St. Augustine Historic Sites

Aviles Street: The Oldest Street in St. Augustine

Aviles Street in St. Augustine is a hidden gem that beautifully blends history, art, and culture. As the oldest street in the nation, Aviles Street invites visitors to take a stroll back in time while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of modern-day St. Augustine. The street’s brick paths and centuries-old buildings create an ambiance that transports you to a different era, offering a unique and immersive experience. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff or simply looking for a charming place to explore, Aviles Street is a destination that promises to delight.

Exploring Rich Heritage: The Architecture and Culture of St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s architecture stands as a testament to the city’s rich historical legacy and cultural heritage. As the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States, St. Augustine boasts an array of architectural styles that reflect its Spanish origins. The coquina stone construction of the Castillo de San Marcos, for example, showcases the resilience and ingenuity of Spanish military architecture. Meanwhile, intricate details and Moorish influences can be observed in the iconic Casa Monica hotel, featuring beautifully designed arches and decorative tiles. The St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica further captures the essence of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with its grand facade and intricately crafted interior. These architectural marvels serve as historical landmarks, drawing tourists and historians into the city’s charms.

Rainy Day Activities in St. Augustine

While Florida residents know its weather well, some vacationers are surprised to learn that even the Sunshine State has its fair share of showers. St. Augustine is no different. Because the “Ancient City” sees an average of 50 inches of rainfall per year, you’ll want to keep a few fun things to do in St. Augustine in mind for when it rains.

If you’re planning a weekend getaway, it’s best to have things to do in St. Augustine on a rainy day in your back pocket. Old Town Trolley – St. Augustine is key to helping you put together the ultimate rainy day activity roster. With its unique history museums, tours and attractions, you’ll have your pick of the best activities in St. Augustine. So even if you get caught in the storm, there’s no rain on your parade.

Best St. Augustine Tours For Every Type Of Vacation

Our local experts surveyed guests, canvassed review sites, and researched hundreds of different St. Augustine tours to select our annual best of the best list.

Things to Do in St. Augustine at Night

As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a northern Floridian vacation destination. Filled with centuries-old history, 40-plus miles of spectacular beaches and nightlife options, this city has been entertaining visitors through the ages. Dating back to 1565, the city of St. Augustine has been featured in family albums across the world. Showcasing history, architecture and outdoor fun through its landmarks, restaurants and historic heritage, visitors from around the globe put St. Augustine on their vacation list annually.

Historic Churches of St. Augustine

Houses of worship have played a significant role in St. Augustine’s history. Established by various denominations, these sanctuaries proclaim the faith of settlers who came to Florida in the hope of a better life.

History

Over the past 450 years, St. Augustine has grown from a fledgling European settlement and military outpost ridden with violence and turmoil to Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age in the late 1800s. Today, the historic city lays claim to one of Florida’s up-and-coming cultural hubs with a vibrant art and music scene. St. Augustine is often described as a city frozen in time, and with good reason. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it holds the title of the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.

St. Augustine Historic Sites

St. Augustine Attractions

See all the best attractions in St. Augustine with the Old Town Trolley Tour. You’ll be able to experience all the historic tourist attractions in a day or two!

Labor Day Events

Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine has provided vacation guests and locals with more than 20 years of historic tours, news, and events. Each month the Trolley Team publishes upcoming events in St. Augustine for visitors and residents to enjoy. If you’re visiting during the St Augustine Labor Day Weekend, don’t forget to include the Old Town Trolley Tour in your itinerary.

How To See St. Augustine in 2 Days

“Plan ahead and have time to explore the most important historic places, enjoy delicious meals, and learn the importance of our Ancient city” America’s oldest city is home to centuries of history, soft sandy beaches and a host of fun and interesting attractions. And you can see all of St. Augustine in 2 days aboard the Old Town Trolley! If you’ve never been to St. Augustine, you’re in for a fun-filled, fascinating experience; Old Town Trolley Tours St. Augustine makes various stops and includes about 100 different sights. If you plan ahead, you’ll have time to explore many of the most important historic places, enjoy delicious meals, and learn the importance of our Ancient city.

How to See St. Augustine in 1 Day

The nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, is home to five centuries of history, fascinating attractions, beautiful beaches and exquisite architecture. How can you see it all in just one day? Get a seat aboard the Old Town Trolley and follow our recommendations below to see the best of the city!

4th of July in St. Augustine

We created this page to help guests plan a great celebration while visiting the Oldest City in America. Old Town Trolley of St. Augustine will be open on the 4th of July operating until 3pm. We hope you take advantage of our top-rated sightseeing tour to see the best attractions and enjoy all the Independence Day decorations in St. Augustine.

Things to Do in the Winter

Escape to St. Augustine during the winter for fun in the sun and an abundance of activities, events and attractions. The nation’s oldest city, situated right on Florida’s east coast, tends to have very mild temperatures while the rest of the country experiences snow. Here are some of the top things to do in St. Augustine during winter.

Things to Do in the Spring

Springtime is one of the best times to visit America’s oldest city. The summer heat hasn’t arrived and there’s a lightness in the air. St. Augustine is home to many unique sights, pristine beaches and historical points of interest. Here are some of the best things to do in spring in St. Augustine.

Castillo de San Marcos

The oldest masonry structure of its kind in the continental United States, Castillo de San Marcos was built and constructed to guard the coastline against invasion. Take some time to wander around this massive fort that overlooks the sea on the St. Augustine coast. Walk through the numerous rooms that were once home to war soldiers and prisoners. Out on the large interior courtyard, you’ll see the gun deck and enjoy magnificent views of the city.

Get MORE out of your summer in St. Augustine aboard the iconic Old Town Trolley and see the best first!

Flagler College

In the center of St. Augustine’s historic district, Flagler College stands as one of the city’s most impressive and admired landmarks. Originally built as a luxury resort during the Gilded Age, the building is now home to a respected liberal arts college and a popular stop for visitors exploring the area. The architecture alone draws people in. With its soaring towers, detailed stonework, and courtyard fountain, the campus offers a glimpse into a time when elegance and innovation shaped the city’s future. Inside, guided tours take guests through spaces once reserved for high-society travelers and now are used as classrooms and gathering places for students.

Lightner Museum

Elegance and history, grace and sophistication all come together in the glorious rooms, walkways and exhibits at the Lightner Museum. Originally The Hotel Alcazar, the building was built by railroad tycoon and hotel developer Henry Flagler and is a magnificent example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Browse through costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and collections that bring back the grand Gilded Age, a marvelous period in the 19th century. See beautiful works of cut glass, Victorian art glass and the celebrated work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tour the museum and take a historical journey that will not soon be forgotten.

Mission of Nombre de Dios

Peaceful and serene, the Mission of Nombre de Dios is a place where everyone can feel at home. Shrines and statues are surrounded by lush greenery and trees and welcome visitors from every corner of the earth. It is here that the Great Cross was erected in 1965 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first parish Catholic Mass. The chapel, which is dedicated to Our Lady of La Leche, is a shrine which houses an exquisitely detailed carved statue of Mary nursing the baby Jesus.

Grace United Methodist Church

Constructed by Henry Flagler, the Grace United Methodist Church is a lovely site and a place of special interest in the Old City. Its Spanish style, terracotta spire and moldings are a continuing reminder of the impact of Spain on the entire city. Located at 8 Carrera Street, the Church was built in the late 1800’s, and was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in the 1970’s. Services are held here throughout the week and visitors are welcome.

Fernando-Lambias House

Built in 1763, the Fernando-Lambias House is one of the many original coquina structures in the city. Its charming setting and pretty design make it a special place for weddings and other events. Visitors can enjoy its lovely exterior and during the third week of every month are able to tour the interior.

Oldest House

A St. Augustine attraction for history enthusiasts, curious souls and those who enjoy marvelous architecture, The Oldest House Museum Complex offers many things for many people. Owned and operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society, the complex includes Florida’s Oldest House, two museums, a changing exhibition gallery, an ornamental garden, and a museum store.

Ancient City Baptist Church

Ancient City Baptist Church was organized January 20, 1887 with 18 charter members. The tan brick sanctuary with its Norman tower and oval stained glass windows was dedicated on February 2, 1896.

Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church

Visually exquisite, the Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church was built by Henry Flagler in 1889. It is one of his most significant projects, because it was constructed as a memorial to Flagler’s only daughter, Jenny. The mausoleum adjacent to the church is where Flagler, his daughter, granddaughter and first wife are buried.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

Like so many other sites in St. Augustine, the Lighthouse is a cherished landmark from another era. It’s significant for two main reasons—first because of its role as a vital watchtower that led ships safely into the St. Augustine port for more than a hundred years and second because of its longstanding survival as an architectural icon to the city. The original lighthouse was closed in 1874 on the same day that the new one was completed.

Oldest Wooden School House

Made completely by hand, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is an architectural and historical icon in St. Augustine. Dating back to the early 18th century, a visit to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is an inspiring experience.

Ximenez-Fatio House

While in the oldest city, you won’t want to miss one of the oldest structures still standing. Made of coquina stone, it’s a lovely example of both Spanish and English architecture. What makes this spot even more exciting is the detached kitchen, the only original 18th century building of its kind. Take the audio tour to learn about the home’s fascinating past, how it became an Inn and then a historic museum.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

A visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is an inspirational experience for people of all faiths. The Church was founded in 1565 and was rebuilt many times. Through the age of exploration, pirates and the Flagler years, the church has been a vital part of the religious community in the city. The Church is located on Cathedral Street in the heart of downtown St. Augustine and is a designated National Historical Landmark. Today, its amazing past and exquisite Spanish architecture both inside and out awe visitors from around the world.

City Gates

The Old City Gates are a striking site toward the north end of St. George Street. The Old City Gates were at one time the only entrance into St. Augustine. The two ancient columns made of stone were built in 1808 as a line of defense for the city. Visiting the Oldest City in the United States would not be complete without taking a moment to see the Old City Gates. They are a symbol of the turbulent times faced by the original American colonists and a truly memorable landmark.

Government House

The Government House has long been the home to many administrative and political offices. Throughout its many centuries of existence (the earliest records date back to the late 16th century), it has been a residence for Governors, a courthouse, a post office, government offices and more. Following the plans of the royal decree from Spain, it along with other major buildings in town, faces the central plaza. Visitors of all ages benefit from the many exhibits and learning activities available in the museum.

Tolomato Cemetery

As with many of the significant sites in our nation’s oldest city, the Tolomato Cemetery offers visitors a glimpse into the diverse history of the people who lived and died in St. Augustine. It’s one of Florida’s oldest cemeteries, and is known to be the final resting place of many confederate soldiers. Before 1763, the Cemetery was the site of the Christian Indian Village of Tolomato.

St. Augustine Travel Planner