A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Saint Augustine for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Saint Augustine. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Boca Raton and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Saint Augustine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boca Raton is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Saint Augustine is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Augustine and Boca Raton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Saint Augustine and Boca Raton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Saint Augustine both to be great destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Boca Raton know how to have a good time. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches in Boca Raton are among the best in the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boca Raton and Saint Augustine both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Saint Augustine are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Saint Augustine both great destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Boca Raton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Boca Raton or Saint Augustine. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boca Raton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Saint Augustine. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boca Raton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boca Raton than Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boca Raton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Boca Raton if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Augustine.

One day in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

The relaxed destination of Boca Raton offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the notable city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Augustine, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Boca Raton. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Saint Augustine, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Saint Augustine.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Saint Augustine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Saint Augustine, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Boca Raton or Saint Augustine?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Augustine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Saint Augustine. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Saint Augustine. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

Both Saint Augustine and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Boca Raton is generally a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

Both Saint Augustine and Boca Raton during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Saint Augustine in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets less rain in January than Saint Augustine. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Saint Augustine. The beaches are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Boca Raton