A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Saint Augustine for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Saint Augustine are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Saint Augustine is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Augustine. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Saint Augustine can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Saint Augustine are great family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Saint Augustine is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Saint Augustine.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Saint Augustine both are great when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable coastal city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

The bustling destination of Fort Lauderdale offers nightlife and food. 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.

The notable destination of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

The coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

Fort Lauderdale 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 is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

The luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers shopping and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Saint Augustine, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine in the Summer?

Both Saint Augustine and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

Both Saint Augustine and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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 the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Saint Augustine. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Saint Augustine. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Saint Augustine. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Saint Augustine. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Saint Augustine in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Saint Augustine. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Fort Lauderdale