Welcome to the Sunshine State! Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey from Winter Garden to St. Augustine? This trip, a picturesque jaunt through some of Florida’s most charming locales, offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and vibrant city life. From the moment you set off from Winter Garden, you’re in for a treat, with the promise of an adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
This blog post is your comprehensive guide to make this journey as enjoyable as possible. It covers all the essential aspects of the trip, including “how far is Winter Garden FL to St Augustine FL”, travel time, scenic routes, transportation options, attractions, food, accommodation, road trip tips, weather, and even alternative routes. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Explore the journey from Winter Garden to St. Augustine, with a distance of 94 miles and travel time of 7h 3m.
Discover scenic landscapes, quaint towns and intriguing attractions along the way by car or bus.
Consider essential road trip tips such as packing items for safety precautions before embarking on this journey through Florida’s East Coast.
Traveling from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is a thrilling adventure, enriching the exploration of these two vibrant cities. The estimated distance between these two locations is approximately 94 miles (151 km), offering a delightful road trip that takes you through some of Florida’s most picturesque landscapes.
However, this journey values the time spent enjoying the route more than the miles covered. The estimated duration of the journey from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is approximately 7h 3m, including transfers. This might seem long, but every moment spent on the road unfolds a new vista of beauty, promising an experience worth every minute.
If you’re driving, the quickest route from Winter Garden to St. Augustine by car is I-95 N. This route offers a blend of scenic beauty and easy navigation, making your drive a pleasant experience. The flight distance between the two locations is approximately 97 miles, but considering the scenic beauty you’d miss, the car trip is much more rewarding.
The estimated travel time by car between Winter Garden and St. Augustine is 1 hour 58 minutes, which allows ample time to relish the journey, make pit stops for scenic views, and reach St. Augustine early enough to start your city exploration.
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. There are car rental options available for the journey from Winter Garden to St. Augustine. Thus, you can still relish the liberty of traversing the scenic routes and exploring at a leisurely pace.
Winter Garden offers a variety of rental car options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you are traveling alone or with family, you can find a car that meets your needs. Here are the prices for different car types:
Small cars: starting at $14
Intermediate level cars: starting at $18
Full-size cars: starting at $24
SUVs: starting at $28
Vans: starting at $40
Select the one that aligns with your budget, calculate your expenses, and begin your journey!
A key highlight of the trip from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is the scenic route that showcases some of Florida’s most stunning landscapes, making it a perfect garden to Saint Augustine journey. This route captivates the senses with its blend of picturesque views, enchanting towns, and intriguing attractions.
Your trip commences in Winter Garden, with Sanford being the first stop, about 48 minutes into the journey. Spend about an hour exploring this beautiful Florida town before you get back on the road. The next stop is Daytona Beach, another gem on Florida’s East Coast, where you can take a break and enjoy the city’s vibrant ambiance.
However, the route doesn’t terminate here. After Daytona Beach, you’ll drive for about 52 minutes to reach Matanzas Inlet, a charming locale worth exploring. Spend an hour soaking in the beauty of this place before you embark on the final leg of your journey, a 25-minute drive to St. Augustine.
Traveling this scenic route, you’ll encounter some prominent cities between Winter Garden and St. Augustine. These include:
Daytona Beach
Saint Augustine Beach
DeLand
Ormond Beach
New Smyrna Beach
Each offering unique experiences and attractions at their respective location.
You also get the opportunity to visit various attractions that add excitement to this route. These include:
Daytona Beach Main Street Pier
Flagler College
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Princess Place Preserve
Each of these attractions contributes a unique element to your road trip, making it an unforgettable journey.
An important tip for this road trip is to take into account its duration. The road trip from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is a one-day drive, so plan accordingly. While there are no explicit recommendations for restaurants or hotels along the way, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
While the road trip from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is a fantastic experience, it’s essential to consider the transportation options that best suit your preferences and requirements. The two main modes of transportation for this journey are by car or by bus.
