St. Augustine, Florida holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. Founded by Spanish explorers in 1565, this coastal city is steeped in over four centuries of layered history. The heart of this rich past is most evident in the Historic District of downtown St. Augustine, where cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old buildings, Spanish Colonial architecture, and timeworn monuments that have withstood everything from pirate raids to hurricanes.
Downtown St. Augustine is a place where history doesn’t just live in museums. You’ll see it and feel it in everything you do in this remarkable city, from the architecture to the cultural rhythm of everyday life. The St. Augustine Historic District is unlike anywhere else in Florida. Within just a few walkable blocks, visitors can step inside the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll along the pedestrian-only St. George Street, home to some of the best St. Augustine shopping, and admire the grand Flagler-era buildings like the Lightner Museum and former Alcazar Hotel.
Beyond the historic core, you’ll find so many more things to do in St. Augustine. The adventure continues on Anastasia Island, home to white-sand beaches, the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the waterfront beauty of Anastasia Island State Park. Add plenty of great restaurants, bars, live music venues, and more to your getaway, and it’s immediately apparent that historic downtown St. Augustine offers a dynamic and deeply authentic Florida experience.
To get the most out of your time in historic downtown St. Augustine, staying somewhere where you can park the car and explore on foot is a must. Parking in or near these downtown St. Augustine attractions can be a challenge! Casa de Sueños Bed and Breakfast, one of the most romantic places to stay in St. Augustine, offers exactly that. This elegant Spanish-style inn seamlessly blends St. Augustine’s historic charm with modern comfort, situated on the edge of Old Town St. Augustine for easy exploration on foot. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast, then spend your day discovering the city’s centuries-old streets. Book the best Historic District Lodging today!
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. The historic downtown St. Augustine we know and love today is an intriguing blend of cultures, including influence from British, Irish, French, Minorcans, Africans, Spanish, and Native American cultures. Strolling the streets of Old Town St. Augustine really is like taking a step back in time, allowing you to visualize what this incredible city must have looked and felt like centuries ago.
There is so much to do in downtown St. Augustine that it will really take days to explore it all. There’s more to the Historic District than just a few downtown St. Augustine attractions, too. A variety of events are held throughout the year, many of which celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of this place. As you walk the streets of the St. Augustine Historic District, don’t forget to look up and around. The architecture of this area is truly magnificent and largely reflective of both Spanish Colonial and Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture.
It’s a good thing our Bed and Breakfast sits on the edge of the historic district, and just steps from all the history and excitement this downtown core has to offer. Below, we offer a curated list of some of our favorite things to do in downtown St. Augustine.
- One of the most photographed downtown St. Augustine attractions is the beautiful Bridge of Lions, a historic drawbridge that stands as an iconic symbol of the city today.
- Don’t miss your chance to explore this city’s history at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the country.
- The Colonial Quarter, a living history museum in its own right, is home to a variety of costumed reenactors. The area is divided into four 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 Colony. It’s one of the most fascinating places to explore in downtown St. Augustine.
- 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.
- 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 St. Augustine shops. 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.
- Just outside the historic district on Anastasia Island is the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Marine Museum, 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.
- The Lightner Museum, located in historic downtown St. Augustine, houses an impressive collection of 18th-century art, along with a few more unconventional and interesting items that are unique to this museum.
- Tours of St. Augustine’s Old Jail are one of the most popular things to do in downtown St. Augustine, 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!
- The Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum once served as the residence of colonial governors of St. Augustine, later becoming a courthouse and eventually the capital of the new Florida territory. It sits on Plaza de la Constitución in the center of historic downtown St. Augustine.
- 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.
The Best Lodging in the St. Augustine Historic District
Our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast not only offers exceptional lodging and hospitality, but we do it all within easy walking distance of the historic heart of downtown St. Augustine. Within walking distance from our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find a wonderful array of restaurants, historic sites, museums, art galleries, unique shops, ancient cemeteries, and 11 blocks of pedestrian-only streets to wander. From here, it’s easy to get to know the beautiful town of St. Augustine.
Casa de Suenos means “House of Dreams,” and that is exactly what you’ll find at our Inn. We offer guests a choice between 7 unique and distinctive guest rooms, some of which have jetted tubs and private balconies for your enjoyment. Every morning, join us for a delicious breakfast made fresh daily, and in the afternoon, unwind with our complimentary happy hour. Though we’re immersed in the busy heart of downtown St. Augustine, you’ll find that our Historic District Bed and Breakfast is your own private oasis in the heart of the city.
Beyond providing you a comfortable place to call home during your time here, our Old Town St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast is happy to extend our guests an extensive list of amenities, including free access to the St. Augustine Beach, complimentary access to a local gym and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and so much more. Be our guest this summer, and experience the difference at our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast. Book your stay today!
