As the golden light of September settles over Florida’s Historic Coast, St. Augustine begins to hum with a deeper rhythm—one shaped by centuries of Hispanic heritage and sustained by a community that honors its past while embracing the future.
For visitors arriving during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), the city offers more than scenic streets and historic landmarks. It offers a journey—through architecture, music, food, and stories—that reveals how Spanish roots continue to shape the soul of America’s oldest city.
Nearly 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and in St. Augustine, that presence is felt year-round. Artists, educators, and entrepreneurs of Hispanic heritage are building a city that’s inclusive, dynamic, and deeply rooted.
Visitors don’t just witness culture—they engage with it.
Architecture That Speaks
Begin your visit by stepping into the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, where Spanish colonial design meets spiritual grandeur. Wander past the Government House and the former Hotel Ponce de Leon—now Flagler College—and you’ll see how the city’s original vision for livable, community-centered design still guides its growth.
Even the cobblestones beneath your feet whisper history. The Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos aren’t just photo ops—they’re anchors of resilience, built to withstand storms both literal and political.
Just north of downtown, Fort Mose tells one of the most powerful stories in American history. In 1738, it became the first legally sanctioned settlement of free Black people in what is now the United States—granted by the Spanish Crown to those who escaped British slavery.
Today, a full-scale replica of the fort stands as a tribute to courage and cultural unity. Events like the Battle of Bloody Mose reenactment bring together historians, locals, and visitors to honor those who fought for freedom.
Even beyond the buildings, the city’s urban design, from its plazas and fountains to its fortress walls, embodies centuries-old planning that prioritized livability, community, and environmental adaptation. However, St. Augustine’s Hispanic heritage isn’t just etched in its buildings—it’s served fresh on every plate.
Taste the Legacy: Hispanic Flavors That Nourish
No visit is complete without savoring the city’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re craving tapas, empanadas, or fire-grilled Argentine steak, St. Augustine delivers.
From tapas bars to Cuban sandwich shops and upscale Latin-fusion restaurants, the city’s culinary landscape is seasoned by centuries of tradition and contemporary flair.
Some of the area’s Latin insured restaurants include the Columbia Restaurant is an iconic landmark known for its traditional Cuban and Spanish dishes, Asado Life, an authentic Argentinian live fire grilling experience in a relaxing and scenic location on the San Sebastian River; La Cocina at The Cellar Upstairs, located above the San Sebastian Winery where Chef Norberto Jamarillo enthralls diners with international specialties ranging from shrimp and salmon ceviche to succulent escargot; the Spanish Bakery & Cafe that serves empanadas, picadillos, and pilau in an authentic outdoor colonial Spanish setting; and Paladar Cuban Eatery that brings fresh traditional made empanadas, croquetas and cubanos along with roasted lechon or bistec, or camarones, and a variety of authentic sides to the local palate.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, local organizations host cultural festivals, art exhibitions, concerts, and culinary events that invite visitors and residents alike to celebrate the diversity of Latin American cultures. But these expressions aren’t limited to one month. Year-round, St. Augustine embraces the contributions of its Hispanic community through grants for Latinx artists, scholarships, business incubation programs, and collaborative efforts that prioritize cultural equity.
Sustainability Through Cultural Stewardship
In a world where over-tourism threatens the very attractions people come to see, St. Augustine offers a blueprint for responsible travel. Its focus on preservation, education, and community-based tourism ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably shared, while its historic and natural treasures are protected for future generations.
Today’s St. Augustine is a fusion of the old and new, a place where history is interactive, contributing to a cultural tourism model that uplifts local businesses, educates visitors, and protects natural resources.
Visitors to Florida’s Historic Coast can create their own itinerary using the quick and easy Know-It-All AI Assistant or trip planner at FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
Cover Photo: Great Cross Statue by Scott Smith (Provided by Florida’s Historic Coast)