Journeying by car provides a level of freedom and flexibility not found in other modes of transportation. The travel duration by car is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, a reasonable time considering the distance and the sights you’ll get to enjoy. However, remember to factor in the costs associated with gas and parking fees.
Driving a car from Winter Garden to St. Augustine offers several benefits. The flexibility to stop at any attractions or scenic spots en route is a significant plus. Additionally, having your own transportation to explore St. Augustine and its surrounding areas can be convenient.
However, similar to other modes of transportation, driving carries its own set of disadvantages. Some of these include:
Traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times, can extend your travel time.
There’s also the potential for longer travel time during winter months due to weather conditions.
The cost of gas and parking fees can add up.
When planning your trip, it’s important to balance these factors with your preferences and budget.
If you prefer not to drive, the bus is an excellent alternative. The travel duration by bus is longer, approximately 7 hours, but it’s a comfortable way to travel, especially if you’re not in a hurry. The cost ranges from €25 - €75, making it a budget-friendly option as well.
FlixBus provides bus services between Winter Garden and St. Augustine. These buses are known for their comfortable atmosphere, ensuring a relaxing journey and letting you appreciate the scenic view as you travel from Winter Garden to St. Augustine.
Before setting off on your journey, it’s worth taking the time to explore Winter Garden, a city teeming with various attractions and activities. One of the city’s gems is the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, located in the garden fl area. Situated in Sanford, approximately 40 minutes north of the main tourism districts, this zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, from endangered species to primates.
The Reptile Discovery Center is a must-visit for reptile enthusiasts. This facility offers an intimate setting where one can learn about snakes and lizards. It’s a unique opportunity to gain knowledge about these fascinating creatures in a close-up environment.
An outdoor nature trail adds to the interest of the Reptile Discovery Center. This trail features alligators and lizards in their natural habitats, offering a unique experience for visitors. It’s a great way to understand these creatures better and appreciate their role in the ecosystem.
The primary focus of the Reptile Discovery Center is venom extraction. This is not something you’ll see at every zoo, making the center a unique attraction in Winter Garden. It adds an element of excitement to your visit and offers a learning experience you won’t forget.
Once you’ve completed the thrilling journey from Winter Garden, your arrival in St. Augustine introduces a plethora of attractions. This historic city has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination on your Florida road trip.
One of the city’s top attractions is the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. This history museum houses an incredible array of pirate artifacts, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of pirates. The museum offers a variety of interactive experiences, including:
Historical puzzles
Scavenger hunts
Audio stories
Hidden treasures
These activities ensure an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Another must-visit destination in St. Augustine is the St. Augustine Lighthouse Maritime Museum. This museum offers a unique blend of history and adventure, with exhibits focusing on the history of the lighthouse and its keepers, as well as the many shipwrecks that took place along the coast. The Shipwreck exhibit and the on-site shipwreck artifacts conservation lab are among the museum’s highlights, offering a fascinating insight into maritime history.
Climbing the lighthouse is an experience in itself. The climb consists of eight landings, with open windows providing a pleasant breeze in favorable conditions. There are informative facts and interactive elements along the way, and markers indicate your progress, adding to the overall experience.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse Maritime Museum is also pet-friendly, so if you’re traveling with your furry friend, they’re welcome to join you. However, they’re not allowed in the lighthouse itself.
Suitable for all ages, the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is an excellent destination for a family visit. However, if you’re planning to explore below deck, it’s worth noting that it may not be suitable for those with anxiety or claustrophobia.
A journey isn’t complete without delicious food, and the trip from Winter Garden to St. Augustine presents numerous opportunities to enjoy scrumptious meals. The route brims with restaurants that offer a diverse selection of cuisines and dining experiences, catering to the needs of every traveler.
