM |
| Aug | 86°F / 30°C | 77°F / 25°C | 22 | 6:53 AM | 8:05 PM |
| Sep | 83°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 19 | 7:10 AM | 7:29 PM |
| Oct | 78°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 11 | 7:27 AM | 6:53 PM |
| Nov | 72°F / 22°C | 63°F / 17°C | 9 | 6:50 AM | 5:28 PM |
| Dec | 68°F / 20°C | 58°F / 14°C | 7 | 7:13 AM | 5:27 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Local taxis (e.g., Abraxi Taxi) use zone-based flat rates within St. Augustine. Downtown fares start around $5; trips to St. Augustine Beach run $8–$10.
Both Uber and Lyft operate in St. Augustine and are readily available. Pickup times can be slightly longer than in larger cities, but advance booking via the app is possible.
The St. Augustine Rider (STAR) Circulator runs through Historic Downtown 10 AM–10 PM daily, with buses every 15 minutes — a convenient no-cost way to navigate the old city.
On-demand shuttle covering Historic Downtown, Bridge of Lions, Anastasia Blvd, and St. Augustine Beach. Single ride $5; full-day pass $25.
Upcoming cruises that call at St. Augustine, Florida, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.