Exploring the Nation’s Oldest City on a Self-guided Walking Tour
If you love cultural history and architecture, you have to visit St. Augustine! Although we have the incredibly amazing Florida Stories Walking Tours app, for an incredible self-guided walking tour experience, I took this walking tour based on my own trip notes. In case you didn’t know, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. It was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers and its very rich in interesting history. Even more so, it’s completely beautiful! The narrow, alley-like streets, old buildings, and the many points of interest make St. Augustine one of the best places to visit in Florida!
On this walking tour, I discovered some places that I had never noticed before on my previous visits. Which is mostly why I enjoyed this self-guided walking tour so much. Primarily because I went through all the alleys and less populated areas. You probably know that St. Augustine is home to the 17th-century Spanish fortress–Castillo San Marcos. But what is the hidden beauty of this historic city? Well, let me tell you, that there’s a LOT of beautiful spots in St. Augustine!
TIP: Don’t forget to wear your best walking shoes, a sun hat, and sunglasses!
What to See on a Self-Guided Walking Tour in St. Augustine
Seriously, there are tons of places you could visit in St. Augustine! This is only what I did on about a 5-hour trip. And although I’ve been to the Nation’s Oldest City more than once, this walk led me to some really amazing spots. Here’s how to discover some of them…on your own!
I began this self-guided walking tour from the parking lot next to Castillo de San Marcos, which is practically at the main entrance to the city. Just in case, these are not in any particular order. However, the walking distance to and from each point of interest is very reasonable.
Casa de Nicolas de Ortega Armourer, circa 1740
This house represents the architecture of the first Spanish period, with minor British modifications. What I loved the most about this house is the simplicity and beautiful details of its construction.
Address: 70 St George St, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
Ximenez-Fatio House, circa 1798
This fine, three-story home and warehouse is built out of coquina, and it is a former boarding house. Currently, it’s one of the best museums in St. Augustine where you can experience what life was like in the 1800s.
Address: 20 Aviles Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
Spanish Dragoon Barracks, believed to have been constructed prior to 1763
I saw this building for the first time in this self-guided walking tour. It’s a first Spanish period two-story coquina structure. It’s beautiful!
Address: 61 Cordova Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
Governor’s House, built during the 16th century
The site of this building was first used as the Governor’s residence back in 1598. Then, the new structure was built in 1706 and was occupied as the Governor’s main residence from the first Spanish period (1710) throughout the second Spanish period (1812). I loved it because it looks so perfect and rich in history!
Address: 48 King Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
A Quaint Bar with major Wanderlust Vibes – my self-guided tour bonus!
I loved this historic house turned into a quaint neighborhood bar! It’s tucked away in one of the less touristy areas, making it a bit harder to find if you don’t walk around. It also gave me Harry Potter Vibes!
Address: 59 Cuna Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
The ‘Garden Door’ of Saint Augustine
You should know by now, how much I am deeply fascinated by doors! It’s something that captures my attention and to be quite honest, I don’t know why. Thus far, this is one of the most gorgeous doors I’ve seen in St. Augustine! I was lucky enough to see it open and I peeked into the beautiful garden.
Address: 15 Bridge Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
Saint Augustine’s Most Beautiful Street
It had been quite some time since I wanted to see this street. For this one, you’re better off making the stop before or after you go to the Old Town–as it’s at a short driving distance. It’s so darn beautiful! Nonetheless, I have to admit it’s not Savannah, Georgia beautiful. But it really did take my breath away! It’s quite the street! I stood right in the middle and took pictures of both sides. Which side do you like the most?
Address: Near 28 Magnolia Ave., Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
More to See on a Self-Guided Walking Tour in Saint Augustine, Florida
What’s your favorite part of this self-guided walking tour? Let me know in the comments!
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NOTICE: In the midst of what’s going on around the world, we encourage you to practice social distancing and to adhere to all safety protocols. We do not expect you to visit these places right now, and we are not, in any way, encouraging you to do so. We do, however, choose to continue sharing the beautiful places that we have been able to visit thus far, as proud supporters of local travel. Take notes and have these destinations on hand for your future travels!
I do like self guided tours best. This looks like a nice place to explore
I love self-guided tours! Thank you for reading.
I’ve read so many good things about St Augustine. This is a great walking tour and I hope to follow it one day when I next visit the US.
There’s so much to do in St Augustine! Hopefully, you can get to visit.
Great place, I hope to visit someday.
Thank you for reading!
St. Augustine is such a nice place! Being from Florida, I really am looking forward to going back
It’s an awesome place, indeed!
I had no idea there was so much to do in St Augustine. You’ve put it on the map for me
Yay! There’s so much to do and see!
Wow!! This is so beautiful! My heart cried while reading this post, for real. Magnolia Avenue is just breathtaking! Limestone made from broken seashells, I would love to experience up close and personal. Just brilliant!
Thank you so much for reading! I’m so happy that this brought you joy. Magnolia Ave is out of this world! There’s a lot of fascinating history behind the Coquina structures that are still existent. I hope you get to visit one day.
The views are spectacular. I love exploring historic places, too.
Yes, they are! Thank you for reading 😀
What a super fun little tour! All of these historic places look so fun and so interesting to see in person!
Kileen
cute & little
They are very interesting! I had a lot of fun this day.
These are nice historic houses and all of these places have a story to tell.
Indeed, they do! Thank you for reading!
I’ve always wanted to go here, it looks absolutely amazing.
It’s absolutely amazing! Hope you visit one day 🙂
What a great walking tour! I love the architecture!
Thank you so much!
I hope to visit this time. Such a great place.
It really is!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Seems like a really great one.
Oh man, add another place to my bucket list, it looks awesome!
Yes, bucket list for sure!
You’ve done an amazing effort to put together a post with some of the cool places in St. Augustine.We’ve been there many times and find it interesting to satisfy our curiosities about the history of this place small section of town each time.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you liked it!
Hi Yanitza,
Great post. Gorgeous photos.
Shame there’s COVID-19 restrictions here in the UK, because this guided tour is something to definitely try out.
Hopefully when the pandemic is all over…
Yes, when all is over this is a must-visit!
I really enjoy visiting historic and traditional places. All the views present in this picture are amazing.
Thank you so much!
We went to St. Augustine for the first time ever last year. It was great and I can’t wait to return.
Definitely deserves a visit more than once!