The easiest place to park in downtown St. Augustine is the city's Historic Downtown Parking Facility at 1 Cordova St., next to the Visitor Information Center. It costs $20 per entry from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and $5 from 5 to 9 p.m. City meters and lots are $2.50 an hour with a 4-hour limit. On the busiest Nights of Lights dates, the city runs free park-and-ride shuttles.
The short version: three ways to park
Most visitors use one of three options:
- The city garage (Historic Downtown Parking Facility): the simplest choice, a short walk from the City Gates and the north end of St. George Street.
- City meters and lots: good for shorter stops, with a 4-hour limit.
- Free park-and-ride shuttles: on the busiest Nights of Lights dates.
There are private lots downtown too, with their own rates and payment systems. City pay stations display the City crest and the ParkStAug logo, so you can tell them apart. All prices below come from the City of St. Augustine's parking pages, checked October 25, 2026. Rates can change, especially during special events, so check the posted signs when you arrive.
The Historic Downtown Parking Facility (city garage)
The city garage is at 1 Cordova St., next to the Visitor Information Center. It has 1,200 spaces and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The office is staffed 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Rates are per vehicle, per entry:
- Peak (7 a.m.–5 p.m.): $20
- Off-peak (5–9 p.m.): $5
- St. Johns County residents with an approved discount: $3
The city notes that peak hours may change during holidays and special events.
Why it works: you pay once and walk all day. From the garage it's a short stroll to the City Gates, a stop on our free Three Keys walk, and to the start of St. George Street. One catch: "per entry" means leaving and coming back costs you again, so plan lunch on foot.
Street meters, city lots and the ParkStAug app
City-owned meters and lots cost $2.50 an hour (St. Johns County residents pay $0.50 after registering their plate). The limit is 4 hours. Enforcement hours vary by location, so read the hours posted on each pay station.
Pay stations are cashless and take credit and debit cards. You can also pay in the ParkStAug app, and you can add time, up to the posted maximum, by entering your license plate.
Three ways to avoid a ticket:
- Some streets are reserved for residents. If the sign says "Resident Parking," you need a permit.
- Don't park on the white-striped area next to a disabled space. It's a wheelchair access aisle.
- Disabled placard or plate holders park free at any City meter or pay station. In the city garage, the placard owner must be present.
Parking near the Castillo de San Marcos
The National Park Service lists a paid lot for Castillo visitors: $2.50 an hour, seven days a week. Vehicles longer than 21 feet, including trailers, can't use it, but you can drop off and pick up passengers there. For larger vehicles, the NPS points to free city parking at the corner of West Castillo Drive and Riberia Street. Overnight parking for RVs, buses and trailers is by permit only ($35 plus tax) in the city's designated Riberia Street lot, sold at the garage office. Camping isn't allowed.
Before you go, read why the fort's walls "swallowed" cannonballs in Mystery File 001, and see what to look for on our free sights page. Families can turn the visit into a game with The Secret of the Spanish Fortress.
Nights of Lights parking and free shuttles
Nights of Lights runs Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027 (see our full guide). On the busiest nights the city runs a free park-and-ride shuttle. Parking at the lots is free too:
- Broudy's Lot, 198 W. King St.
- North San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Ave.
- St. Johns County Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View
Shuttles drop off and pick up at the Visitor Information Center, 10 S. Castillo Dr. The city's shuttle page lists service from 1 to 11 p.m. on Nov 21, 27 and 28; Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 13 and 18–31; and Jan 1 and 2. On Dec 12 it starts at 8 a.m. for the Christmas Parade. The city's main Nights of Lights page still shows last season's details, so confirm the dates on the shuttle page or in the official Nights of Lights app before you go, and catch your shuttle back before service ends.
The fleet is ADA compliant, though not every shuttle has a lift during peak season, so you may wait for an accessible one. Only trained service animals may ride.
More tips for an easy day
- Check events first. Festival and concert days fill parking faster.
- Take a photo of your garage level or pay-station zone.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Once you're parked, the historic core is walkable. Our St. Augustine in One Day itinerary is built for exactly that.
- Staying overnight? A hotel within walking distance lets you leave the car for the whole trip.
- Make the walk count: our scavenger hunts turn the streets between your car and the sights into the adventure.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to park in downtown St. Augustine?
The city garage is $20 per entry from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and $5 from 5 to 9 p.m. City meters and lots are $2.50 an hour with a 4-hour limit. Rates were checked Oct 25, 2026, and can change during special events.
Is there free parking in downtown St. Augustine?
The city's parking pages don't list free general parking downtown. Free options include the park-and-ride lots on Nights of Lights shuttle dates, City meters for disabled placard holders, and, per the National Park Service, a city lot for larger vehicles at West Castillo Drive and Riberia Street.
Is the St. Augustine parking garage open 24 hours?
Yes. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility at 1 Cordova St. is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The office is open 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
How long can I park at a meter in St. Augustine?
Four hours at city lots and street meters. You can add time in the ParkStAug app or at a pay station, up to the posted limit.
Where should I park for Nights of Lights?
On the busiest nights, use the city's free park-and-ride lots and shuttle to the Visitor Information Center. Other nights, the city garage is closest. Check the city's shuttle page for dates.
Sources (checked Oct 25, 2026): citystaug.com/502 (garage), citystaug.com/513 (street & lot parking), citystaug.com/574 (parking tips), citystaug.com parking FAQ, citystaug.com/516 (Nights of Lights free shuttle), nps.gov Castillo de San Marcos parking lot page.
Hours, fees and schedules change. Confirm with each organizer or site before you go. ← More from the blog