10 Things to do in Downtown St. Augustine This Summer

The Best Things to do in Downtown St. Augustine

History has shaped the character of the St. Augustine you’ll encounter today, making it an important part of your visit to visit the most significant of these attractions while you’re here.  The St. Augustine we know and love today is an intriguing blend of cultures, including influence from the British, Irish, French, Minorcans, Africans, Spanish, and Native Americans. Strolling the streets of Old Town really is like taking a step back in time, allowing you to visualize what this incredible city must have looked and felt like all those years ago.

There is so much to do in downtown St. Augustine, that it will really take days to explore it all.  Downtown St. Augustine is more than just interesting attractions, too.  There are a variety of events held throughout the year, many of which celebrate the rich and diverse cultural history of this place.  As you walk the streets, don’t forget to look up, either.  The architecture of this area is truly magnificent and largely reflective of both Spanish Colonial and Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Downtown St. Augustine:

1. One of the most photographed attractions in St. Augustine is the beautiful Bridge of Lions, which is a historic drawbridge and stands as an iconic symbol of the city today.
2. Don’t miss your chance to explore this city’s history at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the country.
3. The Colonial Quarter, which is a living history museum in its own right, and home to a variety of costumed reenactors. The area is divided up into 4 main sections, including the 16th Century Spanish First City, the 17th Century Spanish Fortified Town, the 18th Century Spanish Garrison Town, and the 18th Century British The 14th Colony.
4. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park is actually the site of the first settlement in St. Augustine and is the inspiration behind the long-lasting legend that these waters contain healing properties.
5. Walk along St. George Street, a brick-paved street that is designated for pedestrians only.  Here’s where you’ll find some of the best restaurants and shopping in downtown St. Augustine. At the northern end of the street, you’ll find the Old City Gates and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, while at the southern end is the Colonial Quarter. In between, there are plenty of incredible things to see and do!
6. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Marine Museum are where you’ll go to learn about the maritime history of St. Augustine.  From the top of the 165-foot tall lighthouse, you’ll also enjoy exceptional views of Matanzas Bay and the Florida coast.
7. The Lightener Museum houses an impressive collection of 18th-century art, along with a few more unconventional and interesting items unique to this museum.
8. Tours of St. Augustine’s Old Jail are strangely popular, and they are led by costumed actors.  If you’re into paranormal activity, then we definitely recommend taking a tour of the Old Jail at night!
9. The Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum once served as the house of colonial governors of St. Augustine, later turning into a courthouse and even the capital of the new Florida territory. It sits on Plaza de la Constitución in the center of historic downtown St. Augustine.
10. Have you ever wondered what it was like to live during Colonial Times? Now you can find out, as you tour the Oldest House Museum in downtown St. Augustine.

For a quick and informative introduction to St. Augustine’s history, we recommend taking the Old Town Trolley Tour, which allows you to hop on and off at various places throughout the city.