Lightner Museum looking south

Historic Downtown

The heart of the nation’s oldest city.

Our 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. This walkable district 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 strolling around, while shopping, visiting museums and historic churches, dining, and listening to live music.

  • The fountain inside the courtyard area
  • A rooftop view of the St. Augustine Harbor, showing brightly painted buildings with the bay with many sailboats on moorings beyond, a shrimp boat returing to harbor, and the St. Augustine inlet to the Atlantic
  • An assortment of shops and attractions line St. George Street
  • The exterior of the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel.
  • A view of the south entrance to the Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, Florida.
  • The Treasury Building in St. Augustine against the sky
  • Located in the center of the historic downtown district.
  • Aviles Street in historic downtown St. Augustine
  • Helicopter Rides - Nights of Lights, downtown St. Augustine
  • The outside of Sangria's from St. George Street
  • The view of downtown St. Augustine from the water
  • Matanzas River and Bridge of Lions at Sunrise, viewed from the walk along the Bayfront.
  • Sunset casts warm hues over the calm waters of the bayfront
  • +10 more

Timeless Charm & Bayfront Beauty

A walk along Matanzas Bay passes historic landmarks, waterfront dining, and lovely green spaces from Castillo de San Marcos to a former Jesuit monastery. Spanish Colonial, Renaissance Revival, and Gilded Age influences shape the city, from coquina forts to Flagler’s grand hotels. On St. George Street, historic homes, shops, and cafés thrive, while Aviles Street, the nation’s oldest street, offers art galleries and Old World charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Historic Downtown Parking Garage offers convenient access to the district. Street parking is also available, but can be limited during peak hours. Find out everything you need to know about parking in St. Augustine.

Weekday mornings offer quieter streets, while weekends offer an exciting atmosphere with bustling shops and eateries. Live music is available throughout the week at various Historic Downtown venues.

Historic Downtown boasts numerous must-see landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, Lightner Museum, and Flagler College. 

Yes, a variety of guided tours are available, such as walking tours, trolley tours, and specialty tours focusing on history, architecture, or the paranormal. These tours provide in-depth insights and stories about our city's past. ​See all tour services available. 

Yes, the district hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the popular Nights of Lights festival during the holiday season, which illuminates the city with millions of lights. Other events include historical reenactments, the First Friday Art Walk, and live music festivals. ​

Yes, leashed pets are welcome in Historic Downtown. Many outdoor cafés and shops welcome pets, and you can always see dogs strutting down St. George Street with their guardians. Check individual establishment policies before visiting with your furry friends. Find pet-friendly accommodations for your next visit.

The district is best explored on foot due to its compact nature. However, trolley and tour services provide convenient transportation options for those who prefer guided experiences or need assistance getting around town. There's also the free STAR Circulator Bus that drives a loop around downtown, so you can rest your feet while exploring.

Yes, public restrooms are available at the Visitor Information Center and other designated areas throughout the district.

Historic District Highlights

Our featured partners showcase Historic Downtown sites, from locally owned inns and award-winning distilleries to unique shopping and dining experiences. 

Top Downtown Attractions

The exterior view of Flagler College / Ponce de Leon Hotel

Flagler Legacy Tours

Uncover the story of Flagler College.

Learn more
The outside view of the Lightner Museum building

Lightner Museum

Explore art, history, and elegance.

Learn more
See musket firing demonstrations at the Colonial Quarter.

Colonial Quarter

Experience our Colonial past.

Learn more

Things To Do in the Heart of the City

What’s Happening Downtown

Live Music, Festivals, & Special Events

Save on Historic Downtown

15% OFF All-Inclusive Ticket

Medieval Torture Museum

May use the Visit St. Augustine Coupon Book, or this code: Marchst

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

$1.00 OFF per Person

Colonial Experience

Valid for parties of 6 or fewer. Use this code: VSACB25

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

$1.00 OFF Chocolate Tour

Whetstone Chocolates

Cannot be combined with other offers. Coupon code: VSACB25

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

$1.00 OFF Admission

Pirate & Treasure Museum

Calculated per person, for groups of 6 or fewer. Coupon code: VSACB25

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

Sponsored Partners

La Fiesta - Ocean Inn & Suites
La Fiesta - Ocean Inn & Suites
Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn
Beacher's Lodge - Oceanfront Suites
Beacher's Lodge - Oceanfront Suites

Explore Historic St. Augustine

Brick streets, centuries-old architecture, and waterfront views make our historic district a charming place to explore.

There vacation vehicles with families waving from the seats

Seaside Adventures

(904) 923-1010

606 N Ponce De Leon Blvd

Offering a fun, pet-friendly and eco-friendly way to tour the nation's oldest city.

The counter area inside the shop

Second Read Books

(904) 829-0334

51D Cordova St.

This quaint shop buys, sells, and trades used books.

The City Gate in St. Augustine, part of the old walled city

See America Tours

(407) 342-1569

Planning tours for school field trips, families, and corporate retreats for 40+ years.

The outside patio at Señora Xerez

Señora Xerez

(904) 829-3819

52 Charlotte St.

Experience Spanish culture through traditional tapas and wine.

The outside building of Shopaholic Boutique

Shopaholic Boutique

(904) 829-6666

76 St. George Street

Women's wear perfect for a St. Augustine vacation.

Shutterguide Tours

Shutterguide Tours

(904) 392-3928

24 Cathedral Place

A guided tour through the city for visiting photographers, whether professional or amateur.

Native American jewelry from Silver Feather in St. Augustine, FL

Silver Feather Jewelry

(904) 436-5560

5 St. George Street

Shop for Native American jewelry and gifts at this shop on St. George Street.

Glass displayed with other paintings hanging on the wall

Slightly Sophisticated

(904) 829-1926

162 St. George Street

A fine artist gallery presenting paintings and sculptures.

So Good Jewelry

So Good Jewelry

(904) 826-0180

162 St.George Street

Costume jewelry shop in historic downtown St. Augustine.

A colorful bouquet held by a bride

Soirées for Days

(904) 679-1004

134 Riberia St.

Floral arrangements that capture nature and beauty.

Indoor seating is available — booths and table tops

South-A-Philly

(904) 824-0666

1 King St.

Snag an authentic cheesesteak on rolls shipped from Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A chocolate cake and coffee mug served on plates

Southern Grounds

(904) 547-2704

124 King St.

Gather with family and friends to enjoy coffee, wine, and fresh, organic meals.

Outside Southern Wind Inn in St. Augustine, FL

Southern Wind Inn

(800) 781-3338

18 Cordova St.

This quaint inn on Cordova Street is right in the heart of St. Augustine's historic district.

Spyglass Travel field trip in St. Augustine

Spyglass Travel

(386) 227-1064

10 S Castillo Drive

This local field trip company offers exciting tours with a variety of educational themes.

The interior of St. Augie's Pizza, which specializes in New York style pizzas

St. Augie's Pizza

(904) 436-5998

115 King Street

This St. Augustine pizza shop serves New York style pizzas along with salads, pastas, and appetizers.

St. Augustine Coffee House

St. Augustine Coffee House

(904) 819-1644

6 St. George Street

Local coffee shop serving grab n' go snacks and drinks for those strolling St. George Street.

Visitors on a food and drink tour sample beer at Dog Rose

St. Augustine Experiences

(904) 599-7391

210 George street Apartment C,3

These tours of St. Augustine feature drinks, food, and history.

Historic Walking Tours

Historic Walking Tours

(904) 392-7137

Visitors can choose from historic tours, food tours, pub crawls, and paranormal tours.