St. Augustine Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour

Discover America’s Oldest City Through Stories That Still Echo Today
Step beyond the surface of colonial façades—this self-guided walking tour of St. Augustine invites you into a historic, deeply alive city.
St. Augustine has witnessed empires rise and cultures collide, from its 16th-century Spanish foundations to its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
You’ll trace its past while following the footsteps of those who shaped it along this carefully curated route.
Unlike a scripted group tour, this immersive experience lets you explore at your own pace. You’ll be guided through questions that challenge traditional narratives, highlight often-overlooked voices, and connect the city’s past to its present-day.
This isn’t just sightseeing. It’s story-seeking.
You’ll begin and end at the Castillo de San Marcos, the city’s enduring sentinel. The journey reveals the many St. Augustines within its storied walls, whether you’re a history buff, a cultural traveler, or simply curious.

Meeting Point

Castillo De San Marcos National Monument

1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA

The parking lot is found at the entrance to the Castillo De San Marcos National Monument. It is immediately across the coastal highway from the Colonial Quarter and Best Western hotel, where the road meets the Matanzas River.

What's included:

• Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
• Audio Guide
• App and Tour Download

Not included:

• Smartphone (bring your own)

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, 32084-3252, Florida

Stand before the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. This is a striking, star-shaped stronghold that has withstood centuries of battles, sieges, and shifting empires. It is more than a military marvel. The coquina-built fortress tells powerful stories of conquest, resistance, and survival that still echo through its walls.

Pass by without stopping

Oldest Wooden School House

14 Saint George St, , St. Augustine, 32084-3667, Florida

Step back into the 18th century at one of the oldest surviving wooden schoolhouses in America—complete with hand-forged nails and original materials. This humble landmark offers a glimpse into colonial education and daily life in a city shaped by perseverance and tradition.

Pass by without stopping

Tolomato Cemetery

14 Cordova St, St. Augustine, 32084-3619, Florida

One of St. Augustine’s oldest burial grounds lies behind wrought-iron gates. Tolomato Cemetery is where Spanish settlers, free Black Catholics, and early residents were laid to rest. Quiet and evocative, this sacred site speaks to the city’s layered spiritual and cultural history.

5 minutes

Flagler College

74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA

Once a lavish Gilded Age resort for America’s elite, this architectural gem—designed by famed innovators Carrère and Hastings—now houses Flagler College. Step inside to admire soaring ceilings, Tiffany glass, and the opulence that helped transform St. Augustine into a destination of dreams.

5 minutes

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

38 Cathedral Place, , St. Augustine, 32084-4417, Florida

Marvel at the oldest Catholic parish in the U.S. The Cathedral Basilica is where Spanish mission roots meet soaring stained glass, and bell chimes echo centuries of devotion. This serene landmark blends faith, resilience, and artistry in the heart of America’s oldest city.

5 minutes

St. George Street

St. George St, , St. Augustine, 32084, Florida

St. George Street is the beating heart of St. Augustine’s Old Town, and it bustles with charm, history, and local flavor. Wander past centuries-old buildings, artisan shops, and hidden courtyards where the past and present mingle with every step.

5 minutes

Plaza de la Constitucion

1 Cathedral Pl, St George Street between King Street and Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, 32084, Florida

This centuries-old public square has witnessed triumph, tragedy, and transformation, from colonial rule to civil rights protests. Plaza de la Constitución is framed by historic landmarks and shaded by ancient oaks, and is a powerful place to pause and reflect on the evolving story of St. Augustine.

5 minutes

Government House Museum

48 King St, , St. Augustine, 32084-4449, Florida

Once the seat of colonial governors, this stately building has served many roles over the centuries, from royal court to post office. Today, the Government House Museum exhibits trace the city’s layered past, offering a window into life under Spanish, British, and American rule.

5 minutes

Lightner Museum

75 King St, St. Augustine, 32084-4386, Florida

The Lightner Museum is housed in a former Gilded Age resort built by Henry Flagler and dazzles with its eclectic collections, from Victorian curiosities to fine art. Step inside to explore elegance, innovation, and the opulence of an era long gone.

Pass by without stopping

The Oldest House Museum Complex

14 Saint Francis St, , St. Augustine, 32084-5047, Florida

The González-Alvarez House is a well-preserved residence known as the oldest house in Florida. It reflects over 300 years of architectural and cultural evolution. Walk through its rooms to uncover the daily lives of colonial families who once called this place home.

Pass by without stopping

Father Miguel O'Reilly House Museum

32 Aviles St, , St. Augustine, 32084-4445, Florida

One of the city’s oldest surviving structures, this stone home belonged to Father Miguel O’Reilly, who was a pivotal figure in St. Augustine’s Catholic heritage. Today, it offers an intimate look at faith, education, and resilience in colonial Florida.

5 minutes

Aviles Street

Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA

Stroll the oldest public street in the U.S., where centuries of history line a narrow, picturesque lane filled with art galleries, cafés, and hidden courtyards. Every cobblestone whispers of Spanish soldiers, settlers, and stories long passed.

5 minutes

Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

20 Aviles St, , St. Augustine, 32084, Florida

This beautifully restored boarding house reveals the lives of 19th-century women entrepreneurs and travelers in early Florida. Step inside the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum for a rare glimpse into the domestic and social world of a frontier city on the rise.

Pass by without stopping

Bridge of Lions

20 Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine, 32084, Florida

Guarded by marble lions and spanning the Matanzas River, this iconic drawbridge connects the historic district to Anastasia Island. The Bridge of Lions provides a scenic crossing with sweeping views. It’s both a practical link and a symbol of the city’s enduring grace.

5 minutes

Monson Motor Lodge Pool - Civil Rights Monument

St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA

The Monson Motor Lodge Site bore witness to protests that helped spark change nationwide. It was once a segregated hotel at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. The owners sparked headlines worldwide when they poured acid into the pool in an attempt to stop protestors. Though the building is gone, the location remains a powerful testament to courage and justice.

5 minutes

Colonial Quarter

14 S Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, 32084-3607, Florida

Travel back through time in this immersive living history experience, where costumed interpreters, blacksmith forges, and reconstructed buildings bring colonial St. Augustine to life. It’s part museum, part time machine, and all of it is unforgettable.

5 minutes