If you love cultural history and architecture, you must visit St. Augustine and take a walking tour! During your visit, you can download the Florida Stories app for a great self-guided walking tour of the Old City.
This walking tour is based on my personal experiences in St Augustine, after multiple day trips and weekend getaways. I’m sure you’ll find something here that you’ll love exploring or that you’ve missed in previous visits.
What Makes St Augustine So Special?
Saint Augustine is said to be the oldest city in the United States, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, and it’s very rich in interesting history. It’s a popular destination sought after by many people from around the world. Even more so, it’s stunning!
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.
🏨 Where to stay:
Casa Monica Resort & Spa — Historic elegance in the heart of downtown.
St. George Inn — Perfect for those who want to stay close to the city gates and shops along St. George Street.
🍴 Where to eat:
Columbia Restaurant — A St. Augustine classic serving up Cuban and Spanish favorites.
The Floridian — Farm-to-table Southern cuisine with a creative twist.
Pizza Time — The most delicious pizza in St Augustine! Personal recommendation: Grandma’s Pizza
🎟️ Best things to do: For a fun twist, try the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour or the St. Augustine Ghost Tour for evening chills and stories. Use code NEXTSTOP for a special discount!
Travel Tip: Start your walking tour early in the morning before crowds arrive, and wear comfy shoes—those cobblestones have been around since the 1500s!
Walking through the cobblestones and less-populated areas is one of the best ways to explore the Old City. One of the main highlights will always be the 17th-century Spanish fortress, Castillo San Marcos, where Carlos and I got married back in 2024. Getting married in St Augustine was a dream come true for us because it’s one of our favorite places!
But what is it about the magical beauty of this historic city?
After completing this self-guided tour in St Augustine, you’ll fall in love with everything from the coquina walls to the picturesque little houses and the history-filled streets. And through the years, St Augustine will remain as 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 numerous places to visit in St Augustine, and this guide barely scratches the surface. Nonetheless, this list is a great starting point for exploring some of the best things St Augustine has to offer.
For reference, I did this walking tour during a 5-hour visit starting in the early morning hours.
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 for exploring 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 most about this house was its simplicity and the beautiful details of its construction.
2. Ximenez-Fatio House, circa 1798
This fine, three-story home and warehouse, built of coquina, 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 easily accessible 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 served as the Governor’s main residence from the first Spanish period (1710) until 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 in existence today. There is no other wooden structure left in St Augustine from those 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 of 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 undergoing renovations, and I’m not familiar with what it has been turned into.
8. The ‘Garden Door’ in St Augustine
You should know by now how deeply fascinated I am by doors! It’s something that always captivates me, and to be quite honest, I’m not sure 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 maintain a safe 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 notable stops on 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 opinion, this is one of those streets that many tourists overlook when taking a self-guided tour of St Augustine, 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 definitely worth it because it’s so darn beautiful!
And while I admit this street is not Savannah, it is beautiful!
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 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, 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.
What a great walking tour! I love the architecture!
Thank you so much!
I’ve always wanted to go here, it looks absolutely amazing.
It’s absolutely amazing! Hope you visit one day 🙂
These are nice historic houses and all of these places have a story to tell.
Indeed, they do! 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
They are very interesting! I had a lot of fun this day.
The views are spectacular. I love exploring historic places, too.
Yes, they are! Thank you for reading 😀