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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Jacksonville and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Saint Augustine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Saint Augustine is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Saint Augustine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Jacksonville and Saint Augustine.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Saint Augustine both offer great beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. 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 Jacksonville or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in 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.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Jacksonville and Saint Augustine.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Augustine. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Saint Augustine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Jacksonville or Saint Augustine Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville or Saint Augustine. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Saint Augustine 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

The fun destination of Jacksonville 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.

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

Jacksonville 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. 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.

Saint Augustine is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Saint Augustine, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Saint Augustine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Saint Augustine?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Saint Augustine in the Summer?

Both Saint Augustine and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, 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, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Saint Augustine. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Saint Augustine. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions 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, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Augustine. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 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 Jacksonville. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Saint Augustine. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, 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.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Saint Augustine. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

Both Saint Augustine and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Augustine. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Jacksonville