Lush tropical settings, warm hospitality, and delicious dining. You’ll find all this and more at The St. Francis Inn in St. Augustine, Florida. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a girlfriend getaway, or a trip with the kids, the St. Francis Inn has something for everyone, even the pets in the family! Ready to get away from it all? Here’s our Guide to the St. Francis Inn.

I recently had the privilege of being hosted at the St. Francis Inn for three nights while exploring the city. All opinions are my own.

History of the St. Francis Inn

A trip to the St. Francis Inn is like taking a step back in time. Boasting a history of the “oldest residence” in “America’s Oldest City” the building was originally constructed by Gaspar Garcia, a sergeant in the Spanish Army. Built in 1791, during the second Spanish Colonial Period, the residence housed his growing family and sparked a tale of a tragic love story still whispered about today. The Garcia house was built during turbulent times. The Spanish settlers feared an attack and built their houses to withstand bombardment and battles. The St. Francis Inn, with its two feet thick coquina walls, is no exception.

The property was eventually purchased by Colonial Thomas Henry Dummett. His unmarried daughter, Anna, turned the residence into St. Augustine’s first Inn after her father’s death in 1845. Over the years the property was expanded to include a third floor and an additional wing that now houses the kitchen and other rooms.

In 1985 the St. Francis Inn was purchased by the present owners, Joe and Margaret Finnegan, who have set a new standard for old world charm and hospitality, treating guests like family.

Accommodations at the St. Francis Inn

The main living quarters of the St. Francis Inn house 13 rooms and suites, from the spacious two-room Garcia Suite, featuring a sitting room, a bedroom, and a separate bathroom with a whirlpool tub  located on the third floor, to cozy rooms like Maria’s room located on the first floor with a door opening directly into the courtyard.

Across from Maria’s room you’ll find the cottage suite and tucked away in a corner, perfect for a romantic retreat, is the Garden Hideaway. The Wilson House, located directly across the street from the Inn, houses an additional four bedrooms. The St. Francis Inn is charmingly decorated in period antiques while still maintaining modern comforts such as private baths in each room or suite, televisions in each room, and other in-room amenities like complimentary sherry and thick, comfortable robes.  Both the innkeepers and the staff go out of the way to make sure guests enjoy a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Additional rooms can be found at their sister property, the Casa de Suenos, (“House of Dreams,”), a romantic adults-only retreat located in the heart of downtown at 20 Cordova Street. This Mediterranean style property features seven guest rooms, some with private balconies and whirlpool tubs.

For the beach lovers, try the Our Beach cottages located on nearby Anastasia Island and St. Augustine Beach. These properties are designed with the family in mind and include kitchens and outdoor seating. Their latest property, the 1894 house, divided into an upstairs and downstairs apartment style condo is also designed with families in mind. It’s centrally located at 30 Marine Street and close to all the downtown attractions.

Amenities at The St. Francis Inn

Once you discover the amenities at the St. Francis Inn, you’ll understand why it consistently receives five-star reviews on Trip Advisor, has been awarded the National Geographic Traveler Best of the World, and is listed on both the Select Registry of Distinguished Inns of North America and the Diamond Collection at BedandBreakfast.com.

Let’s start with breakfast. Available each morning from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM Monday through Friday and 10:30 AM on the weekends, the selections assure you won’t leave hungry. Everything is made in-house by Kitchen Manager Janice and includes two entrees, which vary by day.  Daily offerings include yogurt parfaits, freshly baked bread, homemade granola, either fresh fruit or a homemade fruit soup, and more. I tried the Cinnamon Pecan French Toast Bake one morning and it was superb! I only wish I had not been full so I could have eaten a bigger helping. Other specialties, like their homemade coffee cake, vegetable strata, and crispy bacon, are a great way to start the day. I  overheard the staff assuring other patrons that gluten-free options are available for those that need or want them.

The Specialty Coffee Bar-You can enjoy a delicious latte, Espresso, or Cappuccino every day from 7:30 until noon. Flavors change monthly and they offer lots of seasonal choices.

The Evening Social Hour-  is held in the dining room each day between 5 PM and 6 PM. It features a different appetizer nightly, along with a homemade dip and veggies. I sampled several of the appetizers, including the layered taco dip, the buffalo chicken dip, and the Feta Dip. They were all delicious. I especially enjoyed the house-made pita chips. Bottles of wine and cocktails are available for purchase, but you can enjoy any of the complimentary beverages, including soda, water, teas, and coffees, that are available throughout the day. This is a fun way to meet fellow guests and find recommendations for local attractions.

Evening Desserts- Also served in the dining room each evening from 8:00 PM until 9:30 are some of the most amazing homemade desserts I’ve ever tasted. I *had* to sample several for taste testing purposes and highly recommend every one I tried. We had a delicious S’mores Cake, filled with homemade marshmallow creme, the most decadent Pecan Bars, Apple Rose tarts, Oreo cupcakes and more. I’d be hard pressed to decide on a favorite, but I will say I wish I had the recipe for those Pecan Bars.

Evening Snacks- If you happen to miss all of the available snacks, desserts, and dips during the day, there’s a basket of packaged snacks available each evening after the dessert hours. You will not go hungry during your stay at the St. Francis! I finished each evening during my stay with a relaxing cup of flavored decaf tea while chatting with other Inn residents in the parlor.

Complimentary Parking- If you’ve visited St. Augustine you know that parking at many of the older residences and in the downtown area is limited. The Inn has a large parking lot where you can safely leave your car and walk to downtown attractions.

Complimentary Wi-fi- One of my favorite features at any place I stay!

Complimentary Activities at The St. Francis Inn

So, I’m sure you’re wondering, do they have more things to do besides eat? Yes! They have a plethora of activities for all the family members.

Board games- Indulge in a family game night with any of the board games or puzzles available in the parlor. A perfect spot to enjoy the games is the new secluded and sheltered gazebo.

Complimentary Bicycles- The St. Augustine downtown area is easily navigated and explored by bike. Or, if you’ve overindulged in too much food, there’s plenty of quiet streets surrounding the inn for a bit of exercise.

The Swimming Pool- Nestled in a private nook between the inn and the courtyard/gazebo area, the swimming pool is temperature controlled to be around 80 degrees year round.

Complimentary Admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse– Located a few miles away on nearby Anastasia Island, all guest receive tickets for free admission to the lighthouse.

Free Beach Activities-You can visit St. Augustine Beach and enjoy free parking, free snacks, free umbrellas and beach chairs, and free showers. You can find out more by speaking to the front desk attendant.

Other Features You Don’t Want to Miss

Take time to explore the courtyard, beautifully decorated with native plants by gardener Jill Ziebell, also known as “The Flower Lady.” A master gardener and Certified Florida Master Naturalist, Jill had designed a wildlife garden in front of the Wilson House, a beautiful air garden above the Koi pond, and added surprise touches in her plantings around the property. Designed with a loving hand and using xeriscape techniques, Jill explained, “You can sit outside in the Courtyard and discover something new each day.”

Pet lovers will want to seek a visit with Rebel, the Inn’s resident cat. Although not allowed inside, she frequently lounges on a bench beside the front door of the Inn or on a table in the courtyard.

Ghostly Lore

As the “oldest city in America” St. Augustine has earned the title as one of the most haunted cities in the US. The St. Francis Inn is frequently featured in ghost tours around the city. The story revolves around the nephew of Major William Hardee. He fell in love with a slave girl, Lily, and they began to meet in secret. When discovered by his uncle, the young soldier was forbidden from seeing Lily again. No one is sure what happened next. Some say Lily was sent away and the young man either jumped out of the window or hanged himself in his grief. Others say that Lily was such a good servant that the young man was sent away to war and never returned.

I spent the night in the Garcia Room on the 3rd floor, reportedly one of the more active rooms. The only thing that disturbed my slumber was a door closing at 3:30 AM, which turned out to the guests across the hall from me returning to their room. If you’re interested in learning more about the haunted happening, be sure to book the Ghostly Getaway Package called “Paranormal Paranoia.” It includes the Ghost Tour for 2, two books about local ghosts, ghostly tee-shirts, and a recommendation to stay in one of the Inn’s more active accommodations; Lily’s Room, Anna’s Room, Elizabeth’s Suite, or the Garcia Suite.

No matter why you visit St. Augustine, whether for history, ghostly legends, or just for relaxation, make the St. Francis Inn the focal point of your stay. You won’t be disappointed. The St. Francis Inn is located at 279 St. George Street. 

Have you visited St. Augustine or the St. Francis Inn?