If you love cultural history and architecture, you have to visit Saint Augustine and do a walking tour! During your visit, you can download the Florida Stories app for a great self-guided walking tour of the Old City.
As for this walking tour, this one is solely based on my St Augustine day trip experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
In case you didn’t know, Saint Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. It was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers and it’s very rich in interesting history. Even more so, it’s completely beautiful!
The narrow, alley-like streets, old buildings like Casa de Nicolas de Ortega Armourer, distilleries, and the many historic sites make Saint Augustine one of the best places to visit in Florida.
Not to mention that you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset on a cruise in America’s Oldest City!
Walking through all the streets, alleys, and less populated areas is one of the best ways to explore the Old City. Home to the 17th-century Spanish fortress–Castillo San Marcos, St Augustine is simply magical in every way.
But what is it about the magical beauty of this historic city? Well, for starters, it’s a unique vibe!
From the coquina walls to the picturesque little houses and the history-filled streets, Saint Augustine is just one of those places you will always want to come back to.
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
I do need to mention that there are tons of places to visit in St Augustine! This list doesn’t even cover all the great things to see in this city.
For reference, I did this walking tour during a 5-hour visit.
Although I’ve been to the Nation’s Oldest City more than once, this walk led me to some truly amazing spots, like the Garden Door and the most beautiful street in St. Augustine.
Here’s how to discover all of them…on your own!
I began this self-guided walking tour from the parking lot next to Castillo de San Marcos, which is a great starting point to explore the city.
These ‘stops’ are not listed in any particular order. However, the walking distance to and from each point of interest is very reasonable.
1. 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 was the simplicity and beautiful details of its construction.
2. Ximenez-Fatio House, circa 1798
This fine, three-story home and warehouse are 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 and it’s also an easy find along this self-guided walking tour.
3. Spanish Dragoon Barracks, believed to have been constructed before 1763
I saw this building for the first time on this self-guided walking tour. It’s a first-period Spanish, two-story coquina structure. It’s beautiful!
4. 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!
5. Triay-Hall House
A majestic and beautiful house constructed of Coquina. This one has a little opening in the wall where you can see the coquina.
6. Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
Dating back to the early 18th century, this is said to be the oldest wooden schoolhouse to still exist to this day. There is no other wooden structure left in St Augustine from the ones built before 1702.
When visiting the Oldest Wooden School House in Saint Augustine, you can take a look at some of the textbooks from that time.
Tours for the Oldest Wooden School are available daily, and the fee is $5.96 for adults and $4.95 for kids 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Recommended Places to Stay in St Augustine 🛏 DoubleTree by Hilton Historic District 🛏 Comfort Suites Historic District 🛏 Casa Monica Resort & Spa
7. A Quaint Bar with major Wanderlust Vibes – my self-guided walking 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!
2024 update: During my last visit to St Augustine, I noticed this house was going through renovations and I’m not familiar with what it’s been turned into.
8. The ‘Garden Door’ in St Augustine
You should know by now how much I am deeply fascinated by doors! It’s something that always captivates me 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.
Notice: This is private property. Please be respectful and keep your distance.
9. St Augustine’s Oldest House
The oldest house in Saint Augustine is the Gonzalez-Alvarez House and it’s one of the most epic stops in this self-guided walking tour. Its construction goes back to the 1700s and it’s a perfect example of the Spanish Colonial style.
You can now visit this house, which is currently a museum. Admission is $8 per person; infants and children up to 6 years old are admitted free.
10. Aviles Street, the oldest original street in the nation
In my personal opinion, this is one of those streets that many tourists kind of overlook when doing a Saint Augustine self-guided walking tour, but shouldn’t.
When it’s crowded, you can easily miss the beauty and details of Aviles Street. I love the fact that it’s filled with rich history and many great art galleries.
In fact, it is on Aviles Street that you will find the Ximenez-Fatio House also listed in this self-guided walking tour of St Augustine.
Address: You can find the entrance to Aviles Street right across Plaza de la Constitución.
11. Saint Augustine’s Most Beautiful Street, a sweet bonus for your self-guided walking tour
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 walking around the Old Town, as it’s at a short driving distance. It’s very much worth it because it’s so darn beautiful!
And while I admit this street is not “Savannah, Georgia, beautiful“, it still took my breath away!
Which view do you like the most?
Address: Near 28 Magnolia Ave., St 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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Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Travel advisor, outdoor blogger, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.
I’m going to St Augustine in March! I am a huge history junkie, so I am looking forward to visiting the Spanish Dragoon Barracks, they look so cool!!
The weather is so nice in March. It’s perfect for visiting St. Augustine around that time. You will love it!
i cant wait to go to St Augustine with my classmates this friday
Sounds really exciting! I hope you have lots of fun!
I was so close to St Augustine last summer, now I wish we had stopped! Next time!
A must-see on your next trip!
What a cool place. Certainly a destination where I would love to spend an afternoon exploring and taking pictures. I’ll be sure to add it to my list the next time we visit Florida.
Oh, yes! It’s perfect for a day trip and taking pictures!
This all looks beautiful, but especially viewing St Augustine down Magnolia Ave. What a gorgeous street! And that’s interesting about Coquina. Seems like a cool material, though maybe a little tricky to build with!
I completely agree…Magnolia Ave is absolutely gorgeous! There are many historic buildings in Florida that were made from coquina. I guess it worked out perfectly 😊