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) 436-5998

115 King Street

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

(904) 766-5222

104 Marine St.

The St. Augustine National Cemetery is located on the grounds of St. Francis Barracks, which is an active military installation and the state headquarters of the Florida National Guard.

(904) 315-0610

58 St. George Street

Where St. Augustine shops for Colonial clothing, accessories, and housewares as well as items from the golden age of piracy.

(904) 823-0166

82 Marine Street

A bayfront landmark, constructed of coquina, that also houses a small museum detailing Florida's military history.

(888) 827-5740

4 St. George Street

Located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, the St. George Inn offers European-style rooms and convenient access to the historic district.

(904) 829-8205

41 St. George Street

Visitors may step into the St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine to pray, light a candle, and to view their magnificent chapel.

(720) 552-4200

14 St George Street

Guests can purchase clothing with peace signs, flowers, and other groovy symbols to show that they are full of sunshine.

(904) 826-4008

36 Charlotte Street

St. Augustine's own cigar bar! Find a huge variety of stogies here, craft beer and wines, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

(904) 679-4966

92 Charlotte Street

Purveyors of small batch honey products, including apothecary and skin care products.

(904) 824-6205

16 St. George Street

Dazzling crystal gifts, decor, and jewelry available at this St. Augustine shop.