What Tourists Get Wrong About Visiting St. Augustine
Local Advice from Someone Who’s Been Driving the Ancient City for Nearly Two Decades
St. Augustine Is Amazing… But It Isn’t What Many Visitors Expect
Every year millions of people visit St. Augustine expecting a small, sleepy beach town where everything is easy.
Then reality arrives.
The city is beautiful. The history is incredible. The beaches are fantastic.
But there are a few things visitors regularly underestimate.
After spending nearly 20 years helping locals and tourists get around town, here are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them.
More local guides: https://www.abraxitaxi.org/
Transportation information: https://www.abraxitaxi.com/
Mistake #1: Thinking Parking Will Be Easy
Many visitors assume they can drive downtown and find parking right in front of wherever they’re going.
Not during:
- Nights of Lights
- Holiday weekends
- Concert nights
- Spring Break
- Summer weekends
Downtown parking fills quickly, and traffic can back up around the Bridge of Lions and historic district.
Local Tip:
Park once and walk—or arrange transportation.
Transportation rates: https://www.abraxitaxi.com/rates
Mistake #2: Underestimating Florida Heat
Many visitors arrive ready to walk all day.
By 2 PM in July, they are searching for shade, water, and air conditioning.
Even locals slow down during summer afternoons.
Local Tip:
Schedule outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening.
Official weather information:
https://www.weather.gov/
Mistake #3: Thinking All Beaches Are the Same
St. Augustine has several vastly different beaches.
St. Augustine Beach
Best for families and activities.
Vilano Beach
More relaxed with excellent sunsets.
Anastasia State Park
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Read our complete beach guide:
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/best-beaches-st-augustine
Mistake #4: Forgetting How Far Things Actually Are
Visitors often assume:
- The beach is next to downtown
- The Amp is downtown
- World Golf Village is nearby
Not exactly.
For example:
St. Augustine Amphitheatre
World Golf Village
https://www.worldgolfvillage.com/
Castillo de San Marcos
Everything is accessible—but not necessarily walkable.
Mistake #5: Not Planning Concert Transportation
People buy concert tickets and assume they will figure out transportation later.
Then thousands of people leave at the same time.
Local Tip:
Have a transportation plan before arriving.
See our Amp guide:
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/st-augustine-amp-schedule
Mistake #6: Ignoring the Bridge of Lions
The Bridge of Lions is beautiful.
It is also one of the biggest traffic bottlenecks in town.
Local Tip:
Allow extra time whenever crossing between:
- Anastasia Island
- Downtown St. Augustine
Especially during events and holidays.
Official bridge information:
https://www.citystaug.com/
Mistake #7: Only Eating on St. George Street
St. George Street is wonderful.
But some of the best food is elsewhere.
Consider:
The Floridian
https://www.thefloridianstaug.com/
Lotus Noodle Bar
https://www.lotusnoodlebar.com/
The Ice Plant
Meehan’s Irish Pub
https://www.meehansirishpub.com/
Mistake #8: Thinking St. Augustine Is Only History
Yes, we are America’s oldest continuously occupied European-established city.
But there is also:
- Live music
- Beaches
- Golf
- Breweries
- Ghost tours
- Festivals
- Weddings
- Nightlife
Official visitor information:
https://www.visitstaugustine.com/
Mistake #9: Assuming Uber Will Always Be Available
Sometimes it is.
Sometimes it isn’t.
Especially during:
- Nights of Lights
- Festivals
- Concerts
- Bar closing time
Many visitors are surprised by surge pricing and wait times.
Read our comparison guide:
https://www.abraxitaxi.org/taxi-vs-uber-st-augustine
Mistake #10: Trying to Do Everything in One Day
You cannot.
And honestly, you should not.
St. Augustine rewards slower travel.
Take time to:
- Sit by the bayfront
- Watch a sunset
- Explore side streets
- Enjoy a meal
- Listen to live music
The city is not going anywhere.
The Local Verdict
The best St. Augustine trips happen when visitors:
✔ Plan transportation ahead
✔ Expect some walking
✔ Explore beyond the obvious attractions
✔ Slow down and enjoy the city
Do that, and you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.
Need Help Getting Around?
Abraxi Taxi provides:
✔ Local transportation
✔ Concert rides
✔ Beach transportation
✔ Wedding transportation
✔ Nightlife pickups
View rates: https://www.abraxitaxi.com/rates
Contact us: 904-599-6666
Abraxi Taxi is a St. Augustine transportation service offering flat-rate rides, beach transportation, concert transportation, wedding transportation, and local transportation throughout St. Johns County.