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) 481-8396

12 Avenida Menendez

Boasting two rooftop patios with a bar area that has expansive views of the Castillo de San Marcos and the bayfront.

(858) 602-0122

1 Cathedral Street

Saint Augustine Photo Tours invites guests to tour America's Oldest city with an accomplished professional photographer. Guests will learn skills that will help t...

(904) 827-1947

35 Hypolita Street

St. George Street tapas bar featuring outdoor porch for people-watching and live music.

(904) 824-4444

69 Hypolita St.

Schmagel's Bagels has baked and served bagels to visitors and locals in St. Augustine for over 20 years.

(904) 810-1010

111 Avenida Menendez

The Schooner Freedom is the largest sailing passenger vessel in St. Augustine.

(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.

(904) 392-3928

24 Cathedral Place

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