Lightner Museum looking south

Historic Downtown

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

The heart of the city of St. Augustine is here in the 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 obviously designed with old European concepts. Part of Historic Downtown, Lincolnville also offers an historic walking tour, museums, places to stay, and eateries.

This Historic Downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, as are over twenty other sites within the district from the Alcazar Hotel to the Ximenez-Fatio House. The Historic Downtown is a beautiful 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. Those who wish to stay in the Historic District, near the water, may want to check out the Bayfront Inn and the Edgewater Inn.

The top-rated attractions in the area reflect the importance of history in shaping St. Augustine, including the Flagler Legacy Tours, Lightner Museum, and the Colonial Quarter. Another defining feature of the Historic District is the architecture. The design on building facades represents the height of Spanish Colonial and Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture. This area of town showcases everything from early European design, Florida bungalow-style houses, and Gilded Age extravagance.

The Historic Downtown of the nation’s oldest city represents much of U.S. History from 1565 and is sure to offer activities for the whole family to enjoy.

(904) 704-1121

137 King Street #103

An urban art gallery presenting local, national, and international artists.

Those who love steampunk, Victorian-era costuming, or interesting accessories and gifts, will enjoy wandering the aisles at Aunt Matilda's Steampunk Trunk.

2 Aviles Street

Aviles Street is the nation's oldest street and the heart of St. Augustine's Artist District.

(904) 826-1837

16 S. Castillo Drive

A dive bar with a tight atmosphere and a unique view, this establishment is for those in search of good times, drinks, and music.

(904) 547-2023

48 Spanish Street

Located on Spanish Street, between Cuna and Hypolita Streets, this pub boasts 70 different beers including a large selection of craft beer.

(904) 810-2284

63 Hypolita Street

Offering customizable bath luxuries and a rubber-duck themed cocktail parlor.

(904) 824-1681

138 Avenida Menendez

Guests enjoy a vibrant waterfront view steps away from St. Augustine historic sites, attractions, dining, and events.

(904) 824-1606

111 Avenida Menendez

Take in a historic Bayfront view while playing the oldest mini-golf course in St. Augustine.

(904) 829-6070

10 Marine Street

Bella Bay Inn's bayfront views and convenient downtown location offer a memorable stay.

(904) 429-9876

128 St. George Street

Visitors may enjoy their favorite flavors of Ben and Jerry's ice cream on St. George Street.