Lightner Museum looking south

Historic Downtown

The heart of the First City is found here in Historic Downtown.

The heart of the city is here in Historic Downtown where guests will find a majority of the city's restaurants, shopping, hotels, and attractions. The Historic Downtown is the oldest part of the city with many buildings dating back to the 1700s — and with streets that have existed from long before that. The result is a walkable city designed with old European concepts. 

This Historic Downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, as are more than 20 sites within the district from the Alcazar Hotel to the Ximenez-Fatio House. It's a charming area for walking around all day, while shopping, visiting museums and churches, dining, and listening to live music. The Historic Downtown is also home to the beautiful bayfront with lovely panoramic views of the Matanzas Bay and an inviting bayfront walk along the Matanzas River from the Castillo de San Marcos to the former 16th century Jesuit monastery that is now headquarters for the Florida National Guard. A number of eateries have views of the Matanzas, including A1A Ale House and Harry’s Seafood

The area's top-rated attractions reflect how history has shaped St. Augustine, including the Flagler Legacy Tours, Lightner Museum, and the Colonial Quarter. Another defining feature of the Historic District is the architecture. The building facades represents the height of Spanish Colonial and Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture. This area of town showcases everything from early European design to Gilded Age extravagance to Old Florida style.

The Historic Downtown represents U.S. history from 1565 and is sure to offer activities for the whole family to enjoy.

(904) 819-0337

14-B Saint George Street

Lei's Linens offers fine embroidered and cutwork linens including tablecloths, doilies, placemats, and table runners.

(904) 679-5492

9 St. George Street

A dessert and snack stand where guests can cool off with a Dole Whip or devour a turkey leg as they walk St. George Street.

(904) 867-4757

34 Saragossa Street

This charming eight-room inn has a chandelier tree in the yard and a kitchenette in every room.

(904) 824-2872

31 St. Francis Street

A National Historic Landmark that's one of the few buildings that dates back to the first Spanish colonial period.

(904) 827-9800

210 St. George Street

This diverse art gallery offers everything from 17th-century masters to bold, contemporary paintings.

(904) 823-8688

106 St. George Street

A wide selection of collectible memorabilia for all entertainment genres.

(904) 217-7814

39 Cordova St.

Serving freshly made comfort food for breakfast and lunch, Maple Street's newest location is in the heart of St. Augustine's historic district.

(904) 217-0517

100 St. George Street

Hand-crafted ice cream, homemade sprinkles, and waffle cones in historic downtown.

(904) 810-2400

25 Cuna St.

Aesthetically pleasing establishment serving steak and seafood cuisine.

(904) 829-2329

19 1/2 St. George Street

This former grist mill is now a cozy restaurant, bar, and live music venue.

(904) 770-2719

1 King Street #102

Shop til you drop at this clothing store in Historic Downtown featuring the latest fashion trends.