St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited city—and it’s an easy, rewarding day trip from Orlando. Pick up your car hire near MCO, set your map for the Castillo de San Marcos, and you’ll be strolling cobblestone streets in about two hours depending on traffic.
Route, timing & quick stops
Most drivers follow SR‑417 to I‑4 and I‑95 North, or take SR‑528 to I‑95 for a toll‑friendly option. Plan a brief pause at a service plaza for coffee and restrooms, and arrive at the Historic District by mid‑morning to beat the tour buses.
Where to park in St. Augustine
Use the Historic Downtown Parking Facility by the Visitor Information Center; it’s walkable to the Castillo, Cathedral Basilica, and St. George Street. Street parking fills quickly on weekends—watch the time limits and pay stations.
What to see in one day
- Castillo de San Marcos: Walk the ramparts and catch a cannon demo if timing aligns.
- St. George Street: Pedestrian‑only, full of architecture, shops, and bakeries.
- Flagler College: Peek at the courtyard and Tiffany glass in the former Ponce de León Hotel.
- Lightner Museum: Quick photo stop in the old Alcazar Hotel’s courtyard.
Fuel, food & family breaks
Before you leave Orlando, confirm your fuel policy and consider a roomy vehicle. A SUV hire in Orlando is perfect for beach gear and strollers; larger groups may want a minivan. In town, try casual seafood by the bayfront, then grab ice cream on St. George Street before the drive back.
Timing your return
Sunset at the bayfront is worth it—allocate 2–2.5 hours for the return to Orlando. If you’re catching a late flight, book your airport car hire in Orlando with a return window that leaves comfortable buffer time for tolls and traffic.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
With Hola Car Rentals, you get Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, All‑Inclusive+ coverage, and transparent pricing—no surprise fees. That means less time comparing fine print and more time enjoying Florida’s historic coast.
FAQs
- Do I need toll cash? Most routes use electronic tolls. You can add coverage when booking, and Hola Car Rentals even offers cashback on tolls.
- Which pick‑up location is best? Choosing Budget car hire Orlando near MCO keeps you close to major highways.
- How long should I stay? Six to eight hours in the Historic District covers the highlights without rushing.
Ready to go? Book your Orlando car with Hola Car Rentals today and make St. Augustine a perfect, history‑packed day trip.
Coastal detours if you have extra time
If the weather is good, tack on a short beach break. Anastasia State Park has wide sand and easy parking; Vilano Beach is closer to downtown and perfect for a quick walk. Pack a towel and a change of clothes if you think you’ll wade in.
Alternative routes to avoid delays
Use your navigation app’s live traffic view. When I‑95 backs up near Jacksonville, SR‑207 provides an inland approach into St. Augustine. Leaving before 7 a.m. or after 9 a.m. usually avoids the worst of morning congestion.
Packing list for a smooth day
- Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven bricks
- Sun protection (hat, SPF, refillable bottle)
- Light rain jacket—coastal showers pass quickly
- Portable phone charger for maps and photos
- Small daypack to keep hands free in museums
Vehicle choice: comfort vs. parking
Historic streets can be narrow. A compact SUV balances visibility with easy parking, while a minivan wins for larger families. Compare live prices with trusted brands like Enterprise car hire Orlando or go value‑first with Budget car hire in Orlando.
Cost‑saving tips
Book early for lower base rates, travel mid‑week when possible, and carry a cooler with water to avoid impulse stops. Metered parking is cheaper than private lots if you don’t mind a short walk.
Hola Car Rentals also lets you add maximum liability coverage on select itineraries for extra peace of mind—ideal for first‑time Florida drivers.
Finish strong: refuel outside downtown on your way back to the interstate, then set your route to avoid tolls if you’re not in a hurry.
Prefer a familiar counter? Check rates with Enterprise car hire Orlando or Alamo car hire Orlando—both easy to reach from the airport.
