4th of July in St. Augustine

Local tips on the best places to watch the fireworks and celebrate America’s Birthday!

Old Town Trolley of St. Augustine wishes you and your family a safe and eventful 4th of July.

Due to the July 4th fireworks, Old Town Trolley will be closing July 4th, at 3:00pm. The last trolley will go out at 3:00 pm. Ghosts & Gravestones will also not operate on July 4.

St. Augustine Residents Receive Free Admission*

Bring out of town guests for a great trolley tour and get your ticket for free.
St. Augustine Residents Receive Free Admission for Old Town Trolley St. Augustine with a full paying adult guest. Signup for the Hometown Pass program today.

Attractions Open July 4th

Old Jail

Built by Henry Flagler in 1891, the Old Jail in St. Augustine was designed to resemble one of his grand hotels, standing as one of the enduring 19th-century jails. This historical site has held prisoners for over six decades. Embark on the Old Jail Tour, where an expert Deputy guides visitors into the world of the past, showcasing the men and women’s cramped cement cells that intrigue visitors of all ages with their diminutive size. Experience the juxtaposition of the Sheriff’s living quarters directly above the prisoners’ cells, offering a stark contrast in living conditions within the same walls. Additionally, the jail houses a collection of weapons involved in actual crimes, available for public viewing. Open inclusively on July 4th, this tour is a profound walk through history.

Oldest Store

Open 4th of July, walking amongst all these vintage wears is like being on an expedition through time. Watch in amazement as our friendly clerks, butcher and Snake Oil salesman demonstrate the very latest inventions for turn-of-the-century living. Get to know the latest and best time-saving miracles from the rockin’ 1900s!The Oldest Store Museum doesn’t just tell history; it revives it, offering a tangible connection to the past in the heart of historic St. Augustine.

Restaurants and Places to Eat Open July 4th

Beaches at Vilano

Open on 4th of July, dine with your toes in the sand at this unique restaurant located directly on the beach. Beaches at Vilano features delicious American cuisine, signature drinks, live music and the ambiance of the tropics.

The Reef

Seaside tables overlook sand dunes and provide oceanfront views in this elegant St. Augustine restaurant. Dine al fresco in the fall, when the sea breezes will keep you cool as you enjoy their specialties during your 4th of July vacation.

Henry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

Overlooking the bay, this local favorite is open 4th of July and serves up savory seafood infused with creole, Cajun & southern flavors.

Here are some local tips on the best places to celebrate:

4th of July Fireworks in St. Augustine

Gather close to the Castillo de San Marcos for a great view of the St. Augustine 4th of July fireworks over the bay. The best viewing point is between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions. The fireworks start at 9:30pm and include a great soundtrack of patriotic music for gazers to enjoy.

Fireworks Over The Matanzas 

Holidays are built around traditions and few holidays have more great family traditions than the 4th of July: great food, outdoor band concerts, a day with friends and family, and of course, fireworks! They all come together in a grand celebration, and there’s no better place to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day than in the Nation’s Oldest City and no better way than Fireworks Over The Matanzas.

First, there’s music starting at 6:00pm with one of the region’s most popular big bands, The All Star Orchestra, performing from the Plaza de la Constitución’s Gazebo.

Then there’s Fireworks Over The Matanzas, the highlight of St. Augustine’s traditional July 4th activities, beginning at 9:30pm.The 20-minute display high over Matanzas Bay is tightly choreographed to a stirring soundtrack of great popular and patriotic music delivered over an extensive sound system transforming the entire Bayfront between the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Bridge of Lions into a theatre of sight and sound.

Shuttle available on July 4, 6:00pm-midnight

A free Park & Ride Shuttle will be available on July 4, from 6:00pm until midnight from parking locations along Anastasia Blvd., especially convenient for residents of Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Shores and St. Augustine South.

The shuttle will run from four parking locations to the park at the east side of the Bridge of Lions. 

Passengers may park for free at:

• Anastasia Baptist Church (1650 A1A South) 
• St. Augustine Amphitheatre (1340-C A1A South)
• R.B. Hunt Elementary School (125 Magnolia Dr.)  
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (999 Anastasia Blvd.) 

See map of shuttle’s route and four parking areas.

Following the fireworks, the shuttle will pick-up passengers at the drop-off location at the east end of the Bridge of Lions. Old Town Trolley Tours and Ripley’s Red Train Tours are providing a dozen buses for the free shuttle service. 

For more information, call 904.825.4279 or email [email protected].

Top of the Lighthouse

Watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean and then stay for the fireworks display from the top of the famous St. Augustine Lighthouse. The cost is $50 per person and space is very limited, so make your reservations early. This is a one-of-a-kind experience and offers more romantic ambiance.

Rooftop Celebrations

Several restaurants in downtown St. Augustine offer rooftop events for the fireworks celebration. The events include dinner buffets, full service bar, and great views of the fireworks. Limited reservations. This is the best way to view the fireworks if you are looking for a quaint, romantic atmosphere.