Over the shoulder shot of a man in a baseball cap painting St. Augustine scenery.

Every corner of St. Augustine tells a story. Some stories are etched into centuries old coquina walls, others ripple across the Matanzas River, and many come alive in paint, glass, and metal throughout the city. Art here is not separate from daily life. It shows itself in gallery windows, in quiet studios, and on large walls along neighborhood streets.

If you’re attracted to communities brimming with creativity, St. Augustine is an easy place to fall in love with. This guide will take you through the monthly First Friday Art Walk, introduce a handful of galleries worth visiting, and point you toward the murals and public art that brighten the Old City. Whether you plan a Friday night stroll or a slow morning of mural hunting, you will find art that reflects both St. Augustine history and a lively creative present.

The St. Augustine Art Walk Experience

Landscape oil painting of North Florida wet lands.

St. Augustine Art Association Fall Member Show Painting

On the first Friday of every month, downtown St. Augustine becomes a walking gallery for the First Friday Art Walk. The usual hours are 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and galleries open their doors for an evening of exhibits, live music, artist meet and greets, and light refreshments. The vibe is relaxed, social, and welcoming to both longtime collectors and people who are curious to see what local artists are making.

The Art Walk is organized by the Art Galleries of St. Augustine (AGOSA) and covers member galleries along Aviles Street, King Street, Uptown, San Sebastian Winery, and parts of Anastasia Island. A free trolley shuttle often operates from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., linking major gallery areas such as the Lightner Museum zone, Butterfield Garage art spaces, and the ArtBox Gallery, but the shuttle may pause during December and January. Many downtown metered parking spots are free after 5:00 p.m., while some parking garages continue to charge, so it helps to plan where you want to start.

Must-Visit Art Galleries

Image of a wall in an art gallery.

St. Augustine galleries range from intimate single-artist studios to lively collective spaces. Start on Aviles Street to get a feel for the city and to find easy access to several galleries within a short walk.

Plum Contemporary Gallery is a bright, approachable space known for contemporary works that play with texture and color. High Tide Gallery represents a roster of local artists and offers coastal themed paintings, glasswork, pottery, and handmade jewelry. Flagler College hosts the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, which features rotating exhibitions of local, regional, national, and international artists and often participates in First Friday events. For community driven shows, Butterfield Garage Art Gallery is an artist run venue that presents a wide range of styles and mediums, from photography to sculpture.

These stops give a sense of the variety available in St. Augustine, and gallery staff and artists are usually open to conversation. If you see something you love, buying directly from an artist or gallery is one of the best ways to support the local creative scene.

Supporting Local Artists

Longtime St. Johns County resident and artist, Anna Miller will have an art exhibition at the St. Johns County Administrative Building’s Rotunda

Longtime St. Johns County resident and artist, Anna Miller painting.

The Art Walk is a chance to connect with the people who make this creative community thrive. Many featured artists live and work in the area, and buying a painting, print, or handmade object does more than bring home a souvenir. It helps artists keep creating and contributes to the cultural life of St. Augustine.

Throughout the year, seasonal artisan markets and events such as the St. Augustine Art and Craft Festival provide more chances to meet creators in person. If you want to follow an artist after your visit, social media, gallery mailing lists, and OldCity.com event listings are good places to stay updated on new shows, workshops, and commission opportunities.

Art Beyond the Canvas: St. Augustine Murals

A wall mural on the exterior of a building. Shades of blue and pink, and green dominate the wall in the form of flowing curvy lines and semi-circular shapes.

Public art has become a visible and celebrated part of St. Augustine. Murals appear across neighborhoods, turning ordinary walls into storyboards that reflect local history, ocean life, and community identity. You will find murals scattered through the historic district, in Lincolnville, on Anastasia Island, and along corridors that lead to the beaches.

Some murals highlight marine life and coastal themes, which feels fitting in a city that fronts the Atlantic. Others celebrate neighborhood history and cultural contributions, especially in areas with deep local roots. These works are often the result of collaborations between local artists, art collectives, and community programs, and they keep changing as new projects and commissions arrive.

When you spot a mural that resonates, take a moment to look for a plaque or a social handle. Many artists post their process and locations online, so you can follow them and learn about upcoming public art projects.

Tips for Exploring St. Augustine’s Art Scene

Wide angle shot of the inside of the Crisp-Ellert art museum.

Crisp-Ellert Art Museum

Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself time. The historic core is very walkable, but galleries and murals are spread across several neighborhoods. A simple route is to start on Aviles Street, work your way toward King Street, then head toward San Sebastian Winery and Uptown for a different cluster of spaces. If you want a coastal view, cross the Bridge of Lions and explore Anastasia Island for a mix of murals and small studios.

Plan meals around your walk to make the night complete. Casa de Vino 57, Odd Birds Kitchen and Cocktail Lounge, and La Nouvelle Restaurant in Lincolnville are local favorites that pair well with an evening of gallery hopping. Check AGOSA and OldCity.com listings before you go to confirm gallery hours, shuttle availability, and any special events for the month you visit.

Conclusion

paint brush swirling paint onto a painting; What Makes It Art? Discussion

In St. Augustine, art is part of the city fabric. It hangs in historic buildings, spills across neighborhood walls, and fills the air with music and conversation on First Friday nights. Whether you browse galleries, hunt murals, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the city move, you will find a creative energy that honors the past while looking ahead.

Take your time. Talk to artists. Bring home a piece that speaks to you. The St. Augustine Art Walk is an open invitation to experience the Old City through its most creative voices.

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