✨ Day Trip to St. Augustine from Jacksonville — Nights of Lights & What to See
St. Augustine, Florida — the nation’s oldest city — makes a perfect day trip from your stay at Rental Destination Relaxation I & II in Jacksonville. With historic streets, waterfront views, and seasonal events like Nights of Lights, it’s an easy, experience-packed escape just a short drive from our properties.
๐ Nights of Lights 2025 — Dates & Highlights
The award-winning Nights of Lights display runs nightly from November 15, 2025 through January 11, 2026, transforming downtown St. Augustine into a glittering, walkable wonderland with over three million white lights. The season opens with the official Light-Up! Night and features special tours, carriage rides, and extended downtown hours for dining and shopping.
๐ถ Top Things to Do in St. Augustine (Perfect for a Day Trip)
- Walk St. George Street — the pedestrian historic shopping and dining corridor lined with boutiques, galleries and local eateries. A must for strolling, souvenirs, and people-watching.
- Castillo de San Marcos — tour the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. and enjoy waterfront views and living history demonstrations. Allow ~45–60 minutes for a good walk-through.
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum — climb the tower for sweeping views, explore maritime exhibits, and check seasonal tour availability (open daily during fall/winter hours).
- Nights of Lights Tours — choose from trolley, walking, or boat tours that enhance the lights experience (many run nightly during the festival). Reservations for popular tours are recommended.
- Local dining & riverfront sunsets — sample fresh seafood at historic riverfront restaurants and stroll the bayfront at dusk for beautiful seasonal views.
๐ Travel Time & Why VRDR Is a Great Home Base
From Rental Destination Relaxation I & II in Jacksonville, St. Augustine is typically about a 45–60 minute drive depending on traffic — ideal for a relaxed day trip. After you’ve enjoyed the lights, tours, and dinner, you’ll be back in the comfort of your VRDR rental in no time.
Why guests choose VRDR for St. Augustine day trips:
- Comfortable, family-friendly rentals with full kitchens — great for packing snacks or warming up after an evening lights tour.
- Close proximity to I-95 and major routes makes the drive quick and straightforward.
- Plenty of space to store purchases, swap outfits, or host family members who want to rest between activities.
- Fast Wi-Fi and smart TVs so you can check event times, book tours, or relax after a long day.
๐ก Day-Trip Tips
- Book popular Nights of Lights tours in advance — they sell out on weekends and around holidays.
- Wear comfortable shoes — historic streets are best enjoyed on foot. St. George Street is pedestrian-only and ideal for strolling.
- Plan for parking: downtown parking fills quickly on peak nights; consider arriving earlier or using guided tours that include pickup/drop-off.
- Combine activities: pair a morning lighthouse visit or Castillo tour with an evening Lights tour for a full-day experience.
๐ Book Your Jacksonville Stay — Easy Access to St. Augustine
Make VRDR your home base for a stress-free St. Augustine day trip this season. Check availability and book Rental Destination Relaxation I & II — comfortable, convenient, and perfectly located for beach time, city trips, and holiday lights in St. Augustine.
Sources: Official Visit St. Augustine Nights of Lights page; City of St. Augustine Light-Up Night announcement; St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum visit page; St. George Street visitor information; Castillo de San Marcos (NPS).







