A One-Day Itinerary of Historic Churches
A walking tour of St. Augustine’s historic churches.
St. Augustine’s history isn’t just in its streets—it’s in stained glass, iconic architecture, and timeless sanctuaries. Whether you're a history buff, love grand architecture, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this itinerary will guide you through the city’s beautiful historic churches — all within a short walk of each other. We’ve also mapped out the best places to park, pose for photos, and dine along the way.
Itinerary Overview
🚗 Historic Downtown Parking Facility
🍽 The Kookaburra — Downtown
⛪ Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
⛪ Memorial Presbyterian Church
⛪ Grace United Methodist Church
🍽 The Floridian
⛪ Ancient City Baptist Church
⛪ St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
⛪ Trinity Parish Episcopal Church
🍽 Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Where to Park
Start your journey at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility. From here, you can easily reach all the churches and nearby restaurants on foot. If you prefer street parking, look along King Street or Cathedral Place, but be mindful of metered spots and time limits.
Morning
A Beautiful Start to the Day
Breakfast: The Kookaburra — Downtown
Grab a delicious breakfast and coffee to fuel your day at The Kookaburra—Downtown. With its cozy atmosphere and prime location, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up for the day ahead. Try a Flat White and a Brekkie Pie, then take a moment to enjoy the nearby views — snap some photos by the bayfront or stroll through the Plaza de la Constitución before heading to your first historic stop.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
Begin at the oldest Catholic parish in the U.S., with its striking bell tower, Spanish Colonial design and stained glass windows. Inside, intricate murals tell the story of Florida’s early Catholic history.
📸 Photo Tip: While you'll want pictures of the organ pipes and beautiful interior, be sure to capture the Basilica’s façade from the Plaza de la Constitución for a classic St. Augustine shot.
Memorial Presbyterian Church
A short walk down King Street to Sevilla Street brings you to this Venetian Renaissance-style church, built by Henry Flagler in 1889 as a tribute to his late daughter. With its grand dome, carved mahogany pews, and stunning stained glass, it’s one of the city’s most architecturally impressive landmarks.
📸 Photo Tip: Stand across the street for a full view of the dome framed by palm trees.
Midday
A Peaceful Break & Local Flavors
Grace United Methodist Church
Another Flagler-era gem, this church was completed in 1887 and features striking coquina stonework and stained glass windows. It’s a peaceful, reflective stop before lunch.
Lunch: The Floridian
For fresh, locally inspired southern fare, grab lunch at The Floridian. From Fried Green Tomato BLTs to N’awlins-Style Shrimp & Grits, the menu features southern comfort food with a modern twist. Enjoy your meal on the charming patio and pair it with a Cold Night for Alligators cocktail, a bold and zesty drink featuring Manifest Gin, fresh herbs, pineapple, and a touch of spice — perfect for those who love a drink with a little bite.
Afternoon
Hidden Gems & Quiet Reflection
Ancient City Baptist Church
Founded in 1895, this picturesque church stands out with its Romanesque Revival architecture and iconic coned tower. Inside, the stained glass windows cast colorful light across the sanctuary, making it a peaceful retreat.
📸 Photo Tip: The brick steps and gated grounds provide a charming backdrop for photos. Try capturing a shot from the entrance for a beautifully framed view of the building.
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
Tucked away on St. George Street, this hidden gem honors the Greek immigrants who arrived in St. Augustine in the 18th century. The chapel’s Byzantine-style icons, frescoes, and ornate woodwork make it truly unique and a must-see landmark. You'll find plenty of opportunities to add in some midday souvenir shopping on St. George Street.
📸 Photo Tip: The shrine’s entrance is unassuming, but inside, the golden iconostasis and colorful frescoes make for stunning close-up shots.
Evening
Sunset Views & Waterfront Dining
Trinity Parish Episcopal Church
As the sun sets, visit Florida’s oldest Protestant church, established in 1821. It features Gothic Revival architecture, stained glass windows, and a beautifully maintained lawn. The church hosts free historic tours on Friday and Saturday afternoon, offering guided and self-guided options.
📸 Photo Tip: The wrought-iron gate at the entrance makes for a beautiful shot.
Dinner: Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
End the day with a waterfront dinner at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy Cajun and southern flavors with a view of the Matanzas River. You can't go wrong with the Jambalaya or Blackened Redfish, paired with a refreshing Southern Mule. On select nights, Harry’s features live music, a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. And don’t forget dessert — Harry’s Key Lime Pie is the perfect sweet and tangy way to wrap up your historic churches adventure.
📸 Photo Tip: Snap a shot of the Bridge of Lions at sunset for a picture-perfect end to your day.
Final Thoughts
While we didn't cover all of the amazing dining options and historic churches in and around downtown, there's plenty of room to customize your journey with additional stops along the way. Let your curiosity guide you and enjoy your day in the Oldest City.
