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

A dancer in a ballet pose dressed as Rapunzel
Saturday
May 17

St. Augustine Ballet: "Rapunzel"

Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Experience the tale of a trapped girl in a tower awaiting freedom and love.

The composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff seated at the piano
Sunday
May 18

Romanza Festivale: "Rach 2 by 6"

Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Six musicians perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 for Romanza's final event.

Fourth of July with the Castillo de San Marcos
Friday
Jul 4

Fourth of July Fireworks

Friday, Jul. 4, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

View St. Augustine's 4th of July fireworks over the Matanzas after a free two-hour live concert.

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

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

$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

$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

Sponsored Partners

Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn
TourPass, Save up to 40% off retail tour ticket prices
La Fiesta - Ocean Inn & Suites
La Fiesta - Ocean Inn & Suites

Explore Historic St. Augustine

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

The Bella Bay Inn is located on the historic bayfront of St. Augustine, Florida.

Bella Bay

(904) 829-6070

10 Marine Street

Bella Bay Inn's bayfront views and convenient downtown location offer a memorable stay.

Ben and Jerry's store front in St. Augustine, Fl

Ben and Jerry's

(904) 429-9876

128 St. George Street

Visitors may enjoy their favorite flavors of Ben and Jerry's ice cream on St. George Street.

The exterior of the Best Western Bayfront, which has a U-shaped layout facing St. Augustine's Matanzas Bay. A full Old Town trolley tour passes by on Avenida Menendez

Best Western Bayfront

(904) 824-4482

16 Avenida Menendez

Award-winning hotel franchise four minute walk from the Castillo de San Marcos monument

Jars of candy at Black Parrot in St. Augustine, Florida.

Black Parrot Candy Shoppe

(904) 755-0029

2 St. George Street

Visitors will enjoy the variety of quality sweets offered at this nostalgic candy shop.

Old prints of maps line the wall inside the shop

Bouvier Maps & Prints

(904) 825-0920

11 Aviles St.

Let history unfold before your eyes with antique maps, books, and prints.

Bridge of Lions

Bridge of Lions

20 Bridge of Lions

Connecting downtown to Anastasia Island and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.