There’s a reason why St. Augustine tours tend to be on foot instead of by car. The Ancient City is both very small and very popular, making it frustrating to drive through but very easy to walk. In fact, St. Augustine nets an overall walk score of 85 out of 100, making it one of the most walkable cities in the US, comparable to pedestrian-friendly cities like New York and San Francisco.
Besides the city’s small size and abundant sidewalks, another factor in its walkability is that the majority of St. Augustine’s tourist attractions are located in the Historic District, a central neighborhood dating back to the area’s colonial Spanish days. As the name suggests, the Historic District contains plenty of preserved buildings from the city’s history, including the oldest house in Florida and the very first Spanish mission built in the United States.
Some roads in this neighborhood, including the iconic St. George Street, are actually pedestrian-only, so you can roam on foot to your heart’s content. Besides the old buildings, the Historic District also features some of St. Augustine’s best restaurants and shopping boutiques, so feel free to wander.
While walking through St. Augustine, make sure you take steps to protect yourself from the heat. Florida’s summers can be brutal, so wear lightweight clothing and bring plenty of sunscreen. Make sure to take water with you when you stroll through the city, since the heat can dehydrate you pretty quickly. Here’s a little pro traveler tip for you as well: when visiting a pedestrian-friendly city, try to stick to the shady side of the street whenever possible.
To make the most of your stroll through the city, check out our St. Augustine Self-Guided Walking Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