Some of the highest-rated restaurants on the route from Winter Garden to St. Augustine include:
Columbia Restaurant
Costa Brava
Llama Restaurant
A1A Ale Works Restaurant & Tap Room
Crave
Gypsy Cab
These restaurants offer a variety of dishes, ensuring a culinary experience that caters to different tastes and preferences.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll be happy to know that there are several eating spots along the route from Winter Garden to St. Augustine that cater to your dietary requirements. Some of these places include:
Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Garden
The Floridian Restaurant in St. Augustine
Creative Juices Natural Cafe in St. Augustine
Mellow Mushroom in St. Augustine
All of these restaurants are vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
When it comes to local dishes, the route from Winter Garden to St. Augustine offers a delightful culinary journey. It’s recommended to try:
Local seafood
Pork belly
Burgers
Cocktails
These dishes represent the local flavors and will surely make your next trip, especially if it’s a road trip, more delicious.
Furthermore, there are numerous locally owned and operated restaurants in St. Augustine offering delicious and affordable food. These restaurants not only offer great food but also provide a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.
For an optimal dining experience, making reservations is recommended. This ensures you won’t have to wait for a table and can enjoy your meal at your own pace. After all, good food is an integral part of any journey, and this trip from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is no exception.
After a lengthy and exhilarating journey, securing comfortable accommodations in St. Augustine is necessary. This historic city fortunately offers a wide array of accommodation options, ranging from hotels and motels to bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.
There are over 1364+ hotels available in Saint Augustine, with prices starting at €46 per night. With such a wide variety of options, you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and preferences. Some of the most highly rated hotels in St. Augustine include:
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Southern Oaks Inn
Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn
If you prefer a more homely feel, consider staying at a bed and breakfast. Some of the best in St. Augustine are The Kenwood Inn, St. George Inn, and 44 Spanish Street Inn. These places offer a cozy and comfortable stay, with a personal touch that makes your trip more memorable.
Motels are another affordable option in St. Augustine. Some of the budget-friendly motels in the city include:
Ocean Breeze Inn
Southern Oaks Inn
Regency Inn & Suites
The Smart Stay Inn
Rodeway Inn St. Augustine Historic District
These motels offer all the basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
For those who prefer the space and privacy of a home, vacation rentals are an excellent choice. Some of the best options in St. Augustine include:
St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Rentals
Crescent Sandpiper
Sand Dollar Beach Cottage
Wren Beach Rentals
These rentals offer all the comforts of home, making your stay in St. Augustine truly enjoyable.
Organizing a road trip from Winter Garden to St. Augustine entails more than merely charting the route and selecting the stops. It’s also important to ensure that you’re prepared for the journey, and that includes packing the right items and following essential road trip safety precautions.
The packing requirements for a road trip differ from those for other types of travel. The essential items to pack for a road trip from Winter Garden to St. Augustine include water, snacks, hand sanitizer, bug spray, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, comfortable clothes and shoes, toiletries, a camera, and a phone charger. It’s also a good idea to bring a picnic, fishing poles, and cash for any expenses during the journey.
Safety is another crucial factor to consider when planning a road trip. Essential road safety precautions for a long-distance road trip include:
Taking regular breaks to rest and stretch
Using cruise control judiciously to maintain a consistent speed
Having water and snacks handy
Refraining from overloading the vehicle
In our tech-savvy era, navigation tools and apps can provide invaluable assistance on a road trip. For a road trip in Florida, Roadtrippers, Waze, and Google Maps are recommended. These apps offer real-time traffic updates, route planning, and navigation assistance, making your road trip more convenient and enjoyable.
Though we all anticipate a smooth journey, it’s always wise to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. If your car breaks down during your road trip in Florida, follow these steps:
Move the car out of the travel lanes and onto the right shoulder.
Activate the hazard lights.
Stay in the car and secure yourself with the seatbelt.
Request roadside assistance.
If necessary, contact the police for assistance.
Weather can significantly impact your road trip experience from Winter Garden to St. Augustine. Hence, it’s essential to understand the weather conditions in both locations to plan your trip accordingly.
The average weather in Winter Garden, Florida is mild and humid. Winters are mild with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit, while summers are hot and humid with average temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit. So, depending on when you plan your trip to Winter Garden FL, you might want to pack accordingly.
In St. Augustine, FL, the climate is generally warm and sunny all year round, with a slight drop in humidity during the winter season. July is the warmest month, while January is the coolest. This implies that irrespective of when you plan your trip, you can anticipate agreeable weather in St. Augustine.
However, the climate in Winter Garden and St. Augustine can differ. Hence, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast for both locations to get accurate and up-to-date information. This will help you plan your trip better, ensuring that you’re prepared for any weather conditions.
Seasonal weather variations in Winter Garden include:
Cooler temperatures and decreased humidity during winter, with average highs ranging from 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius)
Summer temperatures that can reach the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37 degrees Celsius) with high humidity
Relatively consistent rainfall throughout the year, with slightly increased amounts in the summer months.
On the other hand, St. Augustine is characterized by a semi-tropical climate, boasting over three hundred days of sunshine annually. Summers (May through September) are generally hot and bright. This means that regardless of when you plan your trip, you’re likely to enjoy beautiful weather during your journey.
While the journey from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is a memorable one, there are several alternative routes that offer unique experiences and attractions for travelers looking to venture beyond this journey. Exploring Florida’s East Coast offers a different perspective on the Sunshine State, with its diverse landscapes and charming locales.
Alternative routes along Florida’s East Coast encompass:
A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway
Big Bend Scenic Highway
Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway
Broward County A1A Scenic Highway
Each of these routes delivers a distinctive road trip experience, guiding you through some of Florida’s most attractive landscapes and charming cities, all while enjoying the beautiful FL weather.
The driving distances and times for these alternative routes on Florida’s East Coast may vary according to the selected route. For instance, the FL driving distance from the Welcome Center on I-95 north of Jacksonville to Key Largo is approximately 435 miles and can be driven in approximately 6.5 hours, as indicated by Google Maps.
These routes also offer a variety of must-see attractions. Some of them include:
St. Augustine
Daytona Beach
Cocoa Beach
Cape Canaveral
Kennedy Space Center
Each of these attractions contributes a unique element to your road trip, making it an unforgettable journey.
A road trip along Florida’s East Coast can offer singular experiences like a visit to Boneyard Beach, an exploration of the Kingsley Plantation, and a tour of the Kennedy Space Center. These locations offer a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and space exploration, enriching your road trip experience.
Several lesser-known towns worth visiting along Florida’s East Coast are:
Cedar Key
Santa Rosa Beach
Holmes Beach
Dunedin
Boca Grande
Navarre Beach
Vero Beach
Flagler Beach
St. George Island
These towns may not be as famous as some of the other cities in Florida, but they offer unique experiences and attractions that make them worth the visit.
In conclusion, the journey from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is more than just a road trip; it’s an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, charming cities, delicious food, and memorable experiences. Whether you choose to drive or take a bus, this journey offers a unique opportunity to explore Florida’s charm and beauty. With the right planning, the right resources, and a sense of adventure, this road trip can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. So start planning your trip today, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
March to May is the best time to visit St. Augustine, with comfortable temperatures, low hotel and airfare rates and minimal rainfall.
September is the rainiest month in St. Augustine, Florida, with an average of 7.5 inches of rainfall. This makes it a great time to score deals on hotels.
With its history, attractions, and natural beauty, St. Augustine, FL is certainly worth visiting for an unforgettable experience.
Living in St. Augustine is affordable compared to other US cities, with housing costs 26% higher than the national average and utility prices 5% higher than the average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas are 17% lower than the national average, making it a cost-effective city to live in.
The estimated distance from Winter Garden to St. Augustine is 94 miles (151 km), with a travel time of around 7 hours and 3 minutes.
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