The stained-glass windows and chandelier in the First Congregation Sons of Israel in St. Augustine.

St. Augustine History Fest Tours, 2026

These historic properties offer free tours during one week in May.

Wednesday, May 6 - Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Times and Locations Vary

St. Augustine History Fest Tours, 2026

Locations throughout downtown and Anastasia Island

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The St. Augustine History Festival celebrates the "Nation's Oldest City" with activities at historical sites throughout the town, from May 6 through May 10, 2026.

Created by the University of Florida, Historic St. Augustine Inc., and the Lastinger Family Foundation, the History Fest showcases every era of St. Augustine's long and storied past through special events and tours of historic venues. 

Most of the tours are free. Those that aren't will show the admission price.

Tours of Places of Worship

The sanctuary, bimah, and stained-glass windows in the First Congregation Sons of Israel in St. Augustine.
The interior of the First Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine (Requires Tickets)

What: A "Behind the Scenes" tour of the Cathedral Basilica, including the choir loft, sacristy, confessional, baptistry, and chapel.

Admission: $18.00 for teens and adults, and $12.00 for children aged 6 - 12. You can purchase tickets in advance.

When: Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8, and Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

Address: 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

First Congregation Sons of Israel

What: Tours of the oldest synagogue in St. Augustine.

When: On Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, May 6, 7, and 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Address: 161 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Memorial Presbyterian Church

What: A docent-guided tour of the church built by Henry Flagler.

When:  Friday, May 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 12:15 to 3:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary.

Where: 32 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche

What: Self-guided tours of the grounds, church, and chapel.

When:  The grounds are open from dawn to dusk, daily. The Church and Chapel are open Monday through Saturday, May 4 through May 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Where: 101 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church

What: This Episcopal church was established in the 1800s as a place of worship for African Americans. The current church was built in 1900. The property is available for viewing throughout the entire History Fest.

When: Wednesday, May 6, through Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, 37 Lovett Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

What: Daily tours. The tours are free, and reservations are required. To reserve space, call (904) 829-8205.

When: Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Where: 41 St George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Trinity Parish

What: Docent-guided tours. 

When: Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: 215 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

To learn more, visit the St. Augustine History Festival's website here.

 

A gravestone from the late 1800s, that has been encased in a tree's root
This photo, taken by an Atlas Obscura traveler, shows a tombstone for Anna E. A large tree has grown up around her stone in the San Sebastian Cemetery for Black citizens.

Tours of Historic Cemeteries

Representatives of each cemetery will be present to answer questions.

First Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery

What: A tour of the First Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery.

When: Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: 111 Evergreen Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 (In the West King area.)

Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries for Black Persons

What: A tour of these two cemeteries set aside for Black citizens of St. Augustine, both free and enslaved.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: N. Nassau and Pearl Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 (In the West King area.)

Tolomato Cemetery

What: A tour of Tolomato Cemetery. You may also participate in their popular scavenger hunt.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Where: 14 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

St. Augustine National Cemetery

What: You are invited to visit the National Cemetery during daylight hours.

When: Daily during daylight.

Where: St. Augustine National Cemetery, 104 Marine Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

 

Tours of Historic Houses and Gardens

Father Miguel O'Reilly House and Gardens

What: This house and museum have been closed for renovations for four years. They are now open with new displays and a greater emphasis on the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph. 

Admission: Free

When: Tuesday, May 5 through Saturday, May 9, 2026. They open at 10:00 a.m., close for lunch from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m., and open again from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: 32 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, Florida, 32084

Nombre de Dios Historic Gardens

What: Walk through the historic gardens at the Nombre de Dios.

Admission: Free

When: Dawn to dusk daily.

Where: At the Mission Nombre De Dios, 101 San Marcos Avenue, St. Augustine

Flagler College Historic Gardens

What: Walk through the several gardens at Flagler College.

Admission: Free

  • While the courtyard gardens at the Ponce Building are included in Flagler Legacy Tours, you may walk through the courtyard and enjoy the garden and unique fountain whenever the gates are open at 75 King Street, St. Augustine.
  • The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum and the Alumni House, at 48 Sevilla Street, share two gardens.
    • The quiet and secluded Saul and Sara Rogers Meditation and Contemplation Garden is behind the Alumni House
    • The Elliptical Garden, at the front of the property, is often used for receptions and ceremonies. 48 King Street, St. Augustine

Peña Peck House and Gardens

What: Visit the large, walled garden, which is frequently used as a venue for ceremonies and events.

Admission: There is no fee, though donations are accepted.

When: Wednesday through Saturday, May 6 through May 9. Museum tours are available from noon until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, and from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Historic Gardens at Ticketed Attractions

Fountain of Youth

What: The Fountain of Youth has beautiful gardens and peacocks.

Admission: Normal ticket prices apply. Go here to see ticket prices for visitors and St. Johns County residents. Outside the ticketed area is a pocket park, free to view, with a bronze statue of Pedro Menendez. 

When: From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily.

Where: 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

History Festival Events can be found on a separate page.

Spanish Military Hospital

What: Every tour at the Spanish Military Hospital includes the apothecary gardens, where the medical staff grew healing herbs and plants to use in poultices. Visit the garden after your tour.

Admission: $17.95 for teens and adults, and $7.95 for children ages 6 through 12 and seniors.

When: From May 6 through May 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are required, and reservations are recommended. 

Where: 3 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

St. Augustine History Fest Tours, 2026

Locations throughout downtown and Anastasia Island

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Editor's Note: We encourage you to verify event times and details with the organizers, as they may change.