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

One man competing in the Celtic Games at the Celtic Music and Heritage Festival
Saturday
Mar 14

Celtic Festival Highland Games

Saturday and Sunday, Mar. 14 and 15, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. until Done

A Scottish tradition of competitive sports that exhibit the strength of the athletes.

The parade steps out with the honor guard followed by bagpipers
Saturday
Mar 14

2026 St. Patrick's Parade

Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The Celtic Heritage Festival starts with a parade in the Oldest City.

Visitors can enjoy a historic tradition as St. Augustine vessels are blessed by the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine.
Sunday
Mar 29

Blessing of the Fleet 2026

Sunday, March 29, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Diocese of St. Augustine's bishop blesses vessels in a historic local tradition.

Stormtroopers from Star Wars get into the Easter spirit with bunny ears, tutus, and pink-accented costumes
Saturday
Apr 4

Easter Parade 2026

Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

A tradition that dates back to 1956, the parade is held on Easter Saturday.

The Government House will be featured as part of the St. Augustine History Festival.
Wednesday
May 6

St. Augustine History Fest, 2026

Wednesday, May 6 - Sunday, May10, 2026 | Times and Locations Vary

St. Augustine hosts the fourth annual history festival in May of 2025.

Sponsored Partners

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

Explore Historic St. Augustine

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

The brick exterior of Mary's Harbor View Café

Mary's Harbor View Café

(904) 825-0193

16 Avenida Menendez

This eatery overlooks the bayfront and is walking distance to historic sites.

Mayday Ice Cream - Downtown

Mayday Ice Cream - Downtown

(904) 217-0517

100 St. George Street

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

Cochinita pibil (slow roasted citrusy pork) with toppings

Mayita

(904) 429-9205

14 Avenida Menendez

Serving traditional Mexican cuisine that is customized and made-to-order.

Mill Top Tavern in St. Augustine, FL

Mill Top Tavern

(904) 829-2329

19 1/2 St. George Street

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

Le Caprese and Peaches & Cream crepes

MiMi's Famous Crepes

(904) 201-9809

54 St. George Street

Get a taste of Paris with these freshly-made French delicacies.

Mojo BBQ Old City

Mojo BBQ Old City

(904) 342-5264

5 Cordova Street

Southern specialties, BBQ appetizers, and craft beer from "a southern blues kitchen."

Couches and chairs fill the space with a large bookcase up against the wall

Myth & Legend

(904) 460-2837

88 Charlotte St.

A coffee house with housemade syrups and food items.

The counter overlooking the kitchen at Nadine's Cafe

Nadine's Cafe

(904) 547-2297

117 King St.

A family-friendly eatery serving comfort breakfast and lunch fare.

The Casablanca Inn, home to Nero's and the Tini Martini Bar on St. Augustin's Bayfront.

Nero's Waterfront Cafe

(904) 829-6017

24 Avenida Menendez

This breakfast and lunch cafe, sits on the bayfront with water views.