Ocala to St. Augustine, FL
Drive Time, Distance & Day Trip Guide
The drive from Ocala to St. Augustine is 115 miles and takes approximately 1 hour 55 minutes via I-75 N to I-95 N under normal traffic conditions.
Distance
115 miles
Drive Time
~1h 55m
Main Route
I-75 N to I-95 N
Best Time
Early morning
How to Get from Ocala to St. Augustine
Primary Route: I-75 N to I-95 N
From Ocala, take I-75 North toward Gainesville, then continue north. Connect to I-10 East toward Jacksonville, then take I-95 South to reach St. Augustine (Exit 318). Alternatively, US-301 North through Palatka offers a more scenic inland route.
Best Time to Drive
Weekday mornings — historic district streets can be crowded on weekends
What to Do in St. Augustine
Top attractions worth the drive from Ocala.
Castillo de San Marcos
The oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695. A National Monument and stunning example of colonial-era military architecture.
St. George Street
America's oldest pedestrian street — lined with colonial-era architecture, shops, restaurants, and street performers.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
1874 lighthouse still in operation, offering panoramic views from the top and a maritime history museum.
Flagler College
Henry Flagler's 1888 Hotel Ponce de León — now a stunning liberal arts college with Gilded Age architecture and Tiffany glass.
Anastasia State Park
Pristine 1,600-acre park on Anastasia Island featuring a beautiful beach, salt marshes, and nature trails across the Bridge of Lions.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Narrated hop-on/hop-off tours covering 23 stops throughout America's oldest city — a great way to orient yourself.
St. Augustine vs. Ocala
How the two cities compare across key factors.
| Factor | Ocala | St. Augustine |
|---|---|---|
Population | 62,000 | 15,000+ |
Cost of Living | Below FL average | Above average (tourist economy) |
Traffic | Light | Moderate (heavy on weekends) |
Top Attractions | Springs, horses, state parks | Colonial history, Atlantic beach, fort |
Sample Day Trip Itinerary: Ocala to St. Augustine
A suggested schedule to make the most of your day trip.
7:30 AM
Depart Ocala via I-75 North
9:30 AM
Arrive St. Augustine — breakfast on St. George Street
10:30 AM
Walk St. George Street shops and colonial-era historic sites
12:00 PM
Lunch at a waterfront restaurant on Matanzas Bay
1:30 PM
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (National Park fee applies)
3:00 PM
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
4:30 PM
Anastasia State Park beach or Bridge of Lions walk
6:00 PM
Return to Ocala via I-95 South / I-75 South
8:00 PM
Arrive home in Ocala
Frequently Asked Questions — Ocala to St. Augustine
Quick answers to common questions about this route.
How long is the drive from Ocala to St. Augustine?
The drive from Ocala to St. Augustine is approximately 115 miles and takes about 1 hour 55 minutes via I-75 North to I-10 East to I-95 North.
What is the best route from Ocala to St. Augustine?
The most common route is I-75 North to I-10 East, then I-95 North into St. Augustine (Exit 318). An alternate scenic route uses US-301 North through Putnam County and Palatka.
Can you do Ocala to St. Augustine as a day trip?
Yes, St. Augustine makes an excellent day trip from Ocala. The 115-mile drive takes under 2 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore America's oldest city, visit the fort, and enjoy the beach at Anastasia State Park.
What is St. Augustine known for?
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, founded by Spain in 1565. It's known for Castillo de San Marcos, the pedestrian St. George Street, historic architecture, and its proximity to Atlantic beaches.
Is St. Augustine worth visiting from Ocala?
St. Augustine is one of Florida's most unique destinations — offering colonial history unlike anywhere else in the state, world-class historic sites, Atlantic beaches, and a charming walkable downtown. It is highly recommended as a day trip from Ocala.
Before You Go — Explore Ocala
Check out what's happening in Ocala. You might find the perfect reason to stay local.