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) 824-0116

27 Cuna Street

Specializing in custom jewelry designs in gold and silver, jewelry repair, estate jewelry, and unique artisan gifts.

(904) 342-7460

20 Cathedral Place

A souvenir shop on the plaza with custom print tees where visitors can choose a shirt color and design!

(904) 826-0113

115 Cordova St

This award-winning, pet-friendly historic inn is ideal for a peaceful, relaxing stay in St. Augustine.

(904) 826-0113

115 Cordova Street

The Old City House Inn located in the heart of Historic Downtown St. Augustine provides quality service  and makes special occasions unforgettable.

(904) 826-0113

115 Cordova Street

Exquisite presentation, delicious fare, and impeccable customer service can be found at this charming downtown restaurant.

Conveniently located in the heart of the downtown district, this historic bed and breakfast offers nine guest rooms, fine dining, and an atmosphere filled with Old World charm.

(904) 826-0438

106 St. George Street

Beef jerky made the old-fashioned way — sliced from lean, premium, top round steak.

(904) 824-2872

14 St. Francis Street

A historic house museum offering docent led tours through St. Augustine's oldest surviving Spanish structure

(904) 829-0032

46 St. George Street

Find the perfect fedora, visor, cap or hand-blocked Panama hat at this popular shop on St. George Street.

(904) 679-5292

100 St. George Street

Offering visitors an around-the-world experience via candy from Europe, Japan, and Latin America.

(904) 584-5417

11 Aviles Street

With Pastime Tours, visitors can tour St. Augustine's Historic Downtown while stepping back to the roaring 20s in a realistic Model-T.

(904) 295-8232

8 Aviles Street

Peace Pie offers a unique spin on ice cream sandwiches with a pie filling.