Discover Downtown St. Augustine
The rare finds charted in this guide to downtown St. Augustine are all within a 15-minute walk. Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Bridge of Lions or wander down the brick-lined streets to browse shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Either way, you’re sure to find yourself having fun.
The exploration of Saint Augustine began over 450 years ago. Take discovery into your own hands with this list of old and new treasures found in downtown St. Augustine, including cultural adventures and hundreds of years of history.
You Haven’t Seen Downtown St. Augustine Until You:
Step back in history at Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos is one of the only two fortifications in the world built out of a semi-rare form of limestone called coquina. Castillo de San Marcos is also the oldest masonry fort in the United States, completed in 1695.
DIRECTIONS (904) 829-6506
Stroll through galleries on Aviles Street
Explore America’s oldest street! Aviles Street is home to the area’s most diverse arts district complete with restaurants, galleries, and historic museums.
Explore St. George Street
Visit pedestrian-friendly St. George Street for the best shopping. Find tasty fare, boutiques, and unique gift shops on this historic avenue.
Immerse in Living History at the Colonial Quarter
Centuries of St. Augustine history comes to life at the Colonial Quarter! Shop Explorer’s Outpost for authentic replicas and rustic baubles, climb the 35-foot watchtower for bayfront views, and free concerts at Colonial Oak Music Park, the largest outdoor venue in downtown St. Augustine.
DIRECTIONS (904) 324-2857
Experience a life of elegance at the Lightner Museum
Discover the Lightner Museum’s full range of artwork – featuring three floors of artifacts from the era of the Alcazar Hotel, including exquisite Victorian art glass, stained glass from Louis Comfort Tiffany, and paintings from around the world.
DIRECTIONS (904) 824-2874
Visit the former Hotel Ponce de Leon
Built by Henry M. Flagler in 1888 and one of the most exclusive resorts of its day, Historic Tours of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon highlight the Spanish Renaissance architectural heritage of what is now Flagler College.
DIRECTIONS (904) 823-3378
Locally Inspired Cuisine, Awe-Inspiring Ambiance:
Downtown St. Augustine is a food-lover’s dream with a diverse range of locally owned and operated restaurants. Blending old world flavors, locally sourced ingredients and the hottest culinary trends, the nationally celebrated chefs in our leading restaurants are serving up once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.
Authentic Spanish Fare
Located on scenic Cuna Street, Michael’s Tasting Room serves coastal Spanish-inspired cuisine in an 18th-century colonial home. Friendly hospitality and seasonal menus are the foundation of this casual yet elegant restaurant steeped in history and heritage.
Unique Florida Flavors
The Floridian serves a diverse menu of Southern-inspired dishes made from local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Their innovative fare includes down-home comfort foods as well as many lighter vegetarian and vegan options. Try the Spicy Melt or Tacos de Verano for a taste of Datil pepper — a slightly sweet pepper with a kick introduced to St. Augustine in the 1700s by Minorcan settlers.
Historic Place Settings
Located on quaint St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine, Prohibition Kitchen allows guests to escape into the mysterious world of flapper dresses and speakeasies while enjoying live music and memorable comfort foods. Located in the Lightner Museum, the Alcazar Café offers a casual fine dining experience in what was once the world’s largest indoor swimming pool. In the Casa Monica Resort and Spa, Costa Brava offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with flavorful coastal cuisine.
A Night Out Sounds Better Than Ever
Looking for a little late-night fun after dinner? Downtown St. Augustine will not disappoint with lively locales ranging from old pirate haunts to the hottest new distilleries. We have a history of having fun that’s only getting better year after year.
Craft Cocktails
Craft cocktails are in no short supply in St. Augustine. Head over to Ice Plant for unique cocktails made up of house-pressed juices and specially developed syrups. Boat Drinks Bar provides hand-crafted cocktails and a festive atmosphere.
Late Night Music
Live music can be heard throughout the streets of downtown St. Augustine late into the night. O.C. White’s outdoor patio often features local solo guitarists and magnificent views of the marina and Bridge of Lions.
For the self-proclaimed night owls, check out the following list of bars that keep the drinks flowing and the good times rolling until 2 a.m.: Meehan’s Irish Pub, Bar with No Name and Stogies Cigar Bar
Downtown St. Augustine is an epicenter of arts and culture. Treat your senses with this free Downtown Itinerary, with suggestions for drinking, dining and discovering your way through our historic city center.
To download a PDF version of this guide, click here.