Spanish Heritage Itinerary
From traditional Spanish style architecture to the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine is known for its deep, enduring Spanish heritage and roots. Take this opportunity to dive into our city’s history and get an unprecedented glimpse into where St. Augustine gets its inimitable Spanish flair. We’ve included suggestions for drinking, eating and discovering your way through this colorful, cultural community.
MORNING | Breakfast and Castillo de San Marcos
History
The Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine’s iconic historical site, is a defining landmark of the area’s Spanish heritage. It 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.
La Herencia Café
Dine in this small Cuban-American restaurant in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine, serving Cuban food from family recipes and breakfast all day.
4 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-9487
Castillo de San Marcos
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, see park rangers and reenactors in period dress show historical weapons demonstrations and presentations on the life and experiences of the Spanish soldiers stationed in St. Augustine in the 1740s.
1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-6506
The Spanish Wine Festival
Experience warm and welcoming Spanish culture while sampling 100+ types of Spanish wine. St. Augustine’s love of wine dates back more than 450 years when Pedro Menendez and the first European settlers arrived with their ship’s survival provisions including treasured stores of Spanish wine.
AFTERNOON | Lunch at Taberna Del Caballo and Visit the Colonial Quarter
Taberna Del Caballo
Step back in time into this candlelit 18th century-styled taberna. Enjoy savory tapas, flatbreads, Sangria, and cold beverages in an intimate atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
37 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-0655
Colonial Quarter
Witness centuries of St. Augustine history come to life with an immersive Historic Adventure Tour, climb a 35-foot watchtower, and savor traditional pub fare or Spanish tapas – all within Colonial Quarter’s captivating 2-acre attraction.
43 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 824-2806
INSIDER’S TIP: Come back in the evening for live music under the Colonial Quarter’s lantern-lit oak trees. Free concerts held regularly.
EVENING | Dinner and Exploring
History
Aviles and St. George Streets stand as two of the oldest streets in America, and are currently two buzzing districts of art, entertainment and culture. Historic sites are just steps away from Northeast Florida’s hottest galleries and famous restaurants.
Columbia Restaurant
Columbia restaurant, St. Augustine’s sister location to Florida’s oldest restaurant in Ybor City’s Historic District, is a favorite among families for serving authentic award-winning Spanish and Cuban cuisine.
98 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 824-3341
St. George Street and Aviles Street
St. George Street is pedestrian only and spans the center of Downtown St. Augustine. Historic Aviles Street is just around the corner, featuring a quaint neighborhood with brick-lined streets, traditional Spanish style architecture and a variety of shops, galleries, cafes, and historic sites.
Spanish Military Hospital Museum
This 40-minute guided tour will show you authentic medical artifacts and provide insight to historic practices from the Spanish period.
3 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 825-4962
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
The Cathedral Basilica is America’s first parish and the oldest Catholic church in the city. The Spanish style architecture houses exquisite murals and elaborate stained glass windows. Guided tours are offered and all are welcome to light a candle in prayer.
38 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 824-2806
MORNING | Breakfast and Mission Nombre de Dios
History
Back in 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés claimed this site for Spain and the Church. Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain of his expedition, celebrated the first parish Mass here and spurred the Spanish settlers’ devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, which continues on today.
Farmhand Kchn & Coffee
Coffee, vegan options to hearty meals at this casual stop on your way to Mission Nombre de Dios.
1280 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 615-1583
Mission Nombre de Dios and Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
Stop by the Mission to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche and experience where some of St. Augustine’s strongest Spanish heritage took root more than 400 years ago.
101 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 824-2809
TRUE STORY: The Mission Nombre de Dios was founded by Spanish explorers as America’s first permanent community.
AFTERNOON | Lunch and Exploring
History
As America’s oldest city, St. Augustine is home to many architectural sites worthy of recognition. The historical homes and Spanish style architecture from the second Spanish Period, 1783-1821, are especially significant due to the roles these sites played in St. Augustine’s past.
Spanish Bakery & Café
A St. Augustine favorite for over 50 years, the cafe serves empanadas, picadillo and sandwiches made fresh daily. Homemade soup, gazpacho and salads complement freshly baked bread to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
42 1/2 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 342-7859
Ximenez-Fatio House
The Ximenez-Fatio house is one of the nation’s best preserved historic Spanish boarding houses. The house was owned and operated by three successive women. Through the 19th Century, it set the standards for tourism and represented a shift in women owning property.
20 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-3575
González-Alvarez House
Tour St. Augustine’s Oldest House with construction history dating back to 1723 and owned by a soldier named Thomas González. In 1812, it was the home of St. Augustine Mayor Geronimo Alvarez. Currently, the house belongs to the St. Augustine Historical Society. It is open daily for tours.
14 St Francis St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 342-7859
EVENING | Dinner at Michael’s Restaurant
Michael’s Restaurant
This casually elegant restaurant in historic Downtown St. Augustine is inspired by Coastal Spanish cuisine. Influenced by the finest local ingredients and the city’s Spanish heritage, visitors can enjoy seasonal menus, world-class wine pairings, and live entertainment.
25 Cuna St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 810-2400
Interactive Map – Spanish Heritage Itinerary
From traditional Spanish style architecture to the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine is known for its deep, enduring Spanish heritage and roots. Take this opportunity to dive into our city’s history and get an unprecedented glimpse into where St. Augustine gets its inimitable Spanish flair. We’ve included for drinking, eating and discovering your way through this colorful, cultural community.
Video – Experience Spanish Heritage in St. Augustine
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