St. Augustine is the site of the first Catholic Mass. That was the beginning of what evolved into a destination for the faithful of many different religions.
Florida’s Historic Coast is where the faithful congregate. Founded on September 8, 1565, St. Augustine hosted the New World’s first Thanksgiving and mass. Today, visitors to St. Augustine can explore and connect with their spirituality at over a dozen historic churches and a myriad of significant places of worship. Many denominations are represented with historical tales of exploration, courage, and religious freedom-seeking.
One of St. Augustine’s most revered places of worship is known as America’s Most Sacred Acre. In addition to being the site of the first mass, it is the site of the first permanent Catholic Church, the first shrine to the Virgin Mary in the United States, and the Great Cross. Now known as the Mission Nombre de Dios, it is a place of worship for pilgrims, historians, and those seeking a quiet moment of peaceful reflection.
St. Augustine is a significant stop for several holy pilgrimages, including the Camino de las Américas. The First Coast portion is a 30-mile route from Jacksonville Beach to the Cathedral Basilica. Pilgrims can document their journey in special passports, which they can purchase and have stamped at the First Coast Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra and the Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine.
Groups can explore the rich spirituality of the nation’s oldest city while enjoying modern amenities. Florida’s Historic Coast is a renowned and award-winning destination with exceptional hospitality services. The Visitor and Convention Bureau’s tourism professionals offer complimentary services, including soliciting proposals, creating itineraries, providing meeting support, and more.
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios
This is the historical site of the first parish Mass and first shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in…
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
This Spanish Colonial Renaissance cathedral was built in 1797 and then reconstructed in the late 1880s. It symbolizes the nation's…
Grace Methodist Church
This historic church was built by Henry Flagler from 1886 to 1887; it was added to the U.S. National Register…
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has dedicated St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine to the memory of the survivors of the…
Trinity Parish
The parish of Trinity, St. Augustine was founded in 1821. It’s the oldest Protestant church in Florida with some of…
St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church
St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in St. Augustine is a historic parish founded in 1793 to serve the city's…
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Augustine, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest African American churches…
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church in St. Augustine, founded in 1821, is one of the oldest Methodist congregations in Florida. The…
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
This Spanish Colonial Renaissance cathedral was built in 1797 and then reconstructed in the late 1880s. It symbolizes the nation's…
Memorial Presbyterian Church
Built in 1889 and dedicated in March 1890, Memorial Presbyterian Church stands as a memorial not only to Henry Flagler's…
Trinity Parish
The parish of Trinity, St. Augustine was founded in 1821. It’s the oldest Protestant church in Florida with some of…
First Congregation Sons of Israel
The First Congregation Sons of Israel is a historic synagogue located in St. Augustine, serving as a cornerstone of the…
St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church
St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in St. Augustine is a historic parish founded in 1793 to serve the city's…
This Spanish Colonial Renaissance cathedral was built in 1797 and then reconstructed in the late 1880s. It symbolizes the nation's…
The First Congregation Sons of Israel is a historic synagogue located in St. Augustine, serving as a cornerstone of the…
First United Methodist Church in St. Augustine, founded in 1821, is one of the oldest Methodist congregations in Florida. The…
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, part of the Episcopal Church denomination, is a historic and welcoming congregation located in St. Augustine…
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Augustine, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest African American churches…
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has dedicated St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine to the memory of the survivors of the…
This historic church was built by Henry Flagler from 1886 to 1887; it was added to the U.S. National Register…
Built in 1889 and dedicated in March 1890, Memorial Presbyterian Church stands as a memorial not only to Henry Flagler's…
St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in St. Augustine is a historic parish founded in 1793 to serve the city's…
The parish of Trinity, St. Augustine was founded in 1821. It’s the oldest Protestant church in Florida with some of…
Founded during Florida's transition to American territory in 1821, Trinity United Methodist Church has deep historical roots in St. Augustine…
Located in the heart of St. Augustine, Ancient City Baptist Church has been a significant part of the city's religious…
First Baptist Church of St. Augustine is one of the city's historic places of worship. Established in 1887, it grew…
The Prince of Peace Votive Church is a stunning example of Spanish Mission-style architecture. Completed in 1965, the church is…
This is the historical site of the first parish Mass and first shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in…
Lightner Museum
Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. Today it is home to…
The Treasury on the Plaza
When your guests enter The Treasury on The Plaza, they are transported through time to a place where memories are…
St. Augustine Amphitheatre
The AMP St. Augustine is St. Johns County's leading multi-purpose arts and recreation facility. This award-winning, state-of-the-art, 16-acre outdoor theater…
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
This smaller performing arts facility is located in the heart of Ponte Vedra Beach. The concert hall features national and…
Francis Field
Francis Field is St. Augustine’s premier outdoor event venue, hosting a dynamic lineup of festivals and celebrations year-round. From the…
