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

The Adventures in Plein Air exhibit will showcase work from the St. Augustine Art Association's 6th Annual Plein Air Paint Out.
Saturday
Apr 26

Live Plein Air Painting Demo

Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join Plein Air Judge, Steven Walker, for a live painting demonstration.

The 5th Annual St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out will culminate in an art exhibit at the St. Augustine Art Association May 7, 2021.
Sunday
Apr 27

Plein Air Pop-up Exhibit

Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025 | Noon to 6:30 p.m.

Discover stunning works from the 2025 Plein Air Paint Out

Audience under a shower of confetti at As If! The 90s Fest 2023
Saturday
May 3

As If! The '90s Fest

Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Slip your Game Boy in your Starter jacket and celebrate at the “As If! The ’90s Fest.”

Three rows of the Key of Seas student choir at Flagler College
Sunday
May 4

Romanza: Key of Seas

Saturday, May 2, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Romanza 2025 opens with Flagler College's Key of Seas vocal ensemble.

The Government House will be featured as part of the St. Augustine History Festival.
Wednesday
May 7

St. Augustine History Fest, 2025

Wednesday, May 7 - Sunday, May 11, 2025 | Times and Locations Vary

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

Save on Historic Downtown

$1.00 OFF Chocolate Tour

Whetstone Chocolates

Cannot be combined with other offers. Coupon code: VSACB25

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

$1.00 OFF per Person

Colonial Experience

Valid for parties of 6 or fewer. Use this code: VSACB25

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

$1.00 OFF Admission

Pirate & Treasure Museum

Calculated per person, for groups of 6 or fewer. Coupon code: VSACB25

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

20% OFF All-Inclusive Ticket

Medieval Torture Museum

May use the Visit St. Augustine Coupon Book, or  this code: Marchst

Valid Until: 2025-10-31
VisitStAugustine.com

Sponsored Partners

Beacher's Lodge - Oceanfront Suites
Beacher's Lodge - Oceanfront Suites
Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn
TourPass, Save up to 40% off retail tour ticket prices

Explore Historic St. Augustine

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

An alcove in Art Box Gallery, with art on grey walls

Art Box Gallery

(904) 704-1121

137 King Street

Presenting original artwork and hosting inspirational community experiences.

taps at Auggie's Draftroom in St. Augustine, Fl

Auggie's Draft Room

(904) 907-1317

3 St. George Street

This hot spot for beer lovers has 24 self-serve beer taps and traditional bar food.

Auntie Anne's pretzels can be found in historic downtown St. Augustine.

Auntie Anne's

(904) 342-8694

69 St. George Street

Fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven pretzels.

Aviles Gallery on Aviles Street in St. Augustine.

Aviles Gallery

(904) 823-8608

11 Aviles Street

Featuring award-winning local artists on historic Aviles Street.

The Aviles Street archway entrance

Aviles Street

2 Aviles St.

Aviles Street is the nation's oldest street and the heart of St. Augustine's artist district.

The front of the Bar with No Name

Bar with No Name

(904) 826-1837

16 S. Castillo Drive

A dive bar with a unique view, this establishment offers good times, drinks, and music.