Give Your Guests an Experience
Your guests are traveling to St. Augustine for your wedding at 9 Aviles—why not help them make the most of their trip? A thoughtfully curated self-guided walking tour lets guests explore America's oldest city at their own pace, discovering the historic charm that makes your wedding location so special.
This guide provides a perfect 2-3 hour walking route starting from 9 Aviles Street, hitting the major historic landmarks while revealing hidden gems along the way. Your guests can follow it before or after your wedding events, creating memories beyond just the ceremony.
The Historic Walking Tour Route
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles | Time: 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace | Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat, cobblestone streets)
Stop 1: Start at 9 Aviles Street
Begin where your celebration takes place! 9 Aviles sits on America's oldest street, dating back to the 1500s. Have guests take a moment to appreciate the historic architecture and imagine nearly 500 years of history beneath their feet.
Stop 2: Spanish Military Hospital Museum (3 minutes walk)
This reconstructed hospital shows what 18th-century Spanish colonial medical care looked like. The courtyard is beautiful and often overlooked by tourists.
Insider tip: The museum offers fascinating tours for those interested in colonial history.
Stop 3: The Cathedral Basilica (5 minutes walk)
This beautiful Spanish Mission Revival cathedral dominates the Plaza de la Constitución. Dating to 1797 (with many renovations), it's an iconic St. Augustine landmark.
Photo opportunity: The cathedral steps and plaza make for great photos.
Stop 4: Government House Museum (1 minute walk)
Right on the plaza, this museum tells St. Augustine's story through interactive exhibits. Free admission makes it an easy stop for those wanting to dive deeper into local history.
Stop 5: St. George Street (3 minutes walk)
The main pedestrian thoroughfare features shops, restaurants, and street performers. Walk the cobblestones and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Refreshment stop: Grab a coffee or ice cream from one of the many cafes along the way.
Stop 6: The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse (5 minutes walk)
Claimed to be the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the U.S., this quirky attraction offers quick tours of an 18th-century classroom. Kids especially love the animatronic teacher and student!
Stop 7: City Gates (2 minutes walk)
The old entrance to the walled city, reconstructed from coquina stone. The gates mark where the Colonial Quarter begins.
Stop 8: Castillo de San Marcos (10 minutes walk)
The magnificent 17th-century Spanish fort is St. Augustine's crown jewel. Built from coquina stone, it's the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for those wanting to tour inside.
Must-see: The views from the fort's gun deck are spectacular, overlooking Matanzas Bay.
Stop 9: Matanzas Bay Waterfront (5 minutes walk)
Stroll along the bayfront promenade. Marina views, sailboats, and the breeze off the water make this a relaxing stop. Perfect for photos with the Bridge of Lions in the background.
Stop 10: Bridge of Lions (8 minutes walk)
The iconic bridge with its signature lion statues connects downtown to Anastasia Island. Walk partway across for spectacular views.
Timing tip: Sunset from this bridge is magical.
Stop 11: Flagler College (10 minutes walk)
The former Ponce de León Hotel, now a college, showcases incredible Spanish Renaissance architecture. The courtyard is stunning (when accessible). Even viewing from the outside is worthwhile.
Stop 12: Return to Aviles Street via King Street (10 minutes walk)
Wind back through side streets, discovering hidden courtyards, art galleries, and local shops. This route brings you back to where you started, completing the loop.
Making the Walking Tour Special
Create a Custom Map
Design a simple, beautiful map highlighting the route and key stops. Include your wedding logo or monogram for a personal touch. Leave copies in guest welcome bags or at their hotels.
Digital option: Create a Google Maps route guests can follow on their phones.
Add Insider Tips
Include your personal recommendations: "Dave and Christy's favorite coffee shop on this route is..." or "Don't miss the hidden courtyard behind this building." These personal touches make guests feel like locals.
Suggest Timing
Early morning (7-9 AM): Quiet streets, soft light, perfect for photography Late afternoon (4-6 PM): Good light, manageable crowds, ends near sunset Evening (7-9 PM): Romantic lighting, fewer tourists, see the city at its most atmospheric
Include Restaurant Recommendations
Mark good lunch or dinner spots along the route where guests can break for a meal. This turns the walking tour into a full afternoon or evening experience.
Plan Your Historic St. Augustine Wedding
Give your guests an unforgettable experience at 9 Aviles