Combining a Dolphin Program With Downtown St. Augustine
If you are swimming with the dolphins in St. Augustine and want to add a visit to the City of St. Augustine, which I highly recommend, you need to think about parking before arriving downtown.
Remember, St. Augustine is recognized as the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the United States. If you love history, this is the place to see. Like any popular city, parking can be challenging, especially during summer, spring break and Christmas time.
If you participate in a morning dolphin program, you should have plenty of time to visit the city during the afternoon. This information can be especially helpful for visitors coming from Orlando, Daytona Beach or Jacksonville.
Public Parking Near Plaza de la Constitución and St. George Street
1. Plaza de la Constitución and Cathedral Place Parking
The closest public parking spaces are around the Plaza, Cathedral Place and nearby sections of King Street. When you find an available space here, you will be only about a one- to four-minute walk from the center of the historic district.
This is the most convenient choice for visitors who want immediate access to the Plaza, restaurants, shops and the beginning of St. George Street. The disadvantage is that these spaces are limited and can fill quickly.
City-owned metered parking generally costs $2.50 per hour. Payment can be made by credit card at the parking kiosk or through the ParkStAug mobile app. The newer downtown kiosks may not accept cash, so carrying a credit or debit card is recommended.
Best For
This area is best for a shorter downtown visit of one to three hours, especially when you arrive early and can find an open space.
2. King Street Metered Parking
King Street runs from the bayfront past the Plaza and Flagler College. Depending on where you find a space, you may be between one and six minutes from the Plaza.
Parking near the eastern end of King Street gives you easy access to the waterfront, Cathedral Basilica and St. George Street. Spaces farther west place you closer to Flagler College and the Lightner Museum.
The standard city-metered rate is generally $2.50 per hour, payable by credit card at the kiosk or through the ParkStAug app. Most downtown metered spaces have posted time restrictions, so read the signs carefully before walking away.
3. Avenida Menendez Bayfront Parking
Avenida Menendez runs along the beautiful St. Augustine bayfront. Parking spaces along this road can place you approximately two to eight minutes from the Plaza, depending on where you park.
This is one of my favorite areas because you can begin your visit with views of the Bridge of Lions and Matanzas Bay. From there, it is an easy walk to the Plaza, St. George Street and the historic buildings downtown.
The city-metered rate is generally $2.50 per hour. Visitors can normally pay by credit card at the kiosk or use the ParkStAug mobile app.
4. Charlotte Street Parking
Charlotte Street is located just east of St. George Street and runs through much of the St. Augustine historic district. Parking here can put you approximately two to seven minutes from the Plaza.
Charlotte Street is convenient for accessing shops, restaurants, historic homes and the bayfront. It is also a good alternative when King Street and Cathedral Place are full.
These are generally city-metered spaces costing $2.50 per hour, with payment available by credit card or through the parking app.
5. Castillo de San Marcos Parking Lot
The parking lot in front of the Castillo de San Marcos is approximately a seven- to ten-minute walk from the Plaza. This is a very convenient choice when you plan to visit both the fort and downtown St. Augustine.
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fortress in the continental United States and one of the city’s most important historic attractions.
Parking near the fort is metered and generally costs $2.50 per hour. Payment is typically made by credit card at a kiosk or through the ParkStAug app. The parking area can fill quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays.
6. Historic Downtown Parking Facility
The Historic Downtown Parking Facility is located at 10 West Castillo Drive, beside the Visitor Information Center. It is approximately an eight- to ten-minute walk to the Plaza and only a few minutes from the northern entrance to St. George Street.
The standard rate is generally $20 per vehicle, per entry during peak daytime hours. An evening rate of approximately $5 per entry may apply between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., although special-event prices can be higher.
The garage accepts cash and major credit or debit cards. However, payment options can change, so check the signs at the entrance.
For an all-day visit, this is often the easiest and least stressful choice. You do not have to keep returning to a meter, and the garage has more spaces than the smaller downtown lots.
7. Granada Street, Cedar Street and Cordova Street
Public metered spaces around Granada, Cedar and Cordova streets are approximately seven to twelve minutes from the Plaza. This area is convenient for the Lightner Museum, Flagler College and the southern side of downtown.
The standard metered rate is generally $2.50 per hour, payable by card or through the ParkStAug app.
8. Tolomato Lane and Valencia Street
Tolomato Lane and Valencia Street are generally about an eight- to twelve-minute walk from the Plaza. They can be useful alternatives when the central parking areas are full.
Tolomato Lane provides access to the northern historic district, while Valencia Street places you closer to Flagler College. Always check the signs because some nearby streets are reserved for residents.
9. Marine Street and the Southern Bayfront
Parking along Marine Street and the southern bayfront can be approximately seven to fifteen minutes from the Plaza. This is farther away, but the walk passes historic homes, the municipal marina and scenic waterfront areas.
This option may work well when parking closer to St. George Street is unavailable.
Parking Payment Options in Downtown St. Augustine
Many downtown metered spaces and public lots accept payment by credit or debit card. Visitors may also use the ParkStAug mobile app to pay for parking, monitor their session and extend their parking time when permitted.
Newer parking kiosks may not accept cash, so it is a good idea to have a payment card available and download the parking app before arriving.
The Historic Downtown Parking Facility may accept cash and major credit cards, but visitors should always check the entrance signs for current payment rules.
My Final St. Augustine Parking Tips
For a full afternoon of sightseeing, I recommend using the Historic Downtown Parking Facility. For a shorter visit, try the metered spaces around the Plaza, King Street, Charlotte Street or Avenida Menendez.
Download the ParkStAug app before arriving, keep your license plate number handy and never park in a space marked for residents only. During major events, including the Christmas Nights of Lights season, consider using one of the city’s satellite parking and shuttle services when available.
After visiting downtown, you can continue exploring other nearby attractions, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse or relaxing along St. Augustine Beach.
With a little advance planning, you can enjoy your dolphin experience, the St. Augustine historic district and the beach without allowing parking to become the most memorable part of your day.
