Where to Park for Free in St Augustine

Discover the best spots to park for free in St. Augustine with our helpful guide. Say goodbye to expensive parking fees and hello to stress-free exploring of this charming city.

Discover the Available Options for Free Parking in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a popular tourist destination, and finding parking can be a challenge during peak seasons. However, there are several options for free parking in the city. One of the best ways to find free parking is to look for street parking spots that do not have meters or time limits. Additionally, some public parking lots offer free parking on certain days or times.

Free Street Parking

There are several streets in St. Augustine where visitors can park for free without worrying about meters or time limits. These include streets such as Aviles Street, Riberia Street, and parts of King Street. Visitors should keep an eye out for signs indicating any restrictions or time limits on these streets.

Free Public Parking Lots

The city of St. Augustine also provides several public parking lots where visitors can park their vehicles for free. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility located at 1 Cordova Street offers free parking on Sundays and after 5 pm on weekdays. Another option is the San Marco Lot located at 301 San Marco Avenue, which offers free parking all day.

Tips:

• To avoid paying high fees at commercial parking lots, consider using one of these free options instead.
• Be sure to check signage carefully before leaving your vehicle to ensure that you are not parked illegally or in a restricted area.

Find Designated Areas for Free Parking in St. Augustine’s Downtown Area

The downtown area of St. Augustine is home to many popular attractions such as historic landmarks, museums, shops, and restaurants. Finding a designated area for free parking in this area can be challenging due to its popularity among tourists and locals alike.

Free Parking Garages

The Historic Downtown Parking Facility, located at 1 Cordova Street, offers free parking on Sundays and after 5 pm on weekdays. This garage has a capacity of 1,200 vehicles and is conveniently located near the downtown area’s main attractions. Visitors can park their vehicles here and explore the city on foot.

Free Street Parking

Visitors can also find free street parking in designated areas in the downtown area. These areas include Aviles Street, Riberia Street, and parts of King Street. Visitors should keep an eye out for signs indicating any restrictions or time limits on these streets.

Tips:

• Consider walking or biking to your destination if possible to avoid parking altogether.
• If you do need to drive, plan ahead by checking for designated free parking areas before arriving in the downtown area.

Park for Free Near Popular Tourist Attractions in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is home to many popular tourist attractions such as Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Finding free parking near these attractions can be challenging during peak seasons.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Visitors to this historic landmark can park their vehicles for free along Avenida Menendez or at the nearby City Marina lot located at 111 Avenida Menendez. The City Marina lot offers free parking after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

The lighthouse museum offers limited free parking spaces for visitors at its entrance located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. Visitors can also park for free along Red Cox Drive near the museum.

Tips:

• If free parking is not available near your destination, consider using a paid parking lot or garage to avoid getting a parking ticket.
• Check signage carefully before leaving your vehicle to ensure that you are not parked illegally or in a restricted area.

Know the Rules for Overnight Parking in Free Parking Areas of St. Augustine

St. Augustine offers several options for free parking, but visitors should be aware of the rules regarding overnight parking in these areas. Some areas allow overnight parking, while others do not.

Free Street Parking

Visitors can park their vehicles for free on designated streets such as Aviles Street, Riberia Street, and parts of King Street. However, overnight parking is prohibited on most streets in St. Augustine’s downtown area between 12 am and 6 am.

Free Public Parking Lots

The city’s public parking lots have varying rules regarding overnight parking. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility located at 1 Cordova Street allows overnight parking only on Sundays and after 5 pm on weekdays. The San Marco Lot located at 301 San Marco Avenue allows overnight parking except during special events or when otherwise posted.

Tips:

• Always check signage carefully before leaving your vehicle to ensure that you are not parked illegally or in a restricted area.
• If you need to park overnight, consider using a paid garage or lot instead of relying on free options that may have restrictions or limited availability.

Explore Free Parking Options Near Beaches and Outdoor Recreational Areas in St. Augustine

In addition to its historic downtown area, St. Augustine is also home to several beaches and outdoor recreational areas. Visitors can find free parking options near these areas to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

Anastasia State Park

Visitors to Anastasia State Park can park their vehicles for free at the park’s entrance located at 300 Anastasia Park Road. The park offers several amenities such as a beach, nature trails, and picnic areas.

Vilano Beach

Visitors to Vilano Beach can park their vehicles for free along Vilano Road or at the nearby Vilano Beach Town Center located at 115 Vilano Road. The beach offers several amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a playground.

Tips:

• Always check signage carefully before leaving your vehicle to ensure that you are not parked illegally or in a restricted area.
• If free parking is not available near your destination, consider using a paid parking lot or garage to avoid getting a parking ticket.

In conclusion, St Augustine offers several free parking options for visitors to the city, making it easier and more affordable to explore all that this historic destination has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is street parking free in St Augustine?
The cost of parking is $2.50 per hour, and both on-street and parking lot spaces have a time limit of four hours.

Is parking free at St Augustine after 5?
Parking is free on Sundays and national holidays if you park in a valid city spot along the street. Additionally, parking is free at any city spot between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Furthermore, if you park at the city spots around the Plaza de la Constitución, King, and Cathedral Streets, you can park for free from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.

How much does it cost to park at downtown St Augustine?
The Historic Downtown Parking Facility charges $15 for each vehicle that enters. If you have a ParkNow Card, the fee is reduced to $3 per vehicle. Motorcycle parking is also available.

Is there free parking at St Augustine Lighthouse?
The Museum offers the option to have weddings on the front lawn of the lighthouse keeper’s house. These packages include access to the museum and lighthouse, allowing guests to climb the stairs for a unique experience. Free parking is provided at the Museum for convenience.

What is free off street parking?
Off-street parking refers to parking your vehicle in a location that is not on a public street. This can include various parking facilities such as garages and lots, which can be located both indoors and outdoors. It may also encompass private lots, garages, and driveways.

Is downtown St. Augustine walkable?
St. Augustine is a city that is ideal for walking and exploring on foot. The best thing about staying in this city is that you can park your car at your hotel and travel around the town on foot. There are also free parking options available with Old Town Trolleys and Ripley’s Red Express Tours, which offer hop-on and hop-off stops at various locations throughout the city.