Welcome to the Oldest Street in the USA
![Shopping Aviles Street](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/SHOPPING_AVILES_STREET-v1555354654.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d68d01aefc3d3e901832bf1f0f91e959 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/SHOPPING_AVILES_STREET-v1555354654.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7c9f3eb1d36eebc9b1b0e56d4ac5125d 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/SHOPPING_AVILES_STREET-v1555354654.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=7ba56e8daef5e80c067575d6ea78c04b 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/SHOPPING_AVILES_STREET-v1555354654.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a6a4616c42a3cf5dab539d672d68826e 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/SHOPPING_AVILES_STREET-v1555354654.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=49711b4f55d4c59b1ab197f41be09dd3 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/SHOPPING_AVILES_STREET-v1555354654.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=4732341ebdd0c745db2d6d61191da3ee 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/meta-images/SHOPPING_AVILES_STREET-v1555354654.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=75b65629ebf74cacd9b274c2a153a052 1500w)
There’s a charming brick street just off the Plaza de la Constitucion in St. Augustine’s Historic District.
Unlike the surrounding brick-lined streets, Aviles Street is special. Aviles is the oldest street in the nation and the early home to St. Augustine’s arts district. Enter Aviles Street by walking under the stone archway. Dating back to the 16th Century, Aviles was known as Hospital Street because it was the location of the second Spanish Military Hospital Museum. It was also the location of an early church, cemetery, boarding homes, and schools. Today it is a thriving arts district with several galleries with all styles of art, jewelry, handmade leather goods, boutiques, and antique shops. Sidewalks are lined with outdoor seating for independently owned restaurants and cafes. There’s even a gourmet ice cream sandwich shop called Peace Pies.
You’ll also find historic places and museums on the street. The Spanish Military Hospital Museum informs visitors of the early medical practices of the Spanish. The General Kirby House is home to the St. Augustine Historical Society. The Father O’Reilly House Museum, one of the oldest structures in St. Augustine, was purchased in 1785 by Father Miguel O’Reilly, an Irish priest in the service of the Spanish Crown. Today, the museum focuses on the history of the house, the Catholic tradition, and the story of the Sisters of St. Joseph who preserve and maintain the museum.
There is plenty to do on this historic St. Augustine street, so whether you want to shop, learn about the history of the area, or just want to grab a bite to eat, a stop on Aviles Street is a must.
Explore More
Related Content:
Spanish Military Hospital Museum3 Aviles St.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084