Fun in the Sun: Where to Stay in St. Augustine, Florida

There’s a lot to love about St. Augustine, Florida. It’s got a little bit of everything – miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, more than four centuries of history (it is the oldest city in the United States, you know) and an iconic lighthouse that bests all others in Florida.

There are a variety of delightful stays in St. Augustine that range from offbeat motels steps from the beach to charming inns nestled into the historic district. To help you decide where to stay, Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite accommodations in St. Augustine.

Ocean Sands Beach Inn

This quaint 29-room inn sits just steps from Vilano Beach, a secluded coastal stretch widely considered to be St. Augustine’s best-kept secret. Be lulled by the calming sounds of ocean waves as you relax on your private balcony or patio at this two-story motel.

When not splashing in the waves, an outdoor pool awaits for more fun in the sun. The Ocean Sands Beach Inn wows with comfortable rooms accented with splashes of sky blue and lime green. Start your day with a hot breakfast buffet in the motel’s outdoor seating area.

Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

Situated in St. Augustine’s historic district, the 72-room Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront is a mere 6-minute walk from famed Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. It’s also a short walk from the elusive Fountain of Youth.

Overlooking Matanzas Bay, watch as boats gently sail by from the balcony of your newly-renovated hotel room. Enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning at on-site Aviles Restaurant & Lounge before setting out to explore the history of the oldest city in America.

The Collector

For those eager to explore the history and culture of St. Augustine kid-free, look no further than The Collector. This charming adults-only property has just 30 thoughtfully-appointed guest rooms and was named one of the 10 Best New Hotels in America by USA Today.

The Collector is easy walking distance from many of St. Augustine’s most revered attractions, including the Lightner Museum, Flagler College and Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Enjoy a free continental breakfast, vintage bike rentals and docent-led historical property tours.

Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach

For wide sandy beaches, a four-acre waterfront park and lots of space to play (even with your doggo), plan for a stay near St. Augustine Beach. At 150-room Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach, you’re right on one of Travel Channel’s 25 Best Beaches for Families.

The pet-friendly resort is a short drive from the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse and Anastasia State Park, a great place to ride bikes right on the beach (best done at low tide). Relax under a beach umbrella or enjoy a frozen tropical drink at the on-site seasonal tiki bar.

Magic Beach Motel

For a taste of Florida’s iconic art deco style (and a lot of colorful neon), look to the Magic Beach Motel. This 26-room motel wows with brightly-colored hand-painted murals both inside and outside guest rooms, livening up spaces with underwater and tropical beach landscapes.

This retro-style motel is a short walk from both Vilano Beach (1 minute) and St. Augustine Beach (11 minutes). It’s also an easy walk to Anastasia State Park for surfing, swimming and fishing. An outdoor pool and plenty of chaise lounges are ideal for soaking in the Florida sun.

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this article by Hotels.com. All opinions expressed here are my own.