St. Augustine, known as the nation’s oldest city, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a popular destination for tourists looking to experience centuries-old landmarks and scenic views. For military service members and veterans, many attractions and tours offer discounts as a way to show appreciation for their service. Here’s a guide to some of the top attractions and tours in St. Augustine that offer military discounts:
Attractions
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Built by the Spanish in 1672 to protect the city from foreign invasions, the Castillo de San Marcos is a massive stone fortress located on the shore of Matanzas Bay. This iconic structure, made from coquina, has withstood centuries of conflict and remains a symbol of Spain’s influence in the New World. Visitors can explore its ramparts, watch cannons being fired, and learn about the fort’s role during the Spanish, British, and American periods of rule.
Military Discount: Free entry for active duty military with a valid ID. Veterans may access the site for free with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass admits the holder and up to three adults (children 15 and under are free).
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Towering 165 feet above the city, the St. Augustine Lighthouse provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and city. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to reach the top and take in the beauty of Anastasia Island. The lighthouse is also home to a maritime museum that showcases the area’s naval history, including shipwreck artifacts, maritime archaeology, and rotating exhibits about coastal navigation and preservation.
Military Discount: The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum will offer FREE admission for US Military Veterans on Veterans Day; Monday, November 11th. Museum hours are 9 AM to 6 PM.
Immediate family members of Veterans will receive 10% off admission. Free admission is also available for active military and their immediate family on Veterans Day and all year long.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
This 15-acre park commemorates the site where Spanish explorer Ponce de León is believed to have landed in 1513. Visitors can drink from the famous Fountain of Youth and explore the fascinating archeological findings of the Timucua Native American village that predates European settlement. The park features historical reenactments, a working cannon, a replica of a 16th-century Spanish watchtower, and even native and colonial gardens.
Military Discount: $2 off regular admission year-round for active-duty military and veterans who present a valid ID.
Lightner Museum
Housed in the stunning former Hotel Alcazar, the Lightner Museum is a unique showcase of art, antiques, and curiosities from the 19th century. Visitors can explore its vast collection, including everything from Tiffany glass and fine Victorian furniture to rare mechanical musical instruments. The museum is also known for its grand ballroom and indoor courtyard, where concerts and events are often held.
Military Discount: Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy admission for $16.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine
As the very first Ripley’s museum ever established, this odditorium features a bizarre collection of unusual artifacts, strange art, and interactive exhibits. From shrunken heads to sculptures made of matchsticks, the museum offers endless curiosity and entertainment. It’s an ideal spot for families and visitors seeking a quirky and fun break from more traditional historical attractions.
Military Discount: 30% off admission for active-duty military and veterans, as well as their dependents. To receive this military discount, mention the savings upon arrival at the ticket counter and bring proper ID.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
This zoological park is home to a wide variety of reptiles, including all 24 recognized species of crocodiles. The Alligator Farm also features exhibits of birds, mammals, and other reptiles, along with thrilling zipline adventures that take guests high over crocodile-filled enclosures. Visitors can also witness live feeding demonstrations, animal shows, and up-close encounters with wildlife.
Military Discount: Active-duty military members receive a 10% discount on general admission.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
At Marineland, visitors can interact with dolphins in various programs that range from in-water encounters to dockside training sessions. The facility also offers exhibits featuring sea turtles, stingrays, and other marine creatures. Marineland provides a unique opportunity to learn about marine biology and conservation efforts in a personal and hands-on way.
Military Discount: 25% off general admission, Meet & Greet, Dolphin Designs, Dolphin Encounter, Swim Adventure, and Royal Swim for active-duty and retired military personnel. Use the promo code listed on their website and provide proof of service.
Oldest House Museum
The Oldest House, also known as the González-Alvarez House, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial residence in Florida, dating back to the early 1700s. It is part of a museum complex that includes gardens, a rotating exhibit gallery, and an interactive history museum. The house itself offers a glimpse into colonial life, showcasing how architecture evolved in response to both Spanish and British influences. Guided tours bring the home’s rich history to life, telling stories of its inhabitants and the city’s development.
Military Discount: Active-duty military and veterans can provide proper ID to receive admission for $9.95.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
This museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts and treasures. Visitors can explore exhibits that reveal the lives of real pirates, including infamous figures like Blackbeard. With interactive displays, such as a replica pirate ship and canon firings, this museum is an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Military Discount: Military Price is $16.99 plus tax for adults year-round.
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum offers a detailed look at life in St. Augustine for women, travelers, and local residents during that time. Each room in the house has been carefully restored to reflect its original use, from the kitchen to the parlor. Visitors can take guided tours that reveal the story of the enterprising women who managed the house and the many guests who passed through its doors.
Military Discount: Both active and retired military personnel can enjoy admission for $10.
Tours & Adventures
Old Town Trolley Tours
Old Town Trolley Tours provides a flexible and informative way to experience St. Augustine. As a hop-on, hop-off trolley, it has over 20 stops covering major sites like the Castillo de San Marcos, the historic George Street, and the oldest schoolhouse in the United States.
Military Discount: Historic Tours of America is proud to partner with neighboring military bases, NAS JAX Naval Base and Mayport Naval Base, to offer discounted tour and attraction tickets to our active duty, retired, and authorized personnel.
FREE Admission to Veterans on November 11, 2024!
Ghost Tours of St. Augustine
St. Augustine is rich in haunted history. Ghost Tours of St. Augustine offers night tours that delve into the supernatural tales surrounding the city’s landmarks. The “Ghostly Experience” tour includes visits to spooky graveyards, historic buildings, and eerie alleyways, while the “Creepy Crawl Pub Tour” combines haunted locations with local pub stops for an extra layer of fun.
Military Discount: Military members receive a 50% discount on the Ghostly Experience.
Adventure Boat Tours
This scenic boat tour offers an opportunity to explore the wildlife and historic sites along St. Augustine’s waterways. With options for private and public cruises, visitors can enjoy up-close views of marine life, such as dolphins and manatees, as well as city sights.
Military Discount: $29 rate for active military personnel and $19 for children. Reservations are required. At time of booking, fees and taxes will be added.
Black Raven Adventures
Image courtesy of https://blackravenadventures.com/.
Black Raven Adventures is a one-of-a-kind interactive pirate cruise that combines adventure with theatrical entertainment. The cruise features an engaging pirate show with sword fights, singalongs, and sea shanties.
Military Discount: Active military members receive $3.00 off.
Florida Water Tours
Image courtesy of https://floridawatertour.com/.
Florida Water Tours offers a selection of scenic and themed cruises, including sunset cruises, dolphin and wildlife-watching tours, and even wine-tasting voyages. These excursions are well-suited to couples, families, and groups. The dolphin tours are especially popular, providing sightings of dolphins, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife against the backdrop of St. Augustine’s historic shoreline.
Military Discount: Various pricing for various tours.
Red Boat Tours
Image courtesy of https://redboattours.com/.
Red Boat Tours specializes in dolphin tours and sunset cruises. The captains offer a laidback yet informative experience, highlighting local wildlife and scenic areas around Vilano Beach and the city harbor.
Military Discount: Active-duty and retired military can receive 10% with proper ID and using the promo code MIL10 during May and November to recognize Memorial Day and Veterans Day, respectively. During September, use the promo code VET15 to receive a 15% discount.
Please note that both discounts ONLY apply to the Dolphin Odyssey and BYOB Sunset Cruise Tours!
Schooner Freedom Charters
Image courtesy of https://schoonerfreedom.com/.
This charter offers a traditional sailing experience aboard a 76-foot schooner. Visitors can choose from day sails or sunset cruises, each offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The boat’s crew can share stories on everything from the area’s maritime history to sports and marine wildlife.
Military Discount: Active military members can enjoy a 10% discount on sailing charters.
Sea Serpent Tours
Image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/SeaSerpentTours/.
Sea Serpent Tours provides airboat rides and pontoon boat rentals. The airboat tours speed through the waters around St. Augustine, giving riders an exhilarating way to see local wildlife, including alligators and wading birds. Pontoon rides are a more relaxed journey through the city’s natural habitats.
Military Discounts: Active military members receive 20% off on all tours and rentals.
St. Augustine Boat Tours
Image courtesy of https://www.boattoursstaugustine.com/.
St. Augustine Boat Tours offers scenic cruises that highlight the historic architecture of the city’s waterfront. With knowledgeable guides, passengers can see local landmarks while they learn about and look for local marine life, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of birds.
Military Discounts: Military members can save 10% on their tickets by entering the promo code MILITARY when booking online. When checking in, present proper ID.
St. Augustine City Walks
Image courtesy of https://www.staugcitywalks.com/.
St. Augustine City Walks provides an immersive, guided experience through the historic streets of St. Augustine. Food and wine tours introduce visitors to the city’s culinary scene, while the historic walking tours cover iconic locations, offering insight into over 450 years of history.
Military Discounts: Active-duty military, first responders, and law enforcement can enjoy $50 off the Food & Wine Tours.
St. Augustine Scenic Cruise
This traditional sightseeing cruise offers a leisurely way to view St. Augustine’s waterfront landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The vessel is comfortable and spacious, providing an excellent viewing platform for photographing the historic skyline.
Military Discounts: Only for military person verified with owner $2.00 off regular adult admission year round.
The Tasting Tours
The Tasting Tours offers food and beverage experiences by foot or carriage, with knowledgeable guides providing historical context along the way. Tours include a variety of local culinary experiences, such as wining and dining, brunch tours, desert pairings, and more!
Military Discount: You need to use discount code USAHERO for $10.00 off. No other discount codes can be used.
Wrap Up
Exploring the beautiful and historic city of St. Augustine is a rewarding experience, and with military discounts available at many of the tours and attractions, it’s easier than ever for active-duty members, veterans, and their families to enjoy it all. From scenic tours and immersive museums to unique local attractions, these discounts are a small token of appreciation for those who have served. So, whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, be sure to take advantage of these offerings and make the most of your visit to the nation’s oldest city. Thank you for your service, and happy exploring!